I bought a Ham 974 "beater" just to harvest parts, but specifically the dial as it should be 4 footed and I need one. The case is a mess, and the bezel will NOT budge. I tried oil, soaked it in acetone in case it was superglued, and eveything else I could think of but no luck. Since the case is totally shot could the bezel be cut off without damaging the dial? Obviously I am not a case expert, but it seems there could be a jewelers tool that would cut the bezel in two and I could pry it off, Experts?????

I'm certainly no expert Mike but if done slowly and very carefully I think the bezel could be sliced down through the threaded section and removed.
If it were me, I would use a nice sharp hand saw and have the case securely clamped down to prevent it or the saw blade from slipping. And work very slow and patiently. I would of course wait for some of the other members to chime in before attempting it though.

Ray

Hi Mike, I have never seen a case I could not open. With saying that there is always a first. If you have or can get one of the soft cups I would try that. Now the trick is instead of pushing down and turning, as most everybody does. Just start turning the back with very little down pressure. Most of the time dirt will get in the treads and by putting pressure on the case you are locking the dirt in the treads and it will not budge.

Just a thought ~ Leon

Try drilling a small hole to accomodate a small screw into the bezel. Secure the watch in a case holder & vice. Use a drift & tap the screw ccw.

Good Luck
Wayne

Thanks to all who responded. I ended up taking it to a local jeweler and he used a rubber band and got it to unscrew. I have to think it was because I had loosened it for him The dial in question was indeed 4 footed and is much better though not perfect.

Hey Mike,I cut one off with my Dremel tool,a little while back,without any damage to the dial. The dial was already ruined,but I still didn't touch it with the Dremel. I have found the best way to remove tight bezels is simply to put on a pair of surgical gloves. Gives you amazing grip on the cases.

That's not a bad idea, Cecil, I had never thought of doing that....Plus you don't leave finger prints all over the place....

Thanks for that suggestion, even though Mike gave up and took it to his Jeweler....

Regards,
Jerry

The first thing I do when a bezel won't budge is grab a wad of Rodico. I formed it across the bezel and crystal and it usually gives me the kind of grip necessary to get things spinning. Check it out...works almost every time.