Stuck Bezel: A Guide to Removing a Stuck bezel
It is usually simple to remove a bezel from a watch and swap it out for another bezel whether it be the same or new design. However, sometimes you will come across a stuck bezel that still needs to be removed for repair. Luckily, Bezels are among the several SKX007 parts that we provide if you were planning on doing this simple repair. This is the perfect article for you if you are seeking to learn more about changing a stuck bezel.
The bezel is the rotating ring around the crystal’s edge which holds the bezel insert. The bezel of the watch is the metal part, and the insert is the ceramic or aluminum ring that sits in its groove. A rotating bezel, such as that on a diver’s watch serves as a timer, but also prevents the watch crystal from being damaged or shattered. Read on to learn more about this part, and what to do if its stuck or seized.
Why Even Remove A Watch Bezel?
Why do people remove their watch bezel? For some, it’s for cosmetic reasons, for others, it’s to change the design or even to repair a stuck bezel. There are several design possibilities available, including various finishes, edge patterns, and even colors. You might also want to swap it out for a more pristine bezel if it has a few too many scratches on the current one.
To provide convenient timing functionality, the majority of bezels used in watches are unidirectional, which means they only spin one way.
Despite the fact that it is typically simple to remove a watch bezel, you run the risk of damaging your watch, especially if you run into a stuck bezel. You must use caution and pay close attention when trying to remove this part. You should also check to see if your watch’s bezel can be taken out, as some are integrated into the case. for simplicity of this article, we will focus on removing an SKX007 bezel that’s stuck to its case.
How To Remove A Bezel
First, to remove a bezel, you’ll need a few simple tools. You will want a dull caseback knife or specific bezel tool for prying as well as a cloth or piece of tape to guard against scratching the case. SKX007 bezels are just held on with friction.
- To prevent scratching the watch case while removing the bezel, wrap a piece of tape completely around the immediate area you’ll be inserting the caseback knife or pry tool into.
- To detach the bezel from the watch body, place the knife’s edge against the junction where the bezel and case meet and gently push the blade under the bezel.
- NEVER PRY! Instead, gently twist the pry tool under the bezel.
- The bezel will eventually come free from the case after a twist of the blade. The bezel will then just need to be pulled the rest of the way off of the case, exposing the click spring underneath.
As previously said, you must be extremely cautious while handling the watch in order to remove the bezel without scratching the case. Try not to slip and have a good grip on your pry tool or caseback knife. The reason we say don’t pry and instead twist the tool is because prying could potentially bend the bezel. If the bezel bends, then you will not be able to use it on a future build or modification. If the bezel is going in the trash, then it won’t matter as much. But what do you do if you can’t get the caseback knife under the gap between the bezel and case? Keep reading to find out!
What if The Bezel Is Stuck?
Occasionally, things may go wrong. It won’t always be a smooth procedure when changing a watch part. Your watch’s bezel may become stuck if it was repaired improperly, or if a replacement bezel from another manufacturer has a poor tolerance. Sometimes the source of a stuck bezel is just from the bezel gasket slipping out of place, pinching between the bezel and case, seizing the bezel up.
Additional causes for the stuck bezel also include the click spring trying to stick up at an unfavorable angle or falling out of its alignment holes. It can also happen when foreign objects, including dust and dirt, get lodged in the gaps between the bezel and casing.
The first time you repair a new watch, it will be challenging since every component is in factory condition and can be tight. Use the right bezel removal tool in a safe manner to avoid damaging the watch.
DIY Tips for Removing Stuck Bezels
Razor Trick
The razor trick is my go-to for removing a stuck bezel. This trick works every time when the gap is too tight to insert the bezel pry tool. You might not have a sufficient opening to fit the bezel removal tool in the bezel gap. Factory bezels are already intended to be snug on the case. Razors are much thinner than knives, so inserting one in the space between the case and bezel will increase the gap. Once the gap is widened from the razor it will be possible to enter a knife and pry the bezel off.
This method may scrape your case or cause you to get hurt if you slip, so use extra caution!
Oil Trick
If your bezel is seized and will not budge at all then use a “penetrating oil” like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench, which fits into the tiniest spaces and makes the bezel simpler to remove. Some claim that even lighter fluid is effective enough to complete the task. Just dab a little penetrating oil over the bezel gap and, if possible, spin the bezel to disperse the oil. Afterwards, you may attempt to pop it off once again using the bezel removal tool, or even trying the razor trick above in combination.
Soapy Water Trick
To make removing the bezel of a water-resistant watch simpler, you may even try washing it. Try swishing it around in warm, soapy water before attempting the removal. If your watch strap is not water-resistant, such as a leather strap, remember to remove it first.
In the rare event that these don’t work, we advise taking your watch to a service center or, if it’s still covered by warranty, returning it to the maker.
Conclusion
Like with any hobby that requires tinkering, modding may be quite satisfying, but you should be aware that you can have issues with the parts you have to work on. Nothing goes perfectly smooth every single time, especially if repairing an old watch. We really hope you found this quick tutorial and the tips herein useful. Please feel free to forward this information to someone who is having trouble taking their watch bezels off, and if you know of any other advice that was left out of the instructions, please post it in the comments section.
Also, if you’re looking for parts to replace the bezel on your watch, you may browse our vast inventory of replacement parts, which also contains all other watch parts in addition to bezels. For example, you may want to replace your bezel insert while you have your bezel removed! Till next time modders!
About The Author
Pamela Tabago is an Information Specialist at Watch-Modz LLC. She is passionate about everything related to watches, from the best automatics to modding a Seiko.
She brings her data-driven experience in informative writing and her love for watches to the blog. She also provides watch-related content for other modding enthusiasts like herself.