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Scratched bezel insert

willg
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I made a stupid mistake yesterday. While changing straps on my 2531.80, I accidentally scratched the bezel with the spring bar removal tool. It feels extra annoying because the strap switch was to save the bracelet from scratches, which are actually super removable unlike what I just did.

Any remedies people recommend? A new bezel insert from Omega is $280 and it doesn't feel right putting a fake one on. They mentioned the new ones are not original to what shipped with the watch, but I imagine that doesn't matter. I also imagine this bezel insert is not original either since the bezel has some deeper dings that could not have sparred the insert.

PHOTO-2025-06-13-13-33-09.webp
 
Dan S
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I think your options are to live with it or pay for a replacement, so it just depends how much it bothers you.
 
willg
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Dan S Dan S
I think your options are to live with it or pay for a replacement, so it just depends how much it bothers you.
yeah I think you're right. Surprisingly, it bothers me quite a lot!
 
paddymoran
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If buying a replacement you could always sell the old one and hence reduce the net cost.
 
willg
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paddymoran paddymoran
If buying a replacement you could always sell the old one and hence reduce the net cost.
Yeah I thought about that as well. Any idea what the value is of this one? There are very few examples on eBay. Prior to this it was flawless, of which there are none out there on eBay.
 
Davidt
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You could also keep an eye out for a used one in good condition. They do pop up sometimes and it might be more in keeping rather than getting a brand new one.
 
blufinz52
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If it were me, I'd get a new one. It would be worth the $280 to get it back to good.
 
Larry S
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If that scratch was generated by a good story, its a tool watch souvenir. Sadly it’s a desk diver oops. I’d spring for a replacement if it bugs you.
 
paddymoran
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willg willg
Yeah I thought about that as well. Any idea what the value is of this one? There are very few examples on eBay. Prior to this it was flawless, of which there are none out there on eBay.
Hard to say - $80 to $100 maybe?
 
tikkathree
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If you make your decision on the toss of a coin, better put your watch in the next room!
 
Clelow
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Agreed, get a new one. You will forget the price you paid. Otherwise, you will always be looking at the scratch.
 
willg
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Clelow Clelow
Agreed, get a new one. You will forget the price you paid. Otherwise, you will always be looking at the scratch.
Great point!
 
Evitzee
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Wear it for a couple of weeks and if the scratch still bothers you have it replaced. But often these 'crises' pass with time.
 
willg
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Update: you can’t buy it. To be eligible to pay $280 one must first commit to a $700 service. So a $1k mistake made in a split second poor handling of the tool. Great!

Alternatively you find a watchmaker who can order it I guess, which I may try to do.
 
tpatta
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willg willg
Update: you can’t buy it. To be eligible to pay $280 one must first commit to a $700 service. So a $1k mistake made in a split second poor handling of the tool. Great!

Alternatively you find a watchmaker who can order it I guess, which I may try to do.
I am not sure that's true. I just bought a bezel for my P.O from the Omega Boutique in April. Didn't require a service and they installed it for me. Maybe I was just lucky.
 
willg
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tpatta tpatta
I am not sure that's true. I just bought a bezel for my P.O from the Omega Boutique in April. Didn't require a service and they installed it for me. Maybe I was just lucky.
Ok, good to know. When I say boutique I meant actual swatch omega in nyc and Chicago (called both). Did you mean AD? I was going to try that one next.
 
tpatta
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willg willg
Ok, good to know. When I say boutique I meant actual swatch omega in nyc and Chicago (called both). Did you mean AD? I was going to try that one next.
The Omega Boutique in Los Angeles. I'm sure the Omega Boutique on 5th Ave. in NYC can be of help.
 
willg
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tpatta tpatta
The Omega Boutique in Los Angeles. I'm sure the Omega Boutique on 5th Ave. in NYC can be of help.
Unfortunately they (NYC) would not help me. They would only service the watch for $700 and then allow me to buy the part with the service for $280.

Learn from my mistake kids, put tape on your watch when playing with the tools
 
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