Aqua regia.

 

so the gold plated bezel is $1,400 so not sure dissolving to plated surface is viable even if I was to then sell off the gold.

My next question would be how generic are the omega bezel fitments? If I find a bezel for a 34mm seamaster that’s not necessarily the same model as mine, would it still fit?

 

At this point, I would look for a replacement case. I’ve done it with a 14700 case and it took less than a year. Another thought is to have one made for you. A skilled machinist can turn one on a lathe in a couple of hours probably for a few hundred dollars. Perhaps even a “manufacturing jeweler” can do it.

I also saw another example of that watch for sale with crappy dial for $375. Find the worst one you can with the nicest case and swap.

Tom

 

Well, whoever gave you that price is making a killing on it. I've had solid 14k gold bezels made for a fraction of that price.

 

If he bought a plated bezel would it be stainless?

 

update on the watch - sourced a bezel, got the crystal replaced and got a new genuine alligator strap with a deployment clasp.

 

What a change to your starting post. You brought this beauty back to life

Where did you find the bezel?

 

i managed to find a case for sale in Mexico and had it shipped over. It cost me a bit for shipping but i didn't want to miss the chance just incase i didn't see another one for a while.

 

Great job, well done, it’s a lovely watch, especially with that dial.

 

Restoration stories like yours make my day. Btw, Omega refers to the dial pattern as 'florentine'. Unusual on a Seamaster.

Art