GMT Bezel Question

[iamnumber1]

Question to anyone...I am interested in obtaining a black bezel insert for my GMT(pepsi). I contacted my AD and they informed me that Rolex will not sell me this part and it will void my warranty if I change it on my own. How do people go about getting alternate bezels and from whom if not the dealer do they get genuine parts? Also, would they be able to do this if I went to a Rolex service center...NY or Dallas in person?

I'm in NC(Raleigh/Durham). Does anyone know of any good watchmakers that will do this for me?

Bottom Line: I want some color options for my watch; how are some many people on here with my watch interchanging bezels and where did you get them? How much? Who did the work?

PS: I don't want to do the work myself...I don't trust myself.

[Singslinger]

I'm not sure what the practice is in the US, but the Rolex Center in Singapore charges about US$50 for a GMT bezel but they don't give you the old bezel back because they claim it's a "controlled item''. I think it's quite easy to find different coloured GMT bezels on Ebay and I think any reasonably competent watchmaker can do the necessary surgery for you.

[Dan Pierce]

I had to buy my black/ burgundy insert in London and pepsi in Munich. Rolex Europe is much more customer friendly.
You might check the for sale threads on the forums. Ebay can be dangerous if you don't know what to look for.
My watchmaker changes mine for free while I wait. Just changed to pepsi for the spring/ summer season.
dP

[Z-Sub]

I don't think it'll void your warranty. As long as it's authentic, Rolex will service your watch.
You need to speak to a watchmaker with Rolex parts account.
I had to give mine serial number to get the Coke bezel and waiting for the Pepsi now.

[stevemulholland3]

just buy a different bezel with the insert you want already in it then all you have to do is pop off the bezel and pop on the other..no changing of the insert..
I believe I have a gmt II bezel and insert so just PM me if you want it..
ciao,
steve

[mike]

Originally Posted by Z-Sub

I don't think it'll void your warranty. As long as it's authentic, Rolex will service your watch.
You need to speak to a watchmaker with Rolex parts account.
I had to give mine serial number to get the Coke bezel and waiting for the Pepsi now.

Yeah, I want to say that serial number thing started about a year and half ago. Another RUSA thing.

[greenfan]

I changed mine in London ROLEX HQ, kept my old red/black bezel and they said me nothing about voiding my warranty. This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard for a long time......

[Timber Loftis]

You can buy inserts and/or the bezels from folks here. I switch my inserts out every few months.

Another way you can do it: Pop your insert out, take your GMT in for servicing without an insert. Tell them you lost it when you accidentally popped off the bezel while skiing nude with the Swedish bikini team. Lie about which color insert you had. Collect new insert. Win.

Screw RSC. They act like they're servicing golden calfs. It's just a watch.

[iamnumber1]

Originally Posted by Timber Loftis

You can buy inserts and/or the bezels from folks here. I switch my inserts out every few months.

Another way you can do it: Pop your insert out, take your GMT in for servicing without an insert. Tell them you lost it when you accidentally popped off the bezel while skiing nude with the Swedish bikini team. Lie about which color insert you had. Collect new insert. Win.

Screw RSC. They act like they're servicing golden calfs. It's just a watch.

Great idea.

[Tools]

Your AD is not giving you the straight scoop..

Any AD will/should order you a new insert for your GMT... These things pop off all the time.. My AD says that they will order me a new insert whenever I think the old one is worn.

If you are concerned that they will keep the old one if you take it in, take it out.......walk into the Dealer, and tell them you lost it and order one...ask for black..

They will/may take the serial number...... it's no big deal, that's how they sell parts, they associate the part with the serial in service records..

(edit: Sorry Timber, I didn't read your post first)

[c3pastor]

I am in Greensboro.... do you have Carlyle and Co. down there? They may do it... also, i have a connection here in GSO is you ever come this way...
whitman

[Latrodectus]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

just buy a different bezel with the insert you want already in it then all you have to do is pop off the bezel and pop on the other..no changing of the insert..
I believe I have a gmt II bezel and insert so just PM me if you want it..
ciao,
steve

Great idea...always learning something new