Source a YG Bezel for 18038 Day Date?

[TheWatchmen]

Good day all, I am wondering if it may be possible to get a new yellow gold bezel for a 18038. You can find them on eBay, but they are clearly used and have likely been polished into melted cheese.

If one were to try replacing the bezel along with a service, any idea if it’s possible to source one that is in “new” condition?

I imagine Rolex could replace it … Though the cost would be high.

Any ideas?

-Ryan

[CTech]

A lot of watch repair shops will have access to good condition bezels through their network of contacts. if you find somebody with a good network of suppliers in wholesale jewelry you will find a lot to choose from.

There is a steady business removing the normal fluted bezel to fit aftermarket diamond bezels onto watches for sale in mall jewelers, and a lot of them are scrapped so there shouldn't be a shortage.

Depending on where you live, try a few of the smaller dealers in the jewelry district of the bigger cities and you'll probably find some people who have got several of them just sitting around.

if you are on the West Coast, visiting a few dealers on Hill Street in Los Angeles will probably get you what you want very easily, or you could get a good watch repair shop to service the watch and get you a good condition bezel at the same time. Shant of Shant's Clock and Watch Repair in Pasadena, CA has done things like this for me as he can get parts from his network of colleagues and contacts in the Los Angeles area.

[WiseRat]

Originally Posted by CTech

A lot of watch repair shops will have access to good condition bezels through their network of contacts. if you find somebody with a good network of suppliers in wholesale jewelry you will find a lot to choose from.

There is a steady business removing the normal fluted bezel to fit aftermarket diamond bezels onto watches for sale in mall jewelers, and a lot of them are scrapped so there shouldn't be a shortage.

Depending on where you live, try a few of the smaller dealers in the jewelry district of the bigger cities and you'll probably find some people who have got several of them just sitting around.

if you are on the West Coast, visiting a few dealers on Hill Street in Los Angeles will probably get you what you want very easily, or you could get a good watch repair shop to service the watch and get you a good condition bezel at the same time. Shant of Shant's Clock and Watch Repair in Pasadena, CA has done things like this for me as he can get parts from his network of colleagues and contacts in the Los Angeles area.

This is very helpful, thank you. I'm in the same situation as well, looking for a nice condition 18038 fluted bezel for one of my day dates.

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by TheWatchmen

Good day all, I am wondering if it may be possible to get a new yellow gold bezel for a 18038. You can find them on eBay, but they are clearly used and have likely been polished into melted cheese.

If one were to try replacing the bezel along with a service, any idea if it’s possible to source one that is in “new” condition?

I imagine Rolex could replace it … Though the cost would be high.

Any ideas?

-Ryan

Check on VRF I think there is one for sale there. Chris

[L.K Johnson]

I saw one bezel that was laser shaped back to its original state more or less, can’t remember who did the work though but some other member might know?

[zapokee]

I'd go with Rolex.

You'll have an awesome correct bezel without having to worry about fakes and questionable online sellers. You'll have forgotten how much it cost a couple of years from now.

This isn't an ideal area for cost-cutting.

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by CTech

A lot of watch repair shops will have access to good condition bezels through their network of contacts. if you find somebody with a good network of suppliers in wholesale jewelry you will find a lot to choose from.

There is a steady business removing the normal fluted bezel to fit aftermarket diamond bezels onto watches for sale in mall jewelers, and a lot of them are scrapped so there shouldn't be a shortage.

Depending on where you live, try a few of the smaller dealers in the jewelry district of the bigger cities and you'll probably find some people who have got several of them just sitting around.

if you are on the West Coast, visiting a few dealers on Hill Street in Los Angeles will probably get you what you want very easily, or you could get a good watch repair shop to service the watch and get you a good condition bezel at the same time. Shant of Shant's Clock and Watch Repair in Pasadena, CA has done things like this for me as he can get parts from his network of colleagues and contacts in the Los Angeles area.

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this out for me, that was kind of you and has great info! I’m in Denver, but am sure I could contact some dealers in the LA area as you suggested.

Best regards and happy Sunday.

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I'd go with Rolex.

You'll have an awesome correct bezel without having to worry about fakes and questionable online sellers. You'll have forgotten how much it cost a couple of years from now.

This isn't an ideal area for cost-cutting.

Not ideal at all for cost saving, the price for a Rolex bezel is great condition vs it’s actual weight in gold will like be 7-8 times as much (if not more). But agree, will not remember the cost in a few years.

[yessir69]

Call Charlie at Watches Etc in Oklahoma City. He has LOTS of parts.