Rolex explorer II fading bezel numbers.

[nkoussa]

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

[NKflyer]

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.

[brandrea]

Have you priced a new bezel?

[nkoussa]

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

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by brandrea

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?

Originally Posted by nkoussa

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.

[nkoussa]

I'm aware of that :) that's why I'm trying to save the bezel

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[cop414]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

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.