Fixing the Wonky bezel on an ARF SD43 V3

[DD60]

Just picked up this ARF SD43 V3 and whilst admiring it's solid gen like rep beauty I realized it features a wonky ass loose, wobbly bezel. The bezel looks fine at first glance. It rotates and clicks better than 95% of the plethora of rep bezels I've had previously. Unfortunately I noticed a slight springy type action when pressing down on it. Looking a bit closer it became obvious the bezel was not sitting flush on the case. I tried repressing and alas found no joy. So, I said to myself, Self, Let's take it apart and fix this "Spongy bezel" right here and now. The following is a pictorial recap of my adventure.
If you should experience this rather common Spongy bezel problem with your ARF SD43 V3, I hope you can use this pictorial as a resource to fix it.

Oh yes, there is a bit of an unexpected bonus as well. Have you found rust hidden in your bezel assembly. Well, I did.

 

[Specter1000]

great job!

 

[macarone]

Great job! Can I send you a spongy noob?


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[DD60]

great job!

Thanks!

 

[DD60]

Great job! Can I send you a spongy noob?


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Thanks brother! I'll be glad to look at it for you.

 

[vortex4me]

Very informative...thank you!


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[KJ2020]

Very informative...thank you!


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No need to quote the whole post, we've already scrolled through it once. Just imagine how tedious it would be if everyone did that. You can edit your post to delete the OP's pics.

 

[KJ2020]

This is awesome bro. Identifying the crystal retaining ring as being too tall and reducing it a correct amount is a perfect solution that looks beyond accepting that a factory as good as ARF must have done it right. Your work is superlative, Bravo!

 

[mclarendude]

Is that my former SD43? What an amazing job. I never realized that!

 

[vortex4me]

No need to quote the whole post, we've already scrolled through it once. Just imagine how tedious it would be if everyone did that. You can edit your post to delete the OP's pics.

Don’t know if I did it right, but I tried. I’m still learning how to use this app.


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[KJ2020]

Don’t know if I did it right, but I tried. I’m still learning how to use this app.


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You did not delete the pics. Tap on the + sign at the bottom right corner of your own post where you quoted all the pics and tap on edit. Then edit the quoted part to remove all the text but a few relevant phrases. Delete all of the text with image info in it like http, url, img, jpg, etc. Thanks!

 

[DD60]

Is that my former SD43? What an amazing job. I never realized that!

This is it. It took me about a week b4 I noticed it. Perfect now except I found a very fine hard to notice crack in the insert. Took it out to glue it, then it cracked again at the pearl while I was pressing it. First time I've ever cracked an insert, so my luck finally ran out.
Sad thing is now I can't wear it after all this work until I find a new insert. I guess it's back to wearing my 5 digit subs.

 

[DD60]

This is awesome bro. Identifying the crystal retaining ring as being too tall and reducing it a correct amount is a perfect solution that looks beyond accepting that a factory as good as ARF must have done it right. Your work is superlative, Bravo!

Thanks for the compliment, means alot coming from someone as talented as you.

Yes, I'm convinced these Sd43 v3's are coming from AR factory with this flawed crystal retaing ring. It's not a difficult fix now that the cause of the problem has been identified.

Even so, AR factory needs to correct this as it is obvious flaw that they must notice when they are assembling these v3's.
Something to keep in mind when QC' ing the Sd43 v3.

 

[KJ2020]

Can you provide accurate measurements of the inside and outside diameters of the insert? More of us can help look for one if we know the measurements. I wonder if it's the same size as the one in the 116660 DSSD.

macarone do you know bro?

 

[DD60]

Can you provide accurate measurements of the inside and outside diameters of the insert? More of us can help look for one if we know the measurements. I wonder if it's the same size as the one in the 116660 DSSD.

macarone do you know bro?

Thanks for looking, I appreciate your help

 

[macarone]

Can you provide accurate measurements of the inside and outside diameters of the insert? More of us can help look for one if we know the measurements. I wonder if it's the same size as the one in the 116660 DSSD.

macarone do you know bro?

I’d have to throw a set of calipers on one of the dssd’s to confirm,

however as I recall ordering from spongebob he actually had 1 for each in stock.

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[vortex4me]

You did not delete the pics. Tap on the + sign at the bottom right corner of your own post where you quoted all the pics and tap on edit. Then edit the quoted part to remove all the text but a few relevant phrases. Delete all of the text with image info in it like http, url, img, jpg, etc. Thanks!

I’m using an app called Tapatalk and I don’t see any + sign anywhere. When I go back to the post in my app, it shows to be fixed and I don’t see anything you’re talking about.


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[KJ2020]

So basically 31.8mm ID and 40mm OD.

Ive looked at a few and don't see anything for the SD43. It's possible a PARNIS 40mm insert will fit, those aren't stellar but I've used one or two after digging out the white paint and doing a paint mod. I really think your best bet is going to be a TD bro or M2M - maybe ask member LuoIsBoss I know he built a Franken

 

[KJ2020]

I’d have to throw a set of calipers on one of the dssd’s to confirm,

however as I recall ordering from spongebob he actually had 1 for each in stock.

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Is that a 116660 or a 126600?

 

[LuoIsBoss]

I have a ARF v2 bezel assembly (126600) for sale atm.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...ex-parts-cleanout-arf-bracelets-cases-inserts