Anyone have any methods for aging a bezel insert without removing the bezel?
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Aging an insert without removing bezel
- Thread starter Doglover
- Start date
Sure, you can simply immerse the whole watch in a bucket of bleach. Don’t leave it in for too long, or the insert might fade too much. Also, consider taking the watch off first.
If that seems a bit extreme, then another option is to leave the watch outside for a while. About 15 to 20 years should do it.
If that seems a bit extreme, then another option is to leave the watch outside for a while. About 15 to 20 years should do it.
mari115
Respected Member
Lol that's hard uh
you could tape the whole watch except the insert and try to apply some bleach with a paint brush, but be careful, it's not easy, idk about putting the whole watch in bleach, since it could ruin the plastic gaskets
you could tape the whole watch except the insert and try to apply some bleach with a paint brush, but be careful, it's not easy, idk about putting the whole watch in bleach, since it could ruin the plastic gaskets
Last edited:
Throw it in your dishwasher, full cycle with steam!
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Oh really? Damn, I've done this with all my vintage Subs. Do you think they'll be okay?
Also, I don't take the watch off before doing it, and now my hand is really pale. And the left sleeve of all my shirts is ruined.
I might have to rethink this. OP, don't go ahead with my suggestion till I've done some more research.
Thank you for the reply. I had thought about using a qtip but was unsure of any other methods. To the other young lady commenting, doesn’t your mom need the computer for her onlyfans show rn?
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Bill_C
Active Member
Why not just pop the insert out of the bezel and bleach it in a 50/50 solution, rinse and reapply? If you have a razor blade, some steam and a few minutes to search the forum you'll find that it's quite simple to accomplish. No need to remove the whole bezel just to pop the insert out.
I’ve been reading a lot on it I’ve just also seen a lot of bent inserts as a result. I’m not that confident in my skills yet. I may end up trying that though. I have a BP Kermit on the way if that makes any difference
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Bill_C
Active Member
I understand the apprehension. The trick is getting the glue to soften up through steam or a hairdryer. Often times the insert is only held in place with double sided tape. If you can get the adhesive soft enough the bezel should come out without bending. If it seems stuck, more heat. Like everything in this game it's all about patience.
My only concern with using bleach and a q-tip with the insert still in the bezel is that the liquid will inevitably find its way under the insert and into the adhesive. Murphy's Law. I don't know if that will damage the adhesive but I would be gutted if I spent time fading my insert only to have it fall out later because the adhesive gave way.
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My only concern with using bleach and a q-tip with the insert still in the bezel is that the liquid will inevitably find its way under the insert and into the adhesive. Murphy's Law. I don't know if that will damage the adhesive but I would be gutted if I spent time fading my insert only to have it fall out later because the adhesive gave way.
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MICROSTELLA
Getting To Know The Place
mari115
Respected Member
Lol some sarcasm is lost through written text, i didn't get it in your first post ahahah
Doglover - if you aren’t confident that you can remove an insert, then you should be even less confident that you can age an insert without removing it from the watch. And the reason for that is - no one modding an insert does it while the insert is still in place. It’s a daft idea - hence my initial daft response.
If you rub bleach into the insert you’re going to get a very patchy, uneven, unrealistic effect. To get a realistic fade on an insert it needs to be immersed in a suitable shallow container of bleach, and NOT rubbed. Then it should be removed every 20 seconds or so (all the time being careful not to touch the painted surface) and thoroughly rinsed, then patted dry to check the progress of the fade.
I’d recommend you buy a couple of cheap inserts off eBay and practice. But bear in mind that the paint and lacquer on the watch’s insert may react differently to the practice inserts. So when it comes to the actual insert, go extra slowly.
I’ve never heard of anyone bending an insert while removing it. They’re not welded in, it’s normally held with double-sided tape. Once you’ve carefully lifted an edge with a scalpel blade tip, it should be a breeze.
If you rub bleach into the insert you’re going to get a very patchy, uneven, unrealistic effect. To get a realistic fade on an insert it needs to be immersed in a suitable shallow container of bleach, and NOT rubbed. Then it should be removed every 20 seconds or so (all the time being careful not to touch the painted surface) and thoroughly rinsed, then patted dry to check the progress of the fade.
I’d recommend you buy a couple of cheap inserts off eBay and practice. But bear in mind that the paint and lacquer on the watch’s insert may react differently to the practice inserts. So when it comes to the actual insert, go extra slowly.
I’ve never heard of anyone bending an insert while removing it. They’re not welded in, it’s normally held with double-sided tape. Once you’ve carefully lifted an edge with a scalpel blade tip, it should be a breeze.
deadpan
Active Member
Sorry for the attitude on the last reply. Was in the midst of another hurricane here and was trying to take my mind off things. I truly appreciate the detailed reply as it crossed an idea off my list and will take your advice! I have an old seiko I may practice on tonight!
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Hey no problem at all - I'm generally the only person who enjoys my unique brand of humour. And best wishes for getting through the hurricanes without any damage!