Ok, I'm getting sick of waiting weeks for watchmakers to fit bezels for me.
They are easy to remove, I imagine it will be pretty straightforward to refit with the correct tool (press?)

What do the watchmakers here use and any tips on using them chaps?
I'm thinking of, do I need to remove the movement and crystal or not, that sort of thing.

Thank you gentlemen.

 

Go to your nearest casino...

 

Yup that's great but it does not show me which press to buy.
I don't want to have to buy twice

 

Mines similar to this. Easy to use.

https://www.google.co.uk/shopping/p...KHaCtCSQQgjYI5wMwAw&ei=ASYjV9mEMNW0gAag26agAg

 

Nothing showing for me.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/281288137123Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Harbor Freight sells those here in the USA.

 

I am assuming you are referring to a Speedy Pro type watch - there are many different models that use the name "Speedmaster" and some have very different bezel systems on them, like the Speedmaster Dates using the 7750 derived movements. On those the crystal is pressed into the bezel, so they both come off at the same time.

But for the regular Speedmaster Pro style watches, there is no need to remove the crystal - there is clearance between the crystal and bezel, so either the crystal or the bezel can be removed without removing the other.





Bergeon 6173...I am not typically a fan of modern Bergeon tools as they rely a lot on their good name from years gone by to sell many inferior products, but this press is one exception...





Done...



Cheers, Al

 

Hi Bill,

Well that press is overkill for pressing bezels on in most cases, and for some case backs. It really depends on the style of the case back and gasket system, and some require far too much leverage for anyone to press on with their fingers. I can easily press a case back on one of those Speedmaster dates with the hard plastic gasket, but only if the gasket has been used once. But if it's a new gasket, unless you are The Incredible Hulk you will need a press.

Some require a lot of force, and I have had a few that I worried about crushing the watch case (the SNAP sound is quite loud at times...there is always a moment I wonder if it was just the case back being seated!), which this case is very capable of doing if you lean on it.

I actually bought this press after using one in training at Omega, and the primary reason was for pressing crystals in. Not acrylic crystals, although it does a fine job with those, but mainly the thick sapphire crystals on dive watches. Those thick crystals with fairly tall hard plastic gaskets, well let's just say unless you have a press that is perfectly perpendicular, and stays that way with no deflection, you are going to have a tough time pressing those crystals in without damaging a bunch of crystal gaskets. My previous Horotec press was good for most things, but when it came to those thick sapphire crystals, it pales in comparison to this one.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks gents, I've ordered the one in the 101 video.
I will report back when I receive and try it.

 

Make sure the one you order resembles exactly the one you see in the Speedmaster101 video - there are other blue ones out there that won't work. I went through 3 other case presses before figuring that out

 

Thanks. I ordered this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311568092882?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:ITPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Should be fine.

When you get it, practice first with a less valuable, perhaps a bit beat-up newer Speedmaster. Don't make your first attempt with a nice DON; it can scratch if you're not used to it.

Also be very careful to make sure that the metal thread doesn't protrude past the bottom of the nylon press dies, or it will scratch the crystal.

Lastly, I've heard that using a touch of Dow Molykote 111 on the bezel rim as a lubricant can help as these sometimes can be a bit uncooperative.

Good luck

 

I would advise against using lubrication - it is neither required or desired in this instance.

The bezel is a friction fit, so it will require some force to press on - you should not have to really lean on the press, but you will need some force. If the bezel is not going on without using excessive force, then stop and check everything carefully, as there is some other problem such as a burr on something, or more likely misalignment that is preventing it from going on.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks guys, bought and used, here: