GMT question.

[Bobareno]

The question is this, the Bezel on my 1675 is well worn so should I have the RSC put a new one on the watch? Will the collector value go down with the new part? Or should I just keep the old one on and live with the smooth bezel? Not sure what to do, I like the feel of the new Bezel with it's sharp edges but also like the idea of the old parts on the watch. What do you people think I should do? Thanks!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

If you can find a new bezel insert for it, I'd do it. Just be sure to KEEP the old one. Then you can always have the old bezel insert installed if you decide to sell the watch later on.

[Bobareno]

I called the San Francisco RSC they said a new Bezel, insert and spring cost about $400.
SO should I get the whole thing replaced? or Just get a new insert and have the old worn down Bezel with a new insert?

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

I called the San Francisco RSC they said a new Bezel, insert and spring cost about $400.
SO should I get the whole thing replaced? or Just get a new insert and have the old worn down Bezel with a new insert?

I say just get the whole thing replaced. If you are gonna pay that much, might as well just have everything done right? Having the bezel change will not affect the value of the watch very much. Most of the value is really in the dial and movement in that are kept original as much as possible.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I'm in the "exchange bezel insert only" camp.

It's my understanding (through Mike's posts) that cost would be US $ 51 ( + a fee for installing it). Less is more, not only financially in this case...

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

I say just get the whole thing replaced. If you are gonna pay that much, might as well just have everything done right? Having the bezel change will not affect the value of the watch very much. Most of the value is really in the dial and movement in that are kept original as much as possible.

are you sure? i thought buyers of vintage look for everything original?
best,
dan

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by unclesallie

are you sure? i thought buyers of vintage look for everything original?
best,
dan

Well when they change the bezel, all parts of the bezel will look exactly the same as the original bezel since the 1675 and 16710 have completely different bezels. The RSC would have to replace it with an exact matching insert and mechanism as a different one will not fit. So IMO the value doesn't really change by much.

I have seen older GMTs (1675s and 6542s) with newly replaced bezels because the color was blue and red and not a faded blue and pink (like how an original bezel would fade to today) and these watches would still sell for a high price. Mind you, the bezel insert is not the original.

So I agree with you that replacing any original part in a watch will affect its value. However, the whole bezel mechanism will have to be replaced with an exact same one which shouldn't really affect the value by much if you get what I mean.

[Bobareno]

Thanks, what if I was able to keep the Bezel insert and still get the new whole Bezel with insert. Last time they worked on my watch they sent me the old Bezel insert back with the watch after the service, they installed a new insert (it was $60 just for the insert). The best of both worlds? A new Bezel and insert and the old insert to keep for later, like when someone sells it after I'm long gone?

[Dan Pierce]

I'd take the original bezel and insert off completely, take it to RSC, and tell them it fell off and you want it replaced. That way you have the original to keep the value and the replacement parts to wear.
Good luck,
dP

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I'd take the original bezel and insert off completely, take it to RSC, and tell them it fell off and you want it replaced. That way you have the original to keep the value and the replacement parts to wear.
Good luck,
dP

Sounds like a win win situation to me.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I'd take the original bezel and insert off completely, take it to RSC, and tell them it fell off and you want it replaced. That way you have the original to keep the value and the replacement parts to wear.
Good luck,
dP

Sounds good to me!

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I'm in the "exchange bezel insert only" camp.

It's my understanding (through Mike's posts) that cost would be US $ 51 ( + a fee for installing it). Less is more, not only financially in this case...

I agree. In Europe this would cost a bit more, around 50 euros.

[Tools]

Sounds like this piece has seen a lot of use if the bezel is worn down appreciably.

It doesn't matter how original a watch is, barring some rare models, if it's worn out, it isn't worth much.

A period correct bezel will probably not affect the value of most watches since here is no corresponding number or inherent value in a bezel..much like the changing of the crystal during every service call.

Of course, the most value may be placed on an original, mint piece. Second might be the period correct restoration.

[Bobareno]

Opps........ looks like I lost the Bezel! Darn!

I better get a new one.........

[Bobareno]

The watch is a 1967 GMT, from my Father, he wore it everyday! I think it was serviced about 6 or 7 times. The watch looks good, only the Bezel is very smooth from polishing it each time.

Thanks for all your ideas........ Sure wish I had not lost it! Darn!

[SeniorDad]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

I called the San Francisco RSC they said a new Bezel, insert and spring cost about $400.
SO should I get the whole thing replaced? or Just get a new insert and have the old worn down Bezel with a new insert?

Wow!

I'm sitting here, still steaming about RSC refusing to serivce my 1675 and on my estimate of repairs there is the following:

1 x Bezel-s/st, rotating, red/blu ins...............$180.00

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

The watch is a 1967 GMT, from my Father, he wore it everyday! I think it was serviced about 6 or 7 times. The watch looks good, only the Bezel is very smooth from polishing it each time.

Thanks for all your ideas........ Sure wish I had not lost it! Darn!

Wow dating to 1967 huh? It must be one of the earlier run of 1675 reference number GMT's that may still have the gilt dial!! That is a wonderful vintage piece with a lot of collectibility! Post that for sale and people will buy it right away and at a premium too. I say you hold on to that watch, keep it in your family and pass that beauty down to the next generation. It may be worth even more in the future Im sure.

Btw, I COMPLETELY agree with what Larry (Tools) had said. Well said Larry, I could not have said it any better than you.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

The watch is a 1967 GMT, from my Father, he wore it everyday! I think it was serviced about 6 or 7 times. The watch looks good, only the Bezel is very smooth from polishing it each time.

Thanks for all your ideas........ Sure wish I had not lost it! Darn!

Now where did that thing go?
dP

[mike]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

Thanks, what if I was able to keep the Bezel insert and still get the new whole Bezel with insert. Last time they worked on my watch they sent me the old Bezel insert back with the watch after the service, they installed a new insert (it was $60 just for the insert). The best of both worlds? A new Bezel and insert and the old insert to keep for later, like when someone sells it after I'm long gone?

Sounds like the best of both worlds to me. Period correct will give the functionality you want, and the original parts will protect your investment.

I know somebody that's done that a couple times. LOL!

[LRRP]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I'd take the original bezel and insert off completely, take it to RSC, and tell them it fell off and you want it replaced. That way you have the original to keep the value and the replacement parts to wear.
Good luck,
dP

Dan, I like your advice. I figure my GMT bezel has one more generation left in it. Since parts are becoming scarce, now would be the time to act. Problem is I wouldn't dare to remove my bezel myself.
Tom

[Bobareno]

Thanks to all for the advice!

Anyone see that Bezel? Darn!