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Bezel fix for an "Ed White" 105 003-65

stonestone
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Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and hoping to tap into any expertise out there to help with a bezel issue I've come across with regards to a 105.003-65 that I recently acquired. The watch has an amazing chocolate patina and the DON bezel is a little beat up but all in all has aged nicely too. However, once or twice, unexpectedly, the bezel insert has falled out of the bezel. Most of the time it stays put fine but obviously I was concerned and asked a watch repair expert I met here in Hong Kong where I live. He noted that the bezel had two cracks on it that indicated it might not be holding the insert well, and recommended I replace the bezel.
Is it possible to acquire a replacement bezel that doesn't cost and arm and a leg if you only need the bezel, but not the insert? Alternatively, can the bezel itself be repaired?
I'd very much appreciate any insights to figure out my next steps. Thank you!
 
IMG_1254.JPG IMG_1251 2.jpg
WYO_Watch
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bags1971 bags1971
pretty sure thats a later bezel DNN
+1

I wouldn’t spend time fixing this bezel. It is incorrect for the reference. I’m sure you could find a suitable DON replacement for a bit more than the money you would throw at the current bezel repair.
 
ndgal
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The metal bezel is shot and unrepairable unfortunately.
Your cheapest way of going about it is buying a current service bezel, and finding a very skilled (and patient) watchmaker who can remove the insert from the newer bezel and implant the DNN insert into it.

Once said and done, you'll still have an incorrect DNN bezel for your watch.
If you want it all correct, you'll have to pony up for a DON bezel ($1,000 - $4,500 depending on condition)
 
asrnj77
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Although DON bezel prices have become ridiculous if you're patient you can find some deals that are better than others. This number sold on ebay for $512 last month but mysteriously there is damage right when it matters 😗
 
s-l500 (2).jpg
befobe
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ndgal ndgal
If you want it all correct, you'll have to pony up for a DON bezel ($1,000 - $4,500 depending on condition)
.... and a correct crown. It is a so nice watch, I suffer when seeing these replacement parts on vintage grandma'...
 
stonestone
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Thank you everyone for your input. I knew I had a broken bezel, just didn't know I had a wrong broken bezel. This will take some time (not to mention $) to fix.
 
IanES
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If i owned such a piece I' happily wear it with the wrong bezel while searching and/or saving for the correct bezel.

Unless of course the wrong bezel doesn't actually fit right and has to be rammed on there. In which case i wouldn't wear it at all for fear of lossing that original insert.
 
WatchCor
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befobe befobe
.... and a correct crown. It is a so nice watch, I suffer when seeing these replacement parts on vintage grandma'...

Well this is a matter for another thread, but for a daily wearer watch that is ad 60 years old and is in steady rotation , some replacement parts are acceptable and in my opinion necessary. E.g. the crown and the pusher tubes being the most common. The bezel and insert is in my opinion one of those thing also.

Original is better but a correct replacement part(not a paper clip wire🙄) is better than missing , faulty or a non-functional original part in my opinion.

To OP, hopefully you find a original DON or a nice DNN and then wear the watch and enjoy it.
 
Om3ga321
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There is no short cut here.Its a nice 105.003 so cough up the money for a DO90.
 
befobe
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The crown the crownnnn.... So specific for the 321... some % of the price of this beauty... I would do everything to get one if I had this on my wrist.... But of course, @WatchCor , I understand your point of view....
 
stonestone
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WatchCor WatchCor
Well this is a matter for another thread, but for a daily wearer watch that is ad 60 years old and is in steady rotation , some replacement parts are acceptable and in my opinion necessary. E.g. the crown and the pusher tubes being the most common. The bezel and insert is in my opinion one of those thing also.

Original is better but a correct replacement part(not a paper clip wire🙄) is better than missing , faulty or a non-functional original part in my opinion.

To OP, hopefully you find a original DON or a nice DNN and then wear the watch and enjoy it.
Thank you! That’s my intention.
 
stonestone
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IanES IanES
If i owned such a piece I' happily wear it with the wrong bezel while searching and/or saving for the correct bezel.

Unless of course the wrong bezel doesn't actually fit right and has to be rammed on there. In which case i wouldn't wear it at all for fear of lossing that original insert.
I am of the same mind and would happily wear it with the wrong bezel while looking for a correct one. My biggest concern right now is that with a cracked bezel I lose the insert I have while looking for something better. That would not be fun.
 
stonestone
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befobe befobe
The crown the crownnnn.... So specific for the 321... some % of the price of this beauty... I would do everything to get one if I had this on my wrist.... But of course, @WatchCor , I understand your point of view....
Thank you. For my education: what does the correct crown look like vs the one that’s on this specimen currently?
 
stonestone
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Passover Passover
Better a wrong broken bezel than a broken DON 😉
stonestone stonestone
Thank you. For my education: what does the correct crown look like vs the one that’s on this specimen currently?
Never mind. I’ve now seen some old posts on this topic that have answered the question and more...
 
Dan S
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I wouldn't worry too much about preserving your existing bezel; the value is negligible. Glue it in with some removable adhesive if you're really concerned and use it until you find something better. As you probably know, the inserts are not really meant to be exchangeable.

I believe you need a flat-foot 24-tooth crown, called "A1" in the Moonwatch Only book. You can Google it for more details.
 
drhex
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I wonder how the bezel holds on - do the cracks not go through?
 
stonestone
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Dan S Dan S
I wouldn't worry too much about preserving your existing bezel; the value is negligible. Glue it in with some removable adhesive if you're really concerned and use it until you find something better. As you probably know, the inserts are not really meant to be exchangeable.

I believe you need a flat-foot 24-tooth crown, called "A1" in the Moonwatch Only book. You can Google it for more details.
Thanks, that advice makes sense.
 
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