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Thanks everyone for the replies!

I've been obsessively staring at this "gap" for a few days now and after fishing out my 15x loop (my eyes aren't what they used to be!) I'm actually not convinced anymore there's a gap at the crystal bezel interface. The crystal seems to sit flush up against the bezel.

I tried taking another video this time from a steeper angle: https://youtu.be/eZ5dnbOLuNw.

Instead I think there are 2 possibilities. 1. the bezel slope is ever so slightly different in this spot. Maybe the crystal was a replacement. I'm not sure. 2. There's something under the crystal, or down the side of the bezel interface surface that is different in this location. I can actually see a bit of a black gasket sticking out under the crystal and only in this spot, so I'm leaning towards this actually.

Either way, I think it's a bit of an optical illusion... There's definitely something off here but I'm not sure it's actually a "gap".

For now I'll see if I can live with it. If not I'll go to Patek or to John Reardon's recommended restorer.

I have a new question: does anyone know where you can source 1.5 or 0.5 links for the 3700? I know Patek didn't originally make them, but I've seen a few full watches listed with both 1.5 and 0.5 links, so clearly someone must be. Annoyingly I'm right between sizes. I can live with it a little tight, but a 0.5 size would be perfect.

💰1730 Marketplace Listings for Patek Philippe›

Patek 3700 Crystal - Bezel gap question

By: Jonathantompson : May 24th, 2026-00:21

Hi watchprosite Patek friends. I just picked up a 3700/1a (1977). It's obviously been polished but to my eye it's acceptable and the last polishing job was decent. I'm generally quite happy! I do have a question about the crystal. It looks like there's ev...

By: Quinto : May 24th, 2026-01:13

I get the impression that the bezel was disassembled and repaired in that area due to some kind of impact, either by simply re-scratching the scratch or by filling it with a laser and then scratching it and giving it the finish; it's not normal for those ...

By: Jonathantompson : May 24th, 2026-02:40

Thanks for your reply! Are you commenting on the dark spots in the brushing? Or on the inside of the bezel where the crystal and bezel touch? Curious to know if you clicked the video link. It’s a little more obvious there.

By: Quinto : May 24th, 2026-21:41

Hi Jonathan, yes, I watched both videos and I noticed a darker inner edge, which gives the impression of being slightly recessed, casting a shadow. It's difficult to appreciate the details in photos or videos, but that's the general impression I get. If y...

First, congratulations on this acquisition!

By: quattro : May 24th, 2026-05:29

I've checked your videos and, yes, a little gap can be seen which, as far as I know, shouldn't be there. But this watch is almost 50 years old and the crystal might have been replaced. The question would be by whom and where did the new crystal come from....

The 3700 is a lovely watch. However, I don't know the reason for the gap, but it certainly seems like some kind of unfair force has been applied. It's not good for your mental health, so I think it would be best to take it to PP.

By: anaroku : May 25th, 2026-10:41

By: Jonathantompson : May 26th, 2026-23:51

Thanks everyone for the replies! I've been obsessively staring at this "gap" for a few days now and after fishing out my 15x loop (my eyes aren't what they used to be!) I'm actually not convinced anymore there's a gap at the crystal bezel interface. The c...