Removing Plastic Watch Bezels

Watches can sometimes be repaired at home.

Watches can take a beating from simple everyday use. One of the most common accidents to befall a watch is that the crystal, the glass or plastic part that protects the hands or display, might become scratched or cracked. To replace it, you'll need to remove the bezel, which holds the crystal in place. You might also wish to replace the bezel itself as a repair or just to have a different look in your old watch. Plastic bezels require a lighter touch to remove than metal bezels, but the process is the same.

Things You'll Need

• Tape
• Thin-bladed knife

Instructions

1. Look for a slight raised lip or notch on the rim of the bezel. This is the spot where you will be able to pry the bezel up.

2. Place a piece of duct tape on the watch case under the raised notch and around the bezel edge. If you can, slip the edge of the tape under the bezel. This will protect the case from being scratched.

3. Slide the edge of a thin-bladed knife under the notch of the bezel. Gently rock the blade back and forth until the bezel begins to lift up. Carefully slide the knife around the watch case, lifting up more of the bezel until it pops off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to do a lot of watch repair, professional bezel-removal tools are available online.

• Be careful when using the knife, or you might cut yourself.

References

• YouTube: Bezel Change
• The Watch Guy: Opening a Watch Case