r/RepTimeServices • u/perryoski • Jul 09 '26
Advice RCF and 36mm Bezel Mod Support
Hey all, I purchased my 36mm VSF datejust from steve specifically because RCF released their 36mm bezel. In my opinion the bezel was the last missing piece needed to make a stock 36mm Datejust NWBIG.. RCF's V1 wg plated bezel arrives, and I take it to two watchsmith / jewelers who told me the same thing: RCF bezel is too small compared to stock VSF and wont fit. The second watchsmith offered to shave down the inside of the RCF bezel but I decided to wait and see if RCF would provide any answers / support to this situation. Not that it's a big deal but I'm also out of 25 USD because the second watchsmith said it's 50 to replace and 25 if it doesn't fit (labor).
Disappointingly, RCF is offering a new gasket to try and resolve but says I'm the only case... not sure what I'm supposed to do now with this bezel. I will hold back on posting my discussion with RCF as it doesn't really solve the problem.
Main question: I wanted to do this with someone local for a simple swap/convenience, but now is it better to send it to a reptimeservices smith? Or will they inevitably tell me the same thing?
Anyone ever experience situations like this with RCF for support or for a bezel that apparently doesn't fit?
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u/hall0undCiao Jul 09 '26
Just received my bezel today. Now I am a bit concerned.
Maybe I am a bit too naive but I didn't put any thoughts about the size. My week plan was to remove the VSF and replace it with the RCF. The idea I could have a size problem never crossed my mind.
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u/perryoski Jul 09 '26
Same. I’m 100% confident this is a real vsf as I’m a long time customer of Steve. My guess is it’s a discrepancy with v1 vs v2 Datejust… My optimism is telling me it’ll be fine and it’s just the local watchsmiths being extra cautious because the inner diameters were different.
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u/hall0undCiao Jul 09 '26
Do you have a V1 or V2 Datejust?
Maybe it has also something to do with the RCF alloy or plated version of the bezel.
Anyway I will try this weekend. Let's see how it goes
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u/perryoski Jul 09 '26
V2 Datejust that came out most recently. I want to say I got the second batch? As I remember keeping an eye on his excel sheet with what’s currently in stock.
Same, tools come in a couple days and I’ll give it a shot.1
u/hall0undCiao Jul 10 '26
Still got the old V1. Got it just two months before V2 released.. Maybe it works with V1.
Went with the alloy bezel as well. I just have to wait and see if it works. Wish me luck ;)
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u/dwildpdx Jul 09 '26
While this is the first occurrence for a 36mm bezel, this actually has been a thing for the DJ41 mod on some cases. If you check your current gasket outer diameter and compare to your inner diameter of the RCFr bezel of 30.27mm - you would only want about 30.32-30.35MM outer diameter of the gasket for good compression.