How to remove GMT II bezel insert?

[bertieng]

Planning for a mod on 116710 and needs to remove the ceramic insert from the bezel for realignment. Understood it can be easily cracked as seen done by other members here. Would need advice on what proper tool is needed for the job? Thanks

 

[Vvvlllooo]

Try the search button under tech sections

 

[KJ2020]

Which watch? Removal method varies depending on whether insert is pressure fitted or glued on.

 

[bertieng]

Which watch? Removal method varies depending on whether insert is pressure fitted or glued on.

Thanks for chimming in KJ2020 . I am talking about the press fitted model like the ARF 116710LN. Cheers

 

[KJ2020]

Thanks for chiming in KJ2020 . I am talking about the press fitted model like the ARF 116710LN. Cheers

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/modification-repairs/8689930-ceramic-insert-removal-guide

The GMT is additionally problematic because of the oval holes in the bezel well. You probably should let someone like Tickleshoes do this, he has Rolex tools

 

[botsyboy]

Removing the insert is tricky on the gmt as it fits differently from the sub in that it snaps into the bezel without a pressure washer as the sub. I’m pretty sure Rolex will have a tool that makes use of the slots on the back of the bezel to push with even pressure. I personally would realign the crystal retainer instead.


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[bertieng]

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/modification-repairs/8689930-ceramic-insert-removal-guide

The GMT is additionally problematic because of the oval holes in the bezel well. You probably should let someone like Tickleshoes do this, he has Rolex tools

Ah, so it really needs a special Rolex tool to remove it from the bezel. Thanks for the info again.

 

[KJ2020]

Removing the insert is tricky on the gmt as it fits differently from the sub in that it snaps into the bezel without a pressure washer as the sub. I’m pretty sure Rolex will have a tool that makes use of the slots on the back of the bezel to push with even pressure. I personally would realign the crystal retainer instead.


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Great advice bro

 

[Vvvlllooo]

Here’s an idea..since metal expands and contracts and ceramic does not...try heating up the assembly with a hairdryer or heat gun...then use a towel and try to just push or take off the ceramic

 

[guybythelake]

Here’s an idea..since metal expands and contracts and ceramic does not...try heating up the assembly with a hairdryer or heat gun...then use a towel and try to just push or take off the ceramic

Sounds good in theory... Did you or anyone try this?

 

[johnlogan]

Sounds good in theory... Did you or anyone try this?

Works great, 60 seconds is sufficient, when warm lift the insert up with this.

 

[Noleex]

Make it warm with a hairdryer take a flat screwdriver put it into the holes in the back and the other end of the screwdriver on a hard floor, then softly hammer onto the bezel ring (not the insert) with an plastic hammer to protect the bezel, take of the screwdriver and but it into the next hole until the insert come off. Works best if somebody is holding the hairdryer until doing this. But it many cases it will brake because the ARF insert is ver thin, in order to noob or other brands...

 

[guybythelake]

Hammer? Are you serious? I thought about pressing it out.

 

[guybythelake]

Works great, 60 seconds is sufficient, when warm lift the insert up with this.

So heat it with heatgun? High setting?

And the insert just comes off? You have done this to an ARF GMT?

 

[Noleex]

So heat it with heatgun? High setting?

And the insert just comes off? You have done this to an ARF GMT?

You will brake it with this method to 95% I‘m doing a lot of ARF GMT and I really can tell this worked only on 2 watches of about 20 for me, the ARF insert is too stiff and sometimes not proper and flat in the bezel ring, also if you head it too much the paint of the numbers will come off.

 

[Noleex]

 

[guybythelake]

Ok. I found this on the tech section. Link at the bottom. I think i am going to modify a crystal press dye to fit the holes in the back of the bezel. And press it out. Even maybe put a dap of wd40 at the edges? Not sure if it is a good idea, may damage paint...What do you think?

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/modification-repairs/8689930-ceramic-insert-removal-guide

 

[Vvvlllooo]

Ok. I found this on the tech section. Link at the bottom. I think i am going to modify a crystal press dye to fit the holes in the back of the bezel. And press it out. Even maybe put a dap of wd40 at the edges? Not sure if it is a good idea, may damage paint...What do you think?

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/modification-repairs/8689930-ceramic-insert-removal-guide

yea im sure the paint will come off..if it already peels with heat...I've gotten the insert off my noob every time with heat..but it's made different and is much thicker

 

[guybythelake]

yea im sure the paint will come off..if it already peels with heat...I've gotten the insert off my noob every time with heat..but it's made different and is much thicker

Yeah, the insert removal from Noob is super easy. The ARF is pressed in and i got one coming, i am trying to figure out best way to replace it with gen insert without destroying the original. I think the heat is out and i ll hold off the wd40, good suggestion, thanks. The paint on ARF GMTs seems to be crappy, the first QC pics from my TD had paint peeled off on a new watch, had to get an other one... probilly any chemical near it is a bad idea. I am gonna just press it out sloooowly.

 

[KJ2020]

Maybe something in this post will be useful to you

https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/tutorials/8205882-removing-and-installing-ceramic-inserts