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Swap crystal on GMT Master 2 BLRO vvvlllooo

Vvvlllooo

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I had a lot of questions regarding the install of the gen crystal to the 126710 BLRO Rolex Pepsi. So I decided to do a quick tutorial. I learn the best with pictures and so I will post up steps with a lot of them. Hope you enjoy it.

Tools needed are:
Set of small screw drivers
Crystal press
Bezel remover
Clean micro fiber rag
3M double sided tape
Electrical tape
Razor blade


Most important item you need is a crystal fitting that measures 31.29mm to press over the hyrtle ring so you can press it back on. In my case I used an old bezel from an Explorer, this saved me many times because it’s just the right size and one side is flat and the other slopes down. This helps with pressing in and centering the crystal without cracking it. Also gives you clearance around the crystal while using your crystal press.

Stock crystal
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Just be careful, always checking the tape to make sure metal is not showing. It may scratch your watch.
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Up and down motion and go all the way around, careful not to bend the bezel assembly.

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Yea, the whole thing came off! Brand new.

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Install gen gasket and crystal

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Bezel assembly taken all apart now.. ..I used the crystal press to press out the hurtle ring.
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crucial tool is that bezel from and old explorer...i used that to press that baby in..makes it easy
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just showing you how it looks then use crystal press to press in hurtle ring
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For this part just put the gasket back in. use a flat head screw driver to hold the assembly in place. It's only held by the plastic gasket. If yours is damage, fishing line or plumbers tape is ok too. Just press in assembly and get it in between hurtle ring and assembly. Test to make sure it spins freely.
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Add 3M tape and align. Good to go.
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In the sun shot!
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Last edited:

KJ2020

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Excellent pics bro, thanks. One thing i wasn't quite sure how you did it was the bezel gasket. I have always fitted that to the bezel groove then pressed it onto the case with a press die. Also can you tell if this bezel gasket had a stairstep profile on the inner perimeter where it fits over the retaining ring lip? Noobs I've done had that bezel gasket side profile, and the "bottom step" needed to go down, toward the case or the bezel wouldn't rotate.
 

Vvvlllooo

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Excellent pics bro, thanks. One thing i wasn't quite sure how you did it was the bezel gasket. I have always fitted that to the bezel groove then pressed it onto the case with a press die. Also can you tell if this bezel gasket had a stairstep profile on the inner perimeter where it fits over the retaining ring lip? Noobs I've done had that bezel gasket side profile, and the "bottom step" needed to go down, toward the case or the bezel wouldn't rotate.

You are right brother..It's like the subs..then you just have to make sure the gasket sits between the lip and holds the assembly down. thats not a penis

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Last edited:

Pietros

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14/12/18
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Wow-thank you for a great, detailed tutorial, it confirms that it's beyond my skills and has probably saved me from fecking up an expensive rep ;)
I'll order the gen crystal but need someone UK based to install it.
Any suggestions welcome!
 
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DD60

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Nice work and great pics. Thanks for sharing.
 
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thrillofhunt

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Great post. The right tools will help in attempting this.
 

rrr27

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hi mate, i tried to change the glass on my arf gmt master II 116710. when i removed the bezel, the glass remained attached because the hyrtle ring remained inserted. How can I remove it? Thanks
 

KJ2020

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hi mate, i tried to change the glass on my arf gmt master II 116710. when i removed the bezel, the glass remained attached because the hyrtle ring remained inserted. How can I remove it? Thanks

Use a crystal press and dies. You should use a die that contacts the bezel rim but doesn't touch the insert
 

GMTlover

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What if you dont have the explorer bezel?
Also does the ceramic insert really need to come off?
I just installed a gen insert and dont want to break it taking it off again
 

GMTlover

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Every time I press the bezel assembly back on it doesnt turn anymore… no clue what I’m doing wrong…