16610 gen bezel pip replacement tips?

[McPwn]

So i got a gen 16610 insert in good condition, however it came without the pip/pearl cup installed. I have another gen pearl in decent shape off another insert which is in worse condition and wanted to swap into the better insert..removing the pip was easy, just knocked it out with a bracelet pin removal tool from the underside. Now, trying to install the pearl is a challenge.. it seems not to want to go in straight, and i don't want to bang on it hard enough to cause damage. Anybody have any tips that might make this easier?

 

[KJ2020]

Use a tiny drill bit in a pin vise to hand drill the hole slightly larger. Use good quality bits. Drill from the front as the opposite side can leave tiny chips. Practice on a junk insert first. Afterwards, glue the replacement pearl with epoxy. I use this technique for this purpose and for enlarging dial holes also.

I tape the pearl in place, glue from the back, let it cure a few minutes then turn it right side up for 24 hour cure. This gets some glue in the gaps but keeps it from running through to the front. I use BSI 30 min slow cure epoxy for this.

Same gluing method for aluminum and ceramic

 

[McPwn]

Good info, ty as usual KJ2020 . I just wonder how they got the pearl in there in the first place of the hole wasnt big enough. I ended up just using a pointy diamond file to ream the opening out slightly, and now it fits in place with friction alone!

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[alligoat]

I've used an x-acto knife in the past to gently enlarge the hole. I've also gotten good mileage with the watchmaterial.com pearls. The green lume matches the green lume on my 16610 dials. Epoxy works well when gluing them in.