Submariner 1680 bezel comes off

[Rhialto]

Hi, i am new here an have a 1680 bezel question.
The bezel insert just fell out yesterday. try to put it back in, but still fell out again. But even worse, i can easily put the bezel ring off, with just a push of my thumb!

I have seen online video instruction to replace the bezel, but they needed a knife or something thn and sharp to pry the bezel off...

I have read something about a tension ring, and th bezel to click on that? But i can't seem to get it on properly, i can easily push the entire bezel off again.

Hope to hear from you guys
Thanks

[mrarchiegoodwin]

That seems un-Rolex.

Must have been a shock to you. Glad it didn't roll away after falling off.

Don't use a knife until you get help on this forum.

Wish I could help, but I'm new to this too.

RC

[roh123]

I had the same prob on one of my subs in the past. My watchmaker had a cool tool which shrinks the whole bezel a bit. After he squeezed it together everything fits perfectly on the watch again. Fix it before you lose it. :)

[Paul]

Hi Rhialto and welcome.

A Rolex tech would use a tool # 1006. It's a super-duper bezel stretching and shrinking thingy (see pic poached from VRF).

The kits cost a bunch ( circa $4k for a used set) and I guess there are generic sets a regular watchmaker may have under their bench.

Not wishing to scare you but are you certain your bezel is AOK genuine Rolex ?. The after-market bezels (Clarks etc) that sometimes find their way on to watches can be a sloppy fit, particularly if a generic bezel is sitting on a genuine crystal retaining ring.

[Rhialto]

Thanks guys! The shrink tool sounds good!
We have a few big jewelry and watch stores here in Amsterdam, hope they have one. Or is it a tool for vintage watchmakers?

I dont know the bezel is guinine, I think it is. The bezel insert isn't original, the pearl is too white for that. where my dial is perfectly creamy.

Thanks again,

John

[HERITAGE82]

Welcome John... Sorry about your issue, but it will get sorted out.

Can you post some pisc of your Sub?!?

[Rhialto]

Here's a picture

[Warnsboy]

Mr. Ridley replaced the crystal retainer ring (authentic Rolex part) on my 1675 which also serves to hold the bezel ring in place with a crisp snap when fitting. After this and a new spring, the bezel works like new.

Shouldn't be a costly or time consuming endeavor to have this and a waterproof test performed. A local AD or Rolex certified tech. should be able to do this in short order or while you wait. I also like knowing that the new retainer ring has sealed my crystal to watertight.