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Thread: Best tool for removing a bezel from a diver

  1. #1
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    Best tool for removing a bezel from a diver

    Is there a TZUK-agreed 'best tool' for removing bezels from divers (from SKXs to Subs) while minimizing the risk of scrapes/accidents ? i'm hoping for something on the cheap will do the tricky, but it seems daft to cut corners when dealing with an expensive piece.

    Something like this..?



    Or this..?



    Or perhaps just this..?



    Presumably with some tape on the blade, to avoid scratching?
    Or do i really need something a little more specialist?

    And while i'm here, what does 'Seiko style' mean in relation to these tools?

  2. #2
    Master endo's Avatar
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    I use these :
    https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/i.../IF145-335?o=2

    Bit of tape on the lugs to make double sure, but being plastic it lowers the chances of scratches, or marks when you are levering the bezel off.
    Works great on subs/gmts and the like.

  3. #3
    Ask him nicely.

  4. #4
    Master
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    Go to a decent jeweller who is good at repairs. Do you really want to risk damaging a decent watch for the sake of a few quid ?

  5. #5
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    This chap uses a poker chip and a hammer on a speedy bezel. Assume it would work on a dive bezel too!

    https://youtu.be/YM25dJXJ2nc

  6. #6
    Master
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    Rope to keep the diver still...
    I'll see myself out...

  7. #7
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    If it is a rotating bezel then prying it off with watch knives and the like is not good. As most of these are held on with retaining springs, you will just damage this, the bezel, case or all three.

    Ideally you want to have the bezel pulled away from the case while rotating the case.

    Bergeon 8820 is good but expensive.
    Bergeon 7052 is like the old omega set and is great, again not cheap, but less likely to mark a case or bezel.
    The horotec four jaw and other Rolex copy ones work well too and are cheaper. Tighten around the bezel enough the hold it in place and prise it up a little while rotating the case.

    Rolex submariner, GMT etc pre ceramic can be taken off easily enough with a case knife and something to mask and protect the case in a pinch.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by me32dc View Post
    If it is a rotating bezel then prying it off with watch knives and the like is not good. As most of these are held on with retaining springs, you will just damage this, the bezel, case or all three.

    Ideally you want to have the bezel pulled away from the case while rotating the case.

    Bergeon 8820 is good but expensive.
    Bergeon 7052 is like the old omega set and is great, again not cheap, but less likely to mark a case or bezel.
    The horotec four jaw and other Rolex copy ones work well too and are cheaper. Tighten around the bezel enough the hold it in place and prise it up a little while rotating the case.

    Rolex submariner, GMT etc pre ceramic can be taken off easily enough with a case knife and something to mask and protect the case in a pinch.
    Thank you very much for this. I was about to order a case knife and jump straight in! Crikey, these are certainly far pricier than the ifixit tool for a tenner! You mention pre-ceramic bezels are ok with a case knife... all mine are pre-ceramic, but i suspect they have retaining springs as they're 120 click uni-directional. So you think these need an expensive tool (such as the two Bergeon examples) to remove and replace? Or i'm ok with a case knife?

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by D4RW1N View Post
    This chap uses a poker chip and a hammer on a speedy bezel. Assume it would work on a dive bezel too!

    https://youtu.be/YM25dJXJ2nc
    That's a smart idea! The poker chip is a plastic or hard epoxy resin, so not as tough as steel and therefore will take all and any denting or damage. Use a steel tool and it's steel versus steel so you're likely to leave a dent or scratch.

  10. #10
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
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    Go to a music shot and buy an assortment of plectrums in different thickness, works a treat.

  11. #11
    Master JDB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    Go to a decent jeweller who is good at repairs. Do you really want to risk damaging a decent watch for the sake of a few quid ?

    In my experience the response is that they won't do it for fear of damaging the watch.

  12. #12
    Master JDB's Avatar
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    The A*F bezel remover is worth a try and not too expensive.

    https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/wa...mover-af-swiss

  13. #13
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Neilw3030 View Post
    Go to a music shot and buy an assortment of plectrums in different thickness, works a treat.
    Your bezels must be barely attached if they can be prised off with a plectrum.

    I suppose it might work on a Vostok, but on anything else …?

  14. #14
    That looks great, thanks for the advice/link
    Quote Originally Posted by JDB View Post
    The A*F bezel remover is worth a try and not too expensive.

    https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/wa...mover-af-swiss

  15. #15
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    Guitar plectrum

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by JDB View Post
    The A*F bezel remover is worth a try and not too expensive.

    https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/wa...mover-af-swiss
    I have one of these, unless the bezel is v. easy to remove it’s absolutely useless.

    I have yet to find an ideal tool for removing all types of bezel. Rotating bezels have to be turned and prised (or pulled) simultaneously, that can be difficult on some. Any tool used to orise the bezel must be softer than the case metal otherwise the risk of marking is high.

    I have a custom- made tool for Omega Seamaster Pro bezels but its not much use on anything else.

    One tool that can be useful us a crystal lifter with brass claws, I’ve used that sucessfully on some watches.

    Before removing any rotating bezel its worth freeing it up ( if possible) and applying some lubrication. Water/ detergent, or WD 40 can help, but sometimes the bezel’s full if dirt and can’t be freed.

    Bezel removal can be a v. easy or v. difficult, no easy answer, and no one single tool that’ll do them all!

  17. #17
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Onelasttime View Post
    Your bezels must be barely attached if they can be prised off with a plectrum.

    I suppose it might work on a Vostok, but on anything else …?
    ive done quite a few with them, even Rolex, some are not easy for sure but turning while pushing under works quite well.

  18. #18
    Master JDB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    I have one of these, unless the bezel is v. easy to remove it’s absolutely useless.

    I have yet to find an ideal tool for removing all types of bezel. Rotating bezels have to be turned and prised (or pulled) simultaneously, that can be difficult on some. Any tool used to orise the bezel must be softer than the case metal otherwise the risk of marking is high.

    I have a custom- made tool for Omega Seamaster Pro bezels but its not much use on anything else.

    One tool that can be useful us a crystal lifter with brass claws, I’ve used that sucessfully on some watches.

    Before removing any rotating bezel its worth freeing it up ( if possible) and applying some lubrication. Water/ detergent, or WD 40 can help, but sometimes the bezel’s full if dirt and can’t be freed.

    Bezel removal can be a v. easy or v. difficult, no easy answer, and no one single tool that’ll do them all!
    Yes, the A*F is certainly bezel-specific. I suppose one advantage is that if it doesn't work you haven't risked damage.

    I haven't had the courage to try the crystal-lifter tool for fear of damaging the case. Do you tape-up the brass claws or is the brass soft enough to use as-is?
    Last edited by JDB; 24th April 2019 at 08:32.

  19. #19
    Craftsman Oracle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Speedy2254 View Post
    Rope to keep the diver still...
    I'll see myself out...
    My thought was to cut his hand off and take the whole watch.....
    Could you get my coat whilst you're at it....

  20. #20
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by JDB View Post
    Yes, the A*F is certainly bezel-specific. I suppose one advantage is that if it doesn't work you haven't risked damage.

    I haven't had the courage to try the crystal-lifter tool for fear of damaging the case. Do you tape-up the brass claws or is the brass soft enough to use as-is?
    Brass won’t mark the case, but taping the case is a good safeguard against the tool slipping. The biggest risk with this tool is it hitting the edge if the glass when the bezel comes off, I learned this the hard way when I chipped a sapphire crystal on a ladies TAG and had to replace it at my own expense.

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