u/infant_ape

Metal Folks

I come to you tool-challenged to start, aside from the basic wrench, pliers, bit driver, home improvement things... I can change brakes and a ceiling fan and suburban crap like that. Not much beyond. Especially clueless as to metal working. Here is my issue.

I have an aluminum bezel insert for a watch (pic just for size/shape example). Outer diam is 40.8mm, give or take .1, and inner is 32.8 w/ same variance(if that matters).

https://preview.redd.it/zntzib60xtzg1.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=4a4527f538b4b45535c04614b2c0a1fa562d1549

How can I rig something up so that I can grind the outer edge down by just .5mm or so.

I know I can take a dremel to the outer edges manually, but I'm not trying to be that precise if I don't have to be. Truth be told, I can't see a way that could ever be done evenly.

And on top of that, you can see the insert is sloped. Just for added kicks.

Any advice on how to set something up so... IDK.. this is somehow spinning while centered on some drill bit or something?... I'd have to have something solid and perfectly fit to the inner diameter, and then on the drill? Or have this spinning on something fixed while hbringing sandpaper to the outer edge? No idea.

Not concerned about grinding away markings; this is just to show an example of the insert.

Or... is there somewhere I could take this where accomplishing what I want would be an every day thing?

Thanks. And don't come at me, I mouth breathe. A lot.

Peace.

EDIT I did see a guy on youtube who described (but didn't actually show) using a diamond file, and said how just removing .5mm took hours. Also said that unless it's a diamond file, it won't do squat against the aluminum.

But mainly, I'm trying to get this done as evenly around the edge as possible... So I would imagine some sort of spinning in the mix would be in order. But again... IDK.

Been wondering this forever.

I see sites that offer up completed modded builds. But the depth rating is like 5bar, or not even mentioned b/c they won't claim any rating at all. Why would the rating change with all parts for the same watch.

I wrote one site and asked "if i send in my LIW ISL-02 (an SKX-007 clone by design w/ a 200m rating), will the depth rating be maintained. They said "Nope it won't. That will cost more"

If these parts are the same cases, same case backs, etc.. why is this? Are the AliX partds and others from Namoki, DWC, CT, etc... NOT the same quality as OEM?

I think it's still just called the Photon? Carried these over 20 yrs ago in the military, ordered a half dozen to keep all over the house a few years back (before discovering this world).

Usually always had one on my dog tag chain in the field. You'd flip on the red one (only brought red to the field) and hold that shit in your teeth while you dug through your pack or were doing some map/compass work in the dark during land nav. For super dark- especially enclosed spaces- white is crazy bright for a thing the size of a quarter. No idea what the output is.

https://preview.redd.it/xtpwr767fqzg1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b26175ea5f344c67a96b04285820b0799251136c

Hey all.Wife came home with a viouri t shirt for me a few weeks ago. Immediately felt it was- far and away- the most comfortable tee I've ever put on. The weight, the hang, the material. All tops.

I'm like "I want every color". Then I see it was like $60.00. Well.. crap. I mean, I suppose I'll spend it. I'm just gonna bitch while I do it. The light Bella Canvas are of course comfortable, and I have a few other niche tri-blend shirts that are super comfy, but next to this Viouri Strato Tech, the only one somewhat close is a 01.Algo model called the 01 Performance, which is some random make I got from Nordstrom once that I cannot for the life of me find anywhere anymore. Both can be dressed down, up.. whatever.

Both shirts are poly, with the Strato also elastane, and the Algo with Spandex. So maybe that's the ticket. But man, The Viouri is it.

Any other makes i should know about along those lines, or do I just start collecting the Strato Tech in every color lol?

Thanks, and Peace.

PS in my searching I came across a heavy 8oz cotton t shirt by Weismade for $68.00. Like... what?

Just picked up a blue Duro at a sick price, and it's actually really pretty as is. However, I want to screw with it. I considered a batman insert, but found some rando picture of a different make with blue dial and batman, and decided I didn't like it. However... I believe the pepsi scheme will be great. Orient (IMO) has the best example of this. I'm hoping to find a 50/50 12hr dual time insert, but could live with something clean like this.

I also found this other pretty dope orange/blue version done by one of the indy guys someone here recommended. I suspect that will look cool as well, and will try to get chatGPT to throw together a fiinished product for me to check out.

Has anyone here gone pepsi with a blue Duro and liked it better? Regretted it?

As a sidenote- just saw a post where a guy ditched the OEM bezel insert for a ceramic with just about identical markgings. I don't get the hate for the aluminum. It's a streamlined timer design, got a nice gloss... won't ever shatter or crack like ceramic or even sapphire could... I don't know. If I wasn't going to attempt the pepsi thing, I'd prob just leave it as is...

Another side note, and sort of shout out to Long Island Watch. They make great bracelets for the Duro (a Jubilee and an Oyster, brushed SS and two tone), with nice rounded end links... really ups the flex factor vs a flat end link. Even their rubber strap with deployant clasp is rounded/molded to fit the casing; first time I've really considered staying with a ribber strap. (I'm nylon/NATO guy almost all around). Just thought I'd throw that out, since I've seen people ask where to look for bracelets.

And lastly.. in case anyone might care... Long Island Watch also has a bezel ring fitted to the Duro that will accept any insert for the Seiko SPR Turtle. There aren't tremendous amount, but... I guess you could also search for turtle aftermarket inserts as well, IDK...

But if you get the bezel, you have to also get their sapphire crystal, as the bezel wont work with the Duro crystal. But... if you only want their sapphire crystal, it WILL work with the OEM Duro bezel. (Hope that made sense).

No, Im not a LIW shill, but I DO have their ISL-02 and love it, and Marc (owner) is somehow the one who personally answers ever single email or issue. I've only had one, but he jumped on it quickly, and was very accommodating. So that's pretty cool.

https://preview.redd.it/6gcvojzpl4zg1.png?width=956&format=png&auto=webp&s=11b1491c253ddfb9f744fb87a4a99a0939399993

https://preview.redd.it/tfbsqhzpl4zg1.png?width=2026&format=png&auto=webp&s=b4e997b49ee9f12d9ad710c48ba11e4cb726b1d0

I mean... This looks great. The shade leaning toward indigo is next-level striking (IMO).

Make it solar and I'll get 2.

Soooo..... can you say if there's a chance?...

https://preview.redd.it/egywwulilsyg1.png?width=882&format=png&auto=webp&s=ff789b0714b63fbb9410ab314e1ef240bf5e93b2

Hey, anyone know the exact dial diameter in mm? A few google searches don't come up with any dial specs.

THanks.