This is how I change the bezel insert

[Skippy]

Great tutorial but I wouldn't use a steel knive if possible but rather something that is softer then the steel of the watch case and besel to reduce further risk of leaving marks or scratches.

I have seen it done with a wooden spatula or something like that and I think that might be the better way. Just my 2cts though.

[slvrstar]

Does anyone know if this method of removing the bezel is true for all rolex's. such as the Daytona?

[nvv]

Thank you for sharing Tommy. I hope to have the courage to try that myself

[anipit]

Thank you, so you first put back the bezel, and then you put the insert.
I have to find courage to try this operation with my sub, because i finally found a green LV bezel (unfortunately not original).

[anipit]

Originally Posted by slvrstar

Does anyone know if this method of removing the bezel is true for all rolex's. such as the Daytona?

Mind that daytona bezel is different, it is stilll, while gmt and sub they turn!!!

[Timber Loftis]

I find that it is safer to hold the 12 o'clock side of the watch in your fist and pry from the 6 o'clock side. This helps to avoid the game of Chase the Clickspring that sometimes occurs when the spring flicks across the room.

Oh, and investing $10 in a plastic prying tool is very much worth it.

[bahamadoug]

I agree...... Great pics and detailed writeup. Thanks alot. Will these same procedures work for removing a DSSD bezel?? Do you know where the pry knife should be positioned when removing the bexel??

[smh223]

did this the other day the exact same way...very easy for a novice like me...just don't loose the spring!!!

[exxondus]

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to share with us!

[jlovda]

I am trying to remove a bezel insert from a 5513 Sub bezel. I cannot get the insert to pop out no matter how much pressure I apply with my thumbs. I am afraid to go any further for fear of bending the insert. Were these ever glued at the factory? This is very frustrating. According to all the previous "how-to" descriptions, this step seemed to be the simplest. I do not have any Rolex watchmakers nearby.

[jrbar-on]

Great job! I used to have the Submariner LV and an extra black bezel. I would change it out probably once a month when I got bored. It took a total of 5 minutes and was very easy to do and I think that anyone could do it. The only worry is not to lose the click spring - meaning don't do this over carpet!

JRB

[JoeI]

I have just completed the steps you described. Mine was not an insert change but to align the triangle at the 12, worked perfectly. Thanks.

[fishrising]

I highly recommend this tool, that I found in this thread by HDHNTER. Below are some quick pics I just took, and please notice the lack of any protection of the watch case, bezel, or bracelet. This is a nylon pry bar, no need to worry about scratches! Swapping the bezel insert is just like the OP originally posted. I just happen to have extra bezels (need 1 more for a reasonable price).

[Perdu]

Very helpful. I ordered one, thanks.

[disco stu]

I've got a question for you guys - Is there a recommended maximum number of times an insert change can be done? Or can these be changed as many time as one would like? I read somewhere that five was the max, but not sure if this is true or not....

Cheers!!

[Timber Loftis]

The snap-on tool is excellent. Also note in Ben's pictures how he holds the bezel in his fist when he pries it off -- this prevents the click spring from flying across the room. I prefer to pry from the 6 o'clock side.

In changing the bezels, you will sometimes nick the inside ring when reinstalling the bezel, because there are metal parts (the inner metal washer and the click spring itself) that can nick the inner lining of the piece when you are trying to snap it back in. So, be careful, it's not foolproof.

If the bezel at a later date starts turning oddly or not engaging the click-spring correctly, you don't have to pop it off and start over -- you can usually just apply pressure while turning it and pop it back into place.

[Z-Sub]

Love it. it's fun and a great feeling after it's accomplished

[nektar]

Originally Posted by flyingdoctor

Great tutorial.

I managed to remove my bezel. Initially tried at around 8 o'clock position but all I did was put a slight mark on the case....... upsetting. I then went to the 12 o'clock position and tried again. came off very easy this time.

The problem then was trying to get the actual bezel insert out. Just couldn't do it. I actually felt like I'd bend the bezel before the insert came out. Gave up and put the bezel back on again. Glad I got it off because the underneath of the bezel was very dirty indeed. Now it moves and clicks like a champ. Of course I'm going to try to remove the insert again.... just have to come up with a better idea than using my thumbs

Pete

[fishrising]

Originally Posted by disco stu

I've got a question for you guys - Is there a recommended maximum number of times an insert change can be done? Or can these be changed as many time as one would like? I read somewhere that five was the max, but not sure if this is true or not....

Cheers!!

I can't give you the official Rolex position on this, but in my experience, its probably in the hundreds. I think the large flat washer (or flat spring) under the bezel and (it also goes) under the click spring would need to be replaced potentially someday. But that is why I bought extra flat washers/springs. I also bought some click springs, just in case, but I haven't lost one yet. These were purchased from some fellow forum members here.

The way I hold the watch when I pry off the bezel will prevent the click spring from flying across the room, but it will not prevent it from dropping straight down. So you still need to be careful, and probably not do it over a shag carpet.

[HDHNTER]

Originally Posted by fishrising

I highly recommend this tool, that I found in this thread by HDHNTER. Below are some quick pics I just took, and please notice the lack of any protection of the watch case, bezel, or bracelet. This is a nylon pry bar, no need to worry about scratches! Swapping the bezel insert is just like the OP originally posted. I just happen to have extra bezels (need 1 more for a reasonable price).

Excellent pictures! Glad to see my thread has been helpful.

[Gerardus]

Great review and pics!

[Lrlx]

This method is so much easier than the Plastic Pry Tool method for sure.
Now if only I can get the bezel insert inside the bezel...

[tomee]

good work.

looks scary

[disco stu]

I followed the steps but instead used the straight edge part of a can-opener on the swiss army knife, pictured. I removed the bracelet first, then wedged the straight edge just under the bezel at 12 O clock and prized it off. It came off surprisingly easily, with little effort required - just a twist. I didn't use any tape - never had to because the knife never came into contact with any part of the exterior watch casing (plus the bracelet was off).

The existing insert came off with thumb pressure, and the new coke snapped in straight away.

Thanks to Tempoking for the insert...... And all done within 5 minutes!!

Brilliant!!

[KCCHIEF]

how scary is it the first time?

[springer]

Very informative. Thanks for taking the time for the post.

[Zabaco]

Interesting tutorial, but tell me: what's the advantage of doing this kind of thing yourself, as opposed to letting a Rolex professional -- or even a regular jewler -- do it for you? What if you damage your watch? Some things are best left to professionals, in my opinion.

[Speed]

Re frequency of change... My local RSC manager advised agaist doing it too often as the metal on the watch casing would wear and not hold the bezell after a while. He did not give me a number - I am sure it varies.

As a result, I have been reluctant to switch my coke to a pepsi.

Maybe I sound like a wimp but I sure would not want to ding up my Mint D-series Coke GMT ll.

[omg]

I've been using that tool from Snap-on for a while and very happy with it.

That's good to know Masugu.
I change it about 3 or 4 times a year and I will try to do less than that from now.

[therolexguy]

Very nice instructions and well written. Thank you.