Gmt master bezel damage

[Millwalllion81]

Hi all, I was hoping someone could help me out. I brought a gmt master 2 rootbeer 10 months ago and I have now got damage to the bezel insert. I have 3 holes appeared around the number 4 on the bezel. This came about while I was on my holidays. I now have small dots appearing around the bezel insert. Inside the 2 of 20, and a few down by the 12, 1 by the 6. It’s like they have just turned up. The watch year is 2001. Does anyone know why this is happening? My pics are not the best. But I can only explain it as it seams like it’s pitted. The 3 large holes comes across like it’s happen from inside out if that makes any sense. In the correct light I can see in them. Hollow. And I first noticed it when they was like the dots that have now appeared around the insert. One day they where dots the next day they where holes.
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[BigBoy17]

Is it an aftermarket bezel?

[Millwalllion81]

It’s the original bezel insert as far as I’m aware. This watch has all original parts and was last serviced in October 2018. Have you seen this before bigboy17?

[cascavel]

It looks like some sort of corrosive material got on the aluminum insert and ate through the surface.
I'd wash it.

[BigBoy17]

Originally Posted by Millwalllion81

It’s the original bezel insert as far as I’m aware. This watch has all original parts and was last serviced in October 2018. Have you seen this before bigboy17?

No, not that many things i know that would eat aluminum besides an acid of some sort? You around any chemicals past few weeks? Automotive or industrial etc?

[Millwalllion81]

Have you seen this before cascavel? I’ve washed it many of times. I’ve had it cleaned as well when I returned from my holidays. And only this weekend I noticed the dots around bottom of the insert. Thing is when I wear it it is normally cover by my cuff. I have been in to a Rolex dealer and asked them, they had no clue.

[Millwalllion81]

Not that I’m aware of bigboy17. I’m normally very careful. When the first holes appeared I was in Cuba. Using the pool often and also in the sea snorkelling. This weekend I was doing nothing like that. Just a weekend wear. I have considered getting it replaced. Do you think this is a wise move?

[Stevec14]

Was the pool heavily chlorinated? Could that cause it?

Either way if have it into RSC for a replacement. Was the bezel part of the service and genuine Rolex?

[Santiago79]

Never seen damage like this I would try to reach out a different AD see if they have any ideas.
Hope it gets fixed

[Millwalllion81]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Was the pool heavily chlorinated? Could that cause it?

Either way if have it into RSC for a replacement. Was the bezel part of the service and genuine Rolex?

Pool was no more chlorinated than normal Steve. Not sure if that could cause it. I was wondering if this is the reason Rolex went to ceramic? Bezel has never been changed and always been the original as far as I am aware.

[BigBoy17]

Sorry but your bezel is off to me. Usually that combo came on the nipple dial version. Need more info here, where did you purchase the watch from? Do you have pictures of the rsc service card or receipt where you had the work performed? Thanks

[Millwalllion81]

Originally Posted by Santiago79

Never seen damage like this I would try to reach out a different AD see if they have any ideas.
Hope it gets fixed

Up till now know one has not seen anything like this. I’d love to know what could have done this. I’m worried if I get it changed that this could happen again. Maybe I am around something and unaware if it.

[faimag]

Originally Posted by BigBoy17

Sorry but your bezel is off to me. Usually that combo came on the nipple dial version. Need more info here, where did you purchase the watch from? Do you have pictures of the rsc service card or receipt where you had the work performed? Thanks

The rootbeer combo came in the 4-digit ref (1675/3, all with nipple dials) and 5-digit ref (16753, most with glossy dials, like the OP's).

That being said, I have never seen damage like this happening without an obvious insult to the watch. Change it and forget about it! It's a <$100 fix.

[BigBoy17]

Originally Posted by faimag

The rootbeer combo came in the 4-digit ref (1675/3, all with nipple dials) and 5-digit ref (16753, most with glossy dials, like the OP's).

That being said, I have never seen damage like this happening without an obvious insult to the watch. Change it and forget about it! It's a <$100 fix.

Yes i know. His specific color combo i have only seen on nipple dial versions. Where did you purchase the watch from OP? And who serviced your watch?

[Millwalllion81]

Originally Posted by BigBoy17

Sorry but your bezel is off to me. Usually that combo came on the nipple dial version. Need more info here, where did you purchase the watch from? Do you have pictures of the rsc service card or receipt where you had the work performed? Thanks

The service was performed before I brought it and I only have the card with service date. This model is 16713 p series. 2001. As far as I’m aware this is the original bezel insert that suits this watch. The nipple dial as you mentioned is on the earlier model I think.

[donq]

You need a new insert.

Aluminum can oxidize just like iron and steel, and I’m guessing that’s what happened.

[Tools]

The anodized coating on the aluminum insert provides for some level of corrosion resistance.

If the anodized coating is damaged, then the aluminum can corrode under a variety of conditions.

It's likely that there were some damage spots, and those weakened spots are simply showing some corrosion to the base metal.

There is probably a number of chemicals that could be applied to stop the damage from spreading, but it would need to be sealed.

Bottom line though, aluminum inserts were not expected to last indefinitely.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's likely that there were some damage spots, and those weakened spots are simply showing some corrosion to the base metal.

And I would add that it is every possible that the weakened spots have been there for a while and gradually getting worse. Just my opinion.

[abozz]

Buy a new bezel is the only solution

Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk

[descartes]

In my experience chlorine will do this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Millwalllion81]

Thanks for everyone’s feed back. Great forum with good knowledge.������