The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex WatchTech

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 23 June 2017, 01:25 AM   #1
nkoussa
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 21
Rolex explorer II fading bezel numbers.

Hi dear experts

I've had this 1988 explorer II REF 16550 for a while now. The numbers are fading. I've been trying different kinds of paint to fill in.. even a sharpie .. they all disappear after a day or two .. what's your suggestion?
I attached two pictures.. one without the filling and the other one after using a sharpie

Any help and suggestions are appreciated

Thank you

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
nkoussa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 June 2017, 05:54 AM   #2
NKflyer
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Real Name: Richard
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,858
I have never personally tried it, but I remember reading that enamel paint for models, like Testors brand, is preferable. If the bezel has been polished significantly, you might find that the engravings are no longer deep enough to hold paint well.
NKflyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 June 2017, 05:57 AM   #3
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 77,940
Have you priced a new bezel?
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 June 2017, 06:08 AM   #4
nkoussa
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 21
No honestly I haven't proceed a new bezel .. I wanna keep all the original pieces as long as possible.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
nkoussa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 June 2017, 06:47 AM   #5
NKflyer
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Real Name: Richard
Location: Colorado
Posts: 2,858
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
Have you priced a new bezel?
Are the squared-off 16550 replacement bezels available? I honestly have no idea but I have seen a few 16550's with 16570 bezels so I kinda assumed they might not be?

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkoussa View Post
No honestly I haven't proceed a new bezel .. I wanna keep all the original pieces as long as possible.
Okay, buzzkill coming your way... The dial and hands are modern service replacements.
NKflyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 June 2017, 07:03 AM   #6
nkoussa
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 21
I'm aware of that :) that's why I'm trying to save the bezel

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
nkoussa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 June 2017, 03:27 AM   #7
cop414
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
cop414's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Tim
Location: Pennsylvania
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 72,179
Quote:
Originally Posted by NKflyer View Post
I have never personally tried it, but I remember reading that enamel paint for models, like Testors brand, is preferable. If the bezel has been polished significantly, you might find that the engravings are no longer deep enough to hold paint well.
I've heard of this being used before for painting bezel numbers, good luck.
__________________

Rolex Submariner 14060M
Omega Seamaster 2254.50
DOXA Professional 1200T

Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron
P Club Member #17
2 FA ENABLED
cop414 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.