unscrewing the bezel and now stuck

December 23, 2009, 15:24

Dale Brooks

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.

December 23, 2009, 16:31

Samie L. Smith

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.

December 23, 2009, 16:47

Lindell V. Riddle

Dale,

I agree, this can likely be straightened out without adverse consequences.

Just as Samie stated above, turning the case around in your hand you will probably notice the bezel is closer to the frame on one area of the circumference. Then 180º opposite another area is much wider. If so the bezel is cross-threaded, we have all had it happen to a bezel or back, rule number one, do not panic, rule two is do not force it.

Others may be able to recommend more professional techniques but here is my "home remedy" that works for me. Carefully use a case opening tool or the small blade of a pocket knife. At the closer point we discussed above use the knife as if you are removing a snap-bezel. You should be able to simply "snap" it past the offending thread.

If that works the bezel will be loose. Now, check the threads carefully to see if there is any damage. If you are lucky they will look pretty good, assuming they do putting a small drop of oil on the threads of both the bezel and frame. Very slowly run the bezel on. You may find a hesitation at the point where it was previously cross-threaded.

If so continue carefully, hopefully you can turn it past that area. Usually you can run it back and forth and after a while the threads will smooth out. Slowly and carefully are two words we tend to use a great deal in this hobby.

I'll try to call and see if we can walk through this over the phone.

Best always,

Lindell

December 23, 2009, 20:07

Dale Brooks

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!

December 23, 2009, 21:11

William D. White

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

December 25, 2009, 11:55

William Thomas

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.

December 30, 2009, 18:02

Richard M. Jones

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!