What's the current wisdom on repainting a 16570 EXII bezel?

[Richard Carver]

This from the seller when I bought the watch in 2015. Paint is in place and the bezel is in reasonably good condition

.

I'm in the process of doing some work on the watch and would like to either get the bezel repainted or some advice on doing it myself. I'm not averse to buying a new one either.

This a more recent shot and as you can se the numbers are just tired looking.I checked YouTube but no good tutorials.



What do you guys do?

[Tavli3]

My advice based on the advice I got regarding repairing a lume plot is to leave at is. Certainly not to try yourself. I’ve seen a couple of paint jobs on these bezels as I was hunting for my 16570 and the looked atrocious


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tools]

A sharp toothpick and a small amount of Testor's Enamel can fill in any large missing chunks.

It's always up to you. New bezels are not expensive at service time, but I wouldn't make any herculean efforts otherwise. That radial brush job is easy to screw up.

[TimeLord2]

Solid advice from Tools, especially if you have the patience and a good pair of magnifying lenses. Other than that, my Dad just got his 16570 serviced by Phillip Ridley who did a very nice job on the original bezel. My Dad used to wear a metal bracelet just above the watch. Not any more…

[mineral]

Definitely prefer the bezel remains in its used and aged condition. Don’t repaint it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FrenchBigCrown]

To each their own of course, but that bezel would drive me nuts.

If it was my watch, I'd pop the bezel and put it in the box - and fit a new bezel - then you'd still have the original unpainted bezel, if/when you decide to sell.

But that's my preference - as above, to each their own.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[swish77]

I'd echo the comments above and leave it alone. It looks cool/aged.

Not sure how it's any different to naturally faded aluminum inserts on a GMT or Sub, which usually look amazing. Just part of the aging process and what makes vintage watches so great.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Tavli3

My advice based on the advice I got regarding repairing a lume plot is to leave at is. Certainly not to try yourself. I’ve seen a couple of paint jobs on these bezels as I was hunting for my 16570 and the looked atrocious


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I fail to see the correlation between the bezel and your lume plot.

[springer]

I'd definitely repair it by adding a little paint. It will not affect the value and make the watch much more pleasing to the eye.

On the other hand, if you like the "rode hard and put up wet look," leave it alone.

[rmagoo57]

My bezel didn’t look that bad but I still replaced it at service. $230. Watch looks brand new now and I’ll enjoy it for many years.

[Toxicant]

You might want to do some research on clock dial refinishing. Chelsea clocks have a silvered dial with black for the markers and writings. Very similar appearance which may offer you some ideas.

I'd do it but I hate patina.

[1675-David]

Originally Posted by springer

i'd definitely repair it by adding a little paint. It will not affect the value and make the watch much more pleasing to the eye.

On the other hand, if you like the "rode hard and put up wet look," leave it alone.

x2

[Richard Carver]

Thanks for all the comments. I.m going to try for a new bezel. There's a not so fine line between patina and worn out ugly and for my tastes a new bezel will suit. :)

[donq]

Fill in the numbers with some Testors model paint, and wipe over it with your thumb.
The paint stays in the recesses and if there is any excess it will come off with a q-tip and a dab of nail polish remover.

I’ve done it before, not hard to do, low risk, materials are cheap.
No much to lose.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Thanks for all the comments. I.m going to try for a new bezel. There's a not so fine line between patina and worn out ugly and for my tastes a new bezel will suit. :)

[1William]

I like it the way that it is. If you don't like that the best advice is buy a second bezel and replace it and hang onto the original. Might be the best of both worlds.