GingerApple 7,271 Posted June 10, 2019 I'm confused. What is that circular blue thing and why is it hard to get the bezel off? Are they difficult/different on DSSDs (I've never tried)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,490 Posted June 10, 2019 12 hours ago, HorFan said: Ouch! The bezel is probably held on by a tight paper clip spring. Try heating the insert with a hair-dryer and removing it so you can access the spring from the top-side. @Nikosaldente Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,739 Posted June 10, 2019 Some of those spring type bezels are damn near impossible to remove. Just can't get access to the spring clip even after removing the insert. Won't know until you remove the insert though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 10, 2019 2 hours ago, GingerBubba said: I'm confused. What is that circular blue thing and why is it hard to get the bezel off? Are they difficult/different on DSSDs (I've never tried)? I cut up a rubber wheel to be able to put a vise-grip on the bezel and as turning it the wrong way and a lifting movement at the same time should remove the bezel. it did not work in this case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,271 Posted June 10, 2019 10 minutes ago, BADBILLY said: I cut up a rubber wheel to be able to put a vise-grip on the bezel and as turning it the wrong way and a lifting movement at the same time should remove the bezel. it did not work in this case. Wow! That's a PIA! Thanks for explaining. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 13, 2019 So.........the "right tool for the job", came in today (thank you Amazon), the bezel removal tool worked flawlessly. In retrospect the video that I watched did not work so well for me (rubber wheel or hockey puck method). Lesson learned. Moving forward the next steps are to do "A heck of a lot of polishing on that case with the new scratch on it" and order a new bezel (that one isn't serviceable anymore). So the project is going to move a little slower than anticipated, but would recommend the proper bezel tool (and yes there are better ones out there). It seems that the paper clip spring was the big hindrance here. To be continued...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Automotiveromance 1 Posted June 13, 2019 Must be a cheapy case? The Noob and ARF Deepsea cases don’t use one of those paperclip springs, rather they use a construction like the gen with 4 holes, springs and ball bearings with the hyrtel friction ring. Bezels with that construction are much easier to remove without damage. You can see the construction of an ARF case on this thread from nextdoor: https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/rolex-tudor-replicas/7075986-arf-deep-sea-case-breakdown Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 14, 2019 Yeah, that was a cheapy one for sure. Thanks for the link, very informative. I will continue polishing the case tonight. I am getting the scratches out ! It should look fine . Will post pics when it is worth showing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 18, 2019 So was able to polish out the scratches, using Enkay polishing compounds Here is a before and an after picture. 18K Gold plated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 18, 2019 Here is a couple more shots from different angles. Now to tackle the bezel insert. Don't think I want it to remain white. I went with silver metallic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 18, 2019 Mustn't forget the caseback cover and the crown. Now to reassemble the watch and see how it looks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GingerApple 7,271 Posted June 18, 2019 Name change needed. Ladies and gentlemen, this is no longer BadBilly. It is of course.... GoldMember. Avatar pic here: Admin edit: pic removed because, as every ginger idiot should know, pics like that belong in his other favourite forum- you know, the one for Bachi Baza dancing boys. Now, where's a mod when you need one... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,739 Posted June 18, 2019 11 minutes ago, BADBILLY said: Mustn't forget the caseback cover and the crown. Now to reassemble the watch and see how it looks. That's pretty cool! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Automotiveromance 1 Posted June 18, 2019 Cool, looks pretty good! When you reassemble, take some daylight pictures please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCShrek 494 Posted June 18, 2019 11 minutes ago, BADBILLY said: Mustn't forget the caseback cover and the crown. Now to reassemble the watch and see how it looks. Good lord man, that's excellent work. Probably a noob question here but how did you get the center links plated without the ends? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 18, 2019 I applied electrical tape to the surfaces that I didn't want to electoplate (with attention to detail), as it will block the electrical current. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,858 Posted June 18, 2019 This is bloody brilliant! Id be plating everything in the house I demand updates Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveA 307 Posted June 18, 2019 I think a bit of wee just came out,can’t wait for the full on assembled money shot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 18, 2019 It's starting to come together , wow a two toned Deep Sea Sea Dweller., .....now I think that I will mod the dial a little, after having watched one of NCRich's tutorials....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Enthusiast88 3 Posted June 18, 2019 Looking good, excellent work Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BADBILLY 115 Posted June 19, 2019 Here are some of the pictures of my Electroplating system, passing the voltage check system test. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites