My first Invicta was a Grand Diver automatic, before they began to engrave the Invicta name on the side. Lost the bezel cover while swimming in a salt water pool. Replaced and still have the watch more than 15 years later
Thanks for fixing, and showing how it can be fixed, a very inexpensive watch. Even though it's inexpensive, it still deserves care and service and not simply to be thrown in a drawer and never worn again.
Most Invicta automatic divers are capable of 5 to 10 years of daily service with minimal care, the biggest risk is getting the watch wet without making sure the crown was screwed in 100%. Don't ask me how I learned that lesson lol.
Whether it's a $100 Invicta Pro Diver or a $4,400. Three month old Omega 300 Pro they can break or have an issue. My Omega Date wheel hangs up every two or three days. It clears itself on the next change but for 4k that's not the point is it. One thing for sure if it was the Invicta I'd be more forgiving and just get it fixed. Watches are great until they go sideways. Nice video.
This video literally saved my Invicta 0420, the all titanium pro-diver watch, no longer made. I had ruined my older 420 by trying to remove the bezel with the watchmaker's knife only and ended up ruining the watch. The bogus other video had instructed you to do what I did to wreck that watch. Richard's tip of removing the bezel face and then the retaining clip- was the key to success. I'll be looking this guy up in the future to help me maintain my Invictas! George B. White
The quality and depth of your videos are great. You have great close-up shots and such too that really help when you're explaining things - it's great as someone just getting into the finer and more detailed points of watches / watchmaking. Thanks!
Thanks for posting. Solved the problem I have with a couple of bezels I've popped off of a similar design. Couldn't figure out how to refit but now realise the insert has to be removed. First job for tomorrow morning. Cheers.
Hi Simon ... very pleased you found this useful. In the video I mention the re-gluing of the bezel insert. For safety's sake you should refresh the adhesive when you replace the insert. Hope it works out and take it slow. Richard
Perfect! I'm repairing an Invicta 0420 automatic which came to me with the bezel disassembled. The video was just what I needed. The spring on this model is improved so I didn't have to dig out the broken stub. Thank You!
Thanks! I need to remove my bezel and that spring retainer makes bezel removal quite difficult. So, your vid shows how done. I was surprised however, to learn that the stainless steel click spring was so easily corroded! They should be made from a better quality steel perhaps!?
I own an Invicta quartz speedway. Price was not outrageous, not cheap; but for what I spent, it annoys me that the second hand and indices are not wanting to agree on what second it is. It's a really huge watch. Not just wide, but thick. I bought it for it's green abalone dial, which is kind of cool. I like the orange tipped second hand as well. But I think it's more of a funny watch to wear, not a serious watch. If I want a precise instrument, I would wear my radio synced Citizen Eco Drive ( LOVE that watch, but have gotten a bit into collecting watches in the last few years, so I have some other options for variety.)
I'm no watchmaker but I managed to remove the bezel from my Pro Diver very easily with my bare hands after removing the insert (to swap it for a ceramic one). I also removed the old glue and used G-S Hypo to glue in the new one. I find it unbelievable that invicta would 'spoil the ship for a ha'penny worth of tar' by using a non-stainless ratchet spring! Interesting dissection! Thumbs up.
Thanks for this interesting video demo fix...Is there some way of making that spring less vulnerable to rusting up like that?... Something like giving it a good daubing of Piebert silicon lubricant perhaps?
Hadn't thought of that! Sounds like a good idea and certainly couldn't hurt as it is isolated from the movement ... might try that next time I open one of these up. Thanks for the tip!
@@richardperrettwatchmaker You can replace the OEM wire that tends to rust and break with a more corrosion resistant stainless one. If you want to retain the OEM spring wire, use Cerakote to protect it from moisture and wear damage. www.cerakote.com/ www.kecocoatings.com/news/cerakote-what-is-it-and-does-it-work-for-you/ Cerakote is the hardest and most corrosion resistant coating available. Cerakote comes in many colors if you want to try color mods for watches too. BTW, I subbed after watching your first review of this watch you just fixed.
I have the same pro diver with th scalloped bezel instead of the bottle cap bezel. I bought it and have used it for a few months now because you gave it a good review. I see the vulnerability of the bezel is because the spring is not stainless. Is it worth it to change to stainless spring steel? I also bought a Bulova precisionist because you gave it a good review. Thank you and I'll continue to follow
Hi, I crashed my bicycle, and put my Invicta down hard, and have been working to remove the bezel for a couple weeks. I think this is exactly what I need to do, thanks for fine demonstration for fixing this problem
I plan to replace the insert and install a saphire crystal, this video has convinced me to at least grease the springs lightly as well as the new o rings, this material seems unsuitable perhaps I will replace the springs altogether with stainless, it must be heat treated to retain tension, very disappointing
Tne one part of this video that I wanted to see, you didn't show! How did you get the bezel back on while getting the inner/click spring into place with tension?
Turn the bezel upside down and press the spring into place in the bezel with both sides of the spring pressing against the teeth. Then lower the watch onto the bezel instead of trying to lower the bezel onto the watch. From there you just have to turn the bezel until the spring seats in the little hole. Just keep everything upside down until it's in place.
As a retired engineer I would not call using a steel spring instead of a stainless steel spring in a saltwater diving watch application "engineering". Using the correct materials for the application is basic engineering 101.
Thanks, excellent video. Have you noticed that both pointers are becoming gray (the white part of them). I had the same problem after just 1 month, so asked the seller to change the watch for that reason. Now I have white pointers, but a cracky bezel!! I'm not complaining for the price, I love this watch and it's really accurate, but Invicta lacks some attention assembling it...
I restore cars for a hobby and am very familiar with the rust problem. Looking at your video again, from what i see it looks like the wire was stress-fractured at the bend from the factory. Given the surface rust on the rest of the wire and that pile of rust debris next to the broken piece, I would guess that the rusting probably contributed minimally to the failure. Considering how short a time you've had the watch, a rust-through is highly unlikely-especially since the rest of the wire had minimal surface rust. So, I would chalk it up to a defective stress crack in the wire. Having said that, I am planning to work in a rust inhibitor on the one that I have coming since I will be in the ocean with it. Good video though! Your first vid on this watch convinced me to order one.
I bought one of these watches at an estate sale and discovered the bezel must have been forced to rotate the wrong direction because it is wedged so tight that it will not rotate at all. I will try your repair to remedy the problem.
Hey great video. Couple questions. Do you know the gauge wire you used to replace the rusted wire? Also if you know, how can you reduce the back play in one of these watches? Is that something that can be adjusted by loosening the wire/tightening or is that caused by the teeth? I imagine it isn't caused by the retaining spring, that would just reduce/increase the tension for spinning the bezel. Really good stuff, if I get one of these watches I'll probably try to give the watch a good submerged rinse after going in the ocean and try to let it dry well
Hoping to see a new video before the new year ;-) meanwhile I wish you all the best, may you find happiness and good health on this Christmas! Thank you for your great contents, hoping to see more in 2021! A big hug from Italy.
Happy Christmas Fabrizio ... very nice to hear from you sir! Yes, I am hoping to release a video before the end of this year (or maybe the first day of next year). Happy Christmas and big hug back from Wales! Richard
hi - great video - how do you secure the ratchet or unidirectional spring in place prior to fitting the bezel....besides clipping it in, and seating it in the gulley, how do you get the bezel in, just push ? surely the spring must be moved slightly away from the wll of the gully before pushing bezel on - or do you wind it ? thanks but this piece of info is not shown in your video
Hi Stephen ...as I remember with this type of bezel you just have to place the spring in the hole and bend it 'flat' against the crystal mount, then carefully place the bezel over the top. The bezel will now hold the spring in place whilst you tension it down with the retaining clip that seats in the gully around the crystal mount .. once done you refix the bezel insert ... simples! Hope this helps. Richard
Hi Richard, I'm just catching up with your excellent videos, for which many thanks 😊 I own 3 different Pro Divers and am very happy with them. But if I want to go swimming in the oggin, tend to wear my trusty Rolex Datejust instead. And I rinse it off afterwards. Ex RN 4 ringer here - no hard feelings!
It would have been nice if you would have been given a link to order new parts.I would love to find stainless steel springsteel so that I could replace the spring with a stainless steel one.
You shouldn't have to pry that bezel up like that. If you apply pressure to the bottom of the bezel, you'll notice that a small gap appears at the top, allowing you to pop it right off with your fingernails.
As someone who owns both expensive and inexpensive watches, I used to sing the praises for the sub $70 Invicta pro diver until seeing this video which cannot be unseen. The spring and bezel being rusted after a few months with some diving is obviously not true 316L. Now we can see the true price cutting. True 316L would have not rusted like this in a few months.
Although it's understandable that they didn't use stainless steel due to the low cost... If these watches are to be used in salt water, maybe replacing the wire with corrosion resistant metal would be of benefit. Thanks for the upload!
The cost of stainless for those spring over medium carbon steel is about 25 to 50 cents. Their is very little actual material in those springs so raw material cost difference is minimal would be minimal. Remember the whole case and bracelet is stainless steel on a sub $100 watch and most of the cost is in the movement anyway.
That piece of metal inside the bezel was clearly not suitable for salt water insertion. There was rust, so it broke off. For 5 € cent more it could have been stainless steel. Why on earth is somebody saving 5 eurocent in material cost? Now you end up with a useless bezel after a couple of months using this watch in salt water. I hope somebody at Invicta is watching this video. Very useful content, thanks Richard.
Hi Rene! Were I head of engineering at Invicta I would have demanded a Mod on this component so as to overcome this issue. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
I don't think many £75,- Invicta watches come back to the factory. So they probably don't know this problem. You just buy a new one. You can't repair a £75,- watch for a reasonable price. (unless of course you are a watchmaker...)
Thanks for the video. You'd think that spring would be a higher level stainless steel to avoid the corrosion. Or at a minimum blued to help avoid it. Still like mine but that is not a good thing.
Is that spring prone to corrosion? If so, why did you put it back in the watch? I would have thought that replacing it with something more corrosion resistant would be the thing to do.
Haha! You make a good point David .... I think it's a question of the economics of it. A quick reshape and replacement works fine for me (and a lot of folks I figure) as I am not using it as a real dive watch so even if it breaks again it's no big deal. Doing a proper modification in which I source a new material I judged as a bit of the top in this instance. It's not even a viable 'after market service' (it did cross my mind) as I don't think anyone would pay £80 for a mod on a watch which they bought for £75. Thanks for raising it though. Richard
Hi Miles .... brass is pretty much never used as a spring as it doesn't have the right properties. Steel and high treated steel is the standard. In this instance as only a tiny section of spring had broken away I went for the easiest option which was to use the same spring. Hope this helps. Richard
I have a Invicta Reserve Women's Subaqua Noma I Limited Edition Swiss Quartz Chronograph and the bezel the top part that turns popped off. Can you tell me how to fix that?
Hi Tonya! Now that's a 'confident looking watch'! Ok, I cannot really say for certain without the watch in front of me but that design does have an inner bezel ring (its narrow but its there). Under this I would expect to find the bezel retaining spring. If this works loose the bezel will come off. If replacing it is pretty simple if you still have the spring and it is undamaged but reseating and fixing the inner bezel ring back on top might be tricky. Like I say difficult to be sure without the watch physically in front of me. If the watch is under warranty I would send it back to Invicta.
Hey Shane! Thanks for the feedback .... I was a soldier for twenty years before becoming a watchmaker and I am used to a bit of 'French' so no worries there. Thanks for the positive feedback! Richard
Mr Perrett do you work on Invicta diver commercially. I have one & no problem other than it looses about 8 minutes every 7 days. Can or would you fix my watch? Thanks ,John Etheriedge
I recently purchased a pro diver and placed it a glass of water to check basic water resistance but dried off the watch but forgot to hit it with a blow driver, should I worry about this spring?
Damn! Your bezel broke after 3 months? I’ve had my black and gold pro diver for 2 years now and it still works! Well, the bezel spins. BUT, I would pull the crown out to turn my watch off. One day I forgot I had pulled it out and I pulled it too hard and the crown broke off. Without the crow I can’t turn my watch back on and I can’t set the correct time. How can I fix this??
I have a watch that I am not sure of what type of spring or bezel design it has. It is a Croton with an ETA Movement . I believe it is an older model. I don't know if the bezel is supposed to pop off like Seiko or Like Invicta/ I don't want to break it. However need to know what part to order. As the bezel has a lot of Play and not much tension and a Hollow click. Could I send you a Picture of this watch maybe you could give me an idea? Thank You
Great video and it’s wonderful to know the vulnerability of the bezel. I dunk my dive watches in fresh water for a day after going in the ocean to avoid little hidden bits from rusting. Not sure if it helps or if I’ll suffer the same outcome as you by taking my watch in the waves. Either way it’s good to know, cheers!
Hi brendon ... a day in fresh water might be a bit over the top but a rinse through under a tap and then a dry with a blower would be certain to more good than harm I figure. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
I lost my click spring for my pro diver bezel while removing it because it shot out somewhere in the room and I couldn't find it. Please tell me where I can buy a replacement. Are they universal or brand specific. I saw one for sale that was specified for a rolex for around $7.
So did you use the same spring and it works even though it's a little shorter now that there is a piece that got broken off? Also, what are all of those tea eggs for? Those are some big tea parties you host XD
Does anyone know what I can use to make a replacement spring? My rotating bezel popped off by accident and I can't find the click spring anymore. The bezel retaining spring is fine and holds the rotating bezel still but the click spring is missing so the bezel just freely rotates.
I love Invicta watches but their bezels are garbage. I have the 8962OB and near the very edge of the bezel where it meets the glass between the 6 and 9 'o clock position there are what seems like little chips of the black paint polish chipping off revealing a matte black. its not really noticeable from far away but still messes with my OCD. And I have to say Watching channels like yours has inspired me to learn more about watchmaking and assembly. I am going to mod my watch with parts from ebay and then I will make a fully custom Rolex homage. I already have a connection for automatic movements made and assembled in Switzerland. All I need is the cases, bracelets and crystals and the watch is good to go.
@@richardperrettwatchmaker No worries. You sorted out a problem that we need to address when we swim in salt water - rinse off with fresh water ASAP! Thank you. My new 8926OB is running now after one week at +3 seconds per day! I wear a football fabric wrist band to protect it from scratches.. I am going to get a Tudor GMT next, so the Pro Diver will be my go-to. Cheers.
Theoretically you could, but it defeats a safety feature of a dive watch. The bezel is used to time how long you’re diving. That combined with your maximum depth determines how long you have to decompress (if at all) before surfacing. If the bezel could turn clockwise it could be accidentally moved to show a shorter dive time and mess up the decompression. By only moving counter-clockwise if it is accidentally moved it will show a longer dive time. If that happens you might spend more time decompressing, but that won’t hurt you. Not decompressing long enough, though, can cause the bends.
See the stack of three, plastic component trays on the bench? .... inside are all the pieces of your Seiko Lordmatic with the Chocolate dial .... I am just waiting for a new mainspring for it. It's a gorgeous piece!
Richard Perrett Watchmaker hi there fantastic i have another.exactley the same it works fine but does not hack..so when u have time i would love to send you that too...plus i have a seiko actuss ss.its a 6107 needs a service too....did that part fit the 5265 7110 i sent too great vid regards elek....
Elek N I guess this shows some of the savings the manufacturer makes to give a lower price. I would imagine one could get some stainless steel wire of the same diameter and do a conversion. I think it’s really important to remember this is a really cheap stainless steel wat h with a Seiko movement and good water resistance, I would not be too hard on them for this small failing.
I swim in the ocean with my watches that are rated for it. But ALWAYS fill the sink with warm water and let them soak for 20 mins or so to dissolve the salt out of them. Even the rubber ones (G-Sock ect). Salt corrodes anything you let it sit on
Haha! Hi Jon ... some folks just want to take the back off and give it a good coating! WD 40 and tea, British first aid for almost everything. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
The reason I would never buy one of these is because for tuppence-ha'penny they could have used the correct material for that spring, but they elected not to, even though any customer in their right mind would gladly pay the additional 'cost'.
Rusty spring on a dive watch a design feature? I would have put synthetic grease in that spring area during reassembly. Too bad Invicta did not see fit to spend an extra 25 cents for a pair of stainless steel springs, but hey who could foresee a dive watch might be exposed to corrosive salt water what are the odds? No I don't hate Invicta divers, I have several. Lucky for me I live in Michigan where we have freshwater beaches. If i do go to the Ocean I will probably bring one of my Orient divers along. Lucky for Invicta most people don't really use budget dive watches for snorkeling or diving in the Ocean.
I will not buy an Invicta after watching that. It is supposed to be a pro diver. Why don't they use stainless steel at a slight extra cost . It looks easy watching you fix it but I am sure 99 percent of us out there would " stuff it up"
Hi Murray ... interestingly I fix quite a lot of vintage Rolex bezels with the same issue! As repairs go it is a pretty simple one ... but nothing in watchmaking is very simple and practice is required for consistent success. Richard
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love how you left the most difficult part of the repair out ... getting the bezel back on over the "new" click spring.
Why do you live that? It seems mike and important step to leave out ….😒
My first Invicta was a Grand Diver automatic, before they began to engrave the Invicta name on the side. Lost the bezel cover while swimming in a salt water pool. Replaced and still have the watch more than 15 years later
Thanks for fixing, and showing how it can be fixed, a very inexpensive watch. Even though it's inexpensive, it still deserves care and service and not simply to be thrown in a drawer and never worn again.
Most Invicta automatic divers are capable of 5 to 10 years of daily service with minimal care, the biggest risk is getting the watch wet without making sure the crown was screwed in 100%. Don't ask me how I learned that lesson lol.
Whether it's a $100 Invicta Pro Diver or a $4,400. Three month old Omega 300 Pro they can break or have an issue. My Omega Date wheel hangs up every two or three days. It clears itself on the next change but for 4k that's not the point is it. One thing for sure if it was the Invicta I'd be more forgiving and just get it fixed. Watches are great until they go sideways. Nice video.
There's a definite ring of wisdom in these words! Thanks for this feedback Robert!
That would piss me off on a $4K watch. Maybe it was damaged by someone who tried to make a manual date change to close to midnight.
This video literally saved my Invicta 0420, the all titanium pro-diver watch, no longer made. I had ruined my older 420 by trying to remove the bezel with the watchmaker's knife only and ended up ruining the watch. The bogus other video had instructed you to do what I did to wreck that watch. Richard's tip of removing the bezel face and then the retaining clip- was the key to success. I'll be looking this guy up in the future to help me maintain my Invictas! George B. White
The quality and depth of your videos are great. You have great close-up shots and such too that really help when you're explaining things - it's great as someone just getting into the finer and more detailed points of watches / watchmaking. Thanks!
Hi alfredothoughts .... thanks you so much for this feedback. Stay tuned! Richard
Thanks for posting.
Solved the problem I have with a couple of bezels I've popped off of a similar design. Couldn't figure out how to refit but now realise the insert has to be removed.
First job for tomorrow morning.
Cheers.
Hi Simon ... very pleased you found this useful. In the video I mention the re-gluing of the bezel insert. For safety's sake you should refresh the adhesive when you replace the insert. Hope it works out and take it slow. Richard
@@richardperrettwatchmaker Thanks Richard. Swapped the inserts. refitted the bezels and re-glued. Job done. Thanks again.
@@esarempee Nice work! Well done! Richard
Perfect! I'm repairing an Invicta 0420 automatic which came to me with the bezel disassembled. The video was just what I needed. The spring on this model is improved so I didn't have to dig out the broken stub. Thank You!
Did they change to stainless steel?
Thanks! I need to remove my bezel and that spring retainer makes bezel removal quite difficult. So, your vid shows how done. I was surprised however, to learn that the stainless steel click spring was so easily corroded! They should be made from a better quality steel perhaps!?
I own an Invicta quartz speedway. Price was not outrageous, not cheap; but for what I spent, it annoys me that the second hand and indices are not wanting to agree on what second it is. It's a really huge watch. Not just wide, but thick. I bought it for it's green abalone dial, which is kind of cool. I like the orange tipped second hand as well. But I think it's more of a funny watch to wear, not a serious watch. If I want a precise instrument, I would wear my radio synced Citizen Eco Drive ( LOVE that watch, but have gotten a bit into collecting watches in the last few years, so I have some other options for variety.)
There is no perfect watch so I guess the secret is just to enjoy what we have! The Invicta Speedway sounds fun! :)
I think ,Ritchard,that this is a combination of rust and metal fatigue.Great macro shots by the way.
This is the video I needed a few months ago before ruining my 8926 bezel in the most amateurish fashion. Thanks for the insight!
Hi Andrew .... Oh no! Sorry you didn't find it earlier! Stay tuned and thanks for the feedback. Richard
That’s a fantastic fix and instruction. Do you have any recommendations for a basic repair kit?
I'm no watchmaker but I managed to remove the bezel from my Pro Diver very easily with my bare hands after removing the insert (to swap it for a ceramic one).
I also removed the old glue and used G-S Hypo to glue in the new one.
I find it unbelievable that invicta would 'spoil the ship for a ha'penny worth of tar' by using a non-stainless ratchet spring!
Interesting dissection! Thumbs up.
Thanks for this interesting video demo fix...Is there some way of making that spring less vulnerable to rusting up like that?... Something like giving it a good daubing of Piebert silicon lubricant perhaps?
Hadn't thought of that! Sounds like a good idea and certainly couldn't hurt as it is isolated from the movement ... might try that next time I open one of these up. Thanks for the tip!
You are welcome.
@@richardperrettwatchmaker You can replace the OEM wire that tends to rust and break with a more corrosion resistant stainless one. If you want to retain the OEM spring wire, use Cerakote to protect it from moisture and wear damage. www.cerakote.com/ www.kecocoatings.com/news/cerakote-what-is-it-and-does-it-work-for-you/ Cerakote is the hardest and most corrosion resistant coating available. Cerakote comes in many colors if you want to try color mods for watches too. BTW, I subbed after watching your first review of this watch you just fixed.
I have the same pro diver with th scalloped bezel instead of the bottle cap bezel. I bought it and have used it for a few months now because you gave it a good review. I see the vulnerability of the bezel is because the spring is not stainless. Is it worth it to change to stainless spring steel?
I also bought a Bulova precisionist because you gave it a good review. Thank you and I'll continue to follow
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
Well done again Richard , helpful video . I have tried this myself and it can be a real pain sometime. As usual you make it look so easy 👍
Thank you for solving a mystery!
Invicta needs to spend 10 cents and get that bezel spring right!
I think another 20 cents would cover two stainless steel springs. for the bezel are you paying attention Invicta??
Hi, I crashed my bicycle, and put my Invicta down hard, and have been working to remove the bezel for a couple weeks. I think this is exactly what I need to do, thanks for fine demonstration for fixing this problem
Excellent! Not that you fell off your bicycle but that this appears to be helpful in the aftermath. I hope the the repairs go well. Richard
I plan to replace the insert and install a saphire crystal, this video has convinced me to at least grease the springs lightly as well as the new o rings, this material seems unsuitable perhaps I will replace the springs altogether with stainless, it must be heat treated to retain tension, very disappointing
great vid.... I'm just wondering. If your going thru all that, why didn't you put a ceramic, engraved bezel in?
Tne one part of this video that I wanted to see, you didn't show! How did you get the bezel back on while getting the inner/click spring into place with tension?
Turn the bezel upside down and press the spring into place in the bezel with both sides of the spring pressing against the teeth. Then lower the watch onto the bezel instead of trying to lower the bezel onto the watch. From there you just have to turn the bezel until the spring seats in the little hole. Just keep everything upside down until it's in place.
Very interesting. I've always wondered how the ratcheting function was engineered.
Hi Steve ... and yes it's shockingly simple! Richard
As a retired engineer I would not call using a steel spring instead of a stainless steel spring in a saltwater diving watch application "engineering". Using the correct materials for the application is basic engineering 101.
Thanks, excellent video. Have you noticed that both pointers are becoming gray (the white part of them). I had the same problem after just 1 month, so asked the seller to change the watch for that reason. Now I have white pointers, but a cracky bezel!! I'm not complaining for the price, I love this watch and it's really accurate, but Invicta lacks some attention assembling it...
I restore cars for a hobby and am very familiar with the rust problem. Looking at your video again, from what i see it looks like the wire was stress-fractured at the bend from the factory. Given the surface rust on the rest of the wire and that pile of rust debris next to the broken piece, I would guess that the rusting probably contributed minimally to the failure. Considering how short a time you've had the watch, a rust-through is highly unlikely-especially since the rest of the wire had minimal surface rust. So, I would chalk it up to a defective stress crack in the wire. Having said that, I am planning to work in a rust inhibitor on the one that I have coming since I will be in the ocean with it. Good video though! Your first vid on this watch convinced me to order one.
Wish I’d watched this before I removed the Bezel on my Grand Diver. Thanks Richard👍👍
Hi Dave... Glad this was useful in the end! Richard
I bought one of these watches at an estate sale and discovered the bezel must have been forced to rotate the wrong direction because it is wedged so tight that it will not rotate at all. I will try your repair to remedy the problem.
So long as the inner spring is not too mangled it you shouldn't have too much trouble. Nice one!
Very cool video. Thanks for sharing and cheers.
Many thanks. Your video pointed out how the bezel mechanism works, and saved me many more frustrating hours.
Hi Shifty 1050... Very happy to have been of service! Richard
Hey great video. Couple questions. Do you know the gauge wire you used to replace the rusted wire? Also if you know, how can you reduce the back play in one of these watches? Is that something that can be adjusted by loosening the wire/tightening or is that caused by the teeth? I imagine it isn't caused by the retaining spring, that would just reduce/increase the tension for spinning the bezel.
Really good stuff, if I get one of these watches I'll probably try to give the watch a good submerged rinse after going in the ocean and try to let it dry well
Hoping to see a new video before the new year ;-) meanwhile I wish you all the best, may you find happiness and good health on this Christmas! Thank you for your great contents, hoping to see more in 2021! A big hug from Italy.
Happy Christmas Fabrizio ... very nice to hear from you sir! Yes, I am hoping to release a video before the end of this year (or maybe the first day of next year). Happy Christmas and big hug back from Wales! Richard
Guess the click spring needs some waterproof grease. And later replacement with a stainless spring.
Great Video. Thanks for sharing. I love my collection of Invicta watches.
Hi Eddie, You are a discerning collector sir!
hi - great video - how do you secure the ratchet or unidirectional spring in place prior to fitting the bezel....besides clipping it in, and seating it in the gulley, how do you get the bezel in, just push ? surely the spring must be moved slightly away from the wll of the gully before pushing bezel on - or do you wind it ? thanks but this piece of info is not shown in your video
Hi Stephen ...as I remember with this type of bezel you just have to place the spring in the hole and bend it 'flat' against the crystal mount, then carefully place the bezel over the top. The bezel will now hold the spring in place whilst you tension it down with the retaining clip that seats in the gully around the crystal mount .. once done you refix the bezel insert ... simples! Hope this helps. Richard
Hi Richard, I'm just catching up with your excellent videos, for which many thanks 😊 I own 3 different Pro Divers and am very happy with them. But if I want to go swimming in the oggin, tend to wear my trusty Rolex Datejust instead. And I rinse it off afterwards. Ex RN 4 ringer here - no hard feelings!
Wonderful videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and craftsmanship.
It would have been nice if you would have been given a link to order new parts.I would love to find stainless steel springsteel so that I could replace the spring with a stainless steel one.
probably 304 grade stainless will do the job. looks like the springs are round cross-section so this is cheap on ebay if you want to bend your own
You shouldn't have to pry that bezel up like that. If you apply pressure to the bottom of the bezel, you'll notice that a small gap appears at the top, allowing you to pop it right off with your fingernails.
Hi there! .... great tip! Thanks for the feedback! :)
I just had to pop the bezel off my Pro Diver. A thin guitar pick works great for getting under the bezel insert and it won't scratch.
This is fascinating to watch. Thank you so much.
I guess one should rinse the watch when going to sea water 👍🏼
✌🏼😎👍🏼
Hi Richard, I have a Pro-Diver with a cracked crsytal. Can the crystal be pushed out without taking the bezel off?
As someone who owns both expensive and inexpensive watches, I used to sing the praises for the sub $70 Invicta pro diver until seeing this video which cannot be unseen. The spring and bezel being rusted after a few months with some diving is obviously not true 316L. Now we can see the true price cutting. True 316L would have not rusted like this in a few months.
Waste of money.
Probably better buy a Chinese AliExpress homage watch , Steeldive. Or for more money the cronos or san martin.
Although it's understandable that they didn't use stainless steel due to the low cost...
If these watches are to be used in salt water, maybe replacing the wire with corrosion resistant metal would be of benefit. Thanks for the upload!
The cost of stainless for those spring over medium carbon steel is about 25 to 50 cents. Their is very little actual material in those springs so raw material cost difference is minimal would be minimal. Remember the whole case and bracelet is stainless steel on a sub $100 watch and most of the cost is in the movement anyway.
Which glue would you use if you were going to refresh this when reinstalling the bezel?
That piece of metal inside the bezel was clearly not suitable for salt water insertion. There was rust, so it broke off. For 5 € cent more it could have been stainless steel. Why on earth is somebody saving 5 eurocent in material cost? Now you end up with a useless bezel after a couple of months using this watch in salt water. I hope somebody at Invicta is watching this video. Very useful content, thanks Richard.
Hi Rene! Were I head of engineering at Invicta I would have demanded a Mod on this component so as to overcome this issue. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
I don't think many £75,- Invicta watches come back to the factory. So they probably don't know this problem. You just buy a new one. You can't repair a £75,- watch for a reasonable price. (unless of course you are a watchmaker...)
Thanks for the video. You'd think that spring would be a higher level stainless steel to avoid the corrosion. Or at a minimum blued to help avoid it. Still like mine but that is not a good thing.
Wanted to know how a uni-directional dive time bezel worked. Now I know. Thanks.
Fine vid! My bezel is extremely hard to turn. I saw 1 vid recommending mineral oil, one vid saying use wd-40, what would you recommend Sir? Thanks
Is that spring prone to corrosion? If so, why did you put it back in the watch? I would have thought that replacing it with something more corrosion resistant would be the thing to do.
Haha! You make a good point David .... I think it's a question of the economics of it. A quick reshape and replacement works fine for me (and a lot of folks I figure) as I am not using it as a real dive watch so even if it breaks again it's no big deal. Doing a proper modification in which I source a new material I judged as a bit of the top in this instance. It's not even a viable 'after market service' (it did cross my mind) as I don't think anyone would pay £80 for a mod on a watch which they bought for £75. Thanks for raising it though. Richard
great vid thanks, why didn't you replace it with brass?
Hi Miles .... brass is pretty much never used as a spring as it doesn't have the right properties. Steel and high treated steel is the standard. In this instance as only a tiny section of spring had broken away I went for the easiest option which was to use the same spring. Hope this helps. Richard
@@richardperrettwatchmaker perfect, i was just wondering as it seems that it will just snap again in 3 month :(
Nice tutorial thanks boss
Love your channel...a very useful vid.!!!
Thanks Eleanor... and thank you for taking a moment to say so! Richard
Richard, did this “take the shine” off of Invicta for you?
Very informative thank you!
I have a Invicta Reserve Women's Subaqua Noma I Limited Edition Swiss Quartz Chronograph and the bezel the top part that turns popped off. Can you tell me how to fix that?
Hi Tonya! Now that's a 'confident looking watch'! Ok, I cannot really say for certain without the watch in front of me but that design does have an inner bezel ring (its narrow but its there). Under this I would expect to find the bezel retaining spring. If this works loose the bezel will come off. If replacing it is pretty simple if you still have the spring and it is undamaged but reseating and fixing the inner bezel ring back on top might be tricky. Like I say difficult to be sure without the watch physically in front of me. If the watch is under warranty I would send it back to Invicta.
Bloody Brilliant , please excuse my French ,,the patience of a saint thank you Shane uk 🇬🇧
Hey Shane! Thanks for the feedback .... I was a soldier for twenty years before becoming a watchmaker and I am used to a bit of 'French' so no worries there. Thanks for the positive feedback! Richard
Do you know a trustworthy site for mod pieces for an Invicta 8926OB (bezel, bezel insert, crystal, dial & hands)?
Mr Perrett do you work on Invicta diver commercially. I have one & no problem other than it looses about 8 minutes every 7 days. Can or would you fix my watch? Thanks ,John Etheriedge
Good Idea to rinse the watch with fresh water after being in salt water?
I recently purchased a pro diver and placed it a glass of water to check basic water resistance but dried off the watch but forgot to hit it with a blow driver, should I worry about this spring?
Damn! Your bezel broke after 3 months? I’ve had my black and gold pro diver for 2 years now and it still works! Well, the bezel spins. BUT, I would pull the crown out to turn my watch off. One day I forgot I had pulled it out and I pulled it too hard and the crown broke off. Without the crow I can’t turn my watch back on and I can’t set the correct time. How can I fix this??
I cant find a Video that shows how to install "Retaining Clip - Spring. . The Octagonal Clip =- Spring?
Stress corrosion cracking of the spring wire.
I have a watch that I am not sure of what type of spring or bezel design it has. It is a Croton with an ETA Movement . I believe it is an older model. I don't know if the bezel is supposed to pop off like Seiko or Like Invicta/ I don't want to break it. However need to know what part to order. As the bezel has a lot of Play and not much tension and a Hollow click. Could I send you a Picture of this watch maybe you could give me an idea? Thank You
How can I replace the spring (shown at 7 min)? I lost the one I had.
Great video and it’s wonderful to know the vulnerability of the bezel. I dunk my dive watches in fresh water for a day after going in the ocean to avoid little hidden bits from rusting. Not sure if it helps or if I’ll suffer the same outcome as you by taking my watch in the waves. Either way it’s good to know, cheers!
Hi brendon ... a day in fresh water might be a bit over the top but a rinse through under a tap and then a dry with a blower would be certain to more good than harm I figure. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
I lost my click spring for my pro diver bezel while removing it because it shot out somewhere in the room and I couldn't find it. Please tell me where I can buy a replacement. Are they universal or brand specific. I saw one for sale that was specified for a rolex for around $7.
Thank you!
My pleasure Tobbe! Richard
So did you use the same spring and it works even though it's a little shorter now that there is a piece that got broken off?
Also, what are all of those tea eggs for? Those are some big tea parties you host XD
Any idea what glue you can use if you wanted to refresh the number ring to the bezel? I had mine pop off and their is no residue to hold it.
i've been to the lake swimming, was over 5 years ago and my Invicta#1770 has no issues
Does anyone know what I can use to make a replacement spring? My rotating bezel popped off by accident and I can't find the click spring anymore. The bezel retaining spring is fine and holds the rotating bezel still but the click spring is missing so the bezel just freely rotates.
I wish to GOD that I could have understood ONE SINGLE WORD you said!
AUDIO MAN!!!
use closed caption cc function on you tube
Is that a Meopta Flexaret VI-VII behind u? :)
I love Invicta watches but their bezels are garbage. I have the 8962OB and near the very edge of the bezel where it meets the glass between the 6 and 9 'o clock position there are what seems like little chips of the black paint polish chipping off revealing a matte black. its not really noticeable from far away but still messes with my OCD. And I have to say Watching channels like yours has inspired me to learn more about watchmaking and assembly. I am going to mod my watch with parts from ebay and then I will make a fully custom Rolex homage. I already have a connection for automatic movements made and assembled in Switzerland. All I need is the cases, bracelets and crystals and the watch is good to go.
What gage metal are you using?
Hi Mark, I am really sorry I do not know, I should have measured it so that folks would know. Apologies! Richard
@@richardperrettwatchmaker No worries. You sorted out a problem that we need to address when we swim in salt water - rinse off with fresh water ASAP! Thank you. My new 8926OB is running now after one week at +3 seconds per day! I wear a football fabric wrist band to protect it from scratches.. I am going to get a Tudor GMT next, so the Pro Diver will be my go-to. Cheers.
Not ever once have I seen anyone remove a bezel insert to take off a bezel. Not on youtube and not in person.
Great video
Thanks Peter! Glad you enjoyed it! Richard
Wow. You have been making videos quite a while. 🏴🏴🏴
what if I WANT my bezel to turn clockwise and NOT counter clockwise, is it possible?
Theoretically you could, but it defeats a safety feature of a dive watch. The bezel is used to time how long you’re diving. That combined with your maximum depth determines how long you have to decompress (if at all) before surfacing. If the bezel could turn clockwise it could be accidentally moved to show a shorter dive time and mess up the decompression. By only moving counter-clockwise if it is accidentally moved it will show a longer dive time. If that happens you might spend more time decompressing, but that won’t hurt you. Not decompressing long enough, though, can cause the bends.
You didnt show how to put the spring back on the case ?????????
Im shocked that it rusted like that !!
See the stack of three, plastic component trays on the bench? .... inside are all the pieces of your Seiko Lordmatic with the Chocolate dial .... I am just waiting for a new mainspring for it. It's a gorgeous piece!
Richard Perrett Watchmaker hi there fantastic i have another.exactley the same it works fine but does not hack..so when u have time i would love to send you that too...plus i have a seiko actuss ss.its a 6107 needs a service too....did that part fit the 5265 7110 i sent too great vid regards elek....
Elek N I guess this shows some of the savings the manufacturer makes to give a lower price. I would imagine one could get some stainless steel wire of the same diameter and do a conversion. I think it’s really important to remember this is a really cheap stainless steel wat h with a Seiko movement and good water resistance, I would not be too hard on them for this small failing.
If he's a watchmaker, I'm master of the universe.
Ideally the glue should be refreshed. Good video and repair though.
I personally don't wear any of my watches in salt water. I know I can with my Seiko and Orient Divers, I just prefer not too. Also, I live in Florida.
I swim in the ocean with my watches that are rated for it. But ALWAYS fill the sink with warm water and let them soak for 20 mins or so to dissolve the salt out of them. Even the rubber ones (G-Sock ect). Salt corrodes anything you let it sit on
@@fslater102 I just can't bring myself to do it.
had the same problem with my invicta. WD40 works wonders,
Haha! Hi Jon ... some folks just want to take the back off and give it a good coating! WD 40 and tea, British first aid for almost everything. Thanks for the feedback. Richard
if you use wd40 when cleaning your watch it helps prevent rusting
Thank you sir 👍new subscriber here
A dive watch that you can't swim in??? You can keep it Invicta!
The reason I would never buy one of these is because for tuppence-ha'penny they could have used the correct material for that spring, but they elected not to, even though any customer in their right mind would gladly pay the additional 'cost'.
Rusty spring on a dive watch a design feature? I would have put synthetic grease in that spring area during reassembly. Too bad Invicta did not see fit to spend an extra 25 cents for a pair of stainless steel springs, but hey who could foresee a dive watch might be exposed to corrosive salt water what are the odds? No I don't hate Invicta divers, I have several. Lucky for me I live in Michigan where we have freshwater beaches. If i do go to the Ocean I will probably bring one of my Orient divers along. Lucky for Invicta most people don't really use budget dive watches for snorkeling or diving in the Ocean.
You look like Dustin Hoffman
Haha! Nice one! 'Rain Man' or 'Marathon Man'?
@@richardperrettwatchmaker neither. Dustin is awesome and a lot of women love the man. I was complimenting you, actually.
I know you were! Dustin is awesome ... your comment made me smile! Thanks!
@@richardperrettwatchmaker 🤘
Why not make a stainless steel spring ? Cost cutting at Invicta. 😡
Will rust through again no doubt.
Didn't realize the bezel turned thought my watch was broken I feel stupid
Great vid, just that dog was annoying with it's barking
I will not buy an Invicta after watching that. It is supposed to be a pro diver. Why don't they use stainless steel at a slight extra cost . It looks easy watching you fix it but I am sure 99 percent of us out there would " stuff it up"
Hi Murray ... interestingly I fix quite a lot of vintage Rolex bezels with the same issue! As repairs go it is a pretty simple one ... but nothing in watchmaking is very simple and practice is required for consistent success. Richard
I always wash my watches after going in salt water.
Less meandering, more editing.