Sherpa 600 Jet GMT inner bezel difficult to turn

[Jocray]

Hello forum members I have a tricky problem to solve. The inner bezel of my Sherpa Jet (148-35-02) turns with difficulty - sometimes will do almost a full rotation but will jam up. I've been told by more than one watchmaker that it seems to have the wrong crystal as it doesn't go deep enough into the case in order to 'hold down' the inner bezel so that it meshes properly with the geared crown that turns it. I found a replacement crystal with the help of a collector here in NZ that I bought the watch from and bought it but it made no difference as presented the same problem and the watchmaker said that was also the wrong crystal. The Ebay member I bought it from assured me it was the correct crystal (for 148-35-02). The tension ring is present on the original but not the replacement. I read on this forum something that suggested replacing the crystal into the case needs to be done with just the right pressure to align it to the right depth for the inner bezel to function correctly - if so perhaps that is the reason it is not working as it should and just needs to be pushed in a bit more. Does anyone have any insights here? I appreciate any advice and am so glad to find this forum. I'm not sure if this will work but I'll attempt to attach a picture.

 

[HorologyBiology]

It is absolute paramount that you have to use the original crystal tension ring in the new crystal.
I'm sure the eBay seller sold the right one, but if you are not using that original ring that it will never work because like you said, its job is to hold the crystal tight and keep the bezel from lifting.

If you have that original tension ring then use it. If you don't then you are in trouble as they are special, impossible to find and another generic crystal tension ring won't work.

The other option is to find someone that could make one for you.

Cheers,
HB

 

[Jocray]

It is absolute paramount that you have to use the original crystal tension ring in the new crystal.
I'm sure the eBay seller sold the right one, but if you are not using that original ring that it will never work because like you said, its job is to hold the crystal tight and keep the bezel from lifting.

If you have that original tension ring then use it. If you don't then you are in trouble as they are special, impossible to find and another generic crystal tension ring won't work.

The other option is to find someone that could make one for you.

Cheers,
HB

Hi thanks very much - yes the tension ring was applied to the replacement crystal. Is there any truth in that the crystals (with tension rings) need to be pressed in to the right depth? Perhaps that is the issue.

 

[HorologyBiology]

Hi thanks very much - yes the tension ring was applied to the replacement crystal. Is there any truth in that the crystals (with tension rings) need to be pressed in to the right depth? Perhaps that is the issue.

It either fits or it doesn't. They just get pressed on with a crystal press. I'm much more warming towards thinking that the original ring that was there might not have been original in the first place. Either that or your WM is a little too scared to press it down hard as some can take a good push.

 

[Jocray]

It either fits or it doesn't. They just get pressed on with a crystal press. I'm much more warming towards thinking that the original ring that was there might not have been original in the first place. Either that or your WM is a little too scared to press it down hard as some can take a good push.

Hmm yes that might be the cause. The ring fits the crystal perfectly so is the right size but perhaps it is the wrong shape.