importr Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Guys maybe someone can help me here. I've looked at the past threads on the gen bezel subject but none detail how to separate the insert from bezel. I've got the gen bezel, and the latest Noob GMT IIc. I know the bezel isn't a straight swap so how about just the insert? I've tried gently levering it with a screwdriver, tried heating it in boiling water, but still can't get it off. Suggestions? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 I've separated a gen 116610 insert from the bezel successfully. I had some special dies fabricated for it. I could do it for you (assuming of course its the same size as the SubC). Alternatively, I have read that a very thin screwdriver tapped under the insert might also work, but if you ask me, that is a recipe for disaster. The insert is pressure fit, like the "old" steel inserts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 I recall reading somewhere that Rolex uses a die that pokes the insert up through the holes at the bottom of the bezel. But I cannot confirm. It would make sense though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live1 Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 yep mine was separated using a dye and a crystal press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thanks for the replies but I think the hidden ring inside the bezel is different between the Sub and the GMT. If you look closely at the underside of the gmt bezel, the scalloped part is larger diameter than the bezel internal diameter. So it can't be pushed from underneath? I have a crystal press and dies. I was thinking about heating it up again and then arranging drawing pins poking into every hole. Then apply pressure to the top of the steel bezel? I'm really paranoid about breaking it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 You have to apply more pressure than you think. And evenly. But that would work. Not sure how much it would help to heat it. There's a tiny lip on the inside of the top of the bezel that holds the insert in place. Not sure if that portion would expand toward the middle of the bezel as its heated or not. If it does than the grip on the insert will tighten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Sorry that can't give any tips to remove the insert, but you are right in that Rolex does use a special die that fits the slots in the bezel. Here is a scan showing the die (sorry it isn't super clear). Good luck and let us know if you succeed. Thanks!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 Thank you so much for the advice! Brilliant! I managed to remove the inner ring by simply levering it with a screwdriver, revealing a white gasket that holds that in place. Now I will think of a way to get the insert out using a press. Will keep you posted,Cheers guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 I heated up the bezel again, got an old wooden chair leg that was tapered, passed the bezel over it and then gently pressed down. The ceramic insert is held in only by the bezel lip. Fitting to the rep bezel wasn't a straight swap. I used a ceramic tile file to slightly reduce the outside diameter of the insert. Then it just about fitted with a click. No glue was used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 Hey. Whatever works! Good job getting it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live1 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 looks great but why did you not use the gen assembly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneed12 Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 looks great but why did you not use the gen assembly This -- the entire gen assembly will press right on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 The rep click spring doesn't fit into the holes on the gen bezel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
live1 Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 dont use the rep click spring,use the gen click spring obviously,or have you lost the gen part Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
importr Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 No I didn't get the gen part. It was just what you see in the pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneed12 Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 So modify the rep click spring to fit in the gen bezel insert holes. I think all you need to do is file down the posts (make them thinner a bit, and only in one dimension, you don't have to keep them round). Always put the cheapest, most replaceable part at risk first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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