Can you replace Tudor 79270 rotating hour bezel with 79280 fixed tachymeter?

[Alex]

Hi everyone,

Counting on your knowledge again as I'm a bit out of my depth here. I've been searching for quite a while for a Tudor 79280p with "oxblood red" dial, which are actually quite hard to come by in the market. However, I recently found a 79270 for sale with the same dial. Normally I wouldn't consider it but the price actually leans towards what you might call a "steal". In fact, the price is low enough that it could be worth for me sourcing a fixed tachymeter of the 79280 and replacing the rotating bezel of the 79270. Except for the bezel, the watches seem identical. Not sure if it's possible to replace the bezel given that one is fixed, the other one is rotating.

Anyone has experience with this?

Thanks!

[Dan Pierce]

I've read that the bezel swap you describe is indeed doable. However, I've never seen an example of it actually being done.

Personally I much prefer the additional features available w/ the rotating bezel of the 79270P such as the use of a second time zone as well as a quick simple timer.
dP

[Dom9]

I remembered seeing one in the For Sale section on here, recently... however, not what I would call a steal! Guessing they are rare in that combination!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...3266577&nojs=1

[HKperf]

Swapping the rotating bezel of a Tudor 79270 for a fixed tachymeter bezel from a 79280 is a tricky mod. While the watches are similar, the bezel mechanisms are different. It might be possible with the help of a skilled watchmaker, but it's not a straightforward swap. If the price is right, it could be worth the effort, but consider the potential challenges and costs of the modification.

[Dom9]

Is it not just a click spring delete and a new retaining ring?

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by Dom9

Is it not just a click spring delete and a new retaining ring?

The tachymeter bezel itself holds the crystal in place without need for a separate retaining ring. The retaining ring is for rotating bezels. It would be a good idea to install a fresh crystal gasket during this process, as well.

[Dr.Smellody]

Interestingly, my big block's dive bezel has been changed to the fixed acrylic.


I have the new bezel, but need the "spacer" and "clicker."

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

Interestingly, my big block's dive bezel has been changed to the fixed acrylic.


I have the new bezel, but need the "spacer" and "clicker."

How long until someone starts using "Franken" language?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

I have the new bezel, but need the "spacer" and "clicker."

The 79X70 bezels were smooth friction fit with no click, same as the Tudor Subs of the same era.
dP

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

The 79X70 bezels were smooth friction fit with no click, same as the Tudor Subs of the same era.
dP

Thank you. Good to know. So, I just need the thin
metal spacer/spring then.

[TuRo]

Btw - There are 3 Arabic font 79260/70/80 Burgundy Red dials v slightly different hues….., same way there are 3 subtly different Batten font of silver (light silver/grey silver/bluey-purple silver) 79160/70/80 hues too.