Bezel inserts restoration?

[JohnAndrew]

Can an old bezel insert be restored? I’ve always wanted a blue bezel insert (shark) for my 16800. The ones I find are usually scratched up and I wonder if they could be restored? If so, who would you recommend for the restoration work? Thanks for any tips.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by JohnAndrew

Can an old bezel insert be restored? I’ve always wanted a blue bezel insert (shark) for my 16800. The ones I find are usually scratched up and I wonder if they could be restored? If so, who would you recommend for the restoration work? Thanks for any tips.

I've never heard of that, but unfortunately some people try to replicate fading and certain colors through various methods with new bezels. I've tried it myself with an aftermarket bezel, but it just doesn't look the same. You might find one on VRF though.

[katana]

Maybe you should buy,new one.



Paradis

[Tudor66]

Originally Posted by katana

Maybe you should buy,new one.

Paradis

I went to a Ben Bridge store and had them install a new bezel insert for my 16800 matte dial. It was only $90 dollars (US), though I see that people list these for sale for much higher prices...

[JohnAndrew]

Originally Posted by katana

Maybe you should buy,new one.



Paradis

I'd love to but I'm not sure they would sell me a blue bezel insert for my SS sub.
Perhaps I'm mistaken?

[linesiders]

I have a couple blue sapphire sub inserts and thought of a couple things that might help temporarily, including airbrushing Future floor wax on to the insert. Future is often airbrushed as a gloss coat on models and the sort. Just wanted to test and see the results as I have no use for the inserts.

Now, someone that can braze and refinish cracking around the dot would be great, as well as reshaping inserts ;)

[springer]

Originally Posted by JohnAndrew

I'd love to but I'm not sure they would sell me a blue bezel insert for my SS sub.
Perhaps I'm mistaken?

I don't think the blue insert will fit on your Submariner. I tried to do this on a 16610 and couldn't get it to fit. I have a few extra blue inserts for Submariners if you want to give it a try!