Off topic watch chat for the horologists out there

[roadiesean]

Hi all, I have a question. I have a Seiko divers watch, 6309-7290 which I have owned for nearly 30 years and absolutely love. I know its not a Rolex Daytona, but I'll never have one of those, this is as good as it gets for me and I love it.

Anyway, after 30 years of diving, driving and cycling the bezel is more than a little floppy, I have found a site that explains how you change the bezel, but it seems as though this won't answer my problem, surely the spring needs replacing. And I can't find a replacement bezel spring anywhere.....

Anyone got any ideas ? I have a funny feeling I have asked this before but can't find the thread or any correspondence at all so I am assuming that as usual my memory is failing me !

[Nine One One]

Know it sounds silly have you tried Seiko customer care in Maidenhead, Berks
I had my divers watch fully reconditioned by them years ago, and that was 40 years old, and they had no problems getting the bits?

Just google Seiko UK,
couple of phone numbers on this page
http://www.seikoservice.co.uk/srv501.js ... srv501.jsp

Ian

[roadiesean]

Tried Seiko, yep they'll do it, but wanted a bloody fortune for it !! About three times what it cost me thirty years ago !!!

[Bootsy]

The bezel should have a thin wire clipped into it. Over the years this has smoothed out. Funnily enough last night I removed one from a Heuer bezel, pliered the bends on the spring so they were again more defined and popped it back in and voila it's a much better fit.

[silverfox]

I really like this watch, I assume its not a standard Heuer, saved the photo but know nothing more.
Do any of you guys do custom watches or where do you get the bits. Maybe a winter project when it's too cold in the garage.
Have a 980 113 D as a daily, and some other Tag Heuers and bid on a few 930's lately but missed, prices are going up which is irrelevant as I never sell anything!
Cheers
Paul

[Black Betty]

That is a Heuer 'diver' from the 1000 series that has been 'customized':

http://heuerville.wordpress.com/2013/06 ... 06-custom/

[Bootsy]

Yes an 844 cased Heuer which has had an aftermarket non Heuer green bezel insert put on. It's standard apart from that

[silverfox]

Thanks guys, the search begins for a nice case and a hooky insert and strap.

[squirejo]

And for my next question- to whom should I send an omega sea master for service? It the cheap battery one but also needs the clasp sorting as it comes undone v easily. Thanks again (and bootsy, Jamie at db10 was v helpful).

[964RS]

Anyone fancy something a bit special and unique?

A Gilt Tropical dial Date Rolex from 1965. All original and fully serviced by Rolex last year so keeping great time.

Dial is in perfect condition but the black gloss paint between the dial plate and the lacquer has turned a wonderful and rare brown. The lacquer is still perfect and the gold paint on top of this perfect also - it is simply an anomaly of the paint leaving it looking totally unique and very cool.

The dial changes colour in the light from a very deep chocolate to a light caramel...but it's not easy to capture with the camera, but it's so nice in the flesh.

£3k TO CLEAR TO A DDKer...

[Mike]

it is simply an anomaly of the paint leaving it looking totally unique and very cool.

[964RS]

it is simply an anomaly of the paint leaving it looking totally unique and very cool.

What is it you don't get this time Mike?

[Mike]

I just struggle with knackered watches being described as cool

I'm sure it's all about the wabi and so on, but yes I don't get it. I've had my sub for 35 years and when it goes for a service
I specifically ask them to polish out the scratches, put a new glass on it and so on, it comes back to me looking brand new
and that's what I love.

Heresy I hear you say but each to his own, but then I'm like that with my cars. If I scratch the paint or scuff the interior I get it
repaired, I love the detail, getting it right and making it look like new. Not for me the perfect original car as it left the factory
all those years ago with it's faded paint and cracked leather, give me the fresh restoration every time, that's what cranks my
tractor.

A debate we've had before, but all good fun!

[964RS]

Each to their own Mike. But that does not make someone else's desirable watch less viable.

I like minty original watches, not over polished parts changed watches, the same as many vintage collectors.

Tropical dialled Rolex watches are big in demand though and short in supply and typically a correct brown dialled Sub, GMT or sea dweller etc will command 100% more than a standard black gloss one.

One thing is for certain though is that this is in no way a knackered watch, everything about it is original Rolex, how it left the factory and the dial condition is perfect. It has simply changed colour. There is zero damage, it is a reaction of the paint to the brass dial plate.

And that's what makes it cool. And that's what most people 'get'.

I do agree on 'knackered' water damaged dials being described as tropical or something similar to try and make it sound cool but this is not the watch in this case

[Bootsy]

I'd always prefer an original aged dial than a service replaced minty one.

I struggle with 'triggers broom' watches