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Old 19 October 2018, 02:21 AM   #1
avidflyer
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EXP II Bezel Restore

Have a chance to grab a EXP II at a really good price....only issue is the bezel looks so so. This would be added to the daily work rotation so don't want new. Probably send it off for a service, anyone service them that restores / works over the bezel?

Does Rolex recondition the bezel on a service?
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Old 19 October 2018, 03:06 AM   #2
Tools
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Usually the bezel is replaced if needed at service.

It can be reconditioned, but the grain on the bezel of the Exp II is radial, and so it takes a special fixture that spins the bezel while another wheel grinds the brushed finish look.

If it is an early model I would retain the originality and not replace/refinish the bezel. If it is relatively new, a fresh correct bezel would have no affect.
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Old 19 October 2018, 04:08 AM   #3
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photos please
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Old 19 October 2018, 05:15 AM   #4
toxicavenger
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LA Watch Werks doesn't a great restore of the E2 bezels.
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Old 19 October 2018, 06:07 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicavenger View Post
LA Watch Werks doesn't a great restore of the E2 bezels.


Did you mean “does a great restore”?

For the OP, the Expl. II bezel catches a lot of scratches in daily use. Until you plan to sell it, I’d just wait. A good Rolex certified watchmaker with the correct jig can make it like new unless there are deep gouges. The problems are when the gouge is adjacent to an engraved hour number or hash mark.

Like Larry said - if it’s that bad you’d be better sourcing a replacement. Unless we are talking vintage, of course.


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Old 19 October 2018, 06:55 AM   #6
avidflyer
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thanks now I know my options
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Old 20 November 2018, 06:24 AM   #7
squrrlz
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Is it scratches to the bezel or just the paint being faded from the numbers and markers? I have seen many Exp II's in great shape at a significant discount because of paint being faded. I wouldn't let that hold me back since 1. its character and 2. a little model paint can touch it up if it really bothers you.

Now if its deep scratches that is a whole other issue I would leave to RSC to fix.
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Old 20 November 2018, 06:45 AM   #8
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They can be refinished, I've done a few myself.






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Old 20 November 2018, 07:29 AM   #9
Richard Carver
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They can be refinished, I've done a few myself.

Very nice indeed. The radial brush finish seems to defeat a lot of restorers. Some of those restorations of EX2 bezels on youtube are horror shows! I wouldn't be averse to new bezel but nice ones seem to be rare in the wild.



Mine isn't that bad but bad enough to make me want to fix it. I have a 16710 bezel on the way for this watch and will enjoy that for a while. This bezel can spend some time in the drawer. :)



A job for the bezel puller! :)
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Old 7 February 2019, 04:52 AM   #10
iliketime
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how much does a replacement bezel go for curiously? snagged an exp 2 for a daily beater but id like to replace the bezel and the crystal as well
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Old 7 February 2019, 07:10 AM   #11
RamyAshour
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iliketime View Post
how much does a replacement bezel go for curiously? snagged an exp 2 for a daily beater but id like to replace the bezel and the crystal as well
I am very curious to know this as well. I will likely pull the trigger on a 16570 this weekend, which is in general in great condition but it has a ding on the bezel which I would maybe want to replace down the road
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Old 7 February 2019, 11:10 AM   #12
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A lapping machine is the correct tool to do this job.
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Old 13 February 2019, 03:47 PM   #13
Beau@LAWW
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Originally Posted by avidflyer View Post
Have a chance to grab a EXP II at a really good price....only issue is the bezel looks so so. This would be added to the daily work rotation so don't want new. Probably send it off for a service, anyone service them that restores / works over the bezel?



Does Rolex recondition the bezel on a service?


Post or send me some pics. As long as it hasn’t been extremely over polished, and there’s adequate depth to the number recesses, it can be restored to 99%


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