Tutorial Changing a Submariner Bezel Insert

[TKH]

Guys this must be one of the most commonly asked questions

'How do I change the bezel insert in my Submariner'?

So I thought it may be helpfull to post a pictorial with words to help anyone attempting the task

My Friend wanted to convert his 16610 to look like a LV so 3 weeks ago I did it as I often do today he wanted it

Back to Black :wink: so here goes

Tools required
* screwdriver for link removal
* spring bar tool small fork end
* masking tape low tack variety
* knife (not sharp but thin edged if that makes sense)
* steady hands and confidence

1. remove bracelet I remove 1 screw then use Bergeon spring bar tool to remove bracelet from case



2. we then tape up the case with low tack masking tape ensuring lugs well protected and use the knife edge to go between case and bezel then apply just enough effort to pop the bezel and then remove bezel from watch



3.you now have a watch minus bezel there is the ratchet spring at 1.00pm sont loose it dont do job over fluffy carpet :lol:


4. now gently press out the existing insert from underneath it will pop out without the need for force

5. ok time for the new insert to go in first line it up so as to ensure spot on when back on case then once lined up press in evenly around rim you may get lucky and hear it snap into place straight away or you may need to find the high spot and then turn upside down and use a soft cloth and a table edge to put just enough pressure for it to go home then once in place the bezel on the watch and press firmly and evenly down until the bezel clicks back onto the watch ensure it all lines up and rotates nicely 8)


6. just reverse the bracelet fitting light polish and away yo go



I hope this helps please be aware the knife edge should be used not the point difficult to photograph the action of prying off bezel so have shown 2 pictures

just waiting for the call to say 'lets go back to green' :mrgreen:

Regards
Tim

[burnsey66]

I have bookmarked that Tim. I think that is really simple to follow, so thanks!

One question. How many bezel colour variations will fit onto the 16610?

Well, two questions. Where is the best place to buy them?

Steve

[Jonmurgie]

Superb, had always wondered how to do this on a Rolex and now I know :thumbup:

[clockworks]

Cousins stock a large range of inserts

[burnsey66]

Cousins stock a large range of inserts

Which colour variants fit the 16610?

EDIT: Thanks Clockworks!

[Cool Hand Luke]

Great little pictorial - thanks for posting :thumbleft:

[heuerkane]

Very interesting post. Thanks.

[clockworks]

Looking in their latest catalogue, they only show black and green as fitting the 16610.

They do black/red, blue, brown, brown/gold in the same size, but they are listed for case 16758 or 16713. Apparently the chamfer on the underside is different.

[Cavham]

And I thought you could only acessorise through watch straps, great post (sorry about spelling)

[TKH]

Some reasonable quality ones on Ebay mainly from States but genuine ones are circ £ 35.00 from AD's

now off to find nail clippers too much full fat milk and Wellman pills :D

[clockworks]

Cousins "generic" bezels are £8.95 +VAT. At that price, it could be worth experimenting to see if one of the "wrong" inserts will fit?

[boddah]

Nice work :)

[alanski]

great post mate .

got a black insert from a friend last wk for my brothers lv and this has helped greatly .

could you do one for a 1665 :) i gave up trying to fit a faded thick font onto mines the others night
but then again after a coupla glasses of red i didn't think it was a good idea to continue :)

[ghosty]

nice m8!!

i tend to put the bezel on first to ensure the spring is in the grooves, then i put the insert back in, using the cloth table edge method, saves having to take it back off again!

[brucey]

Pretty consistent. ;)

http://www.vikbobil.se/bezel.html

[brucey]

Oh - and if you need to know what fits what etc:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=49732

Cheers Jocke

[bombing]

Beautiful how-to. 5*

[MPH2OSkier]

HANDY TIP

When you have taped up the shoulders and are ready to pop the bezel... put the watch inside a clear plastic bag so you can see what you are doing but don't lose the spring if it pings off the watch... trust me, they are a pain in the ar*e to find! :-)

[ronnanol]

Nice tutorial :)

[Richierm257]

real nice may actually try it now thanks

[darrenw]

Excellent, thanks.

Maybe a dumb question, but do you know if it's the same for a Tudor sub (although mine's bi-directional, so no ratchet) ?

I bought it with a new blue bezel fitted, but also have the old faded blue one (now grey) and have toyed with swapping it back a few times as I think it could work well in the following combo...