I got a Ceramic sub with a off centered pearl. I replacement is on the way. Has anyone replaced a ceramic insert successfully. I will be willing to do it but I am sure that this will require a bit more skill not to torque. any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Who is the resident Sub bezel expert
- Thread starter neotec8
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SpootyPuff
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There's only 2 ways I know of. safest is to take the watch apart and remove the crystal first, but I'm sure you don't want to do that.
The only other way I know is slowly pry it up with the edge of a razor blade along the crystal side. Generally they are glued in. Be aware that ceramic will chip rather easily. Heating the insert with a hair dryer to soften the glue might help.
Maybe someone else has anther idea?
The only other way I know is slowly pry it up with the edge of a razor blade along the crystal side. Generally they are glued in. Be aware that ceramic will chip rather easily. Heating the insert with a hair dryer to soften the glue might help.
Maybe someone else has anther idea?
SpootyPuff
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hmmm... that's a bit risky for my skills lol
I'll be going to my rep friendly jewelers/watchsmith and see if they want the job
I'll be going to my rep friendly jewelers/watchsmith and see if they want the job
SpootyPuff
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First, a side-by-side comparison...
Overall, the ceramic bezel is a very good replication. As you pointed out, the pearl is the issue. Before doing anything, a replacement pearl must be sourced. Like this one...
For $10, you get a great replacement pearl from Watch Material, whose only issue is that it has a green lume. Sending the pearl out for reluming to blue is the only choice available to date. As the new style blue lumed Rolex watches become more popular/prevalent in the market, demand will be such that the blue will be offered as well. Till then, a slight mod will be needed.
Removing the bezel insert:
The insert is glued on to the bezel. Do not remove the pearl and try to pry it out with a pin or sharp object. Do not use a razor blade to try to pry it from the edge. Both of these will damage the insert, and almost certainly crack the insert where it is weakest at the pearl. Like so-
To remove the insert, simply soften the glue with a hair dryer. This is going to take a little effort so be patient. The heat from the hair dryer will not damage the dial or watch- but using a heat gun will cause the paint on the Ring Lock of a DSSD to go poof, and disappear. Trust me, I know.
Keep the pearl on during this process. You will use it to help work the insert back and forth, warming it, working it until the glue softens enough where you can spin it around very easily. At this point, it is unlikely that it will fall out on its own, you can then use the pearl and a finger nail to pry it out. I'm against using anything that would scratch or damage the finish on the ceramic, and you shouldn't have to.
Hope this helps.
Overall, the ceramic bezel is a very good replication. As you pointed out, the pearl is the issue. Before doing anything, a replacement pearl must be sourced. Like this one...
For $10, you get a great replacement pearl from Watch Material, whose only issue is that it has a green lume. Sending the pearl out for reluming to blue is the only choice available to date. As the new style blue lumed Rolex watches become more popular/prevalent in the market, demand will be such that the blue will be offered as well. Till then, a slight mod will be needed.
Removing the bezel insert:
The insert is glued on to the bezel. Do not remove the pearl and try to pry it out with a pin or sharp object. Do not use a razor blade to try to pry it from the edge. Both of these will damage the insert, and almost certainly crack the insert where it is weakest at the pearl. Like so-
To remove the insert, simply soften the glue with a hair dryer. This is going to take a little effort so be patient. The heat from the hair dryer will not damage the dial or watch- but using a heat gun will cause the paint on the Ring Lock of a DSSD to go poof, and disappear. Trust me, I know.
Keep the pearl on during this process. You will use it to help work the insert back and forth, warming it, working it until the glue softens enough where you can spin it around very easily. At this point, it is unlikely that it will fall out on its own, you can then use the pearl and a finger nail to pry it out. I'm against using anything that would scratch or damage the finish on the ceramic, and you shouldn't have to.
Hope this helps.
I can't take credit for the solution, but do take credit for the broken insert! Katt, I see you peeking! I have an email coming your way...
Katt, I see you peeking! I have an email coming your way...
the ceramic pearls have this compleetely new style surface. It looks like the lume is covered by a flat domed tiny sapphire. the top is very very clear unlike older pearls, so buying a pearl and haing it relumed, will make it look like a old style sub pearl, I imagine. however I, like thinkbachs am also trying to find a decent solution for this issue........ it's the last real big issue with the maxi subs and dssd.....
SpootyPuff
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I have yet to find a supplier for the "new" style pearl. The new subs are spot on , when they get the pearl right I will get one . until then its time to change directions.