Subtle change for sure. You asked for opinions - I say it’s unnecessary. Save your $.

 

I think you are a cool cat as you are a fellow R32 owner!

 

I do like the smaller numerals for sure. Although, I'd keep it original as it seems like a lot of effort for not so much change, and I would prefer the originality of the stock bezel.

 

It’s the watch omega should have made. However it is now a watch that never existed. We buy overpriced watches because we love the company’s decisions of the past and present. When we ourselves can literally make a watch better than they can with their own parts it kind of leaves a bad taste. Omega isn’t the only one guilty of this. The watch from Ginault makes the submariner that Rolex should have made. But to Rolex’s credit they moved in that direction on their own with their newest release by slimming down the lugs

 

We buy overpriced watches because we love the company’s decisions of the past and present. When we ourselves can literally make a watch better than they can with their own parts it kind of leaves a bad taste.

100% disagree. That may be your take on it but many are perfectly happy to modify our watches as we see fit. In fact, a very common mod for Blake-era SMP is to swap in the modern SMP tool-less micro adjustable clasp. And switch dials. And swap bezels. And modernize the seconds hand. How-to's are all over the Omega forum.

Can you spot the mods on mine?

OP, Keep the OEM part(s) for the purist if you think you may sell someday.

 

I would think mod is totally unnecessary, watch is perfect as it is. At least to my eyes and that’s how my 2254.50 will stay - all original and classic.


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IMHO, Seikos were meant to be modded, not Omega........

Looks good as is to me, but you should do whatever you think works best for YOU to enjoy your watch.

Good luck.

 

I would like to point out that one can change a bezel INSERT easily and safely.

I believe that Marc at Long Island watch has a "Watch and Learn" in which he soaks off the old insert. Watch it - maybe learn something 😸. I have been known to soak the insert off with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). I have NOT had great success with the popular 3M double stick tape - I prefer 4 dots of G&S Hypo Watch Crystal Cement.and my cheapo watch press. With this method it is difficult to damage the watch or insert but it is easy to undo this change and revert the watch to the factory look.

Good Luck

 

second insert is way better imo

 

Don't like the idea of modifying such a classic. Like putting aftermarket stuff on a car. But as long as you keep the original parts after they're changed out, you do you.

 

I think that's a lot of money for different font on the bezel. If I was going to spent that much money, I would go with the PO bezel and crystal or a mesh bracelet.

 

I think it's a splendid idea @Henman . Love it.

I own the same Seamaster variant. It's an awesome watch hands down. My only minor concern with it is the bezel. It's not as easy to utilize compared to my other divers watches. If I were to mod it, and this has crossed my mind a significant number of times, I would go for the PO bezel swap and make sure I keep and faithfully maintain the original parts swapped out. Now, sourcing the OEM full PO bezel assembly together with the insert is another thing. At least for me and where I'm at. Godspeed!

 

If you want the dial to be the focus, the second insert makes that happen. If you want it to be pure and less focused on the dial, the original insert makes that happen. Personally, they both look great to me.

 

Just what I need, now have to keep a close eye out for Franken-megas on the FSOT page.

 

I don't sell my watches so no worries here.

 

The modified insert is more proportional to the dial, IMO.

 

It’s your watch and your money. I like keeping things original but I do like the change. It isn’t out of keeping.

I’ve considered it with the chronograph of the same vintage replacing the stainless bezel on the titanium model with a black insert from the steel model for the aesthetic.

Go for it if it makes you happy.

 

I went down a bit of a rabbit hole on modifying Seamasters after I knocked my bezel loose. I ended up learning how to fix it myself for less money than what you would spend for an OEM insert. It would be cheaper to buy a used, complete bezel to modify and keep your original as is, at least that's what I did. With the proper tools it is pretty easy to do.

 

Bezel swap on that watch is not too hard and that mod looks very nice. As the previous post says, just keep your original bezel and buy a complete bezel to swap rather than just the insert. Please post pics if you do it. I have never seen a lot of bezel swaps but not that one.

 

If you like the other bezel, then go for it. It’s your watch and it should make you happy.

I’ve got the 2264.50 quartz version. I modded it be putting a PO bezel insert and second hand. After nearly a decade, I still like looking at.

By the way, I made a post years ago about how to make a bezel removal tool from stuff you can get from a hardware store.

DIY Seamaster bezel remover

I've been contemplating some mods to my black Bond SMP lately. One mod was to replace the regular bezel with a Planet Ocean bezel. The problem is that the SMP bezels can be a pain to remove. I thought about ordering one of the plastic ring type tools I've seen on Ebay. But then it hit me...why...

www.watchuseek.com

 

Looking sharp!! I did a similar mod to my 2534.50 Seamaster GMT

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Beautiful watch

 

I'll throw a hat into the ring.

1) A watch, once bought, becomes the property of the owner to do with as they please. Therefore, I have no problem with someone modding a watch.

2) If there is any concern regarding the selling of the watch in the future, then the mod needs to be fully reversible without damage. If that's not possible, then the mod has to be thought about with this in mind. Modded and/or watches with the wrong components will always fetch lower prices on the secondary market, and depending on the mod, it can increase the suspicion of the potential buyer.

3) I like mine the way it is, but I've thought on and off about getting a PO second-hand (the arrow) and asking my watchmaker to install it instead of the small lollypop. I think it unifies the hands VERY well. That being said, I've obviously not done it yet, and probably won't, because in truth I can't be bothered because I don't care enough to do so. The general design line of the original makes me happy as it is. The large numerals on the bezel, for example, complement the large lumed surface area of the aviator hands and indices, so I'm happy with those. Everything else, including the Speedmaster-style bracelet, is fine (even the clasp, which fits me well without the need for micro-on-the-fly-adjust). So really, it's a perfect iteration in my view.

If you want my advice, I'd say 'follow your heart'. If you like a different bezel, and it'll make the watch look more 'correct' in your eyes, then what have you got to lose by modding it? Watches are bought and enjoyed due to emotion, so make yourself as happy as you can. What I think about your mod is irrelevant because I'm not the one wearing and enjoying it.

 

I was going to chime in by asking if you were daft--who the hell plays Seiko modder with a $5K Omega, etc.

But then I counted up all of the new vehicles I've purchased that were still stock a year later, stopped when I got to zero, and started choking on my own hypocrisy.

I also like the new bezel you're proposing better than the original.

 

Omega knew what they were doing. The bold indices, especially at 12, beg for the bolder bezel font of the original for balance.

It's your watch; do as you please with it, of course. But in no way do I agree that it's an improvement.

 

If I can make a suggestion, since you’re already cool with making mods to an icon…. Take a look at some of the lumed aftermarket ceramic inserts you can get. I’m a fan of this one - it’s still got the larger numerals, but they are flatter, I think they make for a better fit than the small bond numerals.

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I did similar mod with 2254 and blue James Bond's seamaster bezel.