beyondx4

It totally depends on what you want to do with your old insert. I assume you've bought an aftermarket insert. If you want to preserve the original insert and also have the tool (I got my cheap crystal press from Harbor Freight), then I don't think there is any better way than popping out the crystal and then slowly unseating it from behind. Otherwise, just pry it out with a thin razor blade. But be sure to keep the original UPO pearl because you may want to reuse it. Though it is flawed, it's still more convincing than any recent aftermarket bezel inserts I've seen.

I don't recommend that crystal from ebay, as the seller doesn't have too good of a reputation. I've been a little busy with my other watches lately, but should be able to bring my attention back to my Seamaster soon. The first thing I'll be doing to my SMP is to replace the crystal, and the aftermarket crystal I recommend is from Krysworks, Inc. It's a 2.5mm x 30.5mm single-AR domed-sapphire made for direct replacement on the gen. Check out their website and contact John for more info.

The DG4813 version supposedly has the same case, bezel, caseback, crystal, and bracelet as the ETA or Clone version; however, that's where the similarities begin to fade. The dial feet are different, the hands are not interchangeable, and of course the movement & mvmt holder. If you want the best bang-for-the-buck watch, the DG4813 version cannot be beaten. But if you have any plans to fully mod the watch with gen parts, then do yourself a favor and get at least the Clone version, which you can easily drop in a gen dial and hands. It'll be close to 2x the price, but it may be worth it, depending on your future plans.

Yes. As long as you have the gen pearl on-hand, you've just saved yourself $$$! HoleSaleOutlet's SMP bezel insert has very accurate coloration, but a sub-par pearl (as with virtually all aftermarket SMP inserts nowadays). Just mod the gen pearl in and you're good. As for the crystal, if you have to replace it, Krysworks does have a very nice single-AR SMP replacement sapphire crystal for about $70. If you feel like selling your messed up insert, please do lemme know.

Boneventura, I assume the seller had exactly what you needed (a black SMP bezel insert). Of the 3 SMP inserts he have in his webstore, the 1st one is the black insert, the 2nd one is a mid-size blue, and the 3rd one is the full-size blue. Both of the blue inserts have pretty inaccurate pearls, while the black insert has a relatively nice pearl.

I have this same exact insert. I agree, this seller has the nicest SMP pearl I've yet to see on *bay. I was actually communicating w/ him for awhile to find a blue one for my SMP, but he only has this "nice" version in black. The blue inserts he has onhand is from a different supplier and it looks nothing like the black one. The seller himself couldn't understand what kind of games these factories are playing. Anyway, I got the black one with the intention to remove its pearl and mod it into my Mary SMP's blue insert in the near future.

About removing the bezel; be extremely careful. I don't recommend doing this without the proper tools (especially these higher quality SMPs) because you will likely bend the bezel when forcing it out. The SMP Chrono's bezel insert is probably one of the nicest rep SMP inserts available today and is virtually impossible to purchase separately. It's more accurate than any aftermarket SMP insert I've seen. I have tried multiple times from a few dealers and none would be able to buy a replacement insert for me (seems like the factories are doing this on purpose). So when you are prying one out, be extra careful or you will regret it. It may be a good idea let the watch face soak in a pool of acetone for awhile to soften & dissolve the glue.

I'm not totally sure about the SMP 2220.80, but the gen 2531.80 only had single-AR on the inside, which I personally think is not a bad idea, especially if this is a watch you wear daily. The 30.5mm x 2.5mm single-AR SMP replacement crystal from Krysworks may be a good option. I've been trying to get my hands on a gen 2531.80 bezel insert (or even a rep SMP chrono insert), but have been unsuccessful, otherwise, I would definitely jump for the Krysworks single-AR to replace my SMP's ugly magnifying glass.

I would avoid the Holesale Outlet place simply because they sell pretty crappy stuff and quite dishonest about their policies. I bought an SMP bezel insert from them, received a POS item, mailed it back and got charged a bunch of fees; luckily ended up with less than half of my initial payment. A well-known member from this forum (or RWG) had to deal with a mediocre crystal for his SMP and ended up with a nightmare. You might want to give Krysworks a call to see if you could get a replacement sapphire crystal for your SMP 300m. They only deal with crystals and have good quality stuffs.

Hmmm...almost forgot I'm still waiting for one. I've been wishing and begging for the past year and nothing is even remotely available. Can't afford a genuine bezel/insert assembly.

I have an orange and a black strap for my 42mm PO's from Reg. I find the black colored strap to be the most versatile; I use it on both my orange and black PO. Quality and markings on the straps are excellent, but I would rather wear the steel bracelet if I gotta do my daily activities, like going to work (just feels more secure and comfortable). The rubber straps are nice to have for use while I'm going outdoors and having fun under the sun. Mine are still in excellent condition after a year. Around the same time, I also bought an aftermarket rubber strap on ebay for my Tag Formula 1; it's not even close to the quality and comfort of the PO's rubber.

I agree. Narikaa's customer service is top notched! I own two of his 42mm PO's (an orange and a black one). I must warn you the Asian 21j movement may be unpredictable. My black PO is still running great for over a year, but my orange one died pretty early. I replaced it with another DG2813 (a similar $15 Asian 21j movement), but then that one died on me recently too I may end up putting another DG2813 in there, but we'll see. However, the watch is physically excellent: sapphire crystal, nice & solid band, clasp, and case. I would definitely buy from Narikaa again if he ever gets ahold of an ETA clone PO.

Ryaku, I checked out the Krysworks, Inc store and they appear to be serious with this watch crystal business. Are you planning to buy a non-coated 30.5mm x 2.0mm domed sapphire crystal from them and then have Chief double AR it? Cuz now I'm thinking about doing just that rather than wasting $10 on a mineral crystal or $75 on a single-AR crystal that I'm not fully satisfied with. Thanks.

TripleHD, I didn't know you were hit that hard (only a $20 credit on a $70 crystal?). My only experience with them was on a PO bezel that didn't fit, so I returned it unopened, and got back about 75%. Glad you found a solution. Where would you suggest getting the base sapphire 2mm thick crystal? Thanks for your input. Ryaku, the 30.5mm x 2.0mm mineral crystal would run about $7 + $3 shipping from JB. Go to their website, look under Products --> Horological catalog --> Crystals (12pg) --> then it should be on the 3rd pg. If this thing is similar to the mineral glass found on WBK's, then it should satisfy my needs for now.

That's interesting because another member purchased that crystal from the Bay, expecting single sided AR, but there wasn't any sign of AR coated on that crystal. He ended up returning it for partial credit and got a gen crystal instead. Maybe people got different standards. If you're not looking for any AR, maybe that crystal would be perfect for your case. Just be a little careful with that company if you need to return something, not only will you be paying the shipping back but there will also be a 20% restocking fee (which is not in their terms/condition page). I've re-measured the thickness and at the center of the dome, it could get as thick as 2.5mm. I'm actually considering purchasing a 30.5mm / 2mm thick mineral glass dome crystal from Jules Borel (I usually purchase my parts from them).