I would like to buy a Vintage Speedmaster Moon Watch

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

Spacefruit
In our little community, "almost identical" is what its all about.

those aftermarket inserts are awful.

Secondly the inserts are not as exchangeable as Rolex are. The bezels are really intended to be replaced as a unit, not an insert.

STANDY
Fixed it for you

Bezel comes off, insert pops off from the back. Replacement insert snaps in. Put bezel back on. I saw an aftermarket SMP insert and compared it to my own--very little difference aside from the lume pip.

The point is that it's a viable option if you want to skimp. I'll pose a hypothetical: you're about to do some work that will more than likely result in watch scratches (say installing a server room, engine work, etc)--in 5 minutes you can swap in a generic insert, do your work, and swap back. Hesalite and case scratches don't cost as much to fix as a marred bezel insert. Some people may want to just keep their original insert pristine--I'm not going to tell them they're not allowed to do whatever they want. I see no problem in listing options--feel free to laugh if you like.

STANDY · Feb 13, 2016

Or take off watch and put on beater then put watch back on. Nothing fake needed in my process. It's actually character building for the beater.

Show us a Speedmaster insert popped out, as you say......

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

STANDY
Or take off watch and put on beater then put watch back on. Nothing fake needed in my process. It's actually character building for the beater.

Show us a Speedmaster insert popped out, as you say......

There are already a few videos showing the process. I don't have the correct bezel removal tool, nor would I attempt it--which is why I've opted for bezel protectors to keep my watches perfect.

I used to damage bezels just doing normal things--it's unavoidable unless your watch is forever hidden under a fuzzy sweater sleeve. I'm not going to wear a beater watch forever to avoid picking up scratches on a nice watch.

You can mock my suggestions all you like. I really don't care. I've frequented watch forums enough to know that most folks frown on the purchase of anything generic. Yours was the expected response.

Spacefruit · Feb 13, 2016

mokofoko
Bezel comes off, insert pops off from the back. Replacement insert snaps in. Put bezel back on. I saw an aftermarket SMP insert and compared it to my own--very little difference aside from the lume pip.

The point is that it's a viable option if you want to skimp. I'll pose a hypothetical: you're about to do some work that will more than likely result in watch scratches (say installing a server room, engine work, etc)--in 5 minutes you can swap in a generic insert, do your work, and swap back. Hesalite and case scratches don't cost as much to fix as a marred bezel insert. Some people may want to just keep their original insert pristine--I'm not going to tell them they're not allowed to do whatever they want. I see no problem in listing options--feel free to laugh if you like.

No one is laughing, and I am always happy to hear ideas. The problem I see is that you are suggesting removing a speedmaster bezel insert from the steel bezel. It is not so easy. While it is often done on Rolex, and you have seen it on SMP's, it is quite risky to do on a speedmaster - they simply are not designed to be serviceable, although it is possible. The risk of damage is high, and also the fit is hard to make secure. They often have to be glued in.

Also you suggest swapping out the bezel insert to "save" it. Why not swap the case, too? Or the dial, or the hands? Or the crown? I do understand the temptation to 'save' the parts but honestly whats the point in owning the watch if you are going to wear it half correct.

Also the loss risk is far greater off the watch! Dont believe me? Where are all those boxes and papers!

Thats the other thing, as I said, the after market replacement bezels inserts are easily spotted across a room, and they are cheap looking.

You wouldn't catch me "popping"out the insert on my DO90 bezels because
a) the risk of damage on a valuable part
b) it would look terrible
c) risk of loss from what ever "safe place" i couldn't remember where i put it

Imagine this:

with this:

STANDY · Feb 13, 2016

Are you sure your not getting a seamaster and a Speedmaster mixed up re bezel insert.

But besides the above advice to put fake, aftermarket, generic what ever you want to call them will always get the same reply.

mokofoko
I don't have the correct bezel removal tool, nor would I attempt it-.

And third point you are giving advice to someone to something you don't even do. Then defending the advice

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

STANDY
Are you sure your not getting a seamaster and a Speedmaster mixed up re bezel insert.

But besides the above advice to put fake, aftermarket, generic what ever you want to call them will always get the same reply.

And third point you are giving advice to someone to something you don't even do. Then defending the advice

This is what I originally said: "If you're willing to put on an aftermarket (almost identical) for general use, those can be had in the $20-$40 range."
That's it. No "do it, you won't regret it" testimony. In no way did I recommend that people install aftermarket bezels. I only said it's an option to consider if you are so inclined.

If you want to continue this, send me a PM. I am done conversing with you in this thread.

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

Spacefruit
No one is laughing, and I am always happy to hear ideas. The problem I see is that you are suggesting removing a speedmaster bezel insert from the steel bezel. It is not so easy. While it is often done on Rolex, and you have seen it on SMP's, it is quite risky to do on a speedmaster - they simply are not designed to be serviceable, although it is possible. The risk of damage is high, and also the fit is hard to make secure. They often have to be glued in.

Also you suggest swapping out the bezel insert to "save" it. Why not swap the case, too? Or the dial, or the hands? Or the crown? I do understand the temptation to 'save' the parts but honestly whats the point in owning the watch if you are going to wear it half correct.

Also the loss risk is far greater off the watch! Dont believe me? Where are all those boxes and papers!

Thats the other thing, as I said, the after market replacement bezels inserts are easily spotted across a room, and they are cheap looking.

You wouldn't catch me "popping"out the insert on my DO90 bezels because
a) the risk of damage on a valuable part
b) it would look terrible
c) risk of loss from what ever "safe place" i couldn't remember where i put it

I can tell that you aren't, and I certainly appreciate the civil tone.

I only saw my friend installing an SMP aftermarket--if you say that the speedmaster pro isn't as easy to swap, then I'll have to take your word for it. That bezel comparison definitely does look bad--much worse than the generic SMP bezels by comparison. Removing hesalite scratches is easy, case/bracelet polishing is less than a $200 job, and you'd have to really try to damage your crown/dial/hands--that just leaves the bezel as the major part that's easily scratched and expensive as heck to replace. For people like myself who hate scratches, it might be possible to go through 1-2 bezels per year. At $400 a pop, I can understand why some people will live with the indignity of having an aftermarket bezel installed for general use.

STANDY · Feb 13, 2016

Did you miss Spacefruit saying "Damage" and "glued"

In the interest of this forum recommending fake parts on a Speedmaster is not what we endorse. Keep that to PM.....

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

STANDY
Did you miss Spacefruit saying "Damage" and "glued"

In the interest of this forum recommending fake parts on a Speedmaster is not what we endorse. Keep that to PM.....

Thanks dad!

watchcollect · Feb 13, 2016

mokofoko
Thanks dad!

Here we go.....

Spacefruit · Feb 13, 2016

Easy boys, its all about the watches remember.
Lets post some nice photos and turn this thread around.
Here is something absolutely nothing to do with anything, but make make you all laugh:

watchcollect · Feb 13, 2016

Huge fan of these.

STANDY · Feb 13, 2016

46 posts and we haven't seen a picture from mokofoko ::stirthepot::

My Omega bezeled

Speedmaster

oddboy · Feb 13, 2016

Spacefruit
Easy boys, its all about the watches remember.
Lets post some nice photos and turn this thread around.
Here is something absolutely nothing to do with anything, but make make you all laugh:

I keep meaning to ask. What reference are those? I'd like to start hunting for that orange one!

mokofoko · Feb 13, 2016

STANDY
46 posts and we haven't seen a picture from mokofoko

My Omega bezeled

Oh, you admit to reading all of my posts? I guess I have a stalker? I'm honored, I think?

abrod520 · Feb 13, 2016

Spacefruit
Easy boys, its all about the watches remember.
Lets post some nice photos and turn this thread around.
Here is something absolutely nothing to do with anything, but make make you all laugh:

I will see your crazy colored dials and raise you this:

Great_Escape · Feb 14, 2016

abrod520
I will see your crazy colored dials and raise you this:

I've been stalking this forum for a little bit now and after I threw up in my mouth a little bit this started to grow on me. I decided it was worth a first post.

abrod520 · Feb 15, 2016

Great_Escape
I've been stalking this forum for a little bit now and after I threw up in my mouth a little bit this started to grow on me. I decided it was worth a first post.

Yes, it's pretty horrible isn't it... Even worse, somebody's making a living doing this which means somebody's buying them! This particular one went at auction late last year I think.

Welcome to the forum, and may you never come across such an abomination in person 😁

lillatroll · Feb 15, 2016

I like it. Probably the most interesting speedie out there.

cicindela · May 5, 2016

I must say it is nice to see you boys arguing about watches instead of politics, social issues and BS. 👍
Keep up the good work.

I would like to buy a Vintage Speedmaster Moon Watch

mokofoko

STANDY

mokofoko

Spacefruit

STANDY

mokofoko

mokofoko

STANDY

mokofoko

watchcollect

Spacefruit

watchcollect

STANDY

oddboy

mokofoko

abrod520

Great_Escape

abrod520

lillatroll

cicindela

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