How Do I Mount a Clock Dial Into a Bezel?

A bezel is a frame that secures the internal pieces of the clock.

Designed to hold the protective crystal in place over the dial, a clock bezel is the exterior ring that encompasses the workings of the clock. Typically, clock dials are mounted to a bezel with a spring-wire retaining ring or are screwed in place on a threaded bezel. Once the clock dial is mounted to the bezel, the bezel is set into a frame to prepare the clock for display.

Things You'll Need

• Glass cleaner
• Cotton cloth
• Thread sealer
• Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

Threaded Bezels and Dials

1. Clean the crystal with glass cleaner and a soft cloth, and then set the crystal into the bezel with your fingers.

2. Apply thread sealer to the threads on the edge of clock dial, with the applicator brush supplied with the sealer.

3. Place the clock dial face down in the bezel. Rotate the dial clockwise with your fingers, until the dial becomes tight to the bezel.

4. Turn the bezel over and adjust the clock dial, if needed, so the top of the dial is lined up with the top of the bezel. Allow the thread sealer to dry according to the product directions.

Non-Threaded Bezels and Dials

1. Locate the retaining ring inside the bezel rim. Insert a narrow-tipped flat-head screwdriver into the space between the ends of the ring. Pry the ring away from the bezel with the screwdriver while lifting up on the ring, until the ring pops free from the bezel.

2. Place the clock dial face down in the bezel. If the bezel is already mounted in a frame, orient the clock dial so the top of the dial is at the top of the frame.

3. Snap the retaining ring back into the bezel, using the tip of the screwdriver if necessary, securing the clock dial in place.

References

• Handbook of Watch and Clock Repairs; H.G. Harris

Resources

• Brunings: Glossary of Clock Terms
• Klockit: Assemble A Quartz Movement, Dial and Hands Together