Stuck bezel on Elgin A-11 ww

[arron]

Hi Folks,

Does anyone have ideas for the best way to remove a screwed on bezel on this Elgin A-11.  I was finally able to remove the back by seeping PB blaster into the seem and gluing a nut to the back and using a wrench to unscrew it.  The bezel is proving more difficult, even after the PB blaster, because the domed glass is in the way.  Before doing anything i'm going to remove the crown and stem so as to avoid damage.  I saw a YT trick where they used a metal lid glued to the bezel but i can't find a lid the right size.  Any other thoughts?  Thank you. Arron.

[LittleWatchShop]

I had a similar problem with an 18s pocket watch case.  My solution was to design a 3D printed cover that would glue on to the bezel.  Then, using channelock pliers I unscrewed it.  Gluing on a nut would have worked as well.

See here

[arron]

That would be real nice.  i don't have that option but it makes me think that i might be able to custom fit a pvc pipe fitting that would accommodate the domed crystal.  My concern then would be how to remove the fitting and glue without damaging the crystal--i definitely want to keep it intact.  did you have to deal with that or it looks like maybe your crystal was already out.  

[LittleWatchShop]

You need to remove the crystal first. As I recall, this A11 case is a front loader, so you still need to be careful with dial and hands.

Where are you physically located?

[arron]

I believe the bezel has to come off in order to get the glass out.  I'm in eastern oregon.

[LittleWatchShop]

5 hours ago, arron said:

believe the bezel has to come off in order to get the glass out. 

No, it doesn‘t.

[rehajm]

Use the hot glue and jelly jar lid trick but find a deep well socket that fits just right. In the USA there are hardware stores what sell economical quality single sockets…

[LittleWatchShop]

7 hours ago, arron said:

I believe the bezel has to come off in order to get the glass out.  I'm in eastern oregon.

Worst case, destroy the crystal and get the bezel off.  Then replace the crystal.  Its a $5 problem.

I like the deep-well socket idea.  Use superglue and I am confident it will work.

[rehajm]

What am I looking at between the fluted bezel and the crystal? Is that a retaining ring for the movement or a tension ring with the crystal? Is it broken?

...or is it a reflection? 

[LittleWatchShop]

Maybe these pictures will help

[arron]

Thanks guys, that's all helpful.  Yes there is some sort of ring inside; i'm not sure the purpose, but it does appear to be broken. 

i did try gluing a plastic lid to the bezel.  the glue stuck to the bezel but not the plastic, so i'm in the process of trying to find a socket as mentioned. 

I would love to keep the glass intact, it has character.  if it can be removed from the front, how would i do that; with one of those claw-type crystal lifters?  it doesn't seem like the crystal is plastic however.

 

Littlewatchshop, do you by chance have a spare bezel or case for an A11 that you'd like to sell?  I have another one of these that needs a bezel.  i've been searching ebay for months w/o luck.

 

thanks again.

 

 

[LittleWatchShop]

24 minutes ago, arron said:

Littlewatchshop, do you by chance have a spare bezel or case for an A11 that you'd like to sell?  I have another one of these that needs a bezel.  i've been searching ebay for months w/o luck

I have a source of NOS Elgin A-11 cases.  In addition, they sometimes show up on ebay.  I bought one last year and I traded some stuff to my source for the other one.  I will see if he wants to part with one.

I will look and see if I have a spare bezel, but I kinda doubt it.

 

See this

Edited June 13, 2023 by LittleWatchShop

[arron]

8 hours ago, LittleWatchShop said:

I have a source of NOS Elgin A-11 cases.  In addition, they sometimes show up on ebay.  I bought one last year and I traded some stuff to my source for the other one.  I will see if he wants to part with one.

I will look and see if I have a spare bezel, but I kinda doubt it.

i would be much obliged if you are able to come up with something.  thank you.

 

17 hours ago, rehajm said:

In the USA there are hardware stores what sell economical quality single sockets…

i bought a one inch socket today at the local hardware store.  i got to show off my ww2 watch to a couple of young sales associates; they seemed quite interested in the old watch. 

then, without adding the glue i thought i'd try laying down some of that non-skid rubber padding on top of the bezel, under the socket.  voila, it came right off.  Thanks for the ideas.  Arron.

 

[rehajm]

7 hours ago, arron said:

then, without adding the glue i thought i'd try laying down some of that non-skid rubber padding on top of the bezel, under the socket.  voila, it came right off.  Thanks for the ideas.  Arron.

 

Glad it worked out.  The hot glue works on that principle- grip and surface area. When you’re finished it peels right off. The Horotec Maxipress case back opener has a set of dies with a rubber-like grip surface, too. Same idea…

Edited June 14, 2023 by rehajm