omgiv Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Hi Gang, I have been in the process of putting together a frankenjust over the last couple of weeks. I think that I finally got my movement straightened out and and was casing it up today to realize that my bezel is too loose. The only thing not genuine so far is the movement. The case I have is a 16200 but bought an engine turned bezel. It was sold as genuine and seemed to fit the measurements but I think it is either wrong or has been stretched out. The measurements I got when I used my micrometer were: OD: 34.52mm ID: 30.6mm Thickness: 2.3mm Most bezels I have seen have ID measurements of 30.5mm. I can install and remove the bezel with my fingers and it will spin freely. I also tried a Clarks crystal gasket but it was only slightly tighter. My question is whether or not someone knows a trick so I can use this bezel or find another one. Thanks in advance!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjjoyce1 Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 (edited) 162XX are sapphire crystal cases. What is the bezel from? If it's from a 16XX or 16XXX it won't work as these are acrylic crystal cases and have different ID as well as height dimensions. Edited June 25, 2013 by cjjoyce1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 I was told that it was from a 162XX case. The measurements I was told were what I have seen but I measured it as being slightly larger on the ID. Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Just pulled the bezel from my father's 16234; ID is mic'd at 30.48mm. Bezel is WG fluted... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Thanks R!!! Everything I was reading was saying the ID was 30.5mm. Mine is definitely too big then. Thanks again!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Amazing how much difference 1/10 of a mm can make... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Here's a bezel from j and k watches- they're a little better than WSO, IMO!http://www.ebay.com/itm/300738858780?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649It says 30.4mm, but you can always sand it larger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 Thanks Alligoat! Do you have any experience with them or aftermarket fluted bezels? How do they compare to genuine. The only thing that concerns me is the thickness. They say it is 2.75mm vs 2.3mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatico Posted June 25, 2013 Report Share Posted June 25, 2013 http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/159755-engine-turned-bezel/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2013 Thanks automatico. I printed out your post and have read it several times. I know that Rolex makes a tool for stretching and shrinking bezels but have never seen one in person. I was just wondering if anyone knew of thicker gaskets or DIY trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatico Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 The too big id of the bezel is a mystery as modern steel bezels are very hard to stretch because in order to stretch one, the bezel would have to be forced down over a non spec crystal/gasket or something else. Either that or cut it in a lathe. Just wondering...is it concentric inside or out of round? I have never seen an 'official rolex bezel squeezer' in the metal but have seen pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Hi Automatico, It seems to be concentric to me. I spun it on my lathe and it seemed to be running true. It may have been forced over a non-spec crystal and/or gasket previously like you said. I don't know. It measures anywhere from 30.6mm to 30.58mm all around. I looked for a while last night and found several aftermarket smooth and fluted bezels, but couldn't find an aftermarket engine turned bezel. I don't know if they exist. I have a couple of bezels coming (some gen and some not) so we will see what pans out. Also, there is one of the Rolex bezel tools on eBay right now. The seller must be out of his mind because he is asking almost $20,000 or it. Here is the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321135755594?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymanmatt Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 Yes there is a bezel tightener tool. However, it is not made for stainless bezels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted June 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 I have never seen detailed instructions but the description is for revolving and oyster bezels. I have heard it being used on Sub bezels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatico Posted June 27, 2013 Report Share Posted June 27, 2013 "I looked for a while last night and found several aftermarket smooth and fluted bezels, but couldn't find an aftermarket engine turned bezel. I don't know if they exist." I have never seen one. $20,000!! Insanity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.