Rolex GMT master bezel custom

[ac11111]

You might think this is mad and very un-purist like..I recently got a new pepsi insert for my GMT from RSC (long story about the original insert.) Anyway, I felt the new insert for a 1979 GMT master just did not go well, too shiny and new and was an injustice to the rest of the watch.

I decided to do something about it with this custom fade (bleach)..I think it's not bad! I can always get it replaced at Rolex RSC if I happen to change my mind. It is also a hell a lot cheaper than buying a vintage one one eBay (which is difficult to tell if real or not anyway). thoughts??

Sent from my Moto C Plus using Tapatalk

[ac11111]

Second pic is before obviously

Sent from my Moto C Plus using Tapatalk

[Belligero]

Looks great!

I have several inserts for my 1675, and my favourite has a similar fade to it.

[doctorj]

The red should be pinker, I think, but the blue looks good.

[boring_sandwich]

Looks nice although I think it would look better if you were to repeat the process for slightly longer.

[~dadam02~]

How long does the process take? Would you get a ghost bezel if you continued the process long enough?

Edit: looks great BTW!

[arisrosmaninho]

Not bad....


Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

[ac11111]

Thanks guys

yes I agree with comments it can probably do with a bit longer, particularly the red. It's really taken the sheen off the bezel and now goes well with the matte dial and yellow lume, before, the shiny new bezel insert unbalanced the watch.

It took 4 mins with strong Sainsbury's bleach. I think it will completely ghost if long enough . Might tape up the blue and just give the red a bit more time



Sent from my Moto C Plus using Tapatalk

[diver527]

Good work, looks great!

[stefmcd]

Might tape up the blue and just give the red a bit more time



Sent from my Moto C Plus using Tapatalk

That's the way to go.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[blackal]

Very interesting.

My 1980 model has only been back to Rolex twice, and don't remember the bezel being renewed, and never noticed that it had got 'brighter' - as I don't remember it being as faded as some of that vintage.

Might give that bleaching a try, though.

Anybody confirm that this looks like a newer bezel??



EDIT: Going back to OP - mine never looked faded like that

Al

[ac11111]

Very interesting.

My 1980 model has only been back to Rolex twice, and don't remember the bezel being renewed, and never noticed that it had got 'brighter' - as I don't remember it being as faded as some of that vintage.

Might give that bleaching a try, though.

Anybody confirm that this looks like a newer bezel??



EDIT: Going back to OP - mine never looked faded like that

Al

If yours is still the original insert, you could consider getting RSC to swap your insert for a new one, keep the original and bleach the new insert for that look. If I didn't screw up my old insert I would have done that.

[ac11111]

One more thing, the service lady at the RSC told me she has seen a number of different shades of Rolex Pepsi inserts over the years, I think there is colour variation even from the Rolex factory. I told her how much these faded bezels (real faded) go for on eBay, she had no idea and was completely shocked. Lol

[verv]

I like it :)
Legit faded ones retain their glossy topcoat. But I quite like the matte effect of bleach as well as the denim colour. Nicely done.

[blackal]

If yours is still the original insert, you could consider getting RSC to swap your insert for a new one, keep the original and bleach the new insert for that look. If I didn't screw up my old insert I would have done that.

If it is still the original bezel - I'm happy to leave it as-is, and if as Very says - faded ones retain the gloss........ I'll not bleach it.

The look you have created - is very pleasing, though

Al

[bobdog]

I wouldnt get too carried away with the fading process, this GMT is 51 years old with its original red backed insert, admittedly it has spent most of its life hidden away but the insert has still taken on a gentle fade.

[fierbois16]

Pretty brave decision to artificially age the insert yourself, but I must say I really like the result. Good work

[dommorton]

So if RSC fitted it, does that mean you dunk the whole watch in bleach?

That would be a frightening prospect for me.

Do love the watch though and being a '79 that's a birth year for me too. Much envy

[verv]

No. The bezel can be popped off and the insert pushed out of its retaining ring.
Full bleachy immersion not advised ;)

[ac11111]

So if RSC fitted it, does that mean you dunk the whole watch in bleach?

That would be a frightening prospect for me.

Do love the watch though and being a '79 that's a birth year for me too. Much envy

Haha no way, I took the bezel off with a sharp knife first

Sent from my Moto C Plus using Tapatalk

[dommorton]

Ah that makes more sense!

I presume the whole bezel is fairly easy to unfasten then. Mind you I'd also be pretty fearful of going a watch that old and pretty with a knife.

[JGJG]

It took 4 mins with strong Sainsbury's bleach. I think it will completely ghost if long enough . Might tape up the blue and just give the red a bit more time

Super job - undiluted thick bleach?

[ac11111]

Super job - undiluted thick bleach?

Indeed, thick bleach, citrus flavour!

[murkeywaters]

Fushia bezels are crazy money but it seems yours is going that way, bit more bleaching and it's there..