GMT Fuchsia Inserts

[JohnBaker3]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BEZEL-INSER...item48ce9d38ce

Hey Guys:

-For those of us who can't afford $2000 for a vintage Fuchsia Insert, I found these on the net...$80 bucks for an after-market piece...

[1675-David]

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[1665fan]

Trash....if you can’t afford fuchsia why not a nice faded Pepsi insert?

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Trash....if you can’t afford fuchsia why not a nice faded Pepsi insert?

Exactly. Why are we promoting fake Rolex products?

[btinl]

Why???

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BEZEL-INSER...item48ce9d38ce

Hey Guys:

-For those of us who can't afford $2000 for a vintage Fuchsia Insert, I found these on the net...$80 bucks for an after-market piece...

If anyone has an acceptable original fuschia for $2k please DM me!

Agree, no bueno on this replica.

[springer]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Exactly. Why are we promoting fake Rolex products?

Is it "fake" or aftermarket. It looks real, I can see it. Maybe it is "non Rolex" aftermarket. Of course that makes it a non original Rolex part so the proper terminology would be aftermarket part.

I know what some of you are thinking but, let's identify these parts correctly. They are not trademarked or branded by Rolex therefore they are not "fake." But, individuals can call them whatever they like, I'm just pointing out what they are so "don't shoot the messenger."

Also, didn't I just see a nice thread here about True Dome non Rolex crystals being promoted for vintage Submariners ????????????

It seems that many collectors enjoy and use these crystals, especially due to the lesser prices when compared to much more expensive Rolex crystals. Am I missing something?

[zapokee]

I wouldn't buy that.

[ILuvSubs]

Not a fan. Would rather pay the money and buy OEM Rolex bezel inserts for my vintage Rolex. It’s like putting a cheap plastic wing that looks like carbon fibre on a 991 GT3 Touring.

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by springer

Is it "fake" or aftermarket. It looks real, I can see it. Maybe it is "non Rolex" aftermarket. Of course that makes it a non original Rolex part so the proper terminology would be aftermarket part.

I know what some of you are thinking but, let's identify these parts correctly. They are not trademarked or branded by Rolex therefore they are not "fake." But, individuals can call them whatever they like, I'm just pointing out what they are so "don't shoot the messenger."

Also, didn't I just see a nice thread here about True Dome non Rolex crystals being promoted for vintage Submariners ????????????

It seems that many collectors enjoy and use these crystals, especially due to the lesser prices when compared to much more expensive Rolex crystals. Am I missing something?

Well, arguably a crystal is a part that eventually MUST or at least SHOULD be replaced for the health of the watch, therefore is more disposable than an insert. Used crystals range from 'reluctantly acceptable' to 'completely unacceptable, whereas inserts increase in value as they visibly age/fade/patina.

[Gmt21]

Also I'd like to buy an authentic Fuchsia insert in mint condition for 2K!:)

[roh123]

Originally Posted by springer

Also, didn't I just see a nice thread here about True Dome non Rolex crystals being promoted for vintage Submariners ????????????

It seems that many collectors enjoy and use these crystals, especially due to the lesser prices when compared to much more expensive Rolex crystals. Am I missing something?

The main reason to get a TrueDome is to get a waterproof superdome crystal. The second thing is that most crystals that are sold expensively today as authentic superdomes are fake. Each to their own though regarding buying them. It’s just an option if you want the superdome look and still need a waterproof crystal.

Promoting fake inserts is just odd. They add no positive feature and it is not nearly as hard to point out a fake insert as it is pointing out a fake crystal from photos.

Apples and oranges imho. But I agree in some ways. Original superdome crytals are more fun despite the fact they rarely seal good enough to keep humidity out. Something which is quite important when you have watches worth a lot of money. Kind of heart breaking when your perfect gilt sub suddenly turns average due to humidity entering the watch. Not only does it kill its beauty; it also halves the value.

[rrod]

No está bien, IMO. Wouldn’t bring me joy for sure. Though it’d be cool if there was a way to turn a regular OG pepsi into fuchsia chemically. I’d be down 100%

[roh123]

Originally Posted by rrod

No está bien, IMO. Wouldn’t bring me joy for sure. Though it’d be cool if there was a way to turn a regular OG pepsi into fuchsia chemically. I’d be down 100%

Fuchsia isn’t really a fade to begin with. They were just more pinkish and purple in the late 60’s around 1968. It’s clear when looking at catalogue pics of that era mk1 matte dialed gmts.

[cajuntiger]

back in the good ole days you could buy an entire watch for about the same amount of money as these inserts sell for today :) I bought this years ago with her original 68 bezel for a very reasonable sum because the bezel was "damaged". The seller wanted to replace it before selling it to me...fortunately I talked him out of it.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by springer

Also, didn't I just see a nice thread here about True Dome non Rolex crystals being promoted for vintage Submariners ????????????

It seems that many collectors enjoy and use these crystals, especially due to the lesser prices when compared to much more expensive Rolex crystals. Am I missing something?

100 percent agree. You either embrace total originality (or at least period correctness), or you don't. Not sure I understand the concept of "this aftermarket part is OK, but this one isn't." It's more about a philosophy than practicality, because a crystal is obviously more important for the safety of a watch than an insert. Still, that doesn't change the facts.

Either way, I just wouldn't put ANY after-market parts on my vintage watches, whether it's a crystal, crown, insert, dial, hands (including color-matching), etc .... Heck, I was bothered for years simply by the service bezel on my 6263, so I shelled out a ton of money for an NOS original. Did it really matter? Well, psychologically, yes it did.

However, I also have no problem with anyone doing whatever they want on their own watches. It's a hobby, so do what makes you happy. It's all good.

[springer]

Originally Posted by roh123

The main reason to get a TrueDome is to get a waterproof superdome crystal. The second thing is that most crystals that are sold expensively today as authentic superdomes are fake. Each to their own though regarding buying them. It’s just an option if you want the superdome look and still need a waterproof crystal.

Promoting fake inserts is just odd. They add no positive feature and it is not nearly as hard to point out a fake insert as it is pointing out a fake crystal from photos.

Apples and oranges imho. But I agree in some ways. Original superdome crytals are more fun despite the fact they rarely seal good enough to keep humidity out. Something which is quite important when you have watches worth a lot of money. Kind of heart breaking when your perfect gilt sub suddenly turns average due to humidity entering the watch. Not only does it kill its beauty; it also halves the value.

=====================

I have no problem whatsoever with someone using true domes or any other aftermarket crystal. It's the owner's prerogative to use whatever is within their budget or discretion. If I had to guess, there are more aftermarket crystals and bezels on vintage and classic Rolex than genuine. Talk to any watchmaker and he'll tell you the same thing. Personally, and for those that know me, my GMTs have genuine inserts.

Below is a typical conversation between customers and watchmakers that occur every day. Both my watchmakers have had the conversation detailed below many times. You can also substitute the word crystal for bezel insert which is often found in the same type of conversations between watchmakers and customers.

Customer:
Ah, Mr. watchmaker, how much is a new Rolex bezel insert for my GMT?

Watchmaker:
$300

Customer:
Wow. Do you have anything else less expensive?

Watchmaker:
Yes, I have these aftermarket ones for $30.

Customer:
Great - what's the difference between the genuine and aftermarket bezel insert?

Watchmaker:
Not much different at all but the price. Check them out and see if you can tell any difference.

Customer:
Hmmm. I can't really tell any difference. So, I can spend $300 on an insert from Rolex or $30 on an aftermarket insert. Well,, for me. it's a no brainer. Give me the $30 insert...and thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[springer]

Originally Posted by Gmt21

Also I'd like to buy an authentic Fuchsia insert in mint condition for 2K!:)

Yes, I saw that too. Mint fuchsias are bringing up to $6,000 now. Super fat fonts are bringing even more.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by springer

Customer:
Hmmm. I can't really tell any difference. So, I can spend $300 on an insert from Rolex or $30 on an aftermarket insert. Well,, for me. it's a no brainer. Give me the $30 insert...and thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice - you've illustrated the situation well here.

That's a conversation with a newbie, though. By definition we're reading this stuff because we're not newbies.