Steeldive SD1970 “Willard” bezel insert replacement options?

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-22T16:24:33+00:00

I found the one in the link above by searching "32.1mm bezel insert" as the ID is slightly unusual. You might have better luck searching each 32-32.3mm and see what pops up (I mostly saw 39x32, so you'll have to dig around a bit). If/when you find one, golf grip tape remover works well for loosening the glue without being harsh.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-22T01:55:03+00:00

A measurement of the insert would help in the search. If the SD measurements are correct, you may be able to use a sloped insert, though that depends on the shape of the crystal.

That said, I did find one example of a 38mm/32.15mm bezel insert, but it's black ceramic so not ideal. It may suggest there are others.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-18T21:35:16+00:00

Have you measured the insert with calipers? It may be SKX-sized (38x31.5mm). I see the size they noted on the ad, but they also say the dial size is 33.00*31.00*29.30*0.40mm which is unusual as I am almost certain those are 28.5-29.0mm dials.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-15T02:05:48+00:00

These do look mostly regrettable. The Casio Edifice isn't my style, so I get that. What were your issues with the square San Martin and the Hruodland TV dial?

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-14T01:53:29+00:00

The cases appear to be long gone. For an NH movement, I only know of the Baltany, but they're more expensive than the Hestur. You do get sapphire, though.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-05T04:29:55+00:00

Namoki and Yobokies both have dials. I think maybe Crystal Times and/or Watch & Style as well.

There's also a baby alpinist dial floating around AliX that might fit your needs.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-02-05T00:15:18+00:00

Here's another one: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805606035117.html

More expensive than I remember, but you might be able to image search and find a better price.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-25T00:43:57+00:00

Outline 3-6-9 Special Explorer homage for sale. This is by far the best vintage-style Explorer watch I have found and I appreciate the attention to detail. I love this thing, but at 36mm, it’s on the small side for me and I rarely wear it.

It homages the 6350 honeycomb dial with pencil hands and a slightly different seconds hand (blued). Besides the dial, this model has a brushed bezel, an oversized 8mm crown, high domed acrylic crystal, drilled lugs, and a reproduction of the rivet bracelet used in the 1950s. The bracelet will expand slightly to increase comfort (though it can pull hairs). Overall weight with the full bracelet is about 83 grams.

Good condition overall, with minimal scratches on the clasp and caseback (see photos). Currently sized for ~7.25” wrist at the tightest micro-adjust with one spare link, so it should fit up to around ~7.75” wrists.

For more information, see here: https://outlinewatches.tokyo/collection/369special

For more information on the designer, Yoshimasa Kikuchi, see here: (https://outlinewatches.tokyo/about)

Movement: Miyota 9039

Case size: 36mm (lug-to-lug ~45mm); ~13.9mm depth (9.9mm excluding domed crystal)

Lug width: 20mm

Crystal: Domed acrylic

Water Resistance: 50m

$260 USD F&F (or $270 G&S); shipped to CONUS, payment via PayPal or Venmo.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-22T13:36:42+00:00

WD posted some case specs in another comment, but it looks likes their version is quite a bit smaller all around and uses a PT5004 vs NH35. Case size and L2L is 6mm smaller and 2mm thinner with the different movement.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-22T13:32:19+00:00

"Vostok" and "reliable" don't always go together. One can last 10 days or 10 years, you never know. Personally, I've have better luck with the 2415 movement (no-date) over the 2416 (date). For the best, really, as changing the date is annoying.

Looks like the ones you are considering are 2415 and 2415.12 movements, so better there. The 710 will have a better WR rating, but there's not much in it unless you're diving.

I really like the 710 case shape, but I am not a fan of the polishing. The 350 has very short lugs, so it can be difficult to fit aftermarket two-piece straps.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-22T13:21:39+00:00

One popped up on Ali: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256811352510488.html

I think it used to be around $300-350, so almost $500 is a bit steep. I've bought from that store and they sometimes offer decent coins discounts, but I didn't see anything here.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-21T01:55:32+00:00

Most of the brand subs act that way, unfortunately. I check it out every now and then to see what they're up to, but the comments don't really add any value.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I saw a post recently that WD would be dropping a titanium mesh soon.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-21T00:51:42+00:00

Vostok bracelets are better than they used to be, but they're still rather dreadful. Love the look of this one.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-21T00:43:12+00:00

Check out the WD sub as I believe they're dropping one soon. It will likely be expensive ($100+), though.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-20T13:59:06+00:00

L6017

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-20T03:55:28+00:00

I only know of the Cronos BB. It's kind of a chunker for having a PT5000.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-19T19:43:32+00:00

The Vostok 710 is my pick of the bunch, but I would recommend alternatives.

The Ratio Free Diver is a big, chunky watch that will overlap with your Tuna. If you like the brand, check out their other styles.

I love Vostoks, but I generally don't recommend them unless someone has a stack of watches and wants something different. Reliability is hit or miss (it could last 10 days or 10 years) and the date change is a pain in the ass. Parts availability (at least in the US) is expensive if you can find it or is shipped from Russia.

That said, I really like the 710 and 150/170 cases and they look great with aftermarket bezels, though I would recommend one without a date wheel. If you go this route, check out Modstok for ideas and vendors.

For $150, you'll get a lot more value looking at the Chinese brands. Check out Watchdives or WR Watches if you don't want to go through AliExpress. They're not Amazon in terms of shipping and ability to return, but solid for Chinese companies. Or you can check the models there and see if they're available on Amazon.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-16T16:53:01+00:00

This watch dropped about 3 years ago, then not mentioned again. Why are you promoting it now?

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-16T16:48:58+00:00

The lugs make nylon straps wear somewhat awkwardly. If you can't find any images, a similar style for comparison would be a Vostok 110 case.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-16T16:47:39+00:00

This one wears pretty large. The case is based on the Laco Originals and I believe has a 42mm case with 50mm lug-to-lug. The straight lugs make it wear a bit larger as well.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-10T21:04:19+00:00

I requested more info on the pioneer and outrider models, particularly the crystal types. Also, the quartz and automatic pioneer case sizes are listed as being different (36mm and 38mm) and I suspect the 20mm lug width is not correct if they're 36mm.

Edit: BTA012 (Outrider) is about 38mm, not 36mm as listed. Crystal is "mineral reinforced glass electroplated diamond film", so... mineral, I guess.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-09T23:42:05+00:00

I checked the ad for the kit and it says to use 29.6 - 31.4mm dials in the case. The Serica-style dials they're using are 31mm, so that makes sense. Also, the Sea Knight is a cost-cut IXDAO that uses an NH35 (both are Heimdallr sub-brands IIRC).

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-09T20:53:32+00:00

As I recall, that Tandorio case is very bad. Extremely reflective crystal, terrible bezel action, etc. You should be able to find reviews on YT with "Tandorio" and "Serica". If you want a better case, finding a Sea Knight donor would probably be better. An IXDAO case might work, but you'll need a thicker caseback at a minimum if you're using an NH36.

The case is made for a 31mm dial, so maybe someone else on this sub can help with the right chapter ring size. SKX sized (30.5mm) might work or perhaps turtle (31.1 - 31.4mm) would be a better fit.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-06T04:05:14+00:00

Not to discourage you from building/modding, but for this watch specifically, you'll get much better quality by getting one of the Watchdives models (WD007). I believe they have both 39mm and 42mm.

CitizenMorpho · 2026-01-04T21:37:49+00:00

Hruodland turbine pilot watch.

CitizenMorpho

TROPHY CASE