unfortunately, yes. I have the fullsize automatic with the same scalloped bezel and it's pretty tough to rotate. I usually have to grab the edges with my fingertips and press down/rotate at the same time. Drawback of the scalloped bezel design. You wouldn't see that kind of problem with the bezel on the PO, for example, just because you can get more traction. The benefit of having a less bulky bezel is that it sits lower on the wrist and won't catch on your sleeve/cuff as easily but yeah, it can get tough to turn sometimes. Keep playing with it, it should get a bit easier with time.

 

Perhaps one of these might help strengthen those fingers up a bit

In all honesty though, yes I find a PO bezel easier to use compared to scalloped, but that isn't to say it is hard to rotate my mid-size seamaster. It's easy and doesn't require much effort at all.

Seeing as you bought second hand it's not inconceivable that some larger particle of grit of sand got in there which is clogging things up. It's a fairly large gap for stuff to get into and when bezels are removed it's often pretty grimy under there. That's my two cents at least.

 

Seeing as you bought second hand it's not inconceivable that some larger particle of grit of sand got in there which is clogging things up. It's a fairly large gap for stuff to get into and when bezels are removed it's often pretty grimy under there. That's my two cents at least.

Agreed. Dirt, sand, etc. can get caught under the bezel and make turning it difficult. If you're certain the watch is water tight, try running it under water while turning the bezel. This can dislodge something that is caught under there. Also, if your fingers are slightly oily or dirty, that can really make turning the bezel difficult simply because it's so much harder to get a good grip on it.

 

This post in another thread (DIY bezel remover) shows you one reason why the bezel can be difficult to turn.

https://www.watchuseek.com/f20/diy-seamaster-bezel-remover-1381514-2.html#post12176266

 

If the water trick doesn't work you may want to just pop the bezel off and clean everything.

 

I posted the bezel remover and it is only for full sized Seamasters (42mm). If you could find a different sized piece of PVC that would just fit the mid sized bezel, then the concept would work.

Without a good way to pull the bezel, the bezels on the Seamasters can be a pain to get off. If you try to pry them off, it is very easy to dent the lugs. If I were you, I'd run a small stream of water over the gap between the bezel and case, and start trying to rotate the bezel. Did that on an old Citizen once that had a stiff bezel and all the gunk washed right out and returned it back to great condition.

 

Same occured on my pre owned full size one. Toothbrush + some water while turning the bezel helped. Once clean I'm finding it very secure to turn and less gritty than the PO one.

 

I'm with some of the others in that their is probably junk stuck under the bezel.

 

Underlying issue. Really shouldn't be that difficult to turn.

 

my SMPc is really easy to turn, - no chance with wet hands tho - so if you intend using your watch while diving just make sure you don't get it or your hands wet.

 

I have found that a slightly sweaty palm pressed down from the top on the bezel (and crystal, no way around it but of course the crystal shouldn't spin) can really spin it so I did that after soaking the watch in lukewarm water for 5 minutes. Freed it up nicely...HTH.

 

My bezel became much easier once I started taking it into the pool

 

All three midsize Seamasters I've owned have had bezels that are difficult to turn. I've tried cleaning them and it didn't help. That's just the nature of the scalloped bezel.