14k Gold Rolex 6264 1971 - Dilemma

[Sammy D]

Uncle Bob is hard at work making my fathers watch all it can be! He has been limited by the rarity of the watch in how to address the destroyed Bakelite bezel insert. Due to the difficulty sourcing a 14k bezel, whichever one Bob uses will be a place holder until a better 14k bezel is found. He gave me 3 options:

1. Use the one that came with the watch - (purists will be happy)

2. Use an 18k gold 62624 bezel that is in poor condition but better than the original

3. Use an aftermarket bezel that has been manufactured for Rolex

Please give me your suggestion as you all have been invaluable for me during this endeavor.

[Dan S]

Can you have the bakelite inlay restored on your bezel, and use that until you find something that you really like? This is routinely done for vintage Omega Seamaster 300 divers that have notoriously delicate bezel inlays. I certainly wouldn't spend $10k on a bezel that I didn't like, or $4k on an aftermarket part.

[interestedwatcher]

The genuine bezel is wrong for the model, you're paying 10k for something pretty damaged and not right for the watch. It won't add value to a collector - they'll probably subtract 10k from the price!

Are you going to keep the watch, or sell it.

If keeping - buy aftermarket bezel, and have Bob look out til he finds a 14k bezel. If selling maybe keep all gen...

[Sanda220596]

what are you gonna do with this watch?

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Can you have the bakelite inlay restored on your bezel, and use that until you find something that you really like? This is routinely done for vintage Omega Seamaster 300 divers that have notoriously delicate bezel inlays. I certainly wouldn't spend $10k on a bezel that I didn't like, or $4k on an aftermarket part.

That is the best option for me too - doesn't matter if restoration is not perfect as you might swap it later and it keeps it original and your not spaffing out money unnecessarily.

[330ci]

I would just buy an aftermarket insert(non gold), cut out sections that fit as closely as possible into the original insert like a jigsaw puzzle. Then fill in all the voids with clear epoxy, then sand and polish it back down flush with the bezel until I could find a suitable original replacement.

[Dan S]

Here is an interesting thread from a different forum from a member who documents the development of his approach to bezel restoration over more than a year. I think he is a hobbyist, but does apparently restore bezels for others occasionally. There are a couple of well-known professionals in Europe who use a method that is probably not as high tech. As I mentioned, this is most commonly done for old Omega dive watches, but could perhaps be adapted for a Daytona bezel.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omeg...insert.122069/

[77T]

Originally Posted by Sammy D

… will be a place holder until a better 14k bezel is found.

1. Use the one that came with the watch - (purists will be happy)

Because of the placeholder status, I’d suggest #1

You’ll save the cost of ~$3,400 - $10,000 for a temporary solution.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[dhknola]

#1 times one million; I love that 'messed' up bezel. Can't buy character!

[newkidonblock4]

100% the original. If you're going to buy another, then wait until you a correct insert.

[Styles Bitchley]

I’m with Dan on trying to restore the original Bakelite or even having a new inlay created. Those remaining pieces look like they’re ready to fall out anyway, so it doesn’t seem very practical (or attractive).

[Dan S]

This is a before and after for one of my vintage Omega watches. Made it much more wearable for a cost that is pretty modest compared to the options that the OP is considering.

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by Dan S

This is a before and after for one of my vintage Omega watches. Made it much more wearable for a cost that is pretty modest compared to the options that the OP is considering.

Who did that? I’ve got one on an old Chronosport that I’d love to have something similar done.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

Who did that? I’ve got one on an old Chronosport that I’d love to have something similar done.

@of_golden_times on IG (Rene). I think he mainly specializes in these Omega bezels, but there's no harm in asking. He is in Germany.

[KY..]

10k for a beat up bezel of any sort almost sounds criminal.
I like the advice of Dan S and would pursue that option vigorously.