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25 April 2014, 02:54 PM | #1 |
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Watch: Explorer II 16550
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Explorer II Bezel Restore
Anyone that has an Explorer II with fading numbers on the bezel that's on the fence about a DIY repaint go for it.
I have a 9 million serial number 16550 that's in otherwise excellent condition with the exception of the disappearing bezel numbers. I had read on ths forum that you could do a repaint using nothing more than Testors black enamel model paint and a toothpick. I was afraid to attempt it but I really hated the way the bezel looked with some numbers that still had paint and some that we're completly gone. I went to a local Michael's craft store today and purchased the Testors paint and went to work and holy crap in less than an hour it was done and looked amazing. If I recall the post said to use the toothpick to fill the numbers in with the paint and then wipe away the excess. What I did was fill in the numbers with the toothpick, let the paint almost dry and I took a standard pencil eraser and simply erased the excess away and it truly looks like new. |
25 April 2014, 03:43 PM | #2 |
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Before and after pics?
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25 April 2014, 10:44 PM | #3 |
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25 April 2014, 11:09 PM | #4 |
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Without a picture, it didn't happen. Rule #37 on this website.
: ) |
26 April 2014, 01:25 AM | #5 |
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Real Name: Chris
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Watch: Explorer II 16550
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Posting Pics
Id love to post before and after pics on my bezel painting job.
Still trying to figure out how to do that on an iPad |
26 April 2014, 01:54 AM | #6 |
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Looking forward to the pictures.
I took this picture of my Explorer II, two days ago while visiting Philadelphia. The bezel could definitely use a touch up.
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"I wore a Rolex 40 years ago when I broke the sound barrier and I still do today. A pilot has to believe in his equipment. That's why I wear a Rolex." –General Chuck Yeager (1992) Sea-Dweller, Explorer II, IWC Flieger Chronograph, AP Royal Oak |
26 April 2014, 02:40 AM | #7 |
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Real Name: Chris
Location: Ontario, Canada
Watch: Explorer II 16550
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My bezel looked a lot like yours and I was considering getting a new bezel from Rolex but figured that would cost a lot.
My biggest fear about doing this myself was making it look worse I'm legally blind so it's really detailed work for me but being able to rub off the excess with a pencil eraser was perfect. As soon as I figure out posting pics I will |
26 April 2014, 06:06 AM | #8 |
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He's already done it so unless he has an old photo "before" shots may be hard to come by...
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24 May 2014, 03:43 PM | #9 |
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http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?
Finally Here are pics of my 1987 Explorer II 16550 Before and after I redid the numbers on the bezel
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24 May 2014, 06:47 PM | #10 |
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Always like to see a bit of ingenuity with a rolex - well done!
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24 May 2014, 10:07 PM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Real Name: Chris
Location: Ontario, Canada
Watch: Explorer II 16550
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Thanks forthe comment on the bezel restore.
I was hesitant doing it because I'm legally blind. When I've saved up my pennies I will get it replaced outright The way it was looking bothered me I think it's a beautiful watch that isn't given it's due at lot of times and deserves to look its best
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24 May 2014, 11:20 PM | #12 |
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You did a beautiful job! Congratulations.
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24 May 2014, 11:36 PM | #13 |
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first rate job ,,, probably just what rolex do.... give or take a wee bit ,,, maybe two pack paint but id not spend the money on a new one with such a spectacular result.
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24 May 2014, 11:54 PM | #14 |
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Wow that looks amazing.... will have to remember that if I need to do mine one day
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25 May 2014, 08:28 PM | #15 |
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7 July 2014, 07:04 PM | #16 |
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Looks great Chris. What kind of black paint do you use from Testor? I look up the website and there was a few to choose from. Flat black, black metallic and gloss black etc.
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8 July 2014, 01:51 PM | #17 | |
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Watch: Explorer II 16550
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Testers Paint
Quote:
Testors Gloss Black 1147-RM11471_0611 is the product code on the bottle
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11 July 2014, 06:56 PM | #18 |
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