Problems with bezel insert replacement Rolex Sub 116610 ARF

[Koekie]

Hi all, I have a question if anyone can possibly help me. I purchased the following watch in 2019: Rolex Submariner 116610 904L Black ARF 2824. Unfortunately, the bezel insert had become very dirty and I wanted to replace it. I then ordered a bezel insert from Clean Factory through GeekTime because I heard it was the best rep quality bezel insert. Once it arrived, I took the old one off (it also broke in half), and tried to put the new Clean Factory bezel insert on it. Unfortunately, this bezel doesn't quite fit and seems a few millimeters (1-2 mm) larger....

Do anyone of you know how to proceed now, or any tips? How can I make sure to get a new bezel that will fit? I have tried to get the ARF bezel insert through a trusted dealer but they all say that is almost impossible to source. I have been waiting for 3 months now for a positive response from GeekTime on ARF replacement.

Attached some pictures so you have an idea.

Thanks in advance!

 

[domiffm]

Did you make sure that you really ordered an insert for an 116610 and not 126610? The "new" Submariner 126610 has a slightly larger diameter than the "old" Submariner 116610, at least as far as the dial is concerned, but I think this also applies to the bezel insert.

 

[Koekie]

Did you make sure that you really ordered an insert for an 116610 and not 126610? The "new" Submariner 126610 has a slightly larger diameter than the "old" Submariner 116610, at least as far as the dial is concerned, but I think this also applies to the bezel insert.

Thank you for this, immediately checking this with GeekTime. I am sure I requested the 116610 one.

 

[Koekie]

Did you make sure that you really ordered an insert for an 116610 and not 126610? The "new" Submariner 126610 has a slightly larger diameter than the "old" Submariner 116610, at least as far as the dial is concerned, but I think this also applies to the bezel insert.

GeekTime confirmed he ordered 40mm for me, do you know to which one this corresponds to?

 

[domiffm]

GeekTime confirmed he ordered 40mm for me, do you know to which one this corresponds to?

40mm should be 116610… maybe they send the wrong one eventually? All the 116610 inserts no matter what factory (Noob, ARF, Clean..) should fit your watch since it’s the standard size for a 116610.

 

[Koekie]

40mm should be 116610… maybe they send the wrong one eventually? All the 116610 inserts no matter what factory (Noob, ARF, Clean..) should fit your watch since it’s the standard size for a 116610.

I have just measured both bezels. The original one (which is broken) from ARF comes down to 38mm while the one I ordered from CF comes down to 39mm. I have to say I am just referring to the bezel insert. The bezel itself is 40mm, but the insert is 38mm for ARF and 39mm for CF.

 

[domiffm]

I have just measured both bezels. The original one (which is broken) from ARF comes down to 38mm while the one I ordered from CF comes down to 39mm. I have to say I am just referring to the bezel insert. The bezel itself is 40mm, but the insert is 38mm for ARF and 39mm for CF.

Yeah so 39mm bezel diameter should be 126610.

 

[Koekie]

Yeah so 39mm bezel diameter should be 126610.

Alright, seems that has been the mess-up. I have asked GeekTime to re-order correct one. Hopefully soon I am able to sell my wrong bezel insert size haha.

Thanks for your help.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

i’m assuming the old insert is held in with sticky tape. While you’re waiting for your replacement you can clean out the old tape and read up on installing inserts and order some pre-cut bezel tape from eBay. You’ll want to install the bezel ring onto the case and then install the insert last so it’s aligned with the dial.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

And take out the balls and springs and put them in a safe place until you’re ready or you’ll be ordering replacements.

 

[Koekie]

And take out the balls and springs and put them in a safe place until you’re ready or you’ll be ordering replacements.

Haha yes very good points, thank you for that. I have put the watch untouched in a safe place. Hope I can just click the bezel on top of the watch again once I have the correct insert. For me it now looks strange how the bezel can sit tights on the few balls /springs popping out of the watch. Hopefully its a simple click-system.
Could you maybe link me an example eBay listing (if allowed)? In my country we don't really use eBay that much.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

Haha yes very good points, thank you for that. I have put the watch untouched in a safe place. Hope I can just click the bezel on top of the watch again once I have the correct insert. For me it now looks strange how the bezel can sit tights on the few balls /springs popping out of the watch. Hopefully its a simple click-system.
Could you maybe link me an example eBay listing (if allowed)? In my country we don't really use eBay that much.

Here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324588943306

 

[Koekie]

Here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324588943306

Thank you for that.

 

[Koekie]

My TD will now source me the ARF 38mm outer diameter bezel insert, hopefully that will finally fix the issue. Thanks people.

 

[markh]

I'm in need of the same bezel you are for the 40mm submariner. Could you link me to where you bought yours?