Replacing the bezel on a vintage Sub like 1680 or 5513?

[Eric88]

Hey folks,

I'm going to be sampling some different inserts and bezel rings for my 1680 and did some research. I can't find anything specific to the 1680 other than vague mention that it is tricky. I'm very well-versed with bezel swaps on the newer Subs like 16610 and GMT 16700, using a credit card to pop off the bezel taking care to not lose the spring etc.

With the vintage Sub, there is obviously no spring, but curious if there are any other challenges or special tools required? Or can I use the same credit card technique to remove the bezel, push out and replace the insert, then press it back on (with some force) by hand? Any risk of injuring the plexi crystal?

Thanks,
Eric

[ndb80]

In my opinon its easier to pop off but slightly harder to click back into place...

popping it off is quite straight fwd, just use a cloth or sthing to make sure you don't scratch the case while prizing the bezel..also these is only 1 part u need to worry about loosing and its the ring that goes beneath the bezel, however this is a much bigger and less hard to loose part compared to the newer bezels with springs..

Putting it back on i find easiest by placing the bezel and then putting pressure on case by leaniing on a table or surface with a good cloth again to protect form scratching, u may have to put pressure from a couple different directions until it clicks...imo it defo takes longer to put it back on ....taking it off should really take 2 seconds...

Good luck!!!

[Brushpup]

Honestly, I would let a pro vintage guy do it on a vintage. Ive done it on new ones....wouldnt touch a vintage. Just my thought....it is your watch.

[union special]

After its off, I think it's a lot easier to re-assemble when you put the insert back in the bezel while it's off the case. If the insert is older sometimes it's a little warped and harder to to click into place if you put the bezel back on the watch first, especially when you have a top hat crystal. I usually start pushing it in at the top part of the insert where the pearl is so that as you push the rest of it in you don't risk popping the pearl out. Once it's generally in place, I place it face down on a cloth covered hard surface and apply pressure around the edge (like a rolling motion) until the insert is completely in place. Once its all flush, snap the whole thing back onto the case. Also, before you snap the insert back into the bezel, if your really picky, make sure that your minute markers on the insert line up with the raised part of the bezel ridge or it might bother you after its on the watch..

[ndb80]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Honestly, I would let a pro vintage guy do it on a vintage. Ive done it on new ones....wouldnt touch a vintage. Just my thought....it is your watch.

Good advice too but from what ive heard its A LOT more risky to mess with a new/ceramic insert than older insert and not just in terms of loosing the flying spring....

it all boils down to whether you have or lack the skill/confidence to do these precision jobs...if you are a guy that is comfortable opening stuff anyways (let say electronics/soldering etc...) then i say go for it!

[Eric88]

Hey folks, since originally posting this I have an extra bezel surround and inserts to sample. I have no problem with removing the surround and getting that snapped back onto the watch properly. My challenge is locking the insert back into the surround. Not sure if this needs to happen while the surround is off the watch or on it? I have not yet had luck getting an insert locked back into the surround ring and a little worried I might scratch or bend the inserts. Any advice? Thanks.

[TimeToGo]

Here's Jocke's tutorial...

Some inserts are a PAIN to put back on, while others snap right in...

[Eric88]

I learned something new today and I'll post some photos later when I get a chance.

The way I have been successful at removing the inserts is using a pill bottle top that is just the right circumference. I push the insert surround down on the pill bottle top and the insert pops out.

When I go to add the new insert, I install the surround on the watch and place the insert over top of it, possibly getting some union around the pearl. Add a soft cloth and then press the top of the pill bottle over top of the insert. Add pressure until I hear the satisfying "click" sound and I'm all good.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I learned something new today and I'll post some photos later when I get a chance.

The way I have been successful at removing the inserts is using a pill bottle top that is just the right circumference. I push the insert surround down on the pill bottle top and the insert pops out.

When I go to add the new insert, I install the surround on the watch and place the insert over top of it, possibly getting some union around the pearl. Add a soft cloth and then press the top of the pill bottle over top of the insert. Add pressure until I hear the satisfying "click" sound and I'm all good.

I just PM'd you on your technique and I see it here. Going to check my pill bottles