Just curious as to how many people out there have a watch in need of a restoration but it is sitting untouched because no one makes the bezel insert or the bezel insert was never sold separate from the bezel by Seiko and has long been discontinued?
I have noticed that there are many older versions of Seiko watches that are great watches but can never be restored to a level that it would look good on your wrist.
I can start naming of some great Seiko's that you can clean up get running put a new band on but will still look horrible because you are stuck with a beat up scratched up bezel insert standing out.
I am amazed that you can buy 100 different types of bezel inserts that fit the 7S26,7002.6309 and 7548 models which is when Seiko seem to settle on the fact that all inserts should be available as a separate item from the bezel and all should be the same size.
There are some fantastic watches that us collectors are forced to make do with scratched up and faded bezels on our prized collection.
I know manufactures will always focus on producing items that fit the greatest number of products. Still with the talent that is out there I am amazed that no one has made any attempt to do anything to make an insert for something like a 7A28-7049 chronograph. Another option that would not cost much to do would be pre cut masks that would allow watch restorers to repaint their work out and faded dials.
This dilemma has been on my mind so much that I am going to see what can be done with printing out pictures of dials on self adhesive paper used for photos or crafts. It still will take a lot of time and patience to cut out the masks by hand with a very sharp blade and it will be beyond the abilities of other but I believe many of us who work on watches would be capable of repainting these faded out dials and bringing that last touch that those certain watches that have been overlooked so far. As soon as I get caught up and a little more organized I am going to give it a try to see what type of results can be achieved. I am also hoping to enlist a good friend who is a graphic artist to perfect the images for printing on inkjet photo printers only. LaserJet toner printers just will not print sharp enough and would be a waste of time. I'll keep you all informed of my progress.
Michael
I have noticed that there are many older versions of Seiko watches that are great watches but can never be restored to a level that it would look good on your wrist.
I can start naming of some great Seiko's that you can clean up get running put a new band on but will still look horrible because you are stuck with a beat up scratched up bezel insert standing out.
I am amazed that you can buy 100 different types of bezel inserts that fit the 7S26,7002.6309 and 7548 models which is when Seiko seem to settle on the fact that all inserts should be available as a separate item from the bezel and all should be the same size.
There are some fantastic watches that us collectors are forced to make do with scratched up and faded bezels on our prized collection.
I know manufactures will always focus on producing items that fit the greatest number of products. Still with the talent that is out there I am amazed that no one has made any attempt to do anything to make an insert for something like a 7A28-7049 chronograph. Another option that would not cost much to do would be pre cut masks that would allow watch restorers to repaint their work out and faded dials.
This dilemma has been on my mind so much that I am going to see what can be done with printing out pictures of dials on self adhesive paper used for photos or crafts. It still will take a lot of time and patience to cut out the masks by hand with a very sharp blade and it will be beyond the abilities of other but I believe many of us who work on watches would be capable of repainting these faded out dials and bringing that last touch that those certain watches that have been overlooked so far. As soon as I get caught up and a little more organized I am going to give it a try to see what type of results can be achieved. I am also hoping to enlist a good friend who is a graphic artist to perfect the images for printing on inkjet photo printers only. LaserJet toner printers just will not print sharp enough and would be a waste of time. I'll keep you all informed of my progress.
Michael
is available from yobokies.
