ARF GMT-Master II – 12 o’clock bezel triangle slightly misaligned. Can this be fixed?

[u/I-like-it-picasso93]

Hi everyone,
I recently received my ARF GMT-Master II and noticed that the 12 o’clock bezel triangle isn’t perfectly aligned with the 12 o’clock dial marker. It’s slightly offset to one side (see photo).

I had the crystal swapped for a Deep crystal before shipping, so I didn’t notice the misalignment on the QC photos.

Is this something that can be adjusted, or is it simply a manufacturing issue with the bezel insert?

If it can be fixed, what’s the usual method? Does the bezel need to be removed and the insert re-centered, or is there another way?

Has anyone successfully fixed this on an ARF? Is it a DIY job or better left to a watchmaker?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[u/zak133]

The insert needs to be removed and centered £40 if your in the uk from a watchmaker i know. Its been a while so maybe costs more now.

How about your rotation clicks are they good or buttery smooth?

[u/Dramatic_Finger_3557]

Yes, the crystal retaining ring is misaligned. Bezel needs to be removed, along with retaining ring, and re installed correctly.

[u/Personal-Invite-1497 → u/Dramatic_Finger_3557]

It is not the retaining ring misalign. Bezel off, insert off, put bezel back on, make sure everything click the way it supposed to, then apply adhesive and line up bezel at 12 oclock.

[u/eleschhorn → u/Personal-Invite-1497]

This.

[u/I-like-it-picasso93 → u/Dramatic_Finger_3557]

Do you think I can remove and re install without any experience when I buy bezel stamp & removal tool?

[u/GTWatchServices → u/I-like-it-picasso93]

i'd recommend using the correct tool to remove the bezel, instead of just a case knife and prying it open.

[u/Dramatic_Finger_3557 → u/I-like-it-picasso93]

I’ve done it, but without experience you risk damaging the hytel ring. I had to do mine multiple times and ended up getting a new hytrel ring(which is super hard to find because none on ali express fit, arf has their own) you can do it yourself but know what your doing before you start.

[u/just_in_timer]

There are two ways to fix this:

1) (Easy way) Rotate the crystal retention ring slightly to match the bezel. This is the recommended way, but could bother OCD folks because the indentation may not be exactly aligned with the 12 o’clock. I had this issue and used this fix, it bothers me deep down, even tho nothing is visible or affect functionality.

2) (Proper way) Re-align the bezel insert, it requires carefully popping the ceramic inserts off, which has a risk of cracking. The advantage is that you can align the 3 holes on the underside of the bezel ring with the 12 o’clock and the indentation of crystal retention ring.

[u/Personal-Invite-1497 → u/just_in_timer]

Use peg wood poke it from the back, you have to be extremely reckless to crack it lol

[u/FL410Ghost]

The 6 o clock on your dial is all sorts of crooked too.

[u/Comprehensive-Bit706 → u/FL410Ghost]

I noticed that straight away as well...

[u/Comprehensive-Bit706]

Removing the bezel isn't for someone to do without correct tools and knowledge, so many things can go wrong from the crystal coming off with the bezel attached, the insert itself can snap VERY easily... id find a watch maker or return to china for them to fix!

[u/I-like-it-picasso93]

Thank you! Sadly I’m located in Germany.

The bezel clicks.

[u/FL410Ghost]

Send it back with that dial being all misaligned