- 25/7/15
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This question gets asked a lot in different threads so i thought i'd run through how i change the ceramic bezel on a Daytona.
There are two ways to remove the bezel. Either with a tool with jaws that will lift the bezel or with a blade/knife that you can use to prize the bezel from the case. I prefer to use the bezel tool but will show both methods.
Bezel tool -
Place a ziplock bag over the jaws of the bezel to protect the case, check all of the jaws are sitting in the gap of the bezel and the case, so you don't cause any damage.
Takes a just a few turns to wind the jaws in and the bezel will be separated from the case
Using a Stanley knife blade -
Place a Stanley knife blade in a cleaning cloth, the thinner the better. Wrap it over the blade to protect the case. If you can find a safety blade without point edges, you don't want this thing anywhere near your wrists.
You need to work the blade underneath the bezel. Some are much tighter than others, you just need to persist with it. Try different areas of the bezel. You're going to need to use a fair amount of force, be wary of placing too much pressure against the pushers with your hand. Make sure you move the position of the blade in the cloth as it starts to cut through it.
Now the bezel is free, we need to remove the crystal that is still attached. I place it in a cheap press from eBay with a protective bag over the crystal.
Check the inside of the crystal and the dial have no dust or particles of dirt on them. You don't want to mount everything back on and then realise there is something sitting underneath the crystal. Don't be tempted to blow on the dial or crystal with your mouth you need to use a tool like this
The crystal needs to be inside the gasket. Now you need to find the LEC at 6, place the crystal over a dark object and locate it. I mark it with a whiteboard marker that i can wipe away with my finger.
Next, put a very fine layer of silicon around the inside of the bezel, you don't want to see any lumps of grease, just enough so you can see a shimmer. Check everything is clean again and place the bezel on the crystal, nice and square, it shouldn't be overhanging more on any side. Adjust the bezel so the markers line up and the LEC is at 6.
If you're happy, get your crystal press ready. i usually use a Robur press but if you're only doing one or two you wont want to be spending a ton of money on a press and dies.
The advantage of this press over a cheaper one is it will press the bezel on straight every time, which saves a lot of time if you have a few to do. The parts are made to a higher standard. However, it can be done with a cheap $10 press from eBay if you take your time so we'll look at that for now. Theres a few different types, go for a lever type with dies that have threads.
Select a flat die for the bottom and a die that just fits over the glass for the top. Place the case on the press and very gently press down, if you squeeze it hard you run the risk of snapping the ceramic bezel. Remove the case and check it is still lined up. At this point you will be able to adjust it slightly. Keep repeating this until the bezel is almost pressed all the way down with a gap just big enough for your blade to fit underneath in case you need to remove it and start again.
So, that's how you install a ceramic bezel.
If you're good with your hands, plan on installing more than one and don't get stressed too easily i'd say give it a try. If not you might as well just send it to someone to do for you.
There are two ways to remove the bezel. Either with a tool with jaws that will lift the bezel or with a blade/knife that you can use to prize the bezel from the case. I prefer to use the bezel tool but will show both methods.
Bezel tool -
Place a ziplock bag over the jaws of the bezel to protect the case, check all of the jaws are sitting in the gap of the bezel and the case, so you don't cause any damage.
Takes a just a few turns to wind the jaws in and the bezel will be separated from the case
Using a Stanley knife blade -
Place a Stanley knife blade in a cleaning cloth, the thinner the better. Wrap it over the blade to protect the case. If you can find a safety blade without point edges, you don't want this thing anywhere near your wrists.
You need to work the blade underneath the bezel. Some are much tighter than others, you just need to persist with it. Try different areas of the bezel. You're going to need to use a fair amount of force, be wary of placing too much pressure against the pushers with your hand. Make sure you move the position of the blade in the cloth as it starts to cut through it.
Now the bezel is free, we need to remove the crystal that is still attached. I place it in a cheap press from eBay with a protective bag over the crystal.
Check the inside of the crystal and the dial have no dust or particles of dirt on them. You don't want to mount everything back on and then realise there is something sitting underneath the crystal. Don't be tempted to blow on the dial or crystal with your mouth you need to use a tool like this
The crystal needs to be inside the gasket. Now you need to find the LEC at 6, place the crystal over a dark object and locate it. I mark it with a whiteboard marker that i can wipe away with my finger.
Next, put a very fine layer of silicon around the inside of the bezel, you don't want to see any lumps of grease, just enough so you can see a shimmer. Check everything is clean again and place the bezel on the crystal, nice and square, it shouldn't be overhanging more on any side. Adjust the bezel so the markers line up and the LEC is at 6.
If you're happy, get your crystal press ready. i usually use a Robur press but if you're only doing one or two you wont want to be spending a ton of money on a press and dies.
The advantage of this press over a cheaper one is it will press the bezel on straight every time, which saves a lot of time if you have a few to do. The parts are made to a higher standard. However, it can be done with a cheap $10 press from eBay if you take your time so we'll look at that for now. Theres a few different types, go for a lever type with dies that have threads.
Select a flat die for the bottom and a die that just fits over the glass for the top. Place the case on the press and very gently press down, if you squeeze it hard you run the risk of snapping the ceramic bezel. Remove the case and check it is still lined up. At this point you will be able to adjust it slightly. Keep repeating this until the bezel is almost pressed all the way down with a gap just big enough for your blade to fit underneath in case you need to remove it and start again.
So, that's how you install a ceramic bezel.
If you're good with your hands, plan on installing more than one and don't get stressed too easily i'd say give it a try. If not you might as well just send it to someone to do for you.
