Hi guys: Does anyone know if the metal and bakelite bezels on SW's are interchangeable? Are you committed to one or the other when you buy the watch? Thanks. TJW
Good question. I await an answer as well. Butch?
Not only are they NOT interchangeable, but there are differences in the the metal models and the enamel models that can cause them not to be swapped. i.e. There is an enamel bezel with a spring and then there is an enamel bezel the is pressure fitted.
So yes, the case determines the bezel so make sure that is what you want before you buy it.
Thanks Butch, that's good to know. TJW
Quote from: Butch on May 10, 2010, 07:16:15 AM
Not only are they NOT interchangeable, but there are differences in the the metal models and the enamel models that can cause them not to be swapped. i.e. There is an enamel bezel with a spring and then there is an enamel bezel the is pressure fitted.
So yes, the case determines the bezel so make sure that is what you want before you buy it.
Butch,
Do you know what case numbers correspond to specific bezel types? I have a bag full of Seawolf/GMT cases (case bodies with casebacks) and NOS bezels of all types, but I do not know what will fit what. I tried to use the completed models that I have for reference, but even then, some of them seemed different.
Also, for the models that used a retainer spring, are there any records as to what the bezel springs measured or the gauge of wire that they used for them? I have a few case models that require bezel springs, but seem to take different springs that I do not have. I have wire stock of all different sizes, and have made springs for other types of watches, but the Zodiacs have proved more of a challenge.
Ultra: If you could break that code you would become a very popular fellow indeed with those of us that have worn out bezels.(Man, say that out loud and tell me it doesn't sound odd). :D
Sorry but no Ultra. I used to have a bag of those as well, and the only thing I could do was manually try a bezel on every case I had in stock. Even if there was such a list , or you created one, my gut feeling is that it would be violated more often than be true.
As for violating Jon's worn out bezel, well....