Ceramic Bezel Inserts

[Jim Smyth]

I have a question for the pro's regarding Ceramic Bezel Rolex's. I know you shouldnt remove your bezel on a ceramic Rolex because of the fragile nature of the insert. But inquiring minds gotta know.

Do the bezels come off with a bezel removal tool like the older models with the Aluminum insert? Do they get pressed back on like the older models? How is the Bezel insert held onto/into the rotating Bezel? Glue, Double sided tape, Compression etc?

Thanks in advance...................................

[Jim Smyth]

So no watch makers here have ever worked on any Ceramic Bezels? This has to be one of the biggest mysteries ever..............

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

I have a question for the pro's regarding Ceramic Bezel Rolex's. I know you shouldnt remove your bezel on a ceramic Rolex because of the fragile nature of the insert. But inquiring minds gotta know.

Do the bezels come off with a bezel removal tool like the older models with the Aluminum insert? Do they get pressed back on like the older models? How is the Bezel insert held onto/into the rotating Bezel? Glue, Double sided tape, Compression etc?

Thanks in advance...................................

Below is for the DSSD but all the rotatable ceramic inserts use the same principle,with the ceramic inserts its not only the delrin gasket that keeps bezel on the case.The ceramics although they say they are tough they need a lot more care when removing and to re-insert,while the aluminium ones were quite a easy DIY job.

[JohnBaker3]

Originally Posted by padi56

The ceramics although they say they are tough they need a lot more care when removing and to re-insert,while the aluminium ones were quite a easy DIY job.

+1

The aluminum inserts are a DIY job with a little training. The ceramic inserts are a total re-design. Any attempt to remove it by someone other than a watchmaker is NOT a good idea...

[Jim Smyth]

I used to replace the aluminum inserts myself 30+ years ago. Once you understand how to do it its pretty easy. I know the new ceramic bezel is different hence my questions to the watchmakers here in watch tech. Either its built so well that in 9 years since ceramics have come out none of them have worked on one or they don't want to tell us fearing more people will just ruin them.

[Ironstark]

I have worked on a lot of ceramic inserts from all of the various models. In order to properly (and with minimal risk) remove and refit ceramic inserts a very specific set of dies and jigs are required. If you do not have the tools and if you are not familiar with the standard operating procedure then do not attempt to remove or refit them.

This is definitely not a DIY job and if attempted could cost you a lot of cash.

[Jim Smyth]

We have the fact out of the way that removing Ceramic Bezels isnt a DIY job. I have no intention of doing this on my watch.

A thread came up in the General section where someone asked how the Ceramic Insert is held into the bezel. Thats what I would like to know.................how is the insert held in? Thats a pretty straight forward question.

Is it double sided tape? Is it press fit? Is it epoxy?

Inquiring minds gotta know.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

We have the fact out of the way that removing Ceramic Bezels isnt a DIY job. I have no intention of doing this on my watch.

A thread came up in the General section where someone asked how the Ceramic Insert is held into the bezel. Thats what I would like to know.................how is the insert held in? Thats a pretty straight forward question.

Is it double sided tape? Is it press fit? Is it epoxy?

Inquiring minds gotta know.

Press fit AFAIK.

[sweepsecond]

To answer your two questions:

1. Yes, you can remove the rotating bezel with a blade type bezel removing tool - have not tried an Omega clamp style remover.

2. Just like the old bezel insert, the cerachrom insert is pressure fit, nothing is glued.

Unfortunately, ceramic, unlike aluminum, breaks very easily.

I heard that ASCs also do not order the insert alone, they must order the entire rotating bezel.

[Jim Smyth]

There ya go..................press fit it is. That for sure isnt going to be done by your average Joe. Or any watchmaker (other than Rolex) either it seems.

Thanks again for the input guys.

[Sublover2166]

Spoke to Rik Dietel about this. Rolex will not even sell CW21 watchmakers the special tool that removes and installs the ceramic insert bezels. They will also not sell the special Delrin retaining ring that holds the bezel onto the case. Supposedly, when the bezel is removed and re-installed a new retaining ring is to be used and the old one discarded. It is a scary thought to think if that ring becomes brittle over the years and breaks, the whole bezel assembly could fall off the case and be lost or damaged...Ouch $$$$