GMT bezel questions

[wholesaleneon]

is the GMT II bezel supposed to turn in both directions? and is it a smooth turn, or does it click like the sub?

[The GMT Kid]

Originally Posted by wholesaleneon

is the GMT II bezel supposed to turn in both directions? and is it a smooth turn, or does it click like the sub?

Yes, it turns in both directions and it clicks.

[ParisDakarBmw]

No spring inside, so no click, spins both ways

[Watchdog]

Turns in both directions.

[mpkRolex]

I like the smooth turn of GMT than the click turn of Sub

[Tools]

Wow....... lot's of answers.......

Here's the real deal..

Before 1983 the GMT had a smooth friction lock bezel that you pressed down on to move..

Since then, all Bezels have had a 120 click bezel.. until the ceramics..

The Ceramics have a 24 click bezel.....

All GMT bezels turn both directions...............

[wholesaleneon]

Ok, well heres the deal...

I just bought mine a week ago on friday. We met at the AD and had it verified. It is a 16710 model, made in 91. The bezel does not click, it spin in both directions. It doesnt feel loose or anything, just does not click. Also, it has the laser etched crown on the crystal, which is something I didnt think they started until 2003, right? Then gentleman I bought it from didnt know if it was serviced, he had only had it 5 years.


Is it possible it was serviced after 2003 and they replaced the crystal with a laser etched one? and what does you guys think about the bezel situation?

[wholesaleneon]

anyone?

[sakuraba]

My pepsi doesn't click either. Not a deal breaker IMO. Something I expect to have done at service time.

If the LEC is a service replacement, it should have an "S" at the bottom of the crown.

Hope this helps.

[The GMT Kid]

There is a spring that tends to get lost if the bezel pops off. Without the spring it will turn smooth. Once the spring is replaced it will click.


Ask me how I know

[wholesaleneon]

here is a close up shot. This is about as close i can get right now. Its hard to get that crown to show up in a picture.

this is on my 91 GMT

hmmmmmmm

[wholesaleneon]

How much did it run you to fix it? I may just wait till service time.

[ayres]

given the watch's age, the etching on the crystal means that it (the crystal was replacing while servicing. there are two types of etching, as far as i know: if there is a small 's' in the oval at the base of the crown (anyone, better term?), then it implies servicing. if there is no 's', then the crystal is factory.

if you search the bezel insert replacement threads here, then you'll see a pic of the small metal clip situated in the noon position, which creates the clicking. this small metal wire is found in both the sub and the gmt, and a slight mod to it creates the uni/bi directional rotation.

so you'll need that wire. if you take it to a repairperson for this fix, then you'll have the opportunity to also get a pressure test and whatever else might need to be done. given the recent expense, GET a pressure test. there's no reason not to, and, it's called for since you don't know the service history. but the etching does imply that a crystal has been replaced.

[bodybump]

now a days im scared for anything that clicks and tics....

[Tools]

If the crystal has been replaced, it will have the crown, as said... yours looks fine..

the missing click spring is a couple of dollars and wsometimes a Dealer will replace it for no charge...other times, perhaps a nominal charge..

It's up to you..........