dbane883 Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 So I just replaced the only aftermarket part left on my 1675; the crystal retaining ring. Before I put it on, thought I'd take a couple of comparison photos for those that care. Other than not fitting the bezel quite right, there some minor details that can help you with identifying a rep from the real thing. Tough to tell just by looking at it quickly: But under a loupe, the rep (on the right) is milled with slightly larger grooves. The gen on the left, is milled much finer and reflects light in a rainbow hue at certain angles: The underside of the gen is slightly beveled/chamfered where the rep is not: Now that it's installed, I feel much better now! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc33 Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 Nice!! I had the same issue recently and now by seeing this I know I have a rep retaining ring too. Thank you for showing us the difference. The underside bevel is there to help remove it, without it its a real B to remove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kime Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Thanks for this, real helpful info. On this basis mine (which is bent and needs to be replaced) is also a rep, maybe that's the reason someone was able to bend it in the first place. It would be interesting if others with known gens could corroborate this info. I have often wished the bezel parts were marked/stamped in some way to make gen identification easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 Oh wow I did not know about the beveled edge and it makes perfect sense, as pointed out by CC33. When I have some time this weekend I'll dissect my 1680 and let you know if my retaining ring has the same characteristics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kime Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I checked a cartel rep this week, so 100% rep, it has the bevelled under edge but not the very fine grain, although still better than the other rep ring I have. So the bevel alone is not good enough to distinguish a rep from a gen unfortunately. Knowing that you have really bought a gen retaining ring is pretty damn hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 The bevel is for a couple of reasons. If no bevel it's likely the bezel won't rotate properly as there would not be any clearance between bottom of bezel and top of mid-case. When a proper "bezel stack" (ring, bezel, spring washer) is used the bezel will only rotate (easily) when pushed down - if there is no bevel (or not enough) on the underside of the ring then you can't press the bezel down. Some rep rings (the old PT 1680 varieties come to mind) have an "undercut" instead of bevel but works the same way. Dbane - if you would put a bevel on the back of your rep ring it would likely work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cc33 Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 ^ makes a ton of sense Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 You are a wise man JMB. The rep ring however, is yet another paperweight on my desk now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 Hmmm I'm a bit confused... as always... I was wondering how the bevel UNDER the Retaining Ring Helps with the bezel rotation? If I'm understanding this correctly.... The bezel is inserted (pressed) on the watch until the bottom edge clicks onto the edge of the retainer ring (small red arrow). Once in place, the washer pushes the bezel up and the friction between the bezel and the retainer (light blue arrow) prevents the accidental turning of the bezel. Pushing down on the bezel creates a small gap between the bezel and the retainer (light blue arrow) and it rotates more freely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbane883 Posted June 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 You win for best crayon work! love the illustrations.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam007 Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 I got it from Rolex Forum... can't take credit lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imajedi Posted June 9, 2015 Report Share Posted June 9, 2015 @pam007 - thxs, always wondered how all that worked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kime Posted June 10, 2015 Report Share Posted June 10, 2015 You win for best crayon work! love the illustrations.. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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