GMT bezel fading question?

[alexlt730512]

I have seen many GMT bezels from 1675 or 16750 that usually fades from red color to lighter color. Is it also normal having the old Gmt inserts faded from blue color to lighter color while the red remains like original red color?

Thanks

[HarryLime]

yes.

[Tools]

The aluminum inserts are anodized for color.

Fading of anodized aluminum is a known phenomenon and all finishes do not fade uniformly.

These inserts were originally envisioned as expendable parts that are easily replaced.

[alexlt730512]

Got you, because I have seen many inserts mostly faded from red color portion not the blue and some only with blue not the red portion.

[mineral]

Very normal. But usually the red will fade quicker as you have said. Have seen many of them. They are thing of beauty if you are fan of faded insert.


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[Vincent65]

Red usually fades more, and more quickly. Similarly, ever noticed faded red cars? Not so many faded blue ones [or other colours].

[1watch]

It depends on the insert era. Many early gilt inserts have less faded red and more faded blue sections.


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[armypilot]

The original bezel insert on my 1980 vintage GMT-Master, by 2000 the blue had faded to the point that you could barely read the numbers, yet the red side looked perfectly fine. At this point it was still just a tool watch for me so I asked my AD to replace the pepsi insert with a new one which he did for $50 bucks. He asked me what I wanted to do with the original and I told him he could just throw it away. ¡Ay Caramba! if I only knew then what I know now!

[tekno]

I’m not sure why it happens but I like the look.



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[alexlt730512]

Originally Posted by tekno

I’m not sure why it happens but I like the look.



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looks great and thanks for sharing

[suligeo]

Nice vintage Look


https://www.instagram.com/vintage_georgex/

[Hank10]

First post here so please be kind.

I have a 1986 GMT 16750 black bezel unfortunately replaced during a 2001 service and a 1976 GMT 1675 black bezel completely untouched and as it left the store.

Both are worn regularly yet neither bezel has any fade at all.

Is there a reason the two tone bezels fade and the black doesn’t?

If someone can advise how to post an image the side by side of both watches may help.

[Hank10]

I think I have this right now.

Aluminum dials 1976 original on the right and a 1986 RSC replaced during a service in 2001. They are my work watches so each are used at least two days a week since 2001.

What makes them different to the Pepsi of a similar era that generally have significant fading?

[tekno]

Black doesn’t fade like the colored ones. I wonder if it’s a paint or anodizing. On my Pepsi obviously the blue is breaking down. The red is stable.

Those inserts are later too. Springer has a super sweet faded black one.

[Hank10]

Originally Posted by tekno

Black doesn’t fade like the colored ones. I wonder if it’s a paint or anodizing. On my Pepsi obviously the blue is breaking down. The red is stable.

Those inserts are later too. Springer has a super sweet faded black one.

The one on the left has a 2001 RSC replacement based on the service invoice I got when I bought it. The one on the right has never been serviced since it left the store and the insert not making sense is why it’s my favorite watch to wear.

[tekno]

Springer can problem chime in on the 1976 insert



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