Faded or "ghost" inserts

[Gecko]

Really very into vintage and will find time to take pics of my old Seiko divers...something about history, patina, faded inserts and character that attracts me...

My 1665 Great White with a ghost insert...love deep deep

[Ed.YEO]

mine also quite faded liaoz... after more than 13yrs of wearing...

...but not as pale as yours...

[ivan]

Really very into vintage and will find time to take pics of my old Seiko divers...something about history, patina, faded inserts and character that attracts me...

My 1665 Great White with a ghost insert...love deep deep

What is ghost insert?

Sent from non-OT phone

[Gecko]

normally to describe the bezel insert which has faded to grey or silverish...

this is a nice thread with pics...

http://50.30.33.71/~trfcom/showthread.php?t=164840" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Gecko]

my 16750 faded pepsi...

[Solanum88]

Tried a method to instantly fade bezel and this was the result

[fireal]

Tried a method to instantly fade bezel and this was the result

bleach?

[Solanum88]

Tried a method to instantly fade bezel and this was the result

bleach?

threw in a box of nails and then yea bleach

[ivan]

normally to describe the bezel insert which has faded to grey or silverish...

this is a nice thread with pics...

http://50.30.33.71/~trfcom/showthread.php?t=164840" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

sent from non-OT phone

[sawungkampret]

bleach?

threw in a box of nails and then yea bleach

any step-by-step bro

[Solanum88]

threw in a box of nails and then yea bleach

any step-by-step bro

I dont have any pictures since I did it awhile back but ill try to explain.

-You need to remove the bezel insert to do this or get a spare insert if u want to preserve the stock insert.
-Get an unused container with a tighly sealed lid and place nails or other abrasive items in it and throw the insert into the mix.
-Close the lid and shake/throw/roll the container around (occasionally open to check if the marks are to your liking)
-Prepare the bowl of bleach and lower the bezel into the bowl of bleach. Do not use your bare hands as bleach is a dangerous substance. I tied a string to my bezel to lower it in.
This is the tricky part as the bleach fades the bezel really quickly, 5-10 seconds is all that is needed to achieve the fade in my picture above. After 5-10 seconds, pull the bezel out using the string and wipe with a cloth (The bezel might still appear dark, only by wiping it down can you see the faded color)

I suggest trying on a spare insert as the results might turn bad if the bezel stays too long in the bleach (I had a green SKX bezel lost all its color and became just a stainless steel ring )

[roo7]

Oh interesting. I was wondering why nails. Now I get it.


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[Poison]

my 16750 faded pepsi...

Nice bezel.
My faded bezel.

[Gecko]

great looking dial too!

[Gecko]

seiko 1st diver