I need a bit of help (lol yeah yeah I know)

[Dave2302]

I recently bought a replica all gold YM II from a local mate who is into watches. Brand new and unworn, it's not the best AAAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ but nowhere near a DHG shitter either, I would describe it as a Mid Tier Rep.

I got it very cheap because he bought it and upon arrival it had a Bezel issue. He got a partial refund, and tbh he's a quiet under the radar kinda fella and didn't really like it anyway, also he felt it was too heavy, but I like that.

The Bezel will only turn approx 1/3rd turn each way then will not go any further, in the clockwise direction it gives a little click just immediately before it stops turning.
It should do 360 degrees in both direction. The rotation it does do is smooth, not bindy / grating.
I have swapped out a few Bezels before, and also have a good quality Bezel Remover press, and practiced on a few old scrappers first.

So I tried to remove the Bezel to see whassamatter wi' it.
I ended up at the point where it should have popped off, which doesn't take much with this tool, no dice, also tried different orientation of the watch body etc, each time I applied more force to the tool screw, until I got to the point where I thought I'd either break the tool or the bezel, believe me when I say I went way harder than I should tightening the tool, but no damage to any parts or the Gold Plating, and it still feels exactly as it did before.


SO WHAT I REALLY NEED is if anyone has come across a thread specifically about removing a YM 2 Bezel and can point me in the correct direction, perhaps a linky I would be eternally grateful. Perhaps someone has had this issue, perhaps done the job.


I have searched now repeatedly over the last 3 days, found a few posts, few Videos etc, some on RWI, some elsewhere, but not a single one specific to YM 2.

The other thing I did was searched and searched for a new bezel in gold, and the bezel insert, if I could buy one I'd use the delberate and careful destruction method to dissect the bezel to get it off the watch.

No dice regarding replacement parts either

I could of course send it to my go to watchmaker guy, his charges are reasonable, but I think he may well get to the same point I did.

So, before I decide to bin the watch, hopefully someone can shed some light or point me in a direction other than the workshop skip.

 

[mclarendude]

I have a feeling that this is one of those bezels with a bezel wire that keeps it in place which are very annoying. But, it's the affordable way to get them on and hold. I call it the Sturmanskie method.

I would recommend one of these that exert equal pressure on the bezel to get it off.

Amazon.com

Do not follow the picture on how to use it on Amazon. The watch would be on top of the tool, dial down.

You should then be able to just pop it back on by hand.

 

[Dave2302]

I have a feeling that this is one of those bezels with a bezel wire that keeps it in place which are very annoying. But, it's the affordable way to get them on and hold. I call it the Sturmanskie method.

Thank you so much for the reply, sadly that is exactly the tool and the (face down) method I was using. I have strong wrists and I physically couldn't tighten the screw much tighter without resorting to slip joint pliers on the forcing screw knob, I have never come across one this tight.

This is why I wonder if a watchmaker would be able to make any more progress than I did.

 

[MaximillianGT]

Thank you so much for the reply, sadly that is exactly the tool and the (face down) method I was using. I have strong wrists and I physically couldn't tighten the screw much tighter without resorting to slip joint pliers on the forcing screw knob, I have never come across one this tight.

This is why I wonder if a watchmaker would be able to make any more progress than I did.

Do you by any chance have another set of opener blades? Looks like these are not steep enough I guess.

 

[Dave2302]

Thanks for the reply I don't have other blades, but they are fairly steep IMHO ...........

Better piccie of Blades :-

 

[Hor-Fan]

The wire circlip may be too tight to remove with the bezel tool, you may have to remove the insert and pull the circlip out from the top.

 

[Dave2302]

The wire circlip may be too tight to remove with the bezel tool, you may have to remove the insert and pull the circlip out from the top.

Thanks for the reply.

Is it the razor blade method to get it out please or are their better ways, IDK if this is a glued insert or press fit ?

 

[Hor-Fan]

Thanks for the reply.

Is it the razor blade method to get it out please or are their better ways, IDK if this is a glued insert or press fit ?

Chances are it’s held by an adhesive ring. Warm it up with a hair dryer (not a heat-gun) to soften the adhesive and then try to pry it out or if you have some strong tape, like gorilla tape , you can put it on the insert and try pulling it out.

 

[Dave2302]

Chances are it’s held by an adhesive ring.

Thank you again

OK, this is the plan then
Sadly I'm out all day taking Mel to the Hospital tomorrow, which is 240 mile round trip, but depending what time we get back I may get a shot at it when I get back, if not Monday.

Thanks everyone, I will report back, hopefully not with "Where can I buy a new Bezel Insert for an all "Gold" Yachtie 2"

 

[Andy83n]

Having seen the picture of the watch.

May I recommend this mate?

 

[MaximillianGT]

or this

 

[Dave2302]

I've seen a lot worse lol, but yeah, that is why I don't want to spend much on it. I bought it for £50 and I know Roddy paid more for it from a non TD Reddit seller by the frown when I offered that, but he accepted the dosh.

As with everything, I've had this next to Gen pictures and it certainly isn't as bad as the DHG shit that sell for upwards of £80 (IMHO)

 

[Dave2302]

First Pic my shit rep vs 2nd pic Gen

 

[Zeta7]

I use a whiskey glass with about a half shot of golf club grip solvent and soak it for about a half hour or more and the insert comes right off and the glue does too. The stuff I use is natural and doesn’t smell or hurt anything. I just submerge the bezel. I don’t let the crown get submerged. Amazon has it for about $10 for a small bottle. The spray bottle is about $17. A must have for bezel tape removal. I had the same issue and watched a YouTube video and was instantly sold.

 

[Andy83n]

First Pic my shit rep vs 2nd pic Gen

Thanks for pointing out with was the Gen....

 

[Dave2302]

I use a whiskey glass with about a half shot of golf club grip solvent and soak it for about a half hour or more and the insert comes right off and the glue does too. The stuff I use is natural and doesn’t smell or hurt anything. I just submerge the bezel. I don’t let the crown get submerged. Amazon has it for about $10 for a small bottle. The spray bottle is about $17. A must have for bezel tape removal. I had the same issue and watched a YouTube video and was instantly sold.

Thank you, that is very helpful, I will report back when I get a chance to get back to repairing the watch.

 

[Zeta7]

It works like a charm too and you won’t damage your bezel. The YM2 is a damn good looking watch. It’s like the skydweller in a lot of ways. Good luck with the work on your bezel

 

[Dave2302]

It works like a charm too and you won’t damage your bezel. The YM2 is a damn good looking watch. It’s like the skydweller in a lot of ways. Good luck with the work on your bezel

Yes, atm I'm very busy with building works at our property and also the workshop is busy, so I will order the spirit from Amazon and try the method out first, there's no hurry.
I feel a lot more confident now thanks to the contributors here and now I understand why it won't come off, also that the Bezel Insert is likely not a press fit.

Funny you should mention Sky Dweller I have that on my wanted list too, not quite made my mind up as to Blue Dial SS/SS or Green Dial SS/SS, Green would be the sensible choice as I have plenty of Blue Dials already

 

[ward1991]

Quit being a wimp and get the insert out brOoOO

I have used a needle to help pry out the insert with minimal or no damage from the xtal side, after all of the heating and solvent treatments.

Once you get that puppy out you can see whats wrong in there easily. And then you can re-assemble it to perfect functioning order. Last step is to throw in the trash can since it's a YM2, then you're all done, good luck!

P.s. double sided thick 3m tape stuck to the top of insert will help lift it to a tool under it.

 

[Rx4Time]

Definitely not the watch to buy if you are a low key individual....

Thanks for the reply.

Is it the razor blade method to get it out please or are their better ways, IDK if this is a glued insert or press fit ?