How to fit a new ceramic bezel

[MartinOcando]

Soon I'll be making my first mod, which includes replacing hands for better lume, and a ceramic bezel insert. Is a Loreo Submariner that I want to mod it into a Kermit.

So, I have a couple question for you:

- Since I don't have a watch press yet, should I pop the bezel out to remove the aluminum insert, or can I remove it while still in the watch? I'm worried that I might not be able to press it back once removed if I don't have a press.

Or is it better that I go and get a press and don't take any risks?

- Regarding gluing the insert, I requested the vendor to include the dual side tape, but I saw Jodi from JOMW modding a Seiko SKX and he used G-S Hypo Cement, recommended by Mark from Long Island Watches, so I'd like to ask you what do you recommend.

Thanks

[Tudor]

I’d use G-S and be VERY careful with a ceramic insert. They break very easily. 
 

If you need to press it in, chances are it’ll crack. 

[MartinOcando]

So G-S it os. 

And I don't mean to press the bezel with the insert on. I'd press it back without the insert, and then install the insert carefully once is back in the watch, especially to make sure it aligns correctly.

[Tudor]

Yes; any bezel with a "click" has to have the insert applied after the bezel is in the watch.

Omega uses a click that is fixed in the case (ball on a spring) and have done so since the 60's. Rolex finally caught on in the 90's (they're a bit slow on the up-take), anyway, the Omega bezel rings are available as a complete assembly only (even when aluminum inserts are used, such as with the early 2500-powered Planet Ocean) so that the bezel is perfectly aligned when assembled to the case.

Rolex does it with their bezels because the inserts will get broken in the field. (plus the alignment issues). And they love to charge exorbitant amounts for their parts.

I recently assembled a 16610, which has the click spring on the bezel. That is a fun puzzle to assemble correctly... But you have to set the bezel on the click and onto the crystal retainer (don't forget the friction washer!) before you can put the insert in. On the older four-digit reference cases, the insert can (and should) be put into the bezel ring first, and then the assembly is snapped on, over the friction washer. I use my crummy crystal press to snap on and snap off inserts from the bezel ring. They are very easy to bend and/or crack, particularly around the "pip". I found they come out straight with zero damage using the press. Some of these inserts are going for thousands of dollars now (silly) so you have to be very careful with them.