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.
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 ......
Nice progress, and if you manage to refine the result, you'll have some customers besides your friends
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!?
Ongoing experiments.....feels promising... ' 0.13mm thick aluminium, engraved and filled with paint/lume
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?
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!
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!]
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.