1963 Seamaster 300, Bezel insert, leave original or go aftermarket?

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Pearcey74

·Jan 6, 2023

Hi,
I have a 165.014-63 Seamaster 300, I have the original 7912 bracelet (can't find the end links!) so currently on a vintage Tessuflex.
But, do I keep what's left of the original bracelet insert (about 20%) or scratch that out and buy an aftermarket insert!
I will probably leave the original portion as is, but, can't help thinking that it would look good with a complete bezel insert, even if it is aftermarket!
I have attached a couple of pictures, I would love to know what you would do.

 

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cristos71

·Jan 6, 2023

Restore, what you have left is aesthetically not pleasing, whilst the rest of your watch looks great.

 

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Davidt

·Jan 6, 2023

Yeah I’d get that restored. If it had some historical importance I get the reasoning for keeping it original but otherwise a nice bezel restoration will improve things.

 

D

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downtownbobbyb

·Jan 6, 2023

I definitely wouldn’t be able to wear it as it is now. It’ll look fantastic with a complete insert.

 

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buddman

·Jan 7, 2023

Get a new insert. If a purist didn’t like it they could remove it, and you’re just where you are today.

 

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Dgercp

·Jan 7, 2023

I am a huge supporter of keeping things original. But, this strip of (insert adjective)??

 

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smitty190373

·Jan 7, 2023

@mcgyver will help you.

 

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FCA

·Jan 7, 2023

No doubt, I would get the insert restored.
This beauty deserves it.

 

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High Hope

·Jan 7, 2023

Replace bezel, and polish crystal?

 

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Franco

·Jan 7, 2023

I would get it restored (Aldo, Renè, McGyver) but keep looking for a vintage replacement. Try to find the endlinks for the 7912, if not you could get some aftermarket n.6 temporarily.

 

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Dan S

·Jan 7, 2023

Just to be clear, it is not as simple as buying an aftermarket insert. You will need to send that watch (or at least the bezel) to someone who can restore the inlay in situ.

 

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buddman

·Jan 7, 2023

Dan S

Just to be clear, it is not as simple as buying an aftermarket insert. You will need to send that watch (or at least the bezel) to someone who can restore the inlay in situ.

yes, to do the best job, but you can buy ones you adhere yourself.

 

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Ron_W

·Jan 7, 2023

I agree with restore, as it would really improve on the looks.

 

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Dan S

·Jan 7, 2023

buddman

yes, to do the best job, but you can buy ones you adhere yourself.

Can you show a link to those?

 

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Subspecies

·Jan 7, 2023

Op. You ask "leave original". Truth is there is almost nothing left and what's left is unappealing. I'm a fan of original but that's way too far gone. Resto

 

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whippetman01

·Jan 7, 2023

Aldo restored my bezel

Edited: Jan 7, 2023

 

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Rasputin

·Jan 7, 2023

Neither a restored nor an aftermarket bezel are original so take your pick. Otherwise remove the residual insert and enjoy it as is.

Edited: Jan 7, 2023

 

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Larry S

·Jan 8, 2023·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Restore gets my vote.

 

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jantjewgm

·Jan 8, 2023

Restore!! 😀

 

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fiberguy

·Jan 8, 2023

Restore, i could not wear it as is, it would drive me nuts.