To B(ezel) or not to B(ezel)

[eccentric59]

I picked up this Omega Seamaster 166.003 (1969) many months ago. It was less than $300 US as a non-runner, but the only thing that seems to be wrong with it (other than enough dirt in the case to start a garden) is a broken main spring and missing bezel. The spring is on my latest Cousins' order but the bezel is as elusive as an albino, left-handed unicorn. Apparently these being very thin have a tendency to break and any NOS is already sold. And, of course, the Omega part is discontinued. 

The dilemma I face, at least internally, is do I leave sans bezel, or do I fudge a not-quite replacement bezel? Everything else seems to be original, or at least authentic Omega parts including the signed crown and crystal with the little Ω in the center. I have a couple of vintage Seiko bezels that with a little tweaking would probably fit. On one hand I'd like the watch to look finished (I'll be keeping and wearing it) but I also don't know if I'm 100% okay with a frankenbezel.

Assuming I can't find an original replacement (And I've no desire to buy a donor at 3X the price just for the bezel) What would you do?

 

 

[Neverenoughwatches]

4 hours ago, eccentric59 said:

I picked up this Omega Seamaster 166.003 (1969) many months ago. It was less than $300 US as a non-runner, but the only thing that seems to be wrong with it (other than enough dirt in the case to start a garden) is a broken main spring and missing bezel. The spring is on my latest Cousins' order but the bezel is as elusive as an albino, left-handed unicorn. Apparently these being very thin have a tendency to break and any NOS is already sold. And, of course, the Omega part is discontinued. 

The dilemma I face, at least internally, is do I leave sans bezel, or do I fudge a not-quite replacement bezel? Everything else seems to be original, or at least authentic Omega parts including the signed crown and crystal with the little Ω in the center. I have a couple of vintage Seiko bezels that with a little tweaking would probably fit. On one hand I'd like the watch to look finished (I'll be keeping and wearing it) but I also don't know if I'm 100% okay with a frankenbezel.

Assuming I can't find an original replacement (And I've no desire to buy a donor at 3X the price just for the bezel) What would you do?

 

 

Originality is important to the best of us but how long you will be waiting and how much you might spend is unknown. All the while you could be wearing this with what would be a good looking match that only you will know is not genuine.  As long as no alteration is made to the case you can both have it on your wrist and continue to search for the correct bezel. Just think of it as a temporary fixture.

[oldhippy]

No chance of a complete case.

[RichardHarris123]

I would modify a bezel to fit, better than no bezel in my opinion. Plastic can be chrome plated so a 3D printed on may be an option. 

[eccentric59]

6 hours ago, oldhippy said:

No chance of a complete case.

After a year+ of looking that is my conclusion, barring someone stumbling upon a stockpile of vintage 1960's Omega parts in an abandoned warehouse somewhere.

6 hours ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

and continue to search for the correct bezel.

I do keep my eyes open, but even used markets are selling this model without the bezel.

 

So this brings me to a more philosophical question. When does a watch become a franken? Replacing a mainspring or crystal doesn't. Replacing a screw or spring not from the OEM shouldn't. What about a crown? Balance? Third wheel?

 

If I modify a Seiko bezel to fit (which is my intention -- and will post pictures when that happens) or if I contract a jeweler to make a replica of the original part, I know purists will cringe, but I don't really see the loss of value in preserving the aesthetic.

 

 

[eccentric59]

The movement service was a success. Main spring was all it needed and now it runs +4 sec, 240°-ish amplitude and a positional beat error delta of 0.2. I also decided to use the Seiko bezel (if and when I can ever find a genuine replacement between doomsday and half-past never). Final results.