Hi,

I just became a proud owner of my first Speedmaster. The Speedmaster is equipped with a beautiful DON bezel.

Because the DON bezel is so valuable and I want to daily wear my Speedmaster I have decided to replace the bezel for a newer one. This is mainly because I have no idea how fragile they are and I don't want it to lose value. Is this common under Speedmaster enthusiast or shouldn't I worry too much?

 

It's got a few dings already. I'd wear it as it was meant to be worn and not worry about it.

These were made to be worn, not stored away. Don't let the current value concern you.

 

I agree 100%. It's not a pristine bezel, and you should just exercise ordinary "vintage watch caution" when wearing it. If you are like me, you will enjoy wearing it more if it is in its proper original condition.

 

Like David and Dan, I'd say wear it proudly and carefully. One way to help prevent the paint from flaking off is to thinly apply some clear lacquer on the surface of the bezel. Simon Freese did that for mine and it's hardly noticeable.

 

the condition is nothing special so put it back and wear your watch with pleasure ....

 

I know that it's not special, it's more about the value of the bezel. 2300$ is a lot of money in my humble opinion

 

That's a great tip, can you send me a picture of it?

 

they are not as fragile as the most think, i wear mine regular and u will get used to avoid door frames and such things

2300 ?? hmm not sure .... but if you look only at value you should't probably not wear the whole watch as it gets not better from wearing

 

IMO that will detract if it’s ever sold, and varnish isn’t much protection anyway.

 

thx u said it first, i just waited for someone who called this bs advise out

 

Value isn't the most import thing of course, but the idea of hitting your watch against a door and instantly losing a lot of value because the bezel gets a scratch is not very appealing to me.

 

sorry then u are wrong in vintage world

your watch has no value ? only the bezel ?

put it in the safe or sell it .... you will never be comfortable with a valuable watch on your wrist

 

145.022 - 69 speedy, so the bezel is about 40-45% of the total value... I don't mind getting scratches but value of a bezel is just hard to justify for me... How often do you get scratches on your bezel?

 

never and i don't pay super much attention ....

 

This.

What I don’t wear, I lose interest in. And I even prefer to wear pristine DON bezels, because I appreciate them.

Just for example, my 145.012-68


I wear it regularly, despite the nice bezel.

Or maybe because.

 

Exactly. Why seek out and buy a vintage Speedmaster with a DON to take it off??

 

Let me guess

 

just stick it back on and enjoy it

 

I like vintage watches because they aesthetically look appealing to me, changing the bezel doesn't change that for me. That's why I find it hard to keep it on.

 

then why do u ask ?