I was about to work on an Elgin 16s watch I picked up the other day, and managed to get the bezel stuck while unscrewing it. I had it open before, and screwed it back on, but today as I was turning it, it seems to have gone off the threads crooked, and now it is stuck.

I can't budge it. Any suggestions. I was being really careful. I don't know how it happened.

Dale take a look at the bezel one side will probaly be lower than the other if so try pulling it up with your fingernail don,t put enough pressure to bend it,,once it,s level you may be able too get it off.

An update for anyone reading:

Lindell's advice worked like a charm. The bezel snapped right off with little pressure, and without damaging anything.

Thanks again for the phone call. I thought I was dead in the water before you intervened!

Dale,

You came to the right place to ask about this kind of stuff! There's really a fine collection of experts here at IHC185 more than willing to share valuable knowledge. Glad it worked out.

William

Here's another idea; take the bezel off again and place it on a flat surface and see if it rocks. Sometimes a slight bend can cause a bezel to become stuck. When this is the case I take such a bezel and press it down slightly on the edge of my bench to get it level.

Dale, I have an old scalpel with a knurled handle and a blade stoned dull. It is good steel and strong and makes a good case opener. I use it to pop a bezel over sticky threads as my finger nails break. Once you have the bezel of take a toothbrush, preferably not your own, and a little "goof off" and clean the bezel and body threads, check for damage and if necessary clean up the damage. Then put a drop of light oil on the threads. I also use a sliver of plain white soap on the threads sometimes. Those little motel soaps work well!