Rolex GMT bezel spring causing jam?

[Taki80]

Hi all,

My 16710 GMT bezel has been stuck and so wouldn't rotate for the past couple of years and I wasn't sure why that was the case. Today I changed the bezel insert from Coke to Pepsi and it looks like the spring on the bezel is likely why the bezel is jammed. I put the new insert on the watch and the bezel turned but would pop off. When I applied pressure and snapped the bezel back on tightly it was jammed again. From what I can tell it seems that the spring is potentially bent out of shape. What do you think - is there an easy fix for correcting this? My apologies for not having taken a more zoomed in photo

[N2theCAPE]

Are you the one that normally changes the bezel?

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[Taki80]

Originally Posted by N2theCAPE

Are you the one that normally changes the bezel?

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Today was the first time the bezel has ever been changed since I've owned the watch.

[Tools]

The click spring shouldn't be sticking out away from the case like that appears, it sits in quite close.

Flat tension spring goes on, click spring goes in, the bezel is then put on capturing the click spring so it is inside and bump is riding on the teeth, then is should be a fairly easy, but firm, click to press on.

[Taki80]

Originally Posted by Tools

The click spring shouldn't be sticking out away from the case like that appears, it sits in quite close.

Flat tension spring goes on, click spring goes in, the bezel is then put on capturing the click spring so it is inside and bump is riding on the teeth, then is should be a fairly easy, but firm, click to press on.

Thanks - this is super helpful. Is fixing the click spring something a DIYer like myself could fix or does this require a watchmaker? Would it require a new spring altogether?

[Vinnee]

Do you often change the bezel yourself?

[ltmgeller]

I can't really tell from the pic but the click spring and tension ring look a little off. It's very easy to replace if you can source the right parts.

[Floorguy]

FWIW, I’ve always had trouble with seating the click spring, so I just leave it out and have no problems. Bezel still rotates, and has enough tension to stay where I set it..

[Taki80]

Originally Posted by Vinnee

Do you often change the bezel yourself?

No, today is the first time I changed the bezel.

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by Taki80

No, today is the first time I changed the bezel.

Make sure the the plain ring goes on before the spring so the spring sits on top of it then clik the bezel in place.
I did it the other way round at first and had same problem.....now i change inserts almost weekly.....some on here would have you believe its rocket science or you shouldnt touch it your self....like everything its easy when you know how...nice watch

[Beckster]

Originally Posted by Macnavara

Make sure the the plain ring goes on before the spring so the spring sits on top of it then clik the bezel in place.
I did it the other way round at first and had same problem.....now i change inserts almost weekly.....some on here would have you believe its rocket science or you shouldnt touch it your self....like everything its easy when you know how...nice watch

I agree. Make sure you push the bezel together with the spring in place first. Then try to rotate the bezel and see that it rotates as it should without the insert. You can adjust it if you need to. Once the bezel turns as it should then you place the insert. I find this way works for me cos if not I’d have to remove the whole bezel again if it doesn’t rotate properly. Hope you get what I’m trying to say. Good luck!

[ras47]

I changed the bezel insert exactly once on my GMT Master II. That was enough to convince me I didn't want to do it again. That little spring was a b!tch to keep in place. I only attempted it because the spring was out of position and made it almost impossible to rotate the bezel. The job is nothing technical. It just takes a delicate touch.

[Taki80]

Originally Posted by ras47

I changed the bezel insert exactly once on my GMT Master II. That was enough to convince me I didn't want to do it again. That little spring was a b!tch to keep in place. I only attempted it because the spring was out of position and made it almost impossible to rotate the bezel. The job is nothing technical. It just takes a delicate touch.

I read an old post from you on this exact topic (I think you dropped your original spring in your carpet and it disappeared forever) so I've been avoiding changing the click spring at all costs. It sounds though if I want it to work correctly I may need to bite the bullet and do it. Is there an "easier way" to install the click spring?

[crew]

I happen to be changing my GMT insert today.
Here’s a pic of my spring in its proper place.
I’m surprised at the amount of “grit” I found under the bezel.
Time for a little spa treatment before I reassemble.
One “tip”: I always do this on a towel in case I drop the click spring. If it ever falls on the floor it could be very difficult to find.

[Ron P]

did you put a tiny (!) amount of Fomblin on the spring where it touches the “teeths” of the bezelring?
this makes a often quite a difference when turning the bezel, much smoother feeling.

[crew]

Originally Posted by Ron P

did you put a tiny (!) amount of Fomblin on the spring where it touches the “teeths” of the bezelring?
this makes a often quite a difference when turning the bezel, much smoother feeling.

Fomblin? Never heard of it but I will look into it.
Have to say, the Rolex bezels (I have the GMT and a Sub) operate very smoothly and with noticeable precision. I own 3 Omega Seamasters, and while I like them all, none of those bezels match Rolex for ease of use.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Ron P

did you put a tiny (!) amount of Fomblin on the spring where it touches the “teeths” of the bezelring?

A good practice as long as one is judicious applying fomblin...a pin or plastic toothpick is the way to apply just a drop.

The OP’s issue is beyond lubrication methinks.


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