Bezels, Inserts, and Pain

[strafer_kid]

Apologies for picking up on a relatively old thread, though I expect the problems discussed are still current? Tried a bezel insert change in a GMTmaster for the first time yesterday despite being a fairly long time Rolex guy. The watch is a 16700 with Pepsi insert which I replaced .....eventually....with another. Removing the existing one was relatively straightforward ...despite my apprehension. Getting the replacement one in was another matter however. I measured both with calipers, and internal and external dimensions were identical. Re insertion of the existing one was tricky but I finally got the hang of it. Getting the replacement one in was a real pain despite the identical measurements, and both were original Rolex parts. Eventually I got it but it was really difficult and I think I just got lucky in the end! It always used to amaze me how the inserts stayed in, presumably due to lateral pressure. Having seen how hard the insert was to install however, I can see how they stay put. Pretty clever design and engineering! The answer going would appear to be a small press, although nylon jaws pliers seem more likely.