I think you should create a network of McGyver Authorised Installers - to make sure all goes well

 

I have shipped at least 6 bezels to Italy one at a time and all 6 came back...I think you are exaggerating the risk a bit. I ship lenses on a regular basis and in 30 years haven't lost a single one. Installing the bezel yourself is not as easy at it seems.

 

Sweden

 

Last photo before shipping it back-


Made some adjustments to the fonts om the aluminium version - looks like this now:





Did a test this morning that worked out perfect.

Managed to print numbers indexes that are coated with 2-3 layers laqcure => the index / numbers are after curing "loose" and can be placed one by one in a painted groove before covering with laqcure/plastic. I think this approach can get results very, very close to the origingal.
It's like water decals but without the anoying top layer!



I also made a "guide plate" from 0.5mm anodized aluminium to aid mounting of the inserts.

 

The bezel used on prior tests is now packed and on its way back to its owner => I made a "dummy" bezel in aluminium to try the method using lose numbers/indexes.

The groove is painted black and the printed numbers/indexes are glued in place using the same lacquer used to "bake".

Works really well!

Some pictures of my test bezel.

 

So, can I ship you my bezel ?

 

I also would be happy to buy one of these inserts and do some installation testing, please let me know. And very impressive work I must say, your efforts are much appreciated!

 

exceptional work

 

Dear members, I just snapped the bezel off my SM 300 to ship it to Roger AKA @mcgyver.
There are two balls missing on the case and the one left looks like it is made of translucid plastic.
Can those balls be replaced ? Is it worth or should I leave it like that ?
Kind regards from Belgium.
Mounir

 

These are small spheres made of ruby. Each one has a spring under it (or should have).

Spring is 085ST0030.

Sphere is 099ST0029.

 

Replace them they are only cheap or it was when I had mine replaced

 

Thank you Archer !

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/question-on-seamaster-300-165-024-bezel-click-components.30281/

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-300-bezel-click-question.14741/

 

if you want a quick solution, buy the cheapest ball pen replacement refills . with a fine tip plier press the metal tip of the refills above the ball and squeeze gently until the ball comes out. a bit messy because of the ink.... clean them in a solution ands voila! they fit the hole on your sea 300. very often the spring are still in the holes. if not , wiggle your bezel as straight as possible on top of the balls and snap it in. most of the times one will come out again , but 2 stay and the ratchet function is restored. if not satisfied, repeat. if you want it properly, Archer gave you the numbers. good luck ! kind regards. Achim

 

Thank you for the tip !
Actually I am not in a hurry since I just shipped the bezel to @mcgyver for a restoration. A member here kindly offered me to sell me two ruby balls. I will then have the watch serviced. It has been sitting in my drawer for years.

 

Thats how I do it for years. Just take one of your old ball pens (often free merchandise) and disassemble it like Achim said. Super cheap and working all the time (also for Seiko Divers).

Nico

 

Well, my time is worth more than the $11 these ruby spheres cost, so if you want to muck around disassembling pens, be my guest, but I'll just use the proper parts.

 

Haha, I get the point, but its a nice DoItYourself hack that anyone can do...especially when you disassembled the bezel and lost the sphere. No comparison to your work of course.

Nico