1675 Clark's Bezel Assembly Issue

[hanski 40]

I recently noticed in another post that there might be issues with the complete bezel assemblies purchased off eBay from Clark's or WSO.

 

https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...mt-master-1675

 

Original post:

"The watch has WSO bezel assembly and insert ($70). There is also a clarks spec crystal as well which makes the crystal as tall per the gen and makes the cyclops magnification gen like. I purchased this from a member who got it from Toro. The reason i'm selling this for a little cheaper than usual, is that the bezel will not turn with the metal washer installed for some reason. If you take the metal washer out of the bezel however, then it will turn freely. I do not mind having the bezel fixed as I usually don't turn it anyways, however you are free to do what you like with it. I have no idea whats wrong it and have no tried to fix it. "

 

I had a similar issue with a bezel assembly purchased from Clark's on eBay. Without the spring, it would loosely spin. With the spring, it wouldn't budge. It could be that there is an issue with the spring thickness or the space between the retaining ring and bezel but I solved the issue by milling away fractional amounts of the retaining ring to allow the bezel to float up and down more. 

 

So, the bezel on these non-click variation works through friction. The bezel snaps into the retaining ring with a miniature chamfer at the bottom edge (look under a loupe to see it). The spring between these two elements pushes them away from one another, creating friction along the chamfered edge. If the chamfer is too small, no amount of pushing them closer will release the friction. 

 

To solve this, I milled more chamfer in to the retaining ring. I set up a jig to maintain a 45 degree angle to a metal grinding wheel, observed under a loupe, and very gently took away fractions of millimeters of material. I tested it repeatedly as I went to get the level of movement I wanted. 

 

I'm putting this out there as both a possible solution and for critique from more advanced modder's. 

 

Thanks for looking. 

[Genius 281]

Definitely a good workaround although for more gen like you could have milled the case... But who actually cares so long as it looks good and works!

And not saying owt wrong with your fix just mean the issues aren't with the Clarke or wso parts they are with the rep case sets

[J!m 289]

I have done the same. 

But, the issue IS the  parks and wso bezels. 

My 40-odd year old 1680 has the original crystal retainer with a brands new Rolex bezel ring. Also the old spring (washer). And it works perfectly. Push down to turn. 

My slightly newer all original 9411 also works perfectly (after I cleaned the NASTY crap out of the assembly. 

Besides the diameter, the angle must be maintained. And I’m reasonably certain it’s not 45 degrees. Also the rep retainers angle on top straight to the wall that rides the OD of the crystal. Original ones angle up, then flatten before reaching the “wall” so there is more space for the spring to work. 

Bottom line is the aftermarket ones do not have the attention to detail gen Rolex parts do.

also, inserts don’t fit properly, and don’t look right when in. The edge of the bezel ring has an ID groove the insert snaps into. So there is always stainless sitting proud of the insert on the edges. This is a draw giveaway but more importantly the insert often falls out. Look at some gens  and you’ll see what I mean. Many old polished bezels have less “lip” but sharp bezels show it clearly.