Paint repair on an insert?

[photoguy]

The insert on my 168000 suffers from a slight gouge on the silver triangle surrounding the pearl. Not horrible, and probably not noticeable to anyone but me. The damage is to the upper right corner of the triangle area and the silver paint has been scratched away leaving a black base.

I've been on the hunt for a little while for a replacement, but truthfully the 'cost' of authentic period correct pieces far exceeds the 'worth' to me.

The repair would involve a micro touch-up and I'm just wondering if anyone has ever encountered this or heard of it being done...really just to satisfy my curiosity and to be able to cross this off the list of solutions. If I could shrink myself down to an atomic level, I'd bring a brush and a can of silver paint with me, but anythings short of that seems like a recipe for disaster were I to attempt something on my own.

Also as a complete aside and not related to this issue, while the hands have stopped glowing years ago, the pearl itself still shines relative brightly in the dark-

Many thanks!

[spoilsofwar01]

any photos to give a better idea of the extent of the damage?

[77T]

You will need to have a loupe and a steady hand even if you find the proper tinted metallic silver hue. Plus the pearl and insert may need removal. The DIY risk of cracking it is very high.


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[Tools]

The aluminum inserts are Anodized, so there is really no re-paint solution. There are some chemical processes, but you would need to seek a real artisan/expert for satisfactory results.

As to the pearl, perhaps your insert has already been changed. If so, looking for a period correct, pricey, insert does not make a lot of sense.

[Boaters]

^^^^Well Said^^^^

[photoguy]

Thank you all for the feedback, appreciated. Photo below showing the area.

I knew this was beyond my capabilities and that I'd totally mess it up if I tried. Was hoping someone might have experienced a similar scenario in the past and as has been mentioned, while a little unsightly it's not so bad as to justify the cost of a correct replacement. Just in need of a little dab of paint! ;)

The area is tiny. Short of trying to mask the straight line it would take less than a single bristle of a brush to fill, but again...beyond my skill set!

This is the original insert btw, it's never been changed.

Quick cell phone pic-

[mattedialdoc]

Could you just pick up a new service insert? That's just a thin font and should be easily and inexpensive purchased. That would solve the problem simply. Cheers!


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Instagram: @mattedialdoc

[photoguy]

Originally Posted by mattedialdoc

Could you just pick up a new service insert? That's just a thin font and should be easily and inexpensive purchased. That would solve the problem simply. Cheers!


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Instagram: @mattedialdoc

Thanks for that. I'm far from an expert but the replacements that I've come across so far seem to have a slightly different '4'. And while that's not the worst thing to me I was hoping to keep the watch original as best I can. Maybe I've not seen the correct ones in my searching but it seems that when I search out 168000 insert, the prices are crazy, imo.

[mattedialdoc]

Wouldn’t it just be a 16610 insert for that since that’s really what a 168000 is in essence. Someone with more knowledge will be along soon to chime in !!


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[05carbondrz]

A new insert can be sourced on EBay for approximately $150-$200.

[photoguy]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

A new insert can be sourced on EBay for approximately $150-$200.

Yeah, that's the crazy prices I'm talking about! Admittedly to many it's probably worth that to fix the issue. For me, the cost/benefit ratio is lower. While this is bothersome, it's only slightly and I was half hoping for a $50 solution (and fully expecting that there wasn't going to one, but thought I'd ask the experts) ;)

Thanks-

[05carbondrz]

I guess I forgot how far down the Rabbit Hole I am.I’ve spent 2K on a Insert and many have spent much more than that.

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by photoguy

Yeah, that's the crazy prices I'm talking about! Admittedly to many it's probably worth that to fix the issue. For me, the cost/benefit ratio is lower. While this is bothersome, it's only slightly and I was half hoping for a $50 solution (and fully expecting that there wasn't going to one, but thought I'd ask the experts) ;)

Thanks-

Damn, I wish I could find the insert I'm after for even 10x that price!

[photoguy]

I get the rabbit hole thing and I have my own other interests that consume budgets and time- motorcycles and guitars for example. I’ve seen watches described as a tool and for me that’s really what it is. It’s all about prioritizing I guess and for me this insert issue is lower on the list. I bought the watch New in ‘87 and it has served me very well. Was hoping to give a little bit of a facelift after all these years but it can wait if I can’t find the right balance.
Thanks-

[swish77]

Originally Posted by photoguy

I get the rabbit hole thing and I have my own other interests that consume budgets and time- motorcycles and guitars for example. I’ve seen watches described as a tool and for me that’s really what it is. It’s all about prioritizing I guess and for me this insert issue is lower on the list. I bought the watch New in ‘87 and it has served me very well. Was hoping to give a little bit of a facelift after all these years but it can wait if I can’t find the right balance.
Thanks-

If you’re going for the cheap DIY ... Just touch it up carefully with some acrylic paint from a hobby shop, and a tiny brush used for small model airplanes. Try a couple of different colors to try to find a good match. Do not use enamel, just acrylic, which can easily be removed later with a damp Q-tip. The risk is low as long as you’re careful, and that type of insert is relatively inexpensive anyway, so why not give it a go?

[photoguy]

Originally Posted by swish77

If you’re going for the cheap DIY ... Just touch it up carefully with some acrylic paint from a hobby shop, and a tiny brush used for small model airplanes. Try a couple of different colors to try to find a good match. Do not use enamel, just acrylic, which can easily be removed later with a damp Q-tip. The risk is low as long as you’re careful, and that type of insert is relatively inexpensive anyway, so why not give it a go?

I may just do that. If I do I'll post back with a photo. Thanks for the tip on the paint type-