Something You Don't See Very Often

[Beaumont Miller II]

This is something that I have wanted to try for a while. Using Jocke's tutorial on bezel insert changing with the 16610 Submariner that I purchased from Spinger, I was able to change the newer bezel insert with a faded one from a 16800 that I purchased from Steve Mulholland. I think it gives this watch a unique look.

[Pep04]

Sweet!!! Those vintages are growing on me. I need to get one with lots of patina. I love the way the patina looks

[ESKO]

Stupid Proxy server! I'll comment further when I can see the pics!
I am just imagining it now though!

[whiskyguy]

Gorgeous insert!!
Here is mine on a 16800



cheers

[ESKO]

Originally Posted by whiskyguy

Gorgeous insert!!
Here is mine on a 16800



cheers

That is really nice! I like that!

[Sweramic]

I like that look a lot!

On a Swedish watch forum, some guy simply put a black bezel into the oven on the highest temperature and the bezel came out brown. It look really good!

[Changmaisausage]

Not for me I think they look great on a watch of the same age.

[Drecian]

The silver/faded black looks really nice!

Originally Posted by Dreambaby

On a Swedish watch forum, some guy simply put a black bezel into the oven on the highest temperature and the bezel came out brown. It look really good!

That's sort of cheating.

IMO, the best part about patina is the stories it has accumulate over its life.

But to each their own and is he likes it, more power to him.

Jeff.

[ParisDakarBmw]

Awesome!

[Renoir]

Looks great!!!

[LouS]

Can I get the link to the bezel change tutorial please?

[stevemulholland3]

wow!
that turned out frikkin awesome!

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by Changmaisausage

Not for me I think they look great on a watch of the same age.

X2

Sorry might as well go throw a Red Sub dial on it next.
If its the faded insert you are after at least throw the proper
pearl in the bezel insert as it looks VERY off with it being ivory/yellow
while the hands and dial are white.

[chiubak]

sorry not for me

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by LouS

Can I get the link to the bezel change tutorial please?

It is on page 3 of Rolex Reference Library.

[oystercase]

Some guys also use bleach to get that pale vintage look.

To check if it is genuine patina pull off the bezel and check the bottom side of the insert. If the bottom side also is bleached/brown/whatever someone have used bleach or heated the insert.

If its only pale/brown on the visible side then its probably caused by sun/wear etc.

[Subexplorer]

Two great and beautiful watches shown here! Congrats to their owners! I wish you enjoy your oldies as much as I do with mine.
Here some pictures of my 1680 of 1977 vintage, bought brand new by my wife on that year, to replace my 1966 ref 5513 lost in an armed robbery I suffered.

I love the gray shade in which the original black has faded, adding character to the old faithful watch.

Did I ever said I love Subs?

Thanks for sharing!!
Very cordially, Abel

[Zephyr]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

This is something that I have wanted to try for a while. Using Jocke's tutorial on bezel insert changing with the 16610 Submariner that I purchased from Spinger, I was able to change the newer bezel insert with a faded one from a 16800 that I purchased from Steve Mulholland. I think it gives this watch a unique look.

What movement is used in that sub?

[Beaumont Miller II]

This Submariner 16610 has the standard 3135 calibre. This is the watch that is my daily wearer. I tend to swap the bezel inserts out from time to time.

[HL65]

Very cool !

[Beaumont Miller II]

Originally Posted by JYogi

X2

Sorry might as well go throw a Red Sub dial on it next.
If its the faded insert you are after at least throw the proper
pearl in the bezel insert as it looks VERY off with it being ivory/yellow
while the hands and dial are white.

I think we both know that the red dial is not an option. However I liked your idea of changing out the pearls.