BP Re-Releases 5-Digit Submariners with VR3135

[hollywoodrollie]

So I popped the bezel with a knife and it came off with the crystal attached to it, lol
I was able to separate the insert and now I have the bezel and crystal partially installed - couldn't get it to pop back in by hand only. I need to order a cheap press to reinstall the crystal and fully seat the bezel. If I'm successful I'll try to replace the insert with the new Horlogear.

Wish me luck, haha

 

[mrsullivan]

These latest releases are showing a gen-spec crystal retaining ring so that means a full height gasket. The previous batches had a retaining ring that was built into the case with a very short height gasket.

With the older cases you have to use the stock gasket as it is proprietary. With the newer ones you can use the stock gasket if it's still in good shape or any gen-spec gasket that gives your new crystal the desired height and date mag.

That's good news, I have a gen crystal on its way for my incoming 16613LN, we'll see how it fits

 

[watcher009]

These latest releases are showing a gen-spec crystal retaining ring so that means a full height gasket. The previous batches had a retaining ring that was built into the case with a very short height gasket.

With the older cases you have to use the stock gasket as it is proprietary. With the newer ones you can use the stock gasket if it's still in good shape or any gen-spec gasket that gives your new crystal the desired height and date mag.

Which crystal gasket should I use?

Got it. Thank you so much for your detailed answers

 

[dk2852]

Amazing writeup by @Nur-Uhr

I’m aligned with your assessment but find the 16618 gold color to be a tad pale vs GEN. The TT however is perfect.

Anyway I like the blue BP dial so much that I have the GOLD COLORED Submariner 16618 with blue dial inbound as well.

Awaiting QCs

Same here. I love the bluesy, and finally pulled the trigger on this one. It's my first gold rep of any kind. Only question is should I replace the dial with gen? I see tritium dials cheap, but getting the proper "Swiss Made" dial is at least $500

 

[johnlogan]

Same here. I love the bluesy, and finally pulled the trigger on this one. It's my first gold rep of any kind. Only question is should I replace the dial with gen? I see tritium dials cheap, but getting the proper "Swiss Made" dial is at least $500

No dial is great ! Maybe replating the watch imho is the only thing needed .

 

[johnlogan]

So I popped the bezel with a knife and it came off with the crystal attached to it, lol
I was able to separate the insert and now I have the bezel and crystal partially installed - couldn't get it to pop back in by hand only. I need to order a cheap press to reinstall the crystal and fully seat the bezel. If I'm successful I'll try to replace the insert with the new Horlogear.

Wish me luck, haha

This means old bezel/case construction !

 

[hollywoodrollie]

This means old bezel/case construction !

On the case side I have the spring & ball clicks.

Is there an explanation anywhere of how it's all put together?
Should I try and press the whole bezel + crystal assembly on the case or should I separate the crystal from the bezel (and how)?

Thanks!

 

[johnlogan]

On the case side I have the spring & ball clicks.

Is there an explanation anywhere of how it's all put together?
Should I try and press the whole bezel + crystal assembly on the case or should I separate the crystal from the bezel (and how)?

Thanks!

I would try tro press the bezel down with the Xtal attached, once don I would press the Xtal down only to secure it.. You will need the press for this operation.
This also means the watch is not waterproof under any circumstances...

 

[KJ2020]

This means old bezel/case construction !

Nah bro here's a pic from @analogwailer

You can see the separate retaining ring inside the bezel. This is basically a 6 digit construction with a 5 digit bezel. Arguably better than gen 5 digit construction.

 

[KJ2020]

On the case side I have the spring & ball clicks.

Is there an explanation anywhere of how it's all put together?
Should I try and press the whole bezel + crystal assembly on the case or should I separate the crystal from the bezel (and how)?

Thanks!

Since this is essentially a 6 digit construction, you should have a look at this thread

 

[johnlogan]

Since this is essentially a 6 digit construction, you should have a look at this thread

Maybe Hollywood can post a few more pics of the case & bezel.

 

[KJ2020]

Same here. I love the bluesy, and finally pulled the trigger on this one. It's my first gold rep of any kind. Only question is should I replace the dial with gen? I see tritium dials cheap, but getting the proper "Swiss Made" dial is at least $500

Measure the rehaut opening on your new batch sample before buying a gen dial for it.

See this post for why.

 

[hollywoodrollie]

Maybe Hollywood can post a few more pics of the case & bezel.

I separated the crystal from the bezel and there's a metal ring around the crystal. There's supposed to be a gasket here right? I can't seem to figure out where it is.

There was also a bunch of glue residue from the insert that I cleaned up with rubbing alcohol and goo gone.

 

[hollywoodrollie]

Since this is essentially a 6 digit construction, you should have a look at this thread

Ah... I see. So the gasket is sandwiched between the metal ring and the crystal. Okay, in my case I just need to replace the bezel insert so I think I should leave the crystal + ring + gasket assembly the way it is.

So to put it all together again:
1. press the crystal back on to the case
2. press the bezel on top
3. install the insert at the end

Am I missing anything?

 

[KJ2020]

Ah... I see. So the gasket is sandwiched between the metal ring and the crystal. Okay, in my case I just need to replace the bezel insert so I think I should leave the crystal + ring + gasket assembly the way it is.

So to put it all together again:
1. press the crystal back on to the case
2. press the bezel on top
3. install the insert at the end

Am I missing anything?

It is often too difficult to press that combination over the outer rehaut without damaging the gasket. You can try it but be careful about forcing it. Normally the gasket goes over the rehaut (the case raised ring) first, then the crystal is fitted. Or the crystal can be fitted to the gasket and that combo goes over the rehaut. But in both cases, normally the retaining ring goes over the seated crystal and gasket last. This allows for the gasket to seat fully and without damage in full view.

Be sure to check that your bezel gasket (hytrel ring) is fully seated in its groove. Adding a thin coat of silicone grease on it will help with the bezel install. Note that you can actually seat the bezel first then fit your existing crystal/gasket/retaining ring combo inside the seated bezel AND outside the outer rehaut if the combo will go over the rehaut easily enough. This keeps you from having to overcome the retaining ring's bevelled outer lip with the bezel gasket if the bezel is pressed last. But with reps, the retaining ring fit is not always easy so this method is not often used.

 

[hollywoodrollie]

It is often too difficult to press that combination over the outer rehaut without damaging the gasket. You can try it but be careful about forcing it. Normally the gasket goes over the rehaut (the case raised ring) first, then the crystal is fitted. Or the crystal can be fitted to the gasket and that combo goes over the rehaut. But in both cases, normally the retaining ring goes over the seated crystal and gasket last. This allows for the gasket to seat fully and without damage in full view.

Be sure to check that your bezel gasket (hytrel ring) is fully seated in its groove. Adding a thin coat of silicone grease on it will help with the bezel install. Note that you can actually seat the bezel first then fit your existing crystal/gasket/retaining ring combo inside the seated bezel AND outside the outer rehaut if the combo will go over the rehaut easily enough. This keeps you from having to overcome the retaining ring's bevelled outer lip with the bezel gasket if the bezel is pressed last. But with reps, the retaining ring fit is not always easy so this method is not often used.

Thank you for the detailed write-up! I guess the challenge is to find a suitable retaining ring die or improvize something. I don't have a rep explorer 2 bezel handy any ideas where I could source one or what else could be used in place?

 

[KJ2020]

Thank you for the detailed write-up! I guess the challenge is to find a suitable retaining ring die or improvize something. I don't have a rep explorer 2 bezel handy any ideas where I could source one or what else could be used in place?

You can use any fixed metal bezel that is made to fit a 29.5mm crystal and double as a crystal retaining ring. For example a fluted or smooth bezel from a 36mm datejust or day-date. These can be found on AliExpress.

If you want to make your own, take the retaining ring to a hardware or big box store and find a pipe (thin wall metal or PVC) that has slightly larger inside diameter. Cut off about a 2" piece then cut a slit in it and remove a small perpendicular section. Use a hose clamp or zip ties to close the slit. It can be spot welded or epoxied (if PVC) or just used clamped.

Alternately two long cuts can be made on opposite sides (cut the pipe in half lengthwise), and material removed by sanding on a flat surface. Then clamp or adhere the halves together. Neatness doesn't count and it's only the inner diameter that matters.

A vise is best when using a taller die like this would be.

 

[johnlogan]

You can use any fixed metal bezel that is made to fit a 29.5mm crystal and double as a crystal retaining ring. For example a fluted or smooth bezel from a 36mm datejust or day-date. These can be found on AliExpress.

If you want to make your own, take the retaining ring to a hardware or big box store and find a pipe (thin wall metal or PVC) that has slightly larger inside diameter. Cut off about a 2" piece then cut a slit in it and remove a small perpendicular section. Use a hose clamp or zip ties to close the slit. It can be spot welded or epoxied (if PVC) or just used clamped. A vise is best when using a taller die like this would be.

 

[mrsullivan]

That's exactly who I was thinking about
@KJ2020 you need to change avatar mate !

 

[Empereur]

Thanks for your time @Nur-Uhr ! Very usefull review