Method 1: The Soak and Spin Technique
Here are the steps to use the soak and spin technique and fix a sticky bezel on a Tudor Black Bay.
Step 1: Safety Check
Look at the side of your case. The winding crown must be screwed down tightly. If the red tube, which is on older models, or the steel tube, is invisible, it is safe. However, water will enter the movement and rust the gears if the crown is open.
Step 2: The Warm Soak
Get a glass of warm water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Don’t use hand soap with moisturizers because you want a degreaser. So, put the watch in and let the warm water expand the metal slightly and dissolve the salt. Wait for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Underwater Rotation
Keep the water submerged and grip the bezel at 10 and 4 o’clock. Now, turn it counter-clockwise, and you will feel it stiff. But keep turning to force water through the retention groove. You will see grey or black dirt coming out, and this is good.
Step 4: Flossing the Bezel
According to our watch service and repair experts, flossing the bezel is a secret trick watchmakers use. It starts with taking a piece of unwaxed dental floss. Wrap it once around the gap between the bezel and the case. Next, pull it tightly and move it in a sawing motion. Thus, the floss goes deep into the groove and drags out the sticky gunk that water can’t reach.
Method 2: Removing the Bezel
If soaking does not work, it means the dirt is too sticky or hard to remove. So, you must remove the bezel. If you are not careful, you will scratch the polished sides of the case or lose parts. The tools you need are:
- A Swiss case knife or a dedicated rubber bezel remover
- Masking tape
- Moebius 8212 or Fomblin grease
- A clean workspace (white paper on the table so you can see falling parts)
Here are the steps to start and finish the process correctly:
- Put three layers of masking tape on the lugs or horns. Likewise, tape the case side at 9 o’clock, and this is where you will pry.
- Insert the knife blade into the gap, but ensure that you do not wiggle it. Twist the knife as if you were turning a key. The bezel will pop off. As soon as the bezel lifts, look for the detent ball. It is tiny, smaller than a grain of rice. If it flies away, the bezel will never click again.
- Remove the bezel insert assembly, and you will see dirty grease on the case track. Use a soft toothbrush and soapy water to scrub the steel. Check the Hytrel ring, which is the plastic gasket, and if it is flat or pinched, you must buy a new one.
- This is where most people mess up. So don’t fill the track with grease. Instead, take a toothpick, put a tiny dot of Fomblin grease on the top of the detent ball, and then put a thin film of silicone grease on the gasket. Remember, less is more. If you use thick car grease or too much oil, it will retain sand later.
- Now is the time for reassembly. Place the bezel flat on top of the case. You can’t push it down with one finger. You need even pressure, so press down hard with your palms until you hear a loud snap. Rotate it to test. It should sound crisp.
Major Mistakes to Avoid
- Do Not Use WD-40: Most people use WD-40, which is wrong. WD-40 penetrates the rubber seals or O-rings, which makes the rubber swell and break. Then, your watch is not waterproof. Likewise, WD-40 attracts dust.
- Do Not Force a Jammed Bezel: Do not use pliers if the bezel is stuck hard. The aluminum insert on the Black Bay is soft, and if you squeeze it, the ring changes shape from a circle to an oval. Then, it will never turn again.
Also Read: Can I Service a Watch Myself
When to Use the Warranty?
The Tudor Black Bay has a 5-year guarantee. You can use the warranty if you see the bezel lifting on one side, the click sound is gone, and it just slides, and if you hear metal grinding. So, in these cases, the internal spring is broken, and you can’t fix this with cleaning. In that case, take the watch to an Authorized Dealer. On the other hand, if you don’t have a warranty, bring your watch to Chrono Street; we have the spare parts and the right tools to get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Black Bay Ceramic Different?
Yes, the Black Bay Ceramic and the Pelagos use ceramic ball bearings for the click mechanism, and they are much smoother and don’t get stuck as easily as the steel models.
How often should I clean it?
If you swim in the sea, rinse your watch immediately. Don’t wait until you get home. You can rinse it at the beach shower. Remember, salt dries in 10 minutes.
Can I use oil from my kitchen?
No. Olive oil or vegetable oil will rot. It smells bad and turns into glue. Therefore, only use synthetic watchmaker oil.
