Help with BB58 Bezel!

[mrbrown0916]

Hello all,
When changing out my bracelet, the end link hit the bezel and pulled it up and I need some help/direction on how to attach the bezel correctly back to the case. I've already tried to get it back on to no avail and I don't want to mess the bezel up anymore. See pics below and any/all help is appreciated.

 

[KJ2020]

These pics are from a ZF GMT but construction should be similar. Ultimately the connection point is the bezel gasket snapping over the lip on the rehaut exterior. That lip is often found on a separate crystal retaining ring but on my ZF it's molded into the case.

Snapping mine back home took quite a bit of force - I had the insert out and used a crystal die inside the bezel and a stiff small board across the die. I put considerable weight onto the board before it snapped into place.

Some other pics after disassembly

 

[element79]

For what it’s worth…
I recently had a similar issue where the bezel came loose on my GMT. I only managed to get the bezel back in place with the gasket placed inside the bezel (insert still attached).

By applying even pressure the bezel snapped into place nicely. It was impossible to get this done with the gasket placed on the case instead of the bezel.

 

[bigtiddygothgf]

A crystal press makes quick work of this. The cheapo blue 'lever' style ones are terrible for pressing crystals but work just fine for snapping dive bezels back on. If you ever foresee yourself needing to use it for crystals though, the red ones with the knob you twist are pretty decent for that application too. As the others have said, make sure you seat the bezel gasket in the bezel itself.

 

[bigtiddygothgf]

These pics are from a ZF GMT but construction should be similar. Ultimately the connection point is the bezel gasket snapping over the lip on the rehaut exterior. That lip is often found on a separate crystal retaining ring but on my ZF it's molded into the case.

Quick question: is the insert on the ZF GMT snap-in? Or held in by adhesive? Will be fitting a gen insert to a ZF BB58 and I'm guessing they're probably held in the same way.

 

[KJ2020]

Quick question: is the insert on the ZF GMT snap-in? Or held in by adhesive? Will be fitting a gen insert to a ZF BB58 and I'm guessing they're probably held in the same way.

The ZF GMT insert is quite nice. You can see it upside down in this pic at bottom right. It is much more substantial than those flat thin aftermarket ones.

It had a narrow strip of double-sided tape inside the vertical perimeter edge that ensured absolute adhesion but in subsequent test fittings the insert is very secure from friction alone. Neither of those other two inserts pictured above are the right outside diameter so I'm waiting on a third one now. I expect to put some type of adhesive behind it, which one will depend on the new insert's fit and shape. GS Hypo cement is pretty good if there's some additional friction assistance.

The bezel well is narrow and has a groove in it so really thin tape might not have enough gripping surface area.

 

[KJ2020]

For what it’s worth…
I recently had a similar issue where the bezel came loose on my GMT. I only managed to get the bezel back in place with the gasket placed inside the bezel (insert still attached).
By applying even pressure the bezel snapped into place nicely. It was impossible to get this done with the gasket placed on the case instead of the bezel.

This is a good point. Bezel gaskets should always be inside the bezel when it gets pressed back onto its case. It's possible your bezel has popped at least partially off the gasket which may make it impossible to press it back home from the current position.

You may need to remove the bezel fully, remove the gasket from the case, install the gasket back in the bezel groove, then press the bezel back over the case lip. Protect your case from your case knife and work your way around the bezel - don't bend it up all the way up in one place.

You don't need to take the bezel tension ring (flat washer) or springs and click out but be careful not to lose any parts while coaxing the bezel gasket off the case.

 

[element79]

This is a good point. Bezel gaskets should always be inside the bezel when it gets pressed back onto its case. It's possible your bezel has popped at least partially off the gasket which may make it impossible to press it back home from the current position.

You may need to remove the bezel fully, remove the gasket from the case, install the gasket back in the bezel groove, then press the bezel back over the case lip. Protect your case from your case knife and work your way around the bezel - don't bend it up all the way up in one place.

You don't need to take the bezel tension ring (flat washer) or springs and click out but be careful not to lose any parts while coaxing the bezel gasket off the case.

I actually lost 1 spring and the “click bit” when my GMT bezel came undone. Or perhaps it wasn’t there to begin with as the bezel didn’t have the click when adjusting to begin with.

Now I’m looking to source this part from somewhere, as I truly love my GMT as daily beater. Do you have any ideas on where to get it? Or could I use parts from a BB rep for this 1:1 on the GMT?

 

[KJ2020]

I actually lost 1 spring and the “click bit” when my GMT bezel came undone. Or perhaps it wasn’t there to begin with as the bezel didn’t have the click when adjusting to begin with.

Now I’m looking to source this part from somewhere, as I truly love my GMT as daily beater. Do you have any ideas on where to get it? Or could I use parts from a BB rep for this 1:1 on the GMT?

I have seen Rolex Sub clicks for sale aftermarket but not for Tudors. The BB click will have a different shape tip to block clockwise movement but might work otherwise. You could try using the tip of a beefy 2.0mm springbar. They are hollow and have a spring. It would have to be cut and sanded carefully. The tip or the slot in the tension washer might need some slight size or shape tweaking. I've seen this fix before on reps.

 

[element79]

[mention]KJ2020 [/mention] Great tips thank you!
Will figure something out and post results when (un)succesful :lol: !