Omega CK2913 14755 165014 bezel insert

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mcgyver

·Nov 3, 2020

I'm experimenting making a replacement insert for a friends/friend who has a CK2923 with a bare bezel.
My problem is - the bezel is so worn down I'm having trouble measuring the correct dimensions.
From what is left of the "groove" in the bezel I measure Od: 37.5mm and Id: 34.5mm and the "lip/depth" is 0.15mm.
Can some one verify these numbers if I'm on track or not! 😀

First test using 0.2mm brass to check fonts and see how deep I have to engrave to get the lume to stick.

Version two is on the way using black anodized aluminium. Oxidizing the brass black did work - but results not to my liking => trying aluminium instead.

 

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sohail

·Nov 9, 2020

Hi what’s the update , keep us posted

 

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mcgyver

·Nov 11, 2020

Still trying to find the best method!
Brass works great engraving and cutting, BUT I'm having some problems getting it etched black - it does not stick as well as I would like.
Anodized aluminium works good - but hard to find thinner than 0.5mm. Experimenting etching it down in thickness.
Latest try is making a mold and casting in epoxi resin etc ......

Edited: Jan 4, 2021

 

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WatchCor

·Nov 11, 2020

Nice progress, and if you manage to refine the result, you'll have some customers besides your friends 👍

 

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gemini4

·Nov 11, 2020·Hoarder Of Speed et alia

FYI, the bezel diameter for the 2913 and 14755 are not identical.

 

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mcgyver

·Nov 11, 2020

Do you know the dimensions? (The one I have is quite beat up)

 

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gemini4

·Nov 11, 2020·Hoarder Of Speed et alia

mcgyver

Do you know the dimensions? (The one I have is quite beat up)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ck2913-bezel.20788/#post-226071

 

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sohail

·Nov 11, 2020

Did omega used Bakelite in the original bezel?

 

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mcgyver

·Nov 12, 2020

gemini4

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ck2913-bezel.20788/#post-226071

Thanks! But it only suggests there might be a difference in bezel dimensions (to fit the case) - is the groove for the insert the same - and what are the dimensions if so/not so!?

 

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Vintagewtchzilla

·Nov 12, 2020

sohail

Did omega used Bakelite in the original bezel?

neither omega or rolex did .... bakelite is just a urban legend

 

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mcgyver

·Nov 19, 2020

Ongoing experiments.....feels promising...



'

0.13mm thick aluminium, engraved and filled with paint/lume

Edited: Nov 20, 2020

 

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mcgyver

·Dec 2, 2020

Testing pad printing......might be the way to go!

 

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Bayrat

·Dec 31, 2020

Mcgyver, Any updates on the progress? Looks good!!

 

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aleksejeremeev

·Jan 1, 2021

Interesting work that will bring you new customers

 

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Bayrat

·Jan 1, 2021

aleksejeremeev

Interesting work that will bring you new customers

I agree. I am in the market for a bezel restoration for a 1962 Seamaster 300, Cal 550 165.014-62.
If the bezel insert can be shipped to you directly, that right there is a bonus! It would also be great if the Bezel insert can be pressed in and can be able to be taken out without damaging the bezel. Which I think could be done?
So, if the watch was sold (or not) it can go back to the original condition. It can also be left in bezel with a statement Example - “Bezel insert by Mcgyver”. Like they do for artist like Aldo, Lukas and Rene bezel recreation/restoration is stated when these watches are sold or traded.
Like stated, there are three amazing master craftsmen, that I have heard of here on the OM Forums and others, that do this bezel recreation/restoration. All three need you to send them the watch/bezel. The turnaround time of this service ranges from two weeks to six months.
This could be a great option that could work for some who own the Seamaster 300 and need Bezel work.
This opinion is coming from a noobie here, what do I know?

 

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mcgyver

·Jan 1, 2021

Just got a better bezel in the mail from a member! 😀
I adjusted the inner diameter to 34.2mm and it's now a good fit in the new bezel with an intact groove.
Did some minor adjustments to the fonts - have two 0.14mm aluminum inserts on the bench waiting for the paint/lume to dry.
The idea with the aluminum version is it can be used glued "as is" - or over fill with epoxy/acrylic to get a "baked" version - by the owner so no need to ship the bezel and risk it getting lost in the mail.
Will post a picture when the paint has dried so I can do a test fitting!

Edited: Jan 4, 2021

 

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n-theory

·Jan 1, 2021

This future customer can't wait 😉

 

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mcgyver

·Jan 2, 2021

0.14mm black aluminium, etched numbers/lines, filled with paint and lume, edge black oxidized.....

Glued in place - next step "baking" in marine grade epoxy. Curing right now so will take a day or two before I can do the final finishing.

Edit: [Looking at the pictures - the bezel is now taking a bath to remove the epoxy - the numbers need more tweeking!]

Edited: Jan 2, 2021

 

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watchknut

·Jan 2, 2021

Holy moly!!!

I need one of these...insane work.

 

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Davidt

·Jan 3, 2021

This is a great thread. Loving the documentation of the development process here.

I don’t even need one of these bezels but following with great interest.