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looking to buy · 15 August 2009, 03:01 AM

I have a question about the paint on the bezel on the new GMT IIc. I understand it is platinum on the numbers. Does this platinum wear off over time due to exposure to sun, wind, swimming pools, ocean salt etc? I guess the question is, how long will the paint last before it wears off due to regular exposure to the elements? Does anyone know?

GMT IIc pictures 018.JPG

Tools · 15 August 2009, 03:13 AM

Well, it isn't exactly paint.. and I'm sure you mean the ceramic insert and not the bezel...

It is a vapor deposition method.. The platinum or gold is heated to melting, atomized, and sprayed at pressure against the ceramic, bonding with it rather than just adhering to it as paint would.. (I know, a minor difference)

So, it is actually the precious metal there, not a similar color to the metal, and is very durable.. I would think that unless it was pryed or chipped out, it should last as long as the ceramic...

dkpw · 15 August 2009, 03:22 AM

Keeping the bezel protector on, will extend the "paint's" life indefinitely.

rajurama · 15 August 2009, 03:29 AM

I thought the bezel base was made of platinum and the ceramic is affixed on it...

drtooth73 · 15 August 2009, 03:31 AM

Clear ceramic on top.
If you dont fracture the porcelain, it will last lifetime

2th Dr · 15 August 2009, 03:49 AM

Clear ceramic on top? Of the platinum?

I would think if there WAS ceramic on top, it would reflect light similarly to the rest of the besel, no?

drtooth73 · 15 August 2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2th DR

Clear ceramic on top? Of the platinum?

I would think if there WAS ceramic on top, it would reflect light similarly to the rest of the besel, no?

According to Rolex website: Gold or platinum particles are placed on the carved ceramic bezel, then bezel is polished.
Then they talk about a ceramic film.
So I assume that porcelain is on top.
Tools, am I correct?

15 August 2009, 03:01 AM	#1
looking to buy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Paradise CA Posts: 920	GMT IIc Bezel paint-how long will it last? I have a question about the paint on the bezel on the new GMT IIc. I understand it is platinum on the numbers. Does this platinum wear off over time due to exposure to sun, wind, swimming pools, ocean salt etc? I guess the question is, how long will the paint last before it wears off due to regular exposure to the elements? Does anyone know? GMT IIc pictures 018.JPG __________________ 16610 Submariner - 116710 GMT II C - 16570 Explorer II - 126710BLRO GMT II (Pepsi) - 116300 Datejust II

15 August 2009, 03:13 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,499	Well, it isn't exactly paint.. and I'm sure you mean the ceramic insert and not the bezel... It is a vapor deposition method.. The platinum or gold is heated to melting, atomized, and sprayed at pressure against the ceramic, bonding with it rather than just adhering to it as paint would.. (I know, a minor difference) So, it is actually the precious metal there, not a similar color to the metal, and is very durable.. I would think that unless it was pryed or chipped out, it should last as long as the ceramic... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

15 August 2009, 03:22 AM	#3
dkpw "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: Scotland Watch: 16610 & 214270 Posts: 1,294	Keeping the bezel protector on, will extend the "paint's" life indefinitely. __________________ Sub 16610, Explorer 214270, Ω Speedy Pro & many others. David

15 August 2009, 03:29 AM	#4
rajurama "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: Wakanda Watch: amacallit Posts: 2,090	I thought the bezel base was made of platinum and the ceramic is affixed on it...

15 August 2009, 03:31 AM	#5
drtooth73 Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: W. Stutman Location: Motor City Watch: TT GMT IIC Posts: 2,223	Clear ceramic on top. If you dont fracture the porcelain, it will last lifetime

15 August 2009, 03:49 AM	#6
2th Dr Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Mark-O! Location: Arlington, TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 12,714	Clear ceramic on top? Of the platinum? I would think if there WAS ceramic on top, it would reflect light similarly to the rest of the besel, no?

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