I had a similar negative experience when I first tried to swap bezels on my 16710. but you shouldn't give up Austin. One thing that makes this watch so valuable is the ability to change the aesthetic so easily. For anyone who wants to swap, you just need 2 tools: #1 Nylon Jaw Pliers (I use Beadsmith) to pop the insert in and out of the bezel. This was a total game changer. I almost broke my fingers trying to do it without this tool. #2 Non-Marring Wedge Prybar (I use Snap-on) to get the bezel off the watch. This isn't as critical, but it's easier than using a guitar pick. With these tools, I can easily swap the bezel in under 60 seconds. My current collection of bezels includes Black, Coke, Pepsi, Faded Pink Pepsi, Kermit (sub inserts fit too), Blue Sub, and Brown/Gold with a Gold Bezel. Note that I also removed the click spring because I prefer the smooth sweep of the bezel without the sticky clicks.
I have changed my bezel insert on my 16710 and also my 16760, no problems really, Rolex watches are designed and made so well that if you are using original parts anyone a bit handy can do this with no problems. Bezel turn just as easily or easier after this is done, specially when you give it a good clean.
Now you’ve got a Marlon Colonel Kurtz/Marlon Brando GMT from Apocalypse Now! I typed it before I saw your reference. Props for your honesty. I had trouble with some old Patek springbars and ended up cutting the strap off. I knew If I had fiddled with the springbars any longer I would have scratched the case. An old strap was worth the sacrifice.
It looks like you inserted the SPRING backwards, with THE WRONG END STICKING OUT. That might explain why turning the bezel feels differently after you reassembled it. 1:20 to 1:30 into the video I see the end of the spring sticking out has a FLAT-SIDED hook with TWO CORNERS in its end. At 1:40 I see both ends of the spring as it exits its hole, and the end that came out of the hole has only ONE CORNER and isn’t a hook, so it is shaped so as to easily PIVOT and easily slip out when the bezel is taken off. BUT, at 3:43 I see you have put it in with the ONE CORNER end of it sticking OUT INSTEAD OF INTO THE HOLE where it can pivot, which makes it UNABLE TO PIVOT FREELY, and I suppose the single corner has a different shape, maybe sharper, making its corner NOT SLIDE INTO THE GROOVES AS SMOOTHLY as it is supposed to, and not click as smoothly from one groove to the next. Makes sense or not?
I had to take of the bezel once because there was so much gunk stuck below it and I could hardly turn it anymore. I can assure that it really is a PITA. The pick idea is great - never thought of it. If I ever need to remove the bezel again I will use one.
Perfect example of how a simple procedure as removing the bezal may seem simple for many but in fact no so in practice which requires tools and experience, with a watch this expensive it makes sense just to let the professionals undertake the work otherwise you will no doubt damage the watch even deep scratches are bad enough.
Austin , thank you for correcting yourself , and telling us not to take the bezel off ourselves. To me it looked obvious that it was difficult , and not meant to be done by the average person, but I think you woulda had some people trying in themselves.
Agree Austin, I've played with my bezel inserts on a GMT, Submariner, and Sea Dweller - all suck. I'll still do it once in a while to change things up, but I won't make a habit of it. It's also tough to get that bezel insert aligned perfectly. I'm not as much of a perfectionist as you, but even a very slightly mis-aligned bezel insert will drive me crazy! I appreciate your honesty about that.
Very interesting - thank you for your honesty, now i know if i do get a pre ceramic GMT, take it to an RSC for a bezel change. It needs a Coke bezel now to match your Pepsi
Austin, I find it easier to assemble without the bezel insert first to ensure the spring engages correctly. Then push the insert into the bezel (this also ensures you get a decent alignment).
In short, no. But you'll find videos of people popping them off with all manner of things. There wasn't a risk of scratching it with the pick, which is why I chose it.
@@watchsymposium I think he meant that if you could just pop the bezel that easy, the quality of the design and construction is questionable. I don't agree with him.Juts clarifying it
good video - nice to. see the mechanism. Maybe you want to get a few spare springs to keep the bezel nice and firm? - just an idea. congratulations on the GMT - beautiful piece.
Always have a white towel on table when doing any kind of small disassembly like this......as it is easy to loose small parts. Great for small electronics projects and teardowns which I always use and have been saved. Hate to see that spring go flying off.
I could not afford the hired help, so I fired them all due to workers comp issues. Seriously, if you have ever taken apart a cassette deck electronic transport (or other mechanical / electronic device) to replace drive belts or other and a tiny 1/8" C clamp fastner goes flying and it takes you forever to find it, and no one has one, and you cant run the deck without it, you can see why I would never want to take apart or overhaul a watch movement!
Check this photo out. www.google.com/searcq=cassette+deck+disassembly&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVjoz4puThAhVxUN8KHe2sCE4Q_AUIDygC&biw=1536&bih=748#imgrc=s9scqyVkEo-ZmM: Just like Austin, I am a fan of vintage watches...…...and I am a fan of vintage audio & hi fi equipment. All other tech devices like phones, computers, TV are current and not vintage. That Nokia is outdated man, circa 2000????. I guess you never have taken anything apart, so you don't need to go the towel route.
Rolex is low horology as well...they crank those things out by the millions annually. I'm not surprised they're so many used ones for sale in Japan...all those salarymen had to hock them when the economy crashed in the 90s and the hikikomori of today just wanna play video games in mammasan's basement 😂😂😂
@John McManus I didn't say Oris or Seiko are "better" than Rolex (or any other brand), only that they have solid milled clasps whereas the much more expensive Rolex in the video has a stamped one. As to movements, my now 10 year old Oris 300m diver keeps 6 seconds per day (never been serviced) and my Seiko Prospex 200m Automatic diver keeps 3 seconds or less (depending on nite-time resting position) so a nice accurate in-house movement there as well. Rolex does crank out about 1.5M watches a year...not all their watches are COSC certified so that isn't the right measure of their total production.
I watched Adrian video before I did mine - I watched a bunch of videos. I really wonder if their watches feel the same way afterwards. Anyway, it's just not for me.
No worries, John, there's no doubt in my mind about its authenticity, I just wanted to see what Jason had to say. I can't say I'm surprised the cat's got his tongue.
Thanks John. I probably should ignore them, but sometimes I do get a kick out of baiting them. It's a guilty pleasure of mine. Half the fun of these comments is getting into with someone.
There's no way I'd hand six thousand sovs over to some ting-tong, have you had the back off it? there might be a little soldier in there that doesn't know the war is over. The bracelet looks fine, but the numbers don't look magnified enough. A cheap Rolex without papers usually means problems. I'd get it authenticated to be on the safe side.
Japan's a safe country - fakes just aren't dealt with here. That said, as we speak it's in the hands of a Rolex Service Center getting an overhaul. So, there you go - it's all fine.
You must be new to Rolex watches. The GMT 16710 has a 120 click bidirectional bezel. The newer ceramic GMT's (116710 and 126710) have a 24 click bidirectional bezel.
I had a similar negative experience when I first tried to swap bezels on my 16710. but you shouldn't give up Austin. One thing that makes this watch so valuable is the ability to change the aesthetic so easily. For anyone who wants to swap, you just need 2 tools:
#1 Nylon Jaw Pliers (I use Beadsmith) to pop the insert in and out of the bezel. This was a total game changer. I almost broke my fingers trying to do it without this tool.
#2 Non-Marring Wedge Prybar (I use Snap-on) to get the bezel off the watch. This isn't as critical, but it's easier than using a guitar pick.
With these tools, I can easily swap the bezel in under 60 seconds. My current collection of bezels includes Black, Coke, Pepsi, Faded Pink Pepsi, Kermit (sub inserts fit too), Blue Sub, and Brown/Gold with a Gold Bezel. Note that I also removed the click spring because I prefer the smooth sweep of the bezel without the sticky clicks.
Timothy Jecks can you share more on the #2 tool!m? I’m looking for one
I have changed my bezel insert on my 16710 and also my 16760, no problems really, Rolex watches are designed and made so well that if you are using original parts anyone a bit handy can do this with no problems. Bezel turn just as easily or easier after this is done, specially when you give it a good clean.
Now you’ve got a Marlon Colonel Kurtz/Marlon Brando GMT from Apocalypse Now! I typed it before I saw your reference. Props for your honesty. I had trouble with some old Patek springbars and ended up cutting the strap off. I knew If I had fiddled with the springbars any longer I would have scratched the case. An old strap was worth the sacrifice.
It looks like you inserted the SPRING backwards, with THE WRONG END STICKING OUT. That might explain why turning the bezel feels differently after you reassembled it. 1:20 to 1:30 into the video I see the end of the spring sticking out has a FLAT-SIDED hook with TWO CORNERS in its end. At 1:40 I see both ends of the spring as it exits its hole, and the end that came out of the hole has only ONE CORNER and isn’t a hook, so it is shaped so as to easily PIVOT and easily slip out when the bezel is taken off. BUT, at 3:43 I see you have put it in with the ONE CORNER end of it sticking OUT INSTEAD OF INTO THE HOLE where it can pivot, which makes it UNABLE TO PIVOT FREELY, and I suppose the single corner has a different shape, maybe sharper, making its corner NOT SLIDE INTO THE GROOVES AS SMOOTHLY as it is supposed to, and not click as smoothly from one groove to the next. Makes sense or not?
I had to take of the bezel once because there was so much gunk stuck below it and I could hardly turn it anymore. I can assure that it really is a PITA. The pick idea is great - never thought of it. If I ever need to remove the bezel again I will use one.
Perfect example of how a simple procedure as removing the bezal may seem simple for many but in fact no so in practice which requires tools and experience, with a watch this expensive it makes sense just to let the professionals undertake the work otherwise you will no doubt damage the watch even deep scratches are bad enough.
Austin , thank you for correcting yourself , and telling us not to take the bezel off ourselves. To me it looked obvious that it was difficult , and not meant to be done by the average person, but I think you woulda had some people trying in themselves.
It’s easy if you put on the insert after the bezel is on
😂 I was thinking about doing that! Not any more!
My 2000 Rolex GMT 16710 doesn’t click in Any direction is this right for this model?
Love these content!
Wow..that was painful to watch. I would never attempt removing the bezel after seeing your video. Thanks you saving me from a sucky experience.
No problem - glad my experience is instructive.
Agree Austin, I've played with my bezel inserts on a GMT, Submariner, and Sea Dweller - all suck. I'll still do it once in a while to change things up, but I won't make a habit of it. It's also tough to get that bezel insert aligned perfectly. I'm not as much of a perfectionist as you, but even a very slightly mis-aligned bezel insert will drive me crazy! I appreciate your honesty about that.
Great educational video Austin, thanks.
Thanks Jimmy!
What's your thoughts on the Tudor Black bay GMT vs. older Rolex Pepsi GMT? Is it better to buy the Tudor or the older Pepsi Rolex GMT?
Very interesting - thank you for your honesty, now i know if i do get a pre ceramic GMT, take it to an RSC for a bezel change. It needs a Coke bezel now to match your Pepsi
Austin, I find it easier to assemble without the bezel insert first to ensure the spring engages correctly. Then push the insert into the bezel (this also ensures you get a decent alignment).
Great tip!
Wow Austin...relax...I just dug out my pepsi and changed the bezel over...2 mins easy...thanks for the vids
[Shiver of PTSD] Glad it worked out for you! [mops sweaty brow, and takes a slug of rye whisky]
Once you removed that bezel that watche looked eerlie similar to an Explorer 2 40 mm did not it?
When I service my Rolex, I always drink a bottle of whiskey, get out the hammer, screwdriver and dremmel and have at it! JUST KIDDING, good vid.
Lol, that's what I need to do the job right!
Using the guitar pick is a good idea. It won't scratch the watch...
Why did you do it, Austin ? Any need to replace the bezel insert, or just curiosity ?
Just thought a minty one would be nice.
I heard u can get the coke and Pepsi bezel from Rolex AD with that old GMT, Clyde got the bezels (coke/Pepsi)from Rolex AD
That fact you can take a bezel off with a guitar pick. Is that really quality?
In short, no. But you'll find videos of people popping them off with all manner of things. There wasn't a risk of scratching it with the pick, which is why I chose it.
@@watchsymposium I think he meant that if you could just pop the bezel that easy, the quality of the design and construction is questionable. I don't agree with him.Juts clarifying it
Yeah it's never quite the same once you fiddle around, like reseat bezel, reinstall/assemble. I'd imagine. But uh yeah. Good video.
good video - nice to. see the mechanism. Maybe you want to get a few spare springs to keep the bezel nice and firm? - just an idea. congratulations on the GMT - beautiful piece.
Thanks Andrew!
I agree that the first time sucks. But now I swap bezel inserts every 2 weeks in under a couple of minutes on my 16710
aditya1ramamurthy what tools do you use (what's your preferred technique)?
@@Silvertone58 just a plastic knife and microfibre cloth.
Next video - How to service the escapement on the Rolex GMT. Lol nice video
John McManus What a fucking tool.
John McManus
Every single mechanical watch has an escapement.
??? Also, Aumkar is using LOL appropriately.
Mr. Personal-ity he was trying to be a know it all. Ended being an asshole.
It's definitely not easy, and having Rolex do it is very much the right choice in my opinion. 60 dollars is very reasonable too.
Agreed! A lesson learned.
Always have a white towel on table when doing any kind of small disassembly like this......as it is easy to loose small parts. Great for small electronics projects and teardowns which I always use and have been saved. Hate to see that spring go flying off.
I could not afford the hired help, so I fired them all due to workers comp issues. Seriously, if you have ever taken apart a cassette deck electronic transport (or other mechanical / electronic device) to replace drive belts or other and a tiny 1/8" C clamp fastner goes flying and it takes you forever to find it, and no one has one, and you cant run the deck without it, you can see why I would never want to take apart or overhaul a watch movement!
Check this photo out. www.google.com/searcq=cassette+deck+disassembly&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjVjoz4puThAhVxUN8KHe2sCE4Q_AUIDygC&biw=1536&bih=748#imgrc=s9scqyVkEo-ZmM: Just like Austin, I am a fan of vintage watches...…...and I am a fan of vintage audio & hi fi equipment. All other tech devices like phones, computers, TV are current and not vintage. That Nokia is outdated man, circa 2000????. I guess you never have taken anything apart, so you don't need to go the towel route.
Corrected!@John McManus
Very interesting- thanks
Cheers VM!
Austin Hello, I miss your mullet. Cheers
Lol great video
Nice watch
10k watch... stamped clasp... ROTFLMAO 😂
MY 1K Seiko and Oris divers are milled!
Are those watches of yours 20 years old?
@@watchsymposium About 10 years...why?
Rolex is low horology as well...they crank those things out by the millions annually. I'm not surprised they're so many used ones for sale in Japan...all those salarymen had to hock them when the economy crashed in the 90s and the hikikomori of today just wanna play video games in mammasan's basement 😂😂😂
Lol, ya they suck - nobody but me wants them. ;)
@John McManus I didn't say Oris or Seiko are "better" than Rolex (or any other brand), only that they have solid milled clasps whereas the much more expensive Rolex in the video has a stamped one. As to movements, my now 10 year old Oris 300m diver keeps 6 seconds per day (never been serviced) and my Seiko Prospex 200m Automatic diver keeps 3 seconds or less (depending on nite-time resting position) so a nice accurate in-house movement there as well.
Rolex does crank out about 1.5M watches a year...not all their watches are COSC certified so that isn't the right measure of their total production.
Bark and Jack will teach you how to do it right
I watched Adrian video before I did mine - I watched a bunch of videos. I really wonder if their watches feel the same way afterwards. Anyway, it's just not for me.
jazz iii tortex! ;)
Ya, man! That's my go to pick for lead. I'm more of a finger-style guy these days though.
Hello, great video man, i wonder if i will have enough money one day to also buy a rolex :-) Have a great day. Best wishes from the Czech republic :-)
Thanks man! I lived in the Czech Republic a year - love Prague!
without the bazel the sub rolex looks ugly
Are you sure that's a real Rolex? doesn't look kosher to me.
What looks off to you?
No worries, John, there's no doubt in my mind about its authenticity, I just wanted to see what Jason had to say. I can't say I'm surprised the cat's got his tongue.
Thanks John. I probably should ignore them, but sometimes I do get a kick out of baiting them. It's a guilty pleasure of mine. Half the fun of these comments is getting into with someone.
There's no way I'd hand six thousand sovs over to some ting-tong, have you had the back off it? there might be a little soldier in there that doesn't know the war is over. The bracelet looks fine, but the numbers don't look magnified enough. A cheap Rolex without papers usually means problems. I'd get it authenticated to be on the safe side.
Japan's a safe country - fakes just aren't dealt with here. That said, as we speak it's in the hands of a Rolex Service Center getting an overhaul. So, there you go - it's all fine.
Don't try this at home
i wonder if you know your watch is fake. gmt's arent supposed to click the same way subs do...
You must be new to Rolex watches.
The GMT 16710 has a 120 click bidirectional bezel. The newer ceramic GMT's (116710 and 126710) have a 24 click bidirectional bezel.