Bezel for 1954 Rolex 6581 Oyster Perpetual

[LittleWatchShop]

A friend of mine is trying to find a bezel for this watch. I think the chances are slim.

Hoping to tap the expertise here on the probability of finding one.

[RichardHarris123]

I don't know but I think you're correct, slim chance.  The bezel looks like a plain ring so maybe one could be made. 

[SwissSeiko]

As I recall, you have a sherline lathe, so that should be a pretty easy thing for you to make!

[AndyGSi]

Only ever seen them as part of a case.

[RichardHarris123]

1 minute ago, AndyGSi said:

Only ever seen them as part of a case.

Ouch. 

[LittleWatchShop]

On 4/17/2025 at 12:46 PM, SwissSeiko said:

As I recall, you have a sherline lathe, so that should be a pretty easy thing for you to make!

It would be fine to try. Maybe start with a larger bezel and cut it down.

[LittleWatchShop]

My friend says he wants me to proceed with making a bezel. He is not expecting rolex identical. Just a solution that will hold the crystal.

So, now my request for help has changed.

Any guidance on making the bezel would be helpful. I can only guess at the profile.

Material??

[CYCLOPS]

there is a seller on Ebay always selling bezels, he lists what they fit by case number too....

[AndyGSi]

22 hours ago, LittleWatchShop said:

My friend says he wants me to proceed with making a bezel. He is not expecting rolex identical. Just a solution that will hold the crystal.

So, now my request for help has changed.

Any guidance on making the bezel would be helpful. I can only guess at the profile.

Material??

I'd start with stainless steel tube.

[LittleWatchShop]

5 hours ago, AndyGSi said:

I'd start with stainless steel tube.

Yes indeed. I have thought about starting with a washer, but that would be unknown metal. @nickelsilver has suggested 316L on another forum. I am going to see what form I can buy...hopefully tubular as you suggest.

[HectorLooi]

There are 316 washers available.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrOpbhZ

 

[SwissSeiko]

yes 316 stainless is what they used on these bezels. Maybe some of THESE would work, otherwise, get a 2" round bar, and turn it to your dimentions

[LittleWatchShop]

25 minutes ago, SwissSeiko said:

yes 316 stainless is what they used on these bezels. Maybe some of THESE would work, otherwise, get a 2" round bar, and turn it to your dimentions

Is there a difference between 316 and 316L. Seems like it, but ??

[HectorLooi]

316L is low carbon version.

[LittleWatchShop]

Grok says 316L is a little more machinable

[RichardHarris123]

Will the lower carbon be different colour.

[SwissSeiko]

Lower carbon will affect the hardening of the steel

[HectorLooi]

316 steel is not hardenable. It is a high corrosion resistant steel. Usually used for marine purposes. 

[SwissSeiko]

1 hour ago, HectorLooi said:

316 steel is not hardenable. It is a high corrosion resistant steel. Usually used for marine purposes. 

Hector is right, my mistake. The only way to harden it is by work hardening. But the bezel doesn't need hardening.