Friction-fit Bezel is barely turning

I’ve had a tool watch before that was waterproof to hundreds of metres, bezel was completely locked with dirt and grime from Gardening. Soaked it in warm Water for a few minutes then used some WD40 squirted sparingly around the bezel and that seemed to loosed the dirt enough for me to clean properly and it was working again no problem 👌🏻

Might not work for all issues though 🤷🏼‍♂️

I confirm WD40 works great for lubricating barely moving bezels.

In case of a new watch which has not accumulated dirt yet, a few puffs between the bezel and the case are enough.

If possible, insert a sharp blade between the bezel and case and wiggle it off. Then clean it with alcohol or lighter fluid and pop the bezel back on using a book to apply even pressure. A watchmaker probably wouldn't approve of the WD40 method, but I bet that would work too.

No issues with my 417 but it is only a couple of months old. Has it been on any environment that could have affected it? Dirt, dust, seawater etc?

My watch also is just a couple of months old and I never even swam with it. I have no idea what might blocked it from one day to another.

Isn't WD40 problematic for the gaskets? And is the watch that well sealed between Bezel, crystal and case?

Sounds faulty then. I would return it, attemptng a DIY fix could cause problems with your warranty.

I went to the beach last month and got sand inside my Invicta Pro Diver's bezel. It was difficult to move and crunchy.

I filled a sink with water, submerged the watch (200m WR, I wasn't concerned) and turned the bezel under water a few times and that took care of the crunchiness. Back to normal, 120-click bezel. 👍

You can use dental floss under the bezel it help alot for example on bond seamaster it is a common issue.

Don't be shy and send it to hanhart. They have wonderful customer service, I can detail if you're interested. It is not worth ruining the warranty

If within warranty, always send it in.

The other ideas presented may work, but it's worth it to keep your warranty intact, IMO

Thanks for your help, I will do that as soon as possible. I guess it is the most clever way to deal with the problem 👍

But the bezel is not internal. It would be similar to accidently getting your watch sprayed with the stuff. No openings to insider the case as best I know.

But, what are the penetrating properties of wire drier/displacer 40? That is the original NASA name for WD40.

WD40 is great on locks and dead bolts, I would not use that on anything like a watch.

My 417 was tight when I first got it. It took me some time to break it in. If the action was previously fine, and recently started sticking, then send it back.

Use car detail tools. Tough plastic tools. Won't scratch your bezel or case when popping that bezel off.

The 2 on the right work great!

I've used the silicone spray lube on the bezels on my vostoks.

I would avoid wd40.....it's a solvent (pretty much gasoline) with some mineral oil.

Silicone on the other hand is safe even on rubber gaskets.

Mine never was exactly "loose and easy to use" but was doable. Today it's only turning with rubber gloves and maximum grip.

So, how exactly did you break yours in and how "loose" is it nowadays? 🤔

That's a great recommendation. I'm going to buy a set of those spatulas. Thank you!

Thanks for the recommendation! 👍

Just constantly using it (both directions) for counting elapsed time on the dumbest things, or as a countdown timer to see if my wife could get in and out of the grocery store in 'just 5 minutes'. It still takes a good push to move it.

Would you be able to turn the Bezel with wet fingers? Just for reference. I never could turn it with wet fingers.

It may have dirt or other debris in between the bezel and case. Try using a toothbrush to reach in there. Not sure of the water resistance on that. If you have access to an air compressor that's how I get dirt out from my oris 65 bezel.

I can almost certainly say, that it can't be dirt etc. since I never wore the watch near any dirt, water, ocean etc.

Invicta quality!

The watch or the wife?

Both