5517/16800 Bezels

[GeorgeK]

After gawking at the 5517s posted here recently I realised that the bezel insert is specific in that it has minute marks all around.

Hence my 2 questions:

-Is there any good quality copy of this 60 minute marks bezel available?
-Is the 5512/13/17 bezel insert intercgangeable with a 16800 insert?

I'm pretty sure not, but asking can't hurt.

[HL65]

The bezel insert you speak of was issued with 5513, 5513/5517 and 5517 Milsubs.
To answer your questions: Keep it real--not a fan of imposter/poser watches-JMHO.
**(not that they even exist)

[GeorgeK]

I don't see how I coud fake anything with a Saphyre crystal, std hands,4 lines and no mil. markings on the watch.
I just like the look and wondered if that is doable, while waiting for my matte faced 16800 to arrive.


But thank you for protecting the brand purity.

Kidding aside and with all due respect, I wondered if it is possible because once I have paid for the watch it is mine and if I feel like modding it, I will.

[Beaumont Miller II]

I agree with Ken...not a fan of impostors. That being said, I am a fan of changing bezel inserts on my watches. The bezel inserts for the sapphire crystal subs are not interchangeable with the plexi subs.

[GeorgeK]

Beaumont, merci and merci.

[mike]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

I agree with Ken...not a fan of impostors. That being said, I am a fan of changing bezel inserts on my watches. The bezel inserts for the sapphire crystal subs are not interchangeable with the plexi subs.

[Poohsan]

Might I suggest not using a "copy bezel" but instead create your own customized bezel insert. You could contact a local jeweler to have the extra has marks added to a real sapphire bezel insert. They could lightly engrave the bezel then apply paint to the lower areas.

[gt0279a]

I think getting a 16800 insert modified might be your only option.

The markers and numbers are printed over the anodized aluminum before the aluminum is sealed, so I'm not sure how the added (engraved?) minute marks would looked compared to the original ones.

If you search on here, there are some members who have scratched off the glossy surface and immersed the insert in bleach so fade it to match a vintage dial / hand set.

Perhaps, there is an alternate way using chemicals to remove the anodized finish at the precise areas for the new minute markers?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by gt0279a

I think getting a 16800 insert modified might be your only option.

The markers and numbers are printed over the anodized aluminum before the aluminum is sealed, so I'm not sure how the added (engraved?) minute marks would looked compared to the original ones.

If you search on here, there are some members who have scratched off the glossy surface and immersed the insert in bleach so fade it to match a vintage dial / hand set.

Perhaps, there is an alternate way using chemicals to remove the anodized finish at the precise areas for the new minute markers?

This is an INSANE idea