GMT Master ii bezel replacement

[Freeflyer]

Hi all,

im in the process of swapping ceramic bezel assemblies on my noob v7 gmt Master ii with a gen assembly. I’ve found the plastic bezel retaining ring from the noob does not fit the gen assembly. Has anyone had this issue and if so, what did you do to fix it? Do I need to purchase a gen retaining ring? If so, are there any good sources I should try?

thanks!

 

[Freeflyer]

Well, no one chimed in with any help so I took matters into my own hands and was pretty successful. I was not able to source a gen retaining ring by itself. It was only offered with full bezel assembly sets. I ended up removing the Noob retaining ring and cutting a small section out ~1/8” to make the overall diameter smaller so it would fit properly. I was nervous that cutting it would affect performance but it actually worked great.

 

[Freeflyer]

I forgot to mention, I had to shave some plastic off the ring to allow the bezel to rotate smoothly but it has a great feel now. Quiet and smooth and tight but not too tight. Overall, it turned out great. However, for other folks hunting around for gen bezel assemblies, I recommend trying to get a set that includes the retaining ring- not just the bezel and insert. That way you won’t have to mess around like I did.

 

[KJ2020]

I forgot to mention, I had to shave some plastic off the ring to allow the bezel to rotate smoothly but it has a great feel now. Quiet and smooth and tight but not too tight. Overall, it turned out great. However, for other folks hunting around for gen bezel assemblies, I recommend trying to get a set that includes the retaining ring- not just the bezel and insert. That way you won’t have to mess around like I did.

When you talk about the 'retaining ring' are you referring to the nylon gasket that seats in a groove in the bezel? Do you have any pics?

 

[Freeflyer]

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m referring to. I don’t have pictures of the ring mods, only the finished project.

 

[KJ2020]

Well, no one chimed in with any help so I took matters into my own hands and was pretty successful. I was not able to source a gen retaining ring by itself. It was only offered with full bezel assembly sets. I ended up removing the Noob retaining ring and cutting a small section out ~1/8” to make the overall diameter smaller so it would fit properly. I was nervous that cutting it would affect performance but it actually worked great.

Good improvising. I have done some similar stuff - I nearly ruined a Sub bezel nylon ring trying to reattach it. It was deformed pretty good but with some careful sanding both in height and thickness I got it back in service. Cutting though, not sure I would have tried that, good to know it worked!