Explorer II Bezel Restore

[ExplorerChris]

Anyone that has an Explorer II with fading numbers on the bezel that's on the fence about a DIY repaint go for it.
I have a 9 million serial number 16550 that's in otherwise excellent condition with the exception of the disappearing bezel numbers. I had read on ths forum that you could do a repaint using nothing more than Testors black enamel model paint and a toothpick.
I was afraid to attempt it but I really hated the way the bezel looked with some numbers that still had paint and some that we're completly gone.
I went to a local Michael's craft store today and purchased the Testors paint and went to work and holy crap in less than an hour it was done and looked amazing.
If I recall the post said to use the toothpick to fill the numbers in with the paint and then wipe away the excess.
What I did was fill in the numbers with the toothpick, let the paint almost dry and I took a standard pencil eraser and simply erased the excess away and it truly looks like new.

[T. Ferguson]

Before and after pics?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Before and after pics?

+1

Sounds like you did a great job

[JohnBaker3]

Without a picture, it didn't happen. Rule #37 on this website.

: )

[ExplorerChris]

Id love to post before and after pics on my bezel painting job.
Still trying to figure out how to do that on an iPad

[Zpeedbird]

Looking forward to the pictures.

I took this picture of my Explorer II, two days ago while visiting Philadelphia. The bezel could definitely use a touch up.

[ExplorerChris]

My bezel looked a lot like yours and I was considering getting a new bezel from Rolex but figured that would cost a lot.
My biggest fear about doing this myself was making it look worse I'm legally blind so it's really detailed work for me but being able to rub off the excess with a pencil eraser was perfect.
As soon as I figure out posting pics I will

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Before and after pics?

He's already done it so unless he has an old photo "before" shots may be hard to come by...

[ExplorerChris]

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

Finally
Here are pics of my 1987 Explorer II 16550
Before and after I redid the numbers on the bezel

[strafer_kid]

Always like to see a bit of ingenuity with a rolex - well done!

[ExplorerChris]

Thanks forthe comment on the bezel restore.
I was hesitant doing it because I'm legally blind.
When I've saved up my pennies I will get it replaced outright
The way it was looking bothered me I think it's a beautiful watch that isn't given it's due at lot of times and deserves to look its best

[Friar]

You did a beautiful job! Congratulations.

[dysondiver]

first rate job ,,, probably just what rolex do.... give or take a wee bit ,,, maybe two pack paint but id not spend the money on a new one with such a spectacular result.

[francis]

Wow that looks amazing.... will have to remember that if I need to do mine one day

[fisherman79]

I think this is the only right way to do it:

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

[yong5]

Looks great Chris. What kind of black paint do you use from Testor? I look up the website and there was a few to choose from. Flat black, black metallic and gloss black etc.

[ExplorerChris]

Originally Posted by yong5

Looks great Chris. What kind of black paint do you use from Testor? I look up the website and there was a few to choose from. Flat black, black metallic and gloss black etc.

Sorry I didn't respond sooner

Testors Gloss Black
1147-RM11471_0611 is the product code on the bottle

[yong5]

Originally Posted by ExplorerChris

Sorry I didn't respond sooner

Testors Gloss Black
1147-RM11471_0611 is the product code on the bottle

No problem Chris... Appreciate for the reply. Never too late.