BB58 bezel rotation trouble

[wetsum3]

When I’m at the beach or in sandy water, the bezel gets locked up from the sand. It eventually frees up with some back and forth. Either the teeth on the bezel are too small to get enough grip, or the tolerance is too tight on the bezel. I had a seamaster that I wore to the beach all the time. Although it would get gritty with sand, it still freely rotated. Wonder how the Rolex Sub does in sand and sandy water? Does it stay clear and freely rotate in sandy environments? I like to use it as a timer when I’m out walking or swimming at the beach. This is pretty annoying to have the bezel stiffen up if a little sand gets in it.

[csaltphoto]

It might be that the tolerance on the bezel is too loose and allows sand to get under it. My sub has been in the sand a lot and it's never gotten locked up.

[wetsum3]

I’m not sure really. My seamaster was looser than the bb58 and it did fine. I think there is some ideal tolerance and the bb feels too tight. I feel like sand and grim are gonna get in there no matter what, so tighter would be worse.

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by wetsum3

When I’m at the beach or in sandy water, the bezel gets locked up from the sand. It eventually frees up with some back and forth. Either the teeth on the bezel are too small to get enough grip, or the tolerance is too tight on the bezel. I had a seamaster that I wore to the beach all the time. Although it would get gritty with sand, it still freely rotated. Wonder how the Rolex Sub does in sand and sandy water? Does it stay clear and freely rotate in sandy environments? I like to use it as a timer when I’m out walking or swimming at the beach. This is pretty annoying to have the bezel stiffen up if a little sand gets in it.

See if you can loosen sand debris from fully rotating the bazel multiple times while submerged in clear water.

[wetsum3]

That does fix it, but it’s very tough to free and it’s really locked up until I get to clear water. Just annoying I guess.

[burnthesehills]

Never had this issue with my Sub or Superocean. I did not exactly bury them in the sand, but plenty of time at the beach and in the ocean.

[kieselguhr]

Hmm you could pop off the bezel and give it a good clean if you’re technically inclined. My black bay is my designated backup timer on dives and I have never had an issue. My wife also wears a BB58 on our dives. Both have gotten plenty of exposure to fine sand from various oceans too. We have a habit of rinsing all our gear with fresh water every surface interval which probably helps.

[HogwldFLTR]

Frankly it's a dive watch and not a sand watch. I keep all my watches out of the sand. That's the best way to avoid the problem. I do wear them in the ocean however

[wetsum3]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Frankly it's a dive watch and not a sand watch. I keep all my watches out of the sand. That's the best way to avoid the problem. I do wear them in the ocean however

Granted. However, I feel like I ought to be able to go to the beach, set up an umbrella, and walk into the surf and time a swim. I’m not burying it or pouring sand on it. I’m just wearing it while I do stuff. I feel like a dive watch should be able to rise to the challenge of recreation.

[wetsum3]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Hmm you could pop off the bezel and give it a good clean if you’re technically inclined. My black bay is my designated backup timer on dives and I have never had an issue. My wife also wears a BB58 on our dives. Both have gotten plenty of exposure to fine sand from various oceans too. We have a habit of rinsing all our gear with fresh water every surface interval which probably helps.

I’ll try that. After getting home after the beach (no sand castle building), it was completely seized up. Submerged it in warm water in the sink and that resolved it. I feel it would happen again next time, though.

[wetsum3]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

Never had this issue with my Sub or Superocean. I did not exactly bury them in the sand, but plenty of time at the beach and in the ocean.

Maybe mine is out of spec. Either that or I want my superocean back. Haha.

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by wetsum3

Maybe mine is out of spec. Either that or I want my superocean back. Haha.

Honestly the Superocean may be the best (high end) “beach watch” for the money.

[wetsum3]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

Honestly the Superocean may be the best (high end) “beach watch” for the money.

Kind of agree, honestly. I had a liquid metal blue with rubber and bracelet titanium watch from 2016-2020. Now it’s gone and I’m living with regret.

On the BB58, I think the sand is trapping between the case and the underside of the bezel and binding it up there on the sides. I don’t think it’s actually getting inside the ratchet mechanism.

[AdmiralYamazaki]

Originally Posted by wetsum3

When I’m at the beach or in sandy water, the bezel gets locked up from the sand. It eventually frees up with some back and forth. Either the teeth on the bezel are too small to get enough grip, or the tolerance is too tight on the bezel. I had a seamaster that I wore to the beach all the time. Although it would get gritty with sand, it still freely rotated. Wonder how the Rolex Sub does in sand and sandy water? Does it stay clear and freely rotate in sandy environments? I like to use it as a timer when I’m out walking or swimming at the beach. This is pretty annoying to have the bezel stiffen up if a little sand gets in it.

Had the the same issue with my BB58.
I used soapy water to try to clear it it it didn't really work, the watch is for service with Tudor now.
First they said "it needs cleaning" and they'll will do it under warranty. After a few days they called again and said that "some part of the bezel needs replacement" and it will take some time for the part to arrive...

[waterman1]

Well I am guessing you are experiencing the same thing that drove me to sell the Pelagos. Actually 4 of them at different times. I love the watch but I am in the ocean a lot and the time I would spend getting the bezel to free up was frustrating. I would soak in warm water mixed with dishwashing detergent.

[waterman1]

Im sorry I forgot to answer one of your questions - the sub or sea dweller does not have same issue. I have never had a bezel get jammed and many many hours in sea water/beach.