The purpose of this video is to help a novice understand how to change Rolex bezel inserts on a Rolex GMT Master II Reference 16710 or a Rolex Submariner Reference 16610. Sometimes, we like to change the insert color on GMTs to be a Coke, Pepsi or Black, or faded insert colors. This process is for the 5-digit watches with aluminum inserts, not 6-digit ceramic GMT Master II or Ceramic Submariner watches. Do not try to change ceramic inserts. That is not possible without the proper equipment. To change your Rolex aluminum inserts, use a blue, nylon "iFixit" tool to pop off the bezel. iFixit is intended for disassembling smartphones and it is not likely to damage or mark up your Rolex case or lugs. A metal tool can damage the watch lugs. I used to place electrical tape on the watch lugs to protect them and and use a metal tool to pop off the bezel. But I still dinged a lug. It's not worth the risk. Use some kind of plastic or nylon tool to pop off the bezel. A nylon cooking spatula is better than metal.
• Before you begin, if you are novice, place the entire watch head inside a plastic ziplock bag so you don't lose small parts, like the click spring. It's hard to find the click spring if lost. It can fly off when removing the bezel.
• Place the nylon tool on the 1:00 lug and wiggle underneath the metal bezel ring until the bezel pops off.
• Turn the bezel print away from you and press with your finger on the inside of the aluminum insert. Roll outward. The insert will pop free from the bezel ring.
• Replace your insert as desired and reinstall in the bezel ring.
• Begin by inserting the pearl of a submariner insert into the ring and hold in place with one finger. Do not apply pressure to the pearl, as it will damage the pearl. GMT inserts do not present this issue.
• Using plastic-tipped pliers, gently work your way around the bezel ring, pressing the outer edge of the aluminum insert into the bezel ring. You will hear a snap when it is mostly in place. I say mostly, because you still need to gently apply pressure around the entire circumference, again (except for the pearl on submariners), to ensure that the aluminum insert is fully seated in the bezel ring.
• Replace the ring on your watch head.
• Slide the bezel in place at 12:00 in order to help reseat the clickspring and to help keep the clickspring free. Turn it a little bit counterclockwise as you seat the bezel at 12:00. That also seems to help keep the clickspring free.
• Press down gently working your way around the bezel. I like to go counterclockwise. Press firmly to be sure it is seated all the way around and be sure it spins freely.
Note: If the bezel seems stuck and it won't turn; don't panic. It's easy to pop off. Use the nylon tool to free it; and try again. Sometimes, it takes me a few attempts to get a bezel reinstalled and moving freely. A watchmaker would place Fomblin grease on the inside of the bezel ring teeth to ensure it glides smoothly; but this is intended for a novice with no materials. I am a novice with a few materials. Enjoy your watch!
