50th GMT Ceramic bezel mod

[gamebred26]

How hard is it to swap the bezels? Any write up on it?

[nikbrown]

How hard is it to swap the bezels? Any write up on it?

My stock insert was pretty scratched up so I didn’t really worry about damage to it (had gone through a motorcycle accident)....

So I just stuck an xacto blade under it and popped it off. The ceramic one has an adhesive ring on it so I just removed the protective sticker and applied it.

I did make an attempt to remove the entire bezel assembly so I could just press the insert out from the backside but I was unsuccessful. These GMTs bezels are held on with a bent retaining wire and grove system and the omega tolerances make it beyond my skill level to get it off. The razor blade trick I’ve used to remove bezels on other watches that use a similar bezel system didn’t work for me on the GMT.

So if you do it you’ll have to take it to a watchmaker that can remove it or just accept the damage you’ll do to a small point on the stock bezel.


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[ten13th]

Inspired by Nikbrown's modification, I decided to do the same with my 50th GMT. Below are photos of the result.









This being the first mod ever on a watch for me I checked out multiple Youtube videos before I started the process. I have a cheap 50 piece watch kit from Amazon, one of the piece was a bezel removal tool. After taping section of the bezel and lugs, I was able to pry off the bezel without much force with the tool from the 6'o clock side, 12'o clock side was more difficult. Much experience with other mechanical things I've learned that if something doesn't budge, try a different location before apply more force on the original spot. This is how I found out 6'o clock spot was the sweet spot for popping off the bezel. The bezel snap back into place without much force either, just simple press of my thumb on the bezel is all it is required.

The Omega bezel insert is actually more substantial than the aftermarket replacement intended for Parnis GMT. The insert is friction fit into the bezel. By applying pressure from multiple points on the backside, I was able to pop it out without much effort. The replacement is a thin piece of machined/stamped aluminum, it doesn't have the friction surface required to fit into bezel like the original insert. To affix the insert to the bezel I decided to use Superglue, it is what is available in my tool chest. Applying superglue with toothpick provide more control on how much glue I have. The goal is have just enough glue to adhere the two pieces without overrun that I need to clean up. Plus Superglue could be cleaned off and removed with acetone in the future.

I'm very pleased with the result. The only thing that would make it look more authentic is a bit of aging on the white markings of the insert to match the aging on lume of the dial.

[Scottya]

Ten13th,
Can you provide a link to the bezel insert you purchased? Also, I’m guessing that’s a Hirsh Robby Sailcloth strap? Stunning combo!

[GTTIME]

This is a fantastic mod! Omega should make this watch.

[thepress83]

Wow I like this a lot more than I thought I would. Great work!

[Scottya]

My best effort of a Ten13th Homage.
Hirsch Robby Sailcloth

https://www.hirschstraps.com/collect...ant=1317538856

Amazon Bezel which fit very well...let my watchguy install this on a spare bezel ...gratis.

38mm Ceramic/Titanium Bezel Red Blue Black Green Fit GMT Automatic Watch p300 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZQ8D5C..._AhD1BbRTB153D



Suddenly, this is getting most of my wrist-time...love it!


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[iuprof]

The Coke was my other choice too!


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[TwentiethCenturyFox]

I like it! BOLD

[richterto]

Wow. That's amazing. I love the black and red look. It totally works.