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For many of us who restore or revive old, unloved watches, finding NOS parts or suitable donors is the greatest challenge. Aftermarket replacements are usually a last resort or the result of refusing to pay the premiums some parts demand.
About six months ago, when I restored my first 6139-6002, I intended to replace the bezel insert and I ordered one from an eBay seller. I received it and threw it in the parts bin because I ended up reusing the original. Last week, when I started restoring another 6139, which had a much more faded insert, I reluctantly decided to use the insert -- until I took it out of the package. That's when I noticed just how different it was from the original, despite the seller's photo suggesting that they were indeed very close.
Whether it was a fluke or a simple manufacturing error, it reminds me of three important things: [1] not every person who produces AM parts will take pride in their product, and as a result, [2] you get what you pay for, so [3] don't wait six months to check the quality of the items you buy. :grin:
About six months ago, when I restored my first 6139-6002, I intended to replace the bezel insert and I ordered one from an eBay seller. I received it and threw it in the parts bin because I ended up reusing the original. Last week, when I started restoring another 6139, which had a much more faded insert, I reluctantly decided to use the insert -- until I took it out of the package. That's when I noticed just how different it was from the original, despite the seller's photo suggesting that they were indeed very close.

Whether it was a fluke or a simple manufacturing error, it reminds me of three important things: [1] not every person who produces AM parts will take pride in their product, and as a result, [2] you get what you pay for, so [3] don't wait six months to check the quality of the items you buy. :grin: