If the bezel of your watch feels loose, moves unusually easily, or has some play, this doesn't automatically mean there's a defect. Depending on the model and construction, a rotating bezel can feel different in terms of firmness.
What matters most is how much the behaviour has changed and whether the bezel still sits securely on the watch and works as intended.
How should a rotating bezel normally feel?
With a rotating bezel, a certain amount of mechanical play is possible due to the construction.
Depending on the model, the bezel may:
- turn slightly more easily or firmly,
- click audibly or noticeably when turned,
- move slightly sideways,
- or move in small increments.
A very small amount of play alone is therefore not necessarily a sign of a defect.
When is a loose bezel a cause for concern?
A check makes sense if:
- the bezel is suddenly noticeably looser than before,
- it turns freely without any noticeable resistance, even though it normally clicks into place,
- it can be moved significantly sideways or upwards,
- it visibly sticks out from the case,
- it jams or gets stuck in certain positions,
- it grinds or scrapes when turned,
- parts of the bezel feel loose,
- or it could come off the case completely.
You should also keep a closer eye on any changes to the bezel after a knock or a fall.
Can I keep wearing the watch with a loose bezel?
If the bezel only has minimal play, otherwise sits securely and can be operated normally, you can generally keep an eye on things for now.
However, if it sits noticeably loose or can be lifted off the case, you should avoid putting further strain on the watch as a precaution.
A loose bezel may become even looser or get damaged under certain circumstances.
Should I try to press the bezel back into place myself?
Please do not try to remove the bezel yourself, glue it in place, or reattach it using tools.
Applying strong pressure or prying at it is also not advisable. This could damage the bezel, the case or the components underneath.
If the bezel sits unusually loose, it should be properly checked by an expert.
The bezel has come loose after a knock
If the bezel only changed after a fall or a stronger knock, the fastening or mechanism may have been affected.
Also check whether:
- the glass is damaged,
- the case shows a dent or deformation,
- the bezel sits crookedly,
- the bezel no longer turns evenly,
- or other functions of the watch have changed.
In this case, we recommend a technical inspection.
Is the water resistance affected?
A loose bezel doesn't automatically mean the watch is no longer water resistant.
In many constructions, the bezel itself doesn't form the actual seal of the watch case.
However, if the looseness occurred after a strong knock, or if the glass, case or other components were additionally damaged, it can't be ruled out that the water resistance has also been affected.
If there's significant damage, please avoid exposing the watch to water as a precaution until it has been checked.
When should I contact our customer service?
Please get in touch with us if:
- the bezel sits noticeably loose,
- it can be moved significantly upwards or sideways,
- it suddenly turns much more easily or differently than before,
- it no longer clicks into place correctly,
- it jams, grinds or scrapes,
- it has become loose after a knock or a fall,
- or you're worried it could come off.
Please send us the following, if possible:
- the exact model of your watch
- your order number, if you have one
- a brief description of the problem
- information on how long the bezel has been loose
- whether the watch was previously dropped or knocked
- a photo from above and from the side
- ideally a short video showing the play in the bezel
This usually allows us to assess quite well whether the behaviour falls within the normal range due to the construction, or whether the bezel should be checked.