One that got away... SRP mini restoration and mod

[mrwozza70]

I was thinking of maybe modding an SRP777 a while back, so when one came up at the right place I bought it. Long story short I changed my mind and I eventually put it up on SC when I had to move a few on at short notice.

Anyhow the sale fell through as I had failed to accurately describe the condition of the watch. Not drastically but enough that I immediately refunded the seller and covered costs to get it back and decide for myself.

Anyhow on proper inspection it was really in need of some love and attention. So I set about ordering all new gaskets, a new flat Sapphire crystal, signed crown so I could do a full strip, clean and mini restoration whilst sorting the sloppy bezel action.

At the same time I decided to apply a brushed finish to the bezel. I love the Seiko diver bezel rings but they are pretty shiny which I think is a bit much with the polished case sides. Also applied a brushed finish between the lugs on the case.

Turned out ok I think I particularly like the simplicity of the SRP777 and it's clearly the closest of the Turtle re-issues to the classic 6309-7040. The flat sapphire with AR really makes a difference.

[Kaffe]

That is lovely. I am interested in how you managed to take the shine off the bezel. Thanks.

[mrwozza70]

Thank you just an abbrasive pad. It's easy with the watch stripped down.

[Kaffe]

Thank you just an abbrasive pad. It's easy with the watch stripped down.

I have heard of this. I will try it. Thank you.

[Rollon]

Hi Mr. Wozza,
Seems to have turned out beautifully and almost looks Seiko factory in that it lacks any of the "hacked &/or whacked" look some mods appear to me to have.

As I think I've seen enough loosely fit and lightly tensioned brand new Seiko Air Diver (i.e. for the most part with SKX series) timing bezels to be a little gunshy of dive timing bezels as a concept, even though I think the concept is good if the execution is also, could you please speak to how you ".......sort[ed] the sloppy bezel action........." of your SRP777 (and whether you think this would also be applicable to the SKXs)?

Thanks

[TaketheCannoli]

Outstanding Sir!

[mrwozza70]

Outstanding Sir!

Thanks... It came up nice... actually really enjoyed wearing it today

[mrwozza70]

Hi Mr. Wozza,
Seems to have turned out beautifully and almost looks Seiko factory in that it lacks any of the "hacked &/or whacked" look some mods appear to me to have.

As I think I've seen enough loosely fit and lightly tensioned brand new Seiko Air Diver (i.e. for the most part with SKX series) timing bezels to be a little gunshy of dive timing bezels as a concept, even though I think the concept is good if the execution is also, could you please speak to how you ".......sort[ed] the sloppy bezel action........." of your SRP777 (and whether you think this would also be applicable to the SKXs)?

Thanks

Five things common on SKX and SRP that can contribute to the best possible action.

1. The case - has it possibly been damaged or excessively worn on the mid-case where the bezel ring engages.

2. The Bezel ring - is it round and flat - sounds crazy I know, but if it has been removed by a watch bodger (like me) it could have been bent. Also that the underside ratchet cutaways are clean and not excessively worn (unlikely)

3. The bezel gasket - should be replaced and lubricated - they can and will get hard, shrink or be flattened.

4. The bezel spring - is it bent, broken or the two prongs that create the spring and ratchet flattened or bent. Better to replace a bent or badly worn one.

5. Is everything clean, lubricated and fitted correctly.

You can't change (much) how the above works at its best, although it's a 120 click action (on SRP at least) so if < 0.5° 'play' is acceptable you can get that pretty easy.

Before I sorted this one I think I could have pulled the bezel off by hand if I had tried too. There was quite a bit of 'play' in every direction I'm sad to admit.