Explorer 16570 full service

[Porter]

After several years wearing I decided to make the full service to my Explorer II. I love this watch and was plenty of scratches and crystal dents.
After separating all main pieces I nearly took out case scratches and bought a new crystal and ring. New O-ring joints , fully service movement ( oiled and checked suffering points )
Now I´ll start with the most difficult work on this watch: Bezel scratches!! The finising of the bezel and the painted numbers will take a lot of hours of work...
Will keep you informed.. hope you´ll like the final result.

[CRasch]

Absolutely adore the white face 16570. Hope it all goes well.

[freefly]

Unless it's just a shadow/lighting issue, that bezel looks to have taken a pretty good hit. Not sure if that will buff out (if your intent is to bring it back to like-new condition).

There is one on eBay currently that you might keep an eye on. It looks to be in fairly decent shape, and may save you some headaches and/or man hours trying to fix the original:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111828467034

[Porter]

Thanks for the info Eric. Watches are my passion and I pass really nice hours working with them. The idea is to restore the bezel and the challenge to get a great final result. If cannot reach the near perfection in my work I would buy a new one!! No risk no glory!!

[Porter]

Tomorrow I'll post a picture just before beginning restoration

[NYCREBROKER]

Good luck!

[perpetual92]

While I dont doubt your abilities to do a nice job on the bezel, just know that if you ever had plans to sell it, you will pull more value off the watch with modifying the bezel with paint.

[fisherman79]

Originally Posted by freefly

Unless it's just a shadow/lighting issue, that bezel looks to have taken a pretty good hit. Not sure if that will buff out (if your intent is to bring it back to like-new condition).

There is one on eBay currently that you might keep an eye on. It looks to be in fairly decent shape, and may save you some headaches and/or man hours trying to fix the original:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111828467034

It is possible to let it look like new again. You just have to have the right skills and tools:

http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...el-a-pictorial

[Porter]

Thanks all!
The link is well appreciated! Is nice to have the proper tools but I'm not so lucky. I make bit artisanal. The final result hope to be so good!!

[Porter]

Sorry about the late pics of the watch before starting service!!
Here you are...

[Porter]

I had to change the crystal due to both big dents you can see at the pics.
The bracelet is nearly dead. I´ll keep de flip lock clasp and buy new bracelet.

[Tomas Eriksson]

I like the beat up look of that explorer. Just service the movement and sell it to me ;)

[Porter]

Hi all,
Been working a bit on the bezel!
I´m in the right way??
Thanks in advance for your comments....
Next step, review scratches and polish edges!

[perpetual92]

Originally Posted by Porter

I had to change the crystal due to both big dents you can see at the pics.
The bracelet is nearly dead. I´ll keep de flip lock clasp and buy new bracelet.

Why not send the bracelet off to reconditioned/tightened?

[strafer_kid]

Looking good so far!

[Porter]

Hi perpetual92,
Thanks for your question!
I had a pair of bad experiences with re-tightened bracelets. A pair of clients paid for this repair and after few weeks wearing the watch the links started to dance like before sending to repair.
The bracelet had a very hard life and I will keep it in the box and buy a new one is the best option in this case. I will wait till summer because I prefer to wear strap in winter and bracelet in summer!! Hahaha crazy hobby!

[beastomaniac]

Keep us updated with this interesting project, subscribed!

[dysondiver]

just read the thread on re finishing, and the one in the link in the refinishing thread too ,,, some amazing case refinishing , its great to see anyone with a pair of hands that can turn out such work.
many thanks

[Porter]

Hi all,
Thanks for your replies!! I love take a watch to my table and work with. Is my hobbie and always try to reach perfection! I try to learn every day more things about watch world but not so lucky to have enough time to invest in.
I have two beautiful little daughters and both take nearly all my time and energy!! They are my real passion!!
As soon I have more pics of my project I'll post them!!
Thanks again!! I love this forum.

[Porter]

uploadfromtaptalk1452807815174.jpg
Hi all,
Started polishing bezel edges...

[Porter]

uploadfromtaptalk1452807965288.jpg

[Porter]

uploadfromtaptalk1452808066932.jpg
Inner edges...

[Porter]

Now polishing case sides and crown guard.
As you can see polish is done in two steps: taking the brush lines and getting mirror finished.
In first pic left side is brushed and right side polished. First step and second afterwards.uploadfromtaptalk1452809155282.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452809171476.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452809188024.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452809204433.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452809229441.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452809241145.jpg

[Porter]

The crown...only few minutes.uploadfromtaptalk1452809695906.jpg

[Porter]

The case back.
Due to my tools are quite simple this work is extremely long. To keep the brushed lines in the right way I have to pay attention each millimeter...
Only had a pair of hours so the only part nearly finish is the mid brushed part.
First take the scratches and marks. Once all off then start with the right finished...uploadfromtaptalk1452810060391.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452810070878.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452810083585.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452810094702.jpg
Not finished yet but will do it soon...

[Porter]

This step is only for my own curiosity...
Alignment of the crystal and bezel ( if you look at the pic below number 16 is a deep dent I decided not to brush anymore because I don't want to deform the edge )
In this moment I decided to redo the lugs and brushed like the new style ( smooth )
Will continue.... As soon as possible!
Thanks for reading and any comment will be appreciated!!uploadfromtaptalk1452810596879.jpguploadfromtaptalk1452810607902.jpg

[beastomaniac]

Nice job, keep it coming!

[Rogdogg]

This is a great thread and very interesting. Keep up the good work and please continue to share it with us.

[Porter]

Sorry but this part is a bit short! Next week will take few hours more for work in the watch.
I took one hour brushing very slow to eliminate the deep dents on the bright ring of the case back! This is the final result for first attempt and afterwards you can see the pic of first polish between 5 and 6 o'clock.
Will be impossible for me to take off all the dents because some are very deep and don't want to brush a big amount of steel.
Any comment will be high appreciated!uploadfromtaptalk1453993672890.jpguploadfromtaptalk1453993685813.jpg
To be continued...

[herts9]

I love the methodical pace to this journey. It's truly a labor of love, and it shows!