Interchangable Bezel Insert?

[Onikage]

Is this a good idea? I see it as getting the most out of your model. My old shaped GMT has a black face, which would theoretically go with both the pepsi and coke bezel inserts...wouldn't it? I like those colours equally I went for the all black because it was newer- less collectable variant but ace condition, slightly more appealing price too, the other (coke) one had pin holes but was more beat up...still lovely.
Anyway I was told I could have any colour bezel on it for £40. I'm thinking of going back and trying to get a deal on both the pepsi and the coke, with the idea that once I'm shown how to fit them I can change them whenever I want. Surely it beats spending thousands for another blackfaced, stainless GMT just for the bezel colour?
I've seen someone change the insert on a Submariner from black to green before. The only difference I can imagine for a GMT is that the rachet mechanism is slightly different under a bi-directional bezel. A less abrupt spring catch on the slanting teeth maybe? would this affect the process or could I attempt it exactly like with a sub? Here's the page I've been looking at:

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

I hope this is appropriate as I can imagne Rolex not being to happy about people 'Frankensteining' with their models. I just thought it would be nice to have all the colours

[Onikage]

Oops the teeth on a sub bezel aren't slanty. Doh!

[glocati]

GMT bezels are definitely interchangeable..Just make sure you get the right ones. Plastic crystal GMTs use a different insert than sapphire crystal models. I used to switch between pepsi and coke bezels on my 16700 GMT.

Nice way to change up the look of your watch. The GMT bezel swap is the same process/principle as the link you posted.

Have fun. Greg

[dalip]

Yup..change them all the time: one of the great things about the watch! I got my RSC guy to show me how before I did it myself..he gave me some good tip and Rolex have no issue with you doing this. They do, however, have an issue with doing it to the Sub LV - so he wouldn't do that one for me!

[Onikage]

Everytime I hear about the plastic crystal I shudder then feel like kicking myself; I was offered one in absolutey mint condition about 7 years ago when I was looking for a watch. It was a pepsi bezel. I was turned off by the plexiglass and the discoloured painted hour markers. I had never seen a true classic one before, and, being young and stupid at the time I decided not to go for it! It was an absolute steal too at £1500!! Gah. It was all the money I had at the time and I had it saved up but I went for an Omega Seamaster for £800, I remember thinking to myelf that I could nearly have two seamasters for the price of that old rolex! Makes me want to cry now as I've seen very similar ones (probably in worse condition) selling for somewhere around the £4600 mark. Ooof! *kick*
Anyway no, the one I have now is a sapphire crystal one :D When I go back I'll get them to fit me pepsi (while I watch) and buy the coke one too. Should be alright. :D

[Onikage]

There's no chance of the bezel coming loose if you become addicted to this process is there? :D

[Onikage]

Any pointers on tools? Namely the blade to use? I don't like the idea of metal on metal with my baby! Maybe some common household utensil made from plastic or wood or something? :D

[tfduff723]

Hello Onikage - welcome to TRF.

Changing the diffferent color bezel inserts on the older GMT Masters (ie non ceramic versions) is a widely & easily done switch. There are many, many members here that have a GMT with all three bezel inserts (ie coke, pepsi & black) for the very purpose of switching them up - me included! This is one of the very appealing features of the watch.

In lieu of trying to write a long post here I would just suggest you use the forum search function for research. Just type in bezel inserts and you will have tons of posts to review and study. It is all there - good luck.

Oh... nice watch too!

[Onikage]

Aha, I wondered how to do that. Couldn't find search - You saying it so matter of factly caused me to look again, and it IS up there. LOL Thanks tfduff!

[tfduff723]

No problem - I only know that because something helped me the same way.

You will find that TRF is an amazing resource of Rolex knowledge.

Have fun!

[Speed]

My RSC advised me to limit the frequency of swapping the insert myself.

You risk wear and tear and losing that little bezel spring.

But to each his own!

[Onikage]

Maybe perform the task like disarming a bomb: Slowly and delicately. You can mask the knife blade too.. I never thought of that. I'm gonna go for it maybe switch once a month. Beats buying another GMT.
Thanks again tfduff. I'm off work the rest of the week with a repetitive strained hand. Between household chores I'm coming back here absorbing all I can. I am having fun! :p