Thoughts on aftermarket bezel inserts?

[JParm]

What's the consensus? I'm awaiting the arrival of my blue snowflake, and just purchased an aftermarket bezel insert.

I'm awaiting the right faded blue OEM insert to come by at the right price, but until then, I don't think I can stand the deep blue of the service insert that is coming on the watch. Any thoughts?

[037]

I'd take a genuine service insert over aftermarket junk any day of the week.

If the tritium pearl closely matches the color of the dial and hand lume then I doubt it would bother me, personally. If it wasn't faded enough then some quality time out in the sun would take care of that.

[Toronto Soup King]

I'm just some guy, but my feeling about parts is, original best. Authentic period-matching second. Authentic service part third (today's watch has a service dial and hands and it looks great). Aftermarket is way down the list, and frankly I only have aftermarket straps, crystals, gaskets, and I think a couple of movement-retaining screws and a c-clip in one watch (I'm not hunting down OEM screws from Rolex for a beater watch). I wouldn't add an aftermarket dial or insert under any circumstances.

You have a nice watch. Don't ruin it with an aftermarket insert is my opinion.

[Dan S]

You can probably bleach the service insert if you want a faded look. Just go carefully, and remove and rinse the insert when you've achieved the look you're going for.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

You can probably bleach the service insert if you want a faded look. Just go carefully, and remove and rinse the insert when you've achieved the look you're going for.

Not this for me. You'll know it's artificially doctored, and that will bug you constantly like having a stone in your shoe.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Not this for me. You'll know it's artificially doctored, and that will bug you constantly like having a stone in your shoe.

Well, an authentic period-correct insert is preferable, but the OP said that bright color of the service insert bothered him, so bleaching would at least be an improvement on that for the short term. To each his own.

[Racer X]

In short: NO aftermarket parts!

[roh123]

Buy a 10k watch and put fake parts on it? Never ever. The only aftermarket bezel I would consider is an aftermarket bakelite on a 6542. Just because an aftermarket bakelite is more fun than a service replacement alu insert.

[JParm]

Ok - the forum has spoken! No aftermarket parts, period.

I have resigned myself to spending the additional $$ for an OEM faded insert. My wife will not be too pleased...

[herts9]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

My wife will not be too pleased...

The silver lining is that this feeling will pass. Been there

[haven_seeker]

Originally Posted by roh123

Buy a 10k watch and put fake parts on it? Never ever. The only aftermarket bezel I would consider is an aftermarket bakelite on a 6542. Just because an aftermarket bakelite is more fun than a service replacement alu insert.

Even then.... I’d be afraid to have someone touch the original Bakelite to take it off!!!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

My wife will not be too pleased...

Do what I do. Don't tell her.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Well, an authentic period-correct insert is preferable, but the OP said that bright color of the service insert bothered him, so bleaching would at least be an improvement on that for the short term. To each his own.

I actually like the bright blue of the service inserts, but like you say, each to his own...

[athom]

I'd prefer service parts as aftermarket...plus for a bezel you can easily find the right genuine part...conclusion : Never !

[Gecko10]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

What's the consensus? I'm awaiting the arrival of my blue snowflake, and just purchased an aftermarket bezel insert.

I'm awaiting the right faded blue OEM insert to come by at the right price, but until then, I don't think I can stand the deep blue of the service insert that is coming on the watch. Any thoughts?

You are doing the right thing. Go for it.