16570 Explorer II Bezel Opinions?

[elliothere]

Recently acquired this ‘91 X serial 16570. From pictures I knew some of the bezel numerals were fading, but upon closer inspection I am noticing that some of the numbers are actually thinner than others — most noticeably if you compare the 16 to the 14.

Is this heard of? Can polishing cause this? The radial brushing still appears to be intact from what I can tell… Thanks for any insight.

[TurboWatch]

That's because it's been repainted. The bezel is authentic though

[214270Explorer]

Easy to have the numerals redone if you so choose.

[elliothere]

Originally Posted by TurboWatch

That's because it's been repainted. The bezel is authentic though

Thanks, that’s good to hear. I assumed that since the numbers are etched and filled, repainting wouldn’t change the boldness of them. Sounds like that’s not really the case, and repainting does actually make them bolder somehow?


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[Dan S]

If you look with a loupe and imagine filling the numbers using a fine paintbrush, you will see that it's not so easy to make them perfectly uniform.

[rmagoo57]

I bought a 16570 last year and recently had it serviced. I didn't like the look of the bezel so I replaced it. Now, "my watch" looks brand new!! Think it was $230.

[elliothere]

Thanks all, very helpful and informative.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

I bought a 16570 last year and recently had it serviced. I didn't like the look of the bezel so I replaced it. Now, "my watch" looks brand new!! Think it was $230.

Was that a Rolex bezel? I thought they were much more.