1960s-70s 1625 ToG (Turn-o-Graph) bezel on a 1950s ToG 6909?

YES, but not without some seat equity.

A client recently reached out with a request: to help with her father's Turn-O-Graph 6909, which was missing its entire bezel assembly and the crystal ring that serves both as a sealing ring for the crystal and a guide for the rotating bezel. She had managed to source a bezel for a later model ToG 1625, but neither Rolex nor a NYC repair shop could offer any help so it was up to us to see if this was even possible or she would be forced to return the bezel.

The bezel sits 1.5mm above the case

We didn’t have a crystal ring for a 6909, but we did have one from a 1625. Surprisingly, it was a close fit—kind of.

The case on the 6909 featured a lip that stopped the 1625 crystal ring about 1.5mm above the case, leaving an unsightly and functionally problematic gap.

The 6609 has a lip that prevents the crystal ring from fitting flush with the case

We will need to make a cut on the inner edge of the crystal ring to clear the lip on the case

Modifying the case was out of the question. Instead, we opted to machine a recess into the inner edge of the crystal ring—a delicate operation best suited for our favorite tool: the watchmaker’s lathe.

Secured in a 6-jaw chuck, we carefully turned down a small portion of the inner edge to accommodate the lip on the 6909 case. We were conservative with our cuts, mindful that removing material could compromise the ring’s structural integrity and its ability to seal the crystal. As is often the case in watchmaking, the bulk of the effort went into planning and tooling setup rather than the machining itself.

Left: Crystal ring before Middle: Crystal ring after recess is added Right: Ring now sits closer to the case

The result? A much-improved fit. With the crystal ring pressed on, the bezel now sits closer to the case. With the bezel installed, it spins with satisfying tension. Pressure testing yielded a 2-bar rating—approximately 56 feet of water resistance. With a new crystal, we anticipate reaching up to 5 bar (164 feet).

Before and After shots with bezel installed after machining the crystal ring