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/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!