1980 Timex Marlin 81-D bezel removal

[fclass308]

Hello, all.  I am brand new on this forum and have been dabbling in watch repair for a couple of years now. I recently acquired the pictured watch and it runs pretty well, but I have decided to take the challenge of servicing it. I know it is supposed to be a real bear, but I am retired and time isn't a big deal to me. I have disassembled it and cleaned it in my ultrasonic cleaner. I am going to reassemble it and lubricate it this evening. 

I got the crystal out with brute force without the bezel being removed. Thankfully there is no damage to anything from that stunt.  I normally am very careful and methodical with my work but the crystal HAD to come out to get the movement out for servicing. I figured that the crystal was expendable, so I just levered it out with a stout screwdriver. It actually survived and the minimal scrapes on it are well down the edge so it may actually be reusable. Some Polywatch on the face and it will look like new. Worst case, I'll order a new on from Esslinger. This is my first front loader and also my first acrylic crystal watch so I am a little lost. Does anyone here have any experience with one of these Timex Marlins?

I bought a crystal lifter and it appears that it would work for reinstalling the crystal if I could remove the bezel. The bezel literally looks like brand new and I don't want to damage it. It's a really cool looking watch to me and I intend to wear it

Thanks you for your time.

Warren Dean

 

[AndyGSi]

A side profile photo would help as the ease or difficulty will depend on the existing gap.

[JerseyMo]

you can buy a bezel removal tool but, these are easy to remove. Use a thin blade such as a pen knife to slowly pry up the bezel.  know that you will however need a crystal press to push it back into place.

[fclass308]

I did get it off by starting with a razor blade and then working it up slowly. Then it just popped off as I was making the third pass around with my knife. I can't believe I couldn't figure that out before. :P. I purchased a press with dies and once I get the movement done, reassembly should be easy. I am going to try and get the movement done today.

 

Thanks for the help.