OK, what follows are instructions for changing the bezel insert in your Seiko watch. Although I`m using the 300 meter quartz as the example here, the procedure would be the same for any of the seiko divers.
OK first remove the shroud from the body of the watch. Use a good fittin screw driver, so no one knows you`ve been there.
Well, with the shroud off, the watch is looking fugly.
OK, with the shoud off, we look for that ol bezel notch, the one we want to use to pry the bezel off.
Alright. You want a knife blade that will wiggle under the bezel. If its too thick, it wont wiggle under, chose a thiner blade. Just wiggle it under the bezel at the notch. You should not have to push too hard to get it to slide under.
When its all the way in, twist your wrist, and the bezel will pop of.
This is my favorite bezel tool, a leatherman micro.
Boy, this watch is really starting to look homely. But, heres another example of the incredible bang for your buck this watch gives you, note the crystal retainer is screwed down, thats a nice sign of quality.
The easiest way to get the insert out is from underneath. Because its aluminum, you cant help but make some marks it in, by doing it this way, no one will ever see the marks you make. i use a peice of pth wood under the bezel to protect it, and to raise it up off the bench. You could use a plastic cup or something. Getting it up off the bench is key to being able to see it and get it out.
Theres a slight gap, where the insert sits in the outer bezel. This is where you want to stick a flatbladed screwdriver in, and work your way around the bezel, pry it up and out.
When you`v got the insert about 1/3 of the way free, you can reach in with your thumb, and it`ll pop out.
OK, now set the original insert aside. I put mine away, because I never know when I`ll want to return it to original.
OK, next is to put the bezel back on the watch, but without an insert yet. Your doing this so that you can aline the insert with the outer bezel ON THE WATCH. this way your gonna get it alined just right. If not perfect the first time, you`ll get it right the second time, ask me, I know.
I`m using one of my three presses for this part. This press works the best for these quick jobs, and becuase the dies are nylon, I wont scratch up my bezel or the new insert. If you dont have one of these, feel free to use your imagination. I`ve used a bottle top in the past. Just make sure that the crystal wont get pushed down, DO NOT put any pressure on the crystal. This is why you need something cup shaped, because the crystal is domed, and sticks up a bit.
If the bezel does`nt turn after it poped on, it means that youve buggered up the o-ring, and you`ll have to take the bezel off, check the oring, and try again. Dont worry, Ive done this befor, and they do go on right after a couple of tries. This is a good time to use some grease on the inside, to keep it turning for a long time. I use clear silicone grease found at automotive stores, and watch material houses. I preferre the silicone grease because its made for just this purpose, its watter resistant, and its clear, so it wont show, even if you leave a little oosing out.
Next, is to center the bezel, and press it in.
The insert I`v chosen here is killer, but alass, its the only one left,:^(.
Start at twelve, and line it up with the marker. Now, press it in with your fingures, working from twelve to six o-clock, just like closing a piece of tupperware.
Nine times out of ten, fingure pressure will seat it in. But this one was stubbern. It would not go in that last little bit. Even the press wouldnt get it, because it was such a small spot. So, I used a short peice of wood, and my Ford hammer (NO offence steve) to gently tap it in.
And it popped in. No damage was done to the bezel or the insert, becuase the wood is soft, and light taps where used. The most important thing to remember when working on watches is to think everything through, and to be gentel when doing everything. You would be surprised by what you can do, but just remember, a watch does not respond to force, they are too small to compete with it.
Did I say I love this insert, Ya. Its more tactical looking than any of the others I`ve seen. I dont know what it was originally for. I dont have any more, I only have the two, and they are on watches now.
OK, so all thats left is to put it back together, and enjoy your custom watch. Now that this trick is out, be carefull when looking at the vintage 300m`s on the auctions, it may be that they are not all that vintage,OK.
Here it is with the big daddy of the 300m`s in the back ground.
One last note. The inserts are avialible through the ebay seller "the watch collector", other wise known as Ramon. He`s a Good Guy, and the inserts are pretty near perfect.
OK, On your mark, get your bezels, and GO!
Best regards,
Randall
