Would you repair this 5513 bezel?

[dw.metro]

I've had this vintage 1970 5513 for two weeks now and I'm super pleased with it. I bought it not knowing too much about the watch but the more I read up on it the more I appreciate it.

On my to do list is to tighten up the bracelet (Michael Young) and perhaps to repair (if possible) the chip on the bezel? Is it advisable to tinker with the bezel or should I just leave it alone?

[TimeToGo]

When you mean the bezel, do you mean the insert?

I would not touch that insert!!!!!

[dysondiver]

touch with a black magic marker would make it less obvious , then just leave it alone

[Vincent65]

nice sub - I'd leave the insert alone, personally

[woodsworth]

I think it adds character. Leave it be imho!

[Cc1966]

I would leave it alone personally.

[nsumner]

Please leave it alone. If it bugs you that much, buy another and sell that one.

[CrownMe]

It all comes down to personal preference. If it doesn't bother you then keep it. If it does I'd sell it and buy a new one. You have a winner either way. It's a beautiful sub with a perfect dial and very nice patina. Congrats my friend.

[springer]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

touch with a black magic marker would make it less obvious , then just leave it alone

Felt tips are a temporary fix. You'd have to paint it to get it looking acceptable and be more of a permanent repair - until something scratches the insert again.

[dw.metro]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I will not repair the bezel insert. I doubt that I will go to a newer sub in the future because I think the vintage route is way more fun and interesting.

[MitchSteel]

Lever B

[John in MA]

If you want to darken the aluminum use a solution called Aluminum Black. Made by Birchwood Casey. You can get it on amazon

It's a permanent solution as it chemically darkens the metal and is a sort of "bluing" process for aluminum as bluing is for steel. Used a lot in firearm restoration. Good stuff.

Great sub.

[GedgeDS]

I know I'm in the minority but whenever I get a new vintage piece it goes for a check and spa day. One thing I have had done on almost all my watches has been new bezel insert (originally advised because I wear it daily and damage to original bezel could mean 10k off of value) - I just like a bezel colour closer to the colour of the dial.

[springer]

Originally Posted by John in MA

If you want to darken the aluminum use a solution called Aluminum Black. Made by Birchwood Casey. You can get it on amazon

It's a permanent solution as it chemically darkens the metal and is a sort of "bluing" process for aluminum as bluing is for steel. Used a lot in firearm restoration. Good stuff.

Great sub.

That's a great alternative also!

[strafer_kid]

Personally I would not do anything to it - looks great as it is! Enjoy!

[esspee1200]

leave as is in the flesh.

[mr500cm]

Not having the pearl drove me crazy, I had it replaced years ago when I had it overhauled. The insert would also drive me crazy. I'd use marker to fill it in until I sort out a replacement insert that is period.

[watchcrank]

Nice watch, do what pleases you. M

[Beelzy]

You thinks that's bad? It could be a nice purple faded insert which is near impossible to touch up.

+1 on the magic marker. Just enough to dull it and not affect the "look".

[BoomerSooner]

Leave it

[crowncollection]

if it's a daily wear and it bothers you, replace it and keep the one you have in case you sell one day

[Cdumi96]

If imperfections bother people than maybe vintage watches are not for you. Buy a new shinny watch and wear it. We won't think different of you. I personally have vintage watches that I will not touch. Love the rusty hands and faded dial on my red sub. But I also have a new IWC. shinny and perfect. Love both watches the same wear both of them just depends what mood I'm in.

[cali kid]

Its a beautiful watch, you bought it because its vintage... I wouldn't touch it, it's perfect just the way it is..