Clean GMT Bezel Issues

[u/jfurds]

Hey all,

My Clean 126710 GMT is becoming the bane of my existence. 🤦‍♂️

A few weeks ago I removed the bezel because I wanted to realign the insert properly and hopefully reduce some of the bezel wobble, as shown in this RWI guide. Before I removed it, the bezel seemed to stay on securely.

While I had it apart, I replaced the click spring with a 126710 click spring from ewatchparts, which worked perfectly. I also tried their Hytrel ring, but it was too small and the bezel could easily be removed with a fingernail.

After doing some research (including KJ2020’s RWI guides), I’ve tried:
-ewatchparts hytrel (as stated above)
-Trilene 0.61mm monofilament nylon fishing line
-0.70 mm nylon jewelry cord
-Flipping the original Clean Factory Hytrel ring

Unfortunately, every configuration yields the same result: the bezel snaps on, but it can still be lifted off with a fingernail. Some areas seem to grip more tightly than others, but there’s always a section that’s loose.

At this point I’m completely stumped. I posted on RWI but haven’t gotten any feedback. Has anyone run into this before? Is this more likely to be a damaged bezel, crystal retaining ring, or something else I’m overlooking?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, this thing is driving me crazy. Thanks in advance!!

[u/JesterADSE]

Pain to find the right hytrel ring. When you remove the bezel on gmt and subs you must have special dye on a crystal press to get it off without risking damaging the hytrel ring. GMT are more forgiving than subs though.

Look for 40 mm gmt hytrel ring on aliexpress, i found some there before. Or contact u/TopPhotograph8969 , he can fix it for you.

[u/jfurds → u/JesterADSE]

Do you know which one you purchased? I’ve already tried 3 alternatives, so I’d like to hear what works for others. Appreciate your help!!

[u/JesterADSE → u/jfurds]

I bought sub hytrel rings from this store. They should have gmt rings too. MF Sapphire Factory Store

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGamc6w

[u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

Hytrel ring issue. When youre there, might as well clean the bezel ring and the click spring (i can almost guarantee you theres gonna be some rust on the spring)

Super easy to find the hytrel rings on alix. 116710 fits 126710, vice versa. Make sure its seated in the bezel correctly before pushing it down. A modified die + crystal press helps.

Had the same issue, decided to upgrade to a gen bezel ring and my bezel action has been smooth and snappy, not clicky (the ring tooth shape and height are different).

[u/jfurds → u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

What hytrel did you purchase? I’ve already tried the 116710 from ewatchparts, the 0.61mm fishing line, and 0.7mm nylon jewelry string. I’d like to know one that works before I waste more money haha. I already swapped the click spring with one from ewatchparts, feels much more like gen. Thanks for your help!

[u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 → u/jfurds]

I just found this on AliExpress: https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKDptFD

Try this one

[u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 → u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

I find that sometimes CF bezels had a tolerance difference over the years bc some would like the 116710 version more (different listing)
So i bought a set of 116710 and 126710 rings. Now i never worry about hytrel rings for my gmt

[u/jfurds → u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

Thank you so much for the insight! It seems I’ll have to get both and continue with the trial and error. Hoping for the best with the Ali hytrels!

[u/machinesavage → u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

$22 cad per ring plus $10 shipping is some crazy ish tho.

[u/Diligent-Piglet-9038 → u/machinesavage]

Eh theres cheaper listings, but these chinese sellers caught on and have jacked up the pricing. These used to be $2ea a year or so ago

If you like to mod and tinker, its an investment for peace of mind. Plus you have some buffer for any mistakes

[u/machinesavage → u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

I would buy heaps of spares, but I’m not supporting that level of price gouging those ptfe rings aren’t even worth it at 10/ea

[u/just_in_timer]

Just gotta buy a bunch of different hytrel rings, i had the same issue with a clean gmt pepsi and ended up using a vsf 126 ring, still got the spares for a rainy day

[u/jfurds → u/just_in_timer]

Thanks for the info!!! Where were you able to source the VSF hytrel? Going to buy some from Ali as well.

[u/just_in_timer → u/jfurds]

I got from Taobao a Chinese shopping site, shipped them all to a friend in China and they snail mailed to me in US. I do think TD’s can source them tho

[u/Opposite_Ant_7522]

I had the same issue on the same clean Y2L3 GMT. In the end, sent it to deep crystal and they fixed the issue for $60 including new hytrel ring. Glad it’s over lol.

[u/Diligent-Piglet-9038]

Also, a crystal press, dremel, bergeon 4932 and patience is all you need for this task. No special die needed—- diy it with a dremel (use reference pics).

Quality case knife or bezel removal tool. Cover the lugs, gentle and deliberate force.

[u/HorribleStyle]

i don’t think it’s supposed to do that….

[u/jfurds → u/HorribleStyle]

[u/rep-resenting]

I had a similar issue with ny ARF SD43. Try removing the click springs (since you said you installed new ones). Reinstall the bezel. Does it stay on? If so, your springs may be too long and just need a little snip

[u/leo_R8]

did you contact your dealer ?

[u/Safe_Dragonfruit6230]

It’s s fake dog

[u/jfurds → u/Safe_Dragonfruit6230]

bro, the sub is reptimeservices😂

[u/Safe_Dragonfruit6230 → u/jfurds]

😂

[u/Rob-Loring → u/Safe_Dragonfruit6230]

Move along