SM 300 165.024. Why isn't the insert centered over the 12 a clock index? There is a small crack in the insert at the 10 a clock. Wrong bezel? It's the bezel with few clicks?

 

Not uncommon for them to be out a little bit. My own SM300 has a slight misalignment, but it falls between the 2 clicks so I can position in at the mid point and it will stay there, so I've not bothered to try to fix it.

There are threads around forums where people have filed down teeth on the back of the bezel, but that is not the solution. The insert needs to be removed and reset back so it's lined up, but as you can imagine this is not an easy task, in particular when the insert is already cracked. The insert is glued in place - don't ask me how to remove it - never done it and don't intend to.

Best to just live with it the way it is IMO.

 

That i ain't going to try? It will probably crack in other places if i start bending to lift it?

 

Reminds me of an old prof I had who once described cleaning out stainless steel tubing (in a heat exchanger or something - can't recall the specific application) by shooting tampons through the tubes using compressed air....

 

Let us know how you make out.

 

Why does it matter on a vintage piece? Just leave it be or risk more damage. These inserts are fragile especially when already cracked...