How to remove and replace a Ceramic Daytona bezel.

[SuperLory]

bumping up this invaluably great thread asking whether someone tried to clean a ceramic bezel in the ultrasonic cleaner; I'm scared it might be too harsh on the paint, yes ? no ?

 

[p0pperini]

bumping up this invaluably great thread asking whether someone tried to clean a ceramic bezel in the ultrasonic cleaner; I'm scared it might be too harsh on the paint, yes ? no ?

I tried it with a cartel 4-digit stainless Daytona bezel - and the ultrasonic cleaner vibrated most of the paint out of the engraved markers. I know they’re very different items, but this did demonstrate the cleaner’s paint-stripping abilities - so, I wouldn’t risk painted items again.


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[butler182]

bumping up this invaluably great thread asking whether someone tried to clean a ceramic bezel in the ultrasonic cleaner; I'm scared it might be too harsh on the paint, yes ? no ?

I've had really nice results cleaning with a very soft toothbrush and warm soapy water, followed with some rubbing alcohol with the very soft toothbrush....surprisingly good results. Certainly worth a try before risking it with the ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[godknowsifitis904]

Hi, hope OP or someone who has re sit the noob v3 bezel is able to assist.

Is the gasket supposed to sit flushed on the case?

Mine seems to be not flushed and extremely loose. Wondering if a simple press would solve the issue or a replacement gasket is needed.

Feel strange that it is so loose, it has no issue been removed and fitted back in without tools. Wondering if it needs to be pushed all the way down into a “ledge” that will increase the tension


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[p0pperini]

Hi, hope OP or someone who has re sit the noob v3 bezel is able to assist.

Is the gasket supposed to sit flushed on the case?

Mine seems to be not flushed and extremely loose. Wondering if a simple press would solve the issue or a replacement gasket is needed.

Feel strange that it is so loose, it has no issue been removed and fitted back in without tools.

It should sit flush to the case. Definitely shouldn’t be loose. You should buy a replacement - they only cost a couple of bucks, and the Noob gasket is too white, so it’ll also be a win if you get one of the Cousins (or other) gaskets mentioned in this thread that are more transparent.

 

[godknowsifitis904]

It should sit flush to the case. Definitely shouldn’t be loose. You should buy a replacement - they only cost a couple of bucks, and the Noob gasket is too white, so it’ll also be a win if you get one of the Cousins (or other) gaskets mentioned in this thread that are more transparent.

Thanks!!!

Actually I looked at the pictures online and stuff, is the crystal suppose to sit on the case?

Like the gasket should be on it’s own and fitted with the bezel.

Thanks for sharing


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[p0pperini]

Thanks!!
Actually I looked at the pictures online and stuff, is the crystal suppose to sit on the case?
Like the gasket should be on it’s own and fitted with the bezel.

No problem, it can be tricky to work out what you’re looking at.
The gasket sits on the case, pressed down as far as it will go. You can press this on first. Then the crystal sits in the gasket, and the crystal presses against the case too (it sits on top of the rehaut - so again, it’s pressed down as far as it will go). Once the crystal is pressed into the gasket and sitting on the case, you can check it’s rotated correctly (the LEC is at 6). Then the bezel can be aligned correctly, and pressed on as evenly as possible using finger pressure, before the final press on using the crystal press.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[godknowsifitis904]

No problem, it can be tricky to work out what you’re looking at.
The gasket sits on the case, pressed down as far as it will go. You can press this on first. Then the crystal sits in the gasket, and the crystal presses against the case too (it sits on top of the rehaut - so again, it’s pressed down as far as it will go). Once the crystal is pressed into the gasket and sitting on the case, you can check it’s rotated correctly (the LEC is at 6). Then the bezel can be aligned correctly, and pressed on as evenly as possible using finger pressure, before the final press on using the crystal press.

Hope that makes sense!

Thanks! I am trying to understand it and hopefully not screw up.

I need to remove the crystal from the current gasket? I can just gently push it out from the gasket right?

And I will attempt the steps you suggested next


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[p0pperini]

Yes, the crystal is just a simple interference fit (I think that’s the technical term - in other words, the crystal is held in place by friction) in the gasket. They can be separated by finger pressure.

 

[mikeanh77]

very informative thread. Why i didnt find it before. i will buy some crystal press and case opener knife to try it out. i may need urgent assistance from watchmaker or i may not. jk
I noticed the milky ring halo but didnt know its a known fact with nôb daytona, not until i search it here on the forum

 

[Miniyellow]

This question gets asked a lot in different threads so i thought i'd run through how i change the ceramic bezel on a Daytona.



There are two ways to remove the bezel. Either with a tool with jaws that will lift the bezel or with a blade/knife that you can use to prize the bezel from the case. I prefer to use the bezel tool but will show both methods.

Bezel tool -

Place a ziplock bag over the jaws of the bezel to protect the case, check all of the jaws are sitting in the gap of the bezel and the case, so you don't cause any damage.

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Takes a just a few turns to wind the jaws in and the bezel will be separated from the case



Using a Stanley knife blade -

Place a Stanley knife blade in a cleaning cloth, the thinner the better. Wrap it over the blade to protect the case. If you can find a safety blade without point edges, you don't want this thing anywhere near your wrists.

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You need to work the blade underneath the bezel. Some are much tighter than others, you just need to persist with it. Try different areas of the bezel. You're going to need to use a fair amount of force, be wary of placing too much pressure against the pushers with your hand. Make sure you move the position of the blade in the cloth as it starts to cut through it.

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Now the bezel is free, we need to remove the crystal that is still attached. I place it in a cheap press from eBay with a protective bag over the crystal.

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Check the inside of the crystal and the dial have no dust or particles of dirt on them. You don't want to mount everything back on and then realise there is something sitting underneath the crystal. Don't be tempted to blow on the dial or crystal with your mouth you need to use a tool like this



The crystal needs to be inside the gasket. Now you need to find the LEC at 6, place the crystal over a dark object and locate it. I mark it with a whiteboard marker that i can wipe away with my finger.

Next, put a very fine layer of silicon around the inside of the bezel, you don't want to see any lumps of grease, just enough so you can see a shimmer. Check everything is clean again and place the bezel on the crystal, nice and square, it shouldn't be overhanging more on any side. Adjust the bezel so the markers line up and the LEC is at 6.



If you're happy, get your crystal press ready. i usually use a Robur press but if you're only doing one or two you wont want to be spending a ton of money on a press and dies.

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​​​​​​The advantage of this press over a cheaper one is it will press the bezel on straight every time, which saves a lot of time if you have a few to do. The parts are made to a higher standard. However, it can be done with a cheap $10 press from eBay if you take your time so we'll look at that for now. Theres a few different types, go for a lever type with dies that have threads.

Select a flat die for the bottom and a die that just fits over the glass for the top. Place the case on the press and very gently press down, if you squeeze it hard you run the risk of snapping the ceramic bezel. Remove the case and check it is still lined up. At this point you will be able to adjust it slightly. Keep repeating this until the bezel is almost pressed all the way down with a gap just big enough for your blade to fit underneath in case you need to remove it and start again.



So, that's how you install a ceramic bezel.

If you're good with your hands, plan on installing more than one and don't get stressed too easily i'd say give it a try. If not you might as well just send it to someone to do for you.

Bravissimo

 

[p0pperini]

Bravissimo

Brilliant ratio of quote to comment there buddy.

 

[michaelle1193]

You guys are amazing. I think i can’t do it. I should send it to the watch marker

 

[gtageek]

Is it possible to do this with the movement still inside the watch? My bezel came slightly misaligned and I just want to straighten and reseat it to the watch. Thanks!!

 

[Rubberman]

Is it possible to do this with the movement still inside the watch? My bezel came slightly misaligned and I just want to straighten and reseat it to the watch. Thanks!!

Yes. Just be extra careful when the crystal is out, not to touch any thing on the watch surface (dial/hands) and cover it from airborne dust while you sorting other chores lol

 

[daytonadude]

Does anyone on this thread know the size in mm of a stock CF gasket? Thank you!

 

[lovegensandreps]

Guys does anyone have the pics of the original post saved or smth and would be possible to reupload them if so?

I would really appreciate it as this is the only detailed thread about the Daytona bezel