Is Changing Bezel Inserts Often A Bad idea

[MUCCI416]

Was wondering if swapping out the stock bezel insert on my 5513 in favor of a colored one (Green/Blue or that new Tudor's Red!) say once a week would be bad for the bezel itself?? or could I even find ones that fit a 5513? Price?
I think it would be awesome to swap out bezels and get matchy matchy ...if it didn't hurt the watch over time...

[bondtoys]

It's great to swap inserts, however if doing this once a week, you'll end up rubbing off the paint on the outer insert edges and it may progress that way over the entire insert over the years.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

It's great to swap inserts, however if doing this once a week, you'll end up rubbing off the paint on the outer insert edges and it may progress that way over the entire insert over the years.

This

[Johny]

it might be a good idea if changing frequently that you would first need to find out which of the other inserts fitted your watch and then obtain some bezels to fit them into.

[nsumner]

If done excessively you will also add wear to the crystal retaining ring and bezel.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Johny

it might be a good idea if changing frequently that you would first need to find out which of the other inserts fitted your watch and then obtain some bezels to fit them into.

Yes, get another bezel (or two) to host the other inserts. This will minimize the wear.

Frequent removing and installing of bezels can wear both the bezel and ring.

Most of those colored bezels won't fit with wrong inner and outer dimensions. You can find a Tudor Blue and with some searching (and parting of cash) you can find inserts that have faded to different colors. Alternatively you could get aftermarket inserts in different colors but those will be instantaneously recognized as such and take away some of the fun.

[Puffy]

i only get RSC to do it. seen some horrible examples of bezel DIYs.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MUCCI416

Was wondering if swapping out the stock bezel insert on my 5513 in favor of a colored one (Green/Blue or that new Tudor's Red!) say once a week would be bad for the bezel itself?? or could I even find ones that fit a 5513? Price?
I think it would be awesome to swap out bezels and get matchy matchy ...if it didn't hurt the watch over time...

On the 5513 insert size is OD 36.55MM ID 30.03mm on the 16610 Sub OD 37.65MM ID 30.07MM.On the 14060/14060M OD 36.55MM ID 29.07MM.On the 16600 OD 36.65MM ID 29.70mm.And on the GMT watches 1675/16750 OD 37.75MM ID 30.02MM 16700/16760/16710 OD 37.65MM ID 30.07MM.As you can see from the list only one genuine Rolex insert will fit the 5513 end of story.And swapping inserts will have no ill effect whatsoever in the function of the watch but would not recommend to do it say weeky/monthy.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by nsumner

If done excessively you will also add wear to the crystal retaining ring and bezel.

This for me is a bigger issue. It's a metal to metal snap fit. Changing bezel inserts over time will lead to wear on these components to the point where the bezel ring practically lifts off the case with minimal effort.

[destrow]

once a week is way too often, for all the reasons mentioned.

that said, it is your timepiece...if you like it, then go for it.

[swish77]

The wear and tear issue aside ... it's a tricky thing to do, unless by a trained watchmaker. It's much harder than you'd think on vintage Subs (for some reason it seems to be easier on 1675s, at least in my case.) So, if you're doing it frequently, get ready for some possible difficulty ... and do some thumb exercises to prepare. Good luck!

[cdweller]

Side question - if you do wear down the crystal retaining ring, is it an easily replaceable part?

[jatco]

Originally Posted by Puffy

i only get RSC to do it. seen some horrible examples of bezel DIYs.

...but not every week..I hope.?!?!
.
btw..Love your avatar..

[MUCCI416]

Thanks for all the responses...seeing as how the idea was only for vanity I wont be switching inserts just gonna stick with black and enjoy my vintage 5513 :)