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Refinishing a damaged seamaster 300 bezel?

Dsplash
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Hi!
Here is one of my 165.024 that’s giving me quite the headache! While I really like the dial, I’m getting more and more frustrated with the bezel’s condition and I wonder if something can be done about it...Finding one for sale at a reasonable price seems impossible so I’d like to know if something could be done to restore it, and if so, who would have the skills to do that (I’m in France).
If someone has already been through this and has some before/after pictures, that would be great!
Thanks!
FB806F9A-076A-4161-A777-C1DF4A16FD1C.jpeg A42740B4-0330-4299-8664-3F4AA703865E.jpeg
 
Dan S
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I would leave it. Messing around with it will just degrade the value. If you don't like it, sell it and buy a different one.
 
janice&fred
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Very good advice you got. Someone else might love it just the way it is. That bezel wouldn't bother me one bit. Believe it or not most of the color degradation is from the bezel getting wet so chances are the watch was actually used as intended. 👍
 
simonsays
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There was an Italian watchmaker that refinished a SM300 bezel with amazing results. I thought you had to just live with any damage but this had lost a lot of the black paint and it came up like new almost. I cannot for the live of me find the details now, perhaps someone else remembers?
 
Dan S
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simonsays simonsays
There was an Italian watchmaker that refinished a SM300 bezel with amazing results. I thought you had to just live with any damage but this had lost a lot of the black paint and it came up like new almost. I cannot for the live of me find the details now, perhaps someone else remembers?

You're probably talking about Aldo (http://www.milwatchmaker.com/lavori.php?lavoro=lavoro9). Rene in Germany also does work like that (of_golden_times on IG). The OP just needs to understand that he will be putting at least $1k into the restoration, plus a long wait. And while the bezel will look better, the value may actually be reduced, since the OP's bezel isn't bad at all, and quite desirable to collectors in its current original condition. So I would think twice before entering into a project that will probably result in a $2k-ish net loss (cost plus loss in value).

The OP has many options. He can buy a replacement bezel and sell his current bezel. He can buy a different watch and sell his current watch. If he finds a watch with moldy lume and a nice bezel, he can swap bezels and sell the bad one. But if he "restores" this bezel, some of those options will be off the table.
 
140dave
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It’s your watch and if it bugs you, do it. But have to agree with Dan, I think it is great as-is and worth more now than with a redone bezel. Most if the ones that get redone started in far worse shape than yours. (And I think it is Aldo you are thinking of in IT but I don’t have contact info)
 
simonsays
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Dan S Dan S
You're probably talking about Aldo (http://www.milwatchmaker.com/lavori.php?lavoro=lavoro9). Rene in Germany also does work like that (of_golden_times on IG).

No it was neither of those two, I think they will only do the old style bezels. It was impressive work where he managed to remove the acrylic and repaired the paint underneath, possibly relumed or cleaned up the numbers in Tritium style and replace the original acrylic. The result was unbelievable, it may have been Roberto Tarrabella?
Edited:
 
flqt-9000
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Dsplash Dsplash
Hi!
Here is one of my 165.024 that’s giving me quite the headache! While I really like the dial, I’m getting more and more frustrated with the bezel’s condition and I wonder if something can be done about it...Finding one for sale at a reasonable price seems impossible so I’d like to know if something could be done to restore it, and if so, who would have the skills to do that (I’m in France).
If someone has already been through this and has some before/after pictures, that would be great!
Thanks!
FB806F9A-076A-4161-A777-C1DF4A16FD1C.jpeg A42740B4-0330-4299-8664-3F4AA703865E.jpeg
Here is the guy you need, and he is in France:

http://www.atelier-horloger.fr/restauration_montres/restauration_montre.php?num=2&mini=1
 
Darlinboy
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Restoration might be good for one that is a lost cause - OPs is not, at least to me. I would not do it, but it’s your watch.

Modern Omega divers can be had that are without flaw. Just sayin’.
 
Dsplash
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Darlinboy Darlinboy
Restoration might be good for one that is a lost cause - OPs is not, at least to me. I would not do it, but it’s your watch.

Modern Omega divers can be had that are without flaw. Just sayin’.

That’s a matter of perspective...I’m all for vintage pieces and usually against all kinds of restaurations. I won’t buy a watch that has been restored.
But to me, this one is, from an aesthetic PoV, not far from the lost cause...

i guess the best advice will be to let the whole piece go :/
 
Dan S
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Dsplash Dsplash
That’s a matter of perspective...I’m all for vintage pieces and usually against all kinds of restaurations. I won’t buy a watch that has been restored.
But to me, this one is, from an aesthetic PoV, not far from the lost cause...

i guess the best advice will be to let the whole piece go :/

I have to agree with Paul. It is faded, but I don't see a single crack. Many people would be happy to have that bezel. You need to put it in the appropriate context of original bezels for this particular reference.
 
simonsays
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Dan S Dan S
The OP has many options. He can buy a replacement bezel and sell his current bezel. He can buy a different watch and sell his current watch. If he finds a watch with moldy lume and a nice bezel, he can swap bezels and sell the bad one. But if he "restores" this bezel, some of those options will be off the table.

This would make it at worse Frakenwatch, and at best Unauthentic according to some on this forum::stirthepot::
 
Darlinboy
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Dsplash Dsplash
That’s a matter of perspective...I’m all for vintage pieces and usually against all kinds of restaurations. I won’t buy a watch that has been restored.
But to me, this one is, from an aesthetic PoV, not far from the lost cause...

i guess the best advice will be to let the whole piece go :/

I totally get where you are, believe me. I have have had more than a few watches with a flaw that I just could not live with in the end.

Once or twice, I went the restoration route - and with great cosmetic results - but ended up selling the watches on anyway - at a loss. Restored just wouldn't cut it for me. And one enthusiast's "flaw" is another's favored "wabi sabi."

Everyone has a different perspective. Personally, I have learned to buy only the best example I can find - with patience - and if I can't afford that one, well - thank goodness there are always more watches to lust after.
Edited:
 
Dan S
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simonsays simonsays
This would make it at worse Frakenwatch, and at best Unauthentic according to some on this forum::stirthepot::

It's his watch and he can do whatever he wants with it.
 
obstando
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Trust me that bezel is good in comparison to many out there! Despite the loss of lume on the numbers it looks in fantastic condition which I would take over cracked acrylic any day
 
southtexas
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Reviving an old thread. I’m considering having a thoroughly trashed bezel refinished. I’m in no hurry (it has a service bezel for the moment).

Does anyone have experience with the French watchmaker atelier-horloger? His work looks very impressive. Or, does anyone else have recommendations?
 
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