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Old 16 February 2019, 04:56 AM   #1
KFP55
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GMT ceramic bezel question

I have an all black GMT ceramic and was wondering thoughts on buying a Batman bezel to swap in. How difficult is it to swap the bezels? Why should I NOT do this instead of buying an additional watch well over MSRP?
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Old 16 February 2019, 04:58 AM   #2
nick800
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What are you going to do with the green GMT hand?
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Old 16 February 2019, 04:59 AM   #3
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Problem #1: Finding someone (AD or otherwise) to sell you just a spare BLNR bezel

Problem #2: Being able to get RSC service work done on the watch after the fact.

Problem #3: Watch's model # and Serial won't match your paperwork if you keep it with the BLRN bezel. Basically it'd be a frankenwatch at this point.

Problem #4: Green GMT hand versus BLNR's blue hand

Problem #5 Green "GMT II Master" writing on dial won't match the bezel or possible BLRN GMT hand.....would look goofy as hell.

Your best bet is to sell your watch and buy a BLNR. They're hard to source but not impossible. Good luck!

Last edited by j-watch; 16 February 2019 at 05:03 AM.. Reason: Additional input
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Old 16 February 2019, 05:02 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KFP55 View Post
Why should I NOT do this instead of buying an additional watch well over MSRP?
Why do you feel the need to obtain parts to modify your watch?

Have you thought about just selling your watch and getting what you really want?
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Old 16 February 2019, 05:09 AM   #5
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I am open to mods/personalization but in this case I would simply trade/sell and get the BLNR. Post 3 provides all the reasons.
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Old 16 February 2019, 05:25 AM   #6
SearChart
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You can't swap bezels without the right tools, and you won't be able to source a spare insert or the correct tools anyway. So put the thought out of your head.
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Old 16 February 2019, 05:36 AM   #7
Solo118
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KFP55 View Post
I have an all black GMT ceramic and was wondering thoughts on buying a Batman bezel to swap in. How difficult is it to swap the bezels? Why should I NOT do this instead of buying an additional watch well over MSRP?
It will not be worth it, parts are super hard to find.

If you trade with a trusted dealer and add some cash, you are better off!
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Old 16 February 2019, 05:46 AM   #8
dmhines
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I have seen a Green Ceramic Bezel for sale on this board .... there are several users here that could get you the Bezel .. will be a couple of grand .. problem is swapping it without Cracking it !! I have thought of doing this also since I would prefer a Kermit Homage than a Hulk ...
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Old 16 February 2019, 08:22 AM   #9
Jim Smyth
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You can't swap bezels without the right tools, and you won't be able to source a spare insert or the correct tools anyway. So put the thought out of your head.

Boom !
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Old 16 February 2019, 08:40 AM   #10
denmanproject
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For the amount of work it would be easier to just sell your LN and buy a BLNR
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Old 16 February 2019, 11:24 AM   #11
RJRJRJ
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Long answer: Good luck sourcing the parts and good luck netting any savings over just buying a BLNR. And then the franken watch part...

Short answer: Don't waste your time.
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Old 16 February 2019, 11:45 AM   #12
lamnyc
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It will cost as much as getting a blnr. New bazel, new dial and hand.
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Old 16 February 2019, 11:48 AM   #13
KFP55
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Cool, makes sense - thanks for the answers, figured there were good reasons!
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Old 16 February 2019, 11:48 AM   #14
herts9
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We went over this a month or two ago.

Not a good idea. If you want one to look like that, buy it that way
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Old 16 February 2019, 01:13 PM   #15
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Not easy with the GMT hands
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Old 16 February 2019, 01:16 PM   #16
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Since we on this topic, is there a reason why nobody has considered changing the dial on a SS Skydweller?
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Old 16 February 2019, 01:41 PM   #17
Bladeshot
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
You can't swap bezels without the right tools, and you won't be able to source a spare insert or the correct tools anyway. So put the thought out of your head.


This. My AD has broken ceramic inserts swapping them. He does not really like to do it. It’s risky. They break; where the legacy aluminum inserts were easy to work with.

Friendly suggestion. Forget this line of thought.
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Old 1 April 2019, 08:22 AM   #18
Rdkc01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmhines View Post
I have seen a Green Ceramic Bezel for sale on this board .... there are several users here that could get you the Bezel .. will be a couple of grand .. problem is swapping it without Cracking it !! I have thought of doing this also since I would prefer a Kermit Homage than a Hulk ...
The early Porsche 356 and 911 community has an outlaw group that is all about enjoying the product with out worrying about the purists. It sounds to me like there is a passion for something like this here. I could see that working especially if you executed it with all OEM parts and methode of procedure that were fully reversible.
Ro-Gruppe... LOL.
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Old 1 April 2019, 08:48 AM   #19
MCO1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by j-watch View Post
Problem #1: Finding someone (AD or otherwise) to sell you just a spare BLNR bezel

Problem #2: Being able to get RSC service work done on the watch after the fact.

Problem #3: Watch's model # and Serial won't match your paperwork if you keep it with the BLRN bezel. Basically it'd be a frankenwatch at this point.

Problem #4: Green GMT hand versus BLNR's blue hand

Problem #5 Green "GMT II Master" writing on dial won't match the bezel or possible BLRN GMT hand.....would look goofy as hell.

Your best bet is to sell your watch and buy a BLNR. They're hard to source but not impossible. Good luck!

This!

It's not like the pre-ceramic days when the dial and hands were the same and a bezel swap gave you an authentic looking watch.

IMHO if you want a BLNR get a BLNR.
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