DN90 Tall TACHYMETRE bezels

Posts

5,332

Likes

24,391

Spacefruit

·May 25, 2016·Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder

After a pleasurable time in my watch cave and my OCD I have come up with a simple 3 step identification process for bezels that any idiot (me) can follow to identify which bezel is which and if it is correct:

http://speedmaster101.com/base500-bezel-identification/

 

Posts

2,844

Likes

2,439

MikiJ

·May 25, 2016

Even this "Idiot" figured out that mine is correct. Many thanx 😀

 

Posts

582

Likes

1,900

incabloc

·May 25, 2016

 

Posts

693

Likes

705

flyingout

·May 25, 2016

Spacefruit

any idiot

Only Siri is allowed to call me Idiot, thank you very much.

 

Posts

5,332

Likes

24,391

Spacefruit

·May 25, 2016·Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder

flyingout

Only Siri is allowed to call me Idiot, thank you very much.

I do hope it is clear the motivation for my own bezel guide was because I am the idiot, having completely ignored the subtleties of DN90 bezels until now.
I grew up when speedmasters either had DO90's or they didn't. Now the market has become more discerning and I was slightly embarrassed to have ignored them, and posted a 1970's speedmaster with, horrors, the wrong DN90 bezel.

Most previous information, including the comprehensive and indispensable MWO gives a plethora of information on the bezel differences, that while accurate is a bit long winded when YOU JUST WANT THE INFORMATION FAST!

I have simply listed the observations, that if followed, give even a first time speedy hunter a definite bezel assessment.

 

Posts

1,187

Likes

1,859

sky21

·May 25, 2016

incabloc

Is that another new flavor in that photo, the orange sherbet bezel??

 

Posts

693

Likes

705

flyingout

·May 27, 2016

Spacefruit

I do hope it is clear the motivation for my own bezel guide was because I am the idiot, having completely ignored the subtleties of DN90 bezels until now.

Totally clear William. Just a bit of self deprecating humor. Siri does call me Idiot. It actually helps when I need to send something to myself. Searching for "Idiot" is faster than searching with my name and then wading through a bunch of entries for myself and others with the same name. Plus I laugh when she says it out loud.

As for the bezel guide, I also focus my detailed interest fairly exclusively on the earliest 2998s. A quick guide on later bezels is a welcomed addition.

Cheers

 

Posts

338

Likes

266

Nactex

·Jun 8, 2016

I have found this thread, along with the section at Speedmaster 101 on 500 Base Bezels, to be one of the most complete and informative about Speedmaster Bezels. Based on this thread, I was able to find and purchase several correct DNN inserts with the tall C and correct dot placement.
Kudos to Omega Forum and it's wonderful knowledgeable members.

 

Posts

2,510

Likes

3,734

rcs914

·Jun 9, 2016

Any idea on how to identify genuine vs replica? I only ask because I saw this one on Amazon, and it appears to have everything correct for a DN90 pre 1990 bezel - assuming of course that the picture is of the actual product they are selling.

http://www.amazon.com/Bezel-Insert-Speedmaster-145-022-145-012/dp/B008NBS7W6

 

Posts

9,217

Likes

24,055

oddboy

·Jun 9, 2016

well, the description does call it aftermarket and 'like the original'...

 

Posts

2,510

Likes

3,734

rcs914

·Jun 9, 2016

oddboy

well, the description does call it aftermarket and 'like the original'...

Oh, obviously in this case it is a replica since the seller is selling it as such. But to my novice eyes, it appears to pass all the tests for dot placement, 7 seriph, tachmetre hight with no `, etc. I'm trying to figure out how one would tell if this bezel insert were put in a bezel, how would you know from pictures that it was a replica and not a genuine 1970-1990 DN90 bezel?

 

Posts

338

Likes

266

Nactex

·Jun 9, 2016

The only thing is the seller is from Texas and the giant seller on eBay from Texas is known for showing an item in it's listing, but shipping one of different quality. I actually believe the descriptions are exactly the same so it is the same seller.

 

Posts

1,030

Likes

2,616

Banner Roar

·Jun 9, 2016

If it is vintage and has come off a watch it is unlikely to be separated from the retainer ring. I know this is not 100% proof but I use it as a guide. Also, if it looks too good........likely it is. Even a 40 yr old bezel in 'collector' condition under high mag will have signs of age. So ask for high mag images, if they say they can't provide them walk away.

Edited: Jun 9, 2016

 

Posts

338

Likes

266

Nactex

·Jun 9, 2016

This is being sold as new, not vintage.
Description from the listing:
BEZEL INSERT FOR OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL BLACK

The item for sale is a brand new aftermarket flat black insert with silver letters. It fits Omega Speedmaster Professional.

This is a high quality insert with a glossy and reflective finish just like your original. The color and font are just made like OEM. This insert snaps to the ring.

This item is guaranteed to fit your watch and is a high quality item, you will not be able to tell the difference from the original.

It will fit Speedmaster Professional 145.012 and 145.022, Movement #321

 

Posts

2,510

Likes

3,734

rcs914

·Jun 9, 2016

Gotcha Nactex - so "what you see" isn't necessarily what you get from that seller. I wasn't advocating purchasing it, but rather was just curious. Most of the other replica bezel inserts I've see have noticeable tells as to what is incorrect - ie the aftermarket DO90 has a dot below 70.

 

Posts

9,217

Likes

24,055

oddboy

·Jun 9, 2016

aftermarket bezel:

real bezel (from speedmaster101)

 

Posts

2,510

Likes

3,734

rcs914

·Jun 9, 2016

Maybe I'm blind - but I don't see a whole lot of difference there. Hard to tell in the TACHYMETRE script about the seriphs since the resolution on the aftermarket one is worse, but it looks pretty close.

 

Posts

338

Likes

266

Nactex

·Jun 9, 2016

I have not experienced the buy what you see and get something different personally, but it has been discussed here on the forum.

 

Posts

1,187

Likes

1,859

sky21

·Jun 9, 2016

rcs914

Gotcha Nactex - so "what you see" isn't necessarily what you get from that seller. I wasn't advocating purchasing it, but rather was just curious. Most of the other replica bezel inserts I've see have noticeable tells as to what is incorrect - ie the aftermarket DO90 has a dot below 70.

As a general rule, anything that says 'bezel insert' is not authentic. There were some authentic inserts sold a few years ago that some forum members picked up and have been discussed in another thread. Speedmaster bezels were not designed to be changed by only switching the insert like some others.
Also, anything listed on eBay with a buy it now of $39.95 for a vintage bezel, let's just steer clear of those.

 

Posts

1,187

Likes

1,859

sky21

·Jun 9, 2016

One other point to add to the discussion, I believe @Spacefruit has stated that there are aftermarket Base 1000 bezels that are made so well as to be nearly impossible to tell they're not original. Its only a matter of time, if these DNN bezels continue to rise in price, before someone makes a perfect replica of these as well.