Can a Bakelite/Acrylic bezel be repainted and restored (DIY)?

Hi all,

I'm considering picking up a watch with a damaged Bakelite bezel. My thoughts are to fill in the damaged areas with acrylic or enamel paint (matching the hue of the bezel of course) and to then add a thin layer of some type of clear coat protective lacquer, either by mixing a clear resin with a hardener solution or by using a nail polish top coat (I don't have experience or knowledge with anything else, i.e. albeit I'm a willing amateur with a steady hand and attention for details).

I know many traditionalists usually prefer everything in it's 100% authentic/original condition, but personally it wouldn't bother me (as I plan to keep it for my own personal collection and use) so long as it can be done adequately. Does anyone have experience in restoring such bezels? The only advice I've been able to scrounge up online is to send the bezel off to a professional, but I'd prefer to find a solution, if there is one, that I could handle myself to avoid transportation risks.

Below is a photo (enhanced brightness for visibility) of the bezel with the chipped bakelite. Part of me is unsure if this even is bakelite since I've seen many other examples with cracked bezels (resembling cracked glass/plexiglass) as opposed to the seemingly peeled layer of paint seen on this example.

I've been wondering this for a while now, so any advice would be appreciated and thanks in advance as always.

Alex

Thanks for the links! A couple were quite useful

https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-bit-of-fun-making-a-bezel-insert.111465/#post-1472062
I think this is the thread @Vitezi recalled. It is an interesting read, for sure.
I cannot comment on exactly how to take action in your case but make sure not to use nail polish. I use it in electronics to waterproof certain devices and it does not leave a nice, uniform finish. Pretty hard to get the bubbles out of it as well.

Thanks for sharing and after reading through these links, I think I looked at the approach incorrectly in the first place. It seems as though removing the insert itself without damaging it might be the most difficult/delicate part. If the insert is removed successfully then I think using an appropriate acrylic paint and an airbrush would be the easiest part. Not sure that any lacquer/resin would be necessary.


The watch in question is an alternatively branded Jenny Sealab, which are typically described as having bakelite inserts but I wouldn't know the difference.

It's in otherwise great condition, but sadly I'm not experienced enough to confidently know I can 'repair' it and take advantage of the bargain price. My brain tells me to wait for another to come along, but why start listening to him now? 😀

I think you could be right.. I never really thought to question the actual material makeup before as the difference never mattered much to me before finding this specific watch. It's possible that sellers just lazily interchange bakelite and acrylic willy-nilly. Found a few seemingly more credible descriptions/sources claiming acrylic/perspex on similar era Jennys. I'll keep reading 😉

I assume acrylic is easier to work with and maneuver/remove than bakelite?

It's easy to tell the difference. When you snap it in two, bakelite will show a very grainy structure; acrylic will look more like broken glass.

Just thought I'd help👍

That was both insightful and terrifying.. but probably the answer I needed 📖