Possible issue with my Explorer II?

[KeithRVA]

I just bought a 40mm white dial EXPII from a reputable AD. It is pre owned, part of their "estate" collection. I'm not worried about its authenticity, but it has a few years of wear, with a D serial number dating its manufacture to 2005. Today I noticed what looked like a tiny bit of gunk trapped in the very small space between the crystal and bezel. I took a soft plastic toothpick and gently tried to scratch the gunk out.

However, it turns out the gunk was actually shiny polished steel reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. The rest of the area around the crystal looks like matte silver paint! I started gently scratching the painted area and it began flaking off shockingly easily. I started around 11 on the dial, and stopped just before 4. You can see in the photo where the paint ends and the polished steel begins, right between the 8 and 9 on the outer bezel. Again it is in the very small area between crystal and bezel. Has anyone seen this before? I thought maybe the crystal had been replaced with something cheap, but the laser etching is present on the crystal so it looks original.

[rmfnla]

Can't really tell from the photo but if you bought it from an AD they should make it right.

Be sure to tell us how it works out!

[cop414]

Hard to tell Keith but it almost looks like dirt trapped in there. Maybe the original owner worked with some kind of gray dust substance and it worked it's way into that little area. Maybe compare it to a new one or someone can post a pic for you to compare it to.
I assume from your picture you went from 11 backwards to 4?
I bet it's just gunked up in there.

[KeithRVA]

Originally Posted by cop414

Hard to tell Keith but it almost looks like dirt trapped in there. Maybe the original owner worked with some kind of gray dust substance and it worked it's way into that little area. Maybe compare it to a new one or someone can post a pic for you to compare it to.
I assume from your picture you went from 11 backwards to 4?
I bet it's just gunked up in there.

No, I went forwards from 11 to 4. It looks black in the photo, but 11 to 4 is actually bright polished steel. The area I didn't scratch is same color as brushed bezel.

[datejusting]

Take it back to the AD. Looks like someone has put a metallic sealer in the space.

[KeithRVA]

Correction, I stopped scratching between 6 and 8 on the outer bezel. Basically right at the 7 arrow marker.

[George Ab]

Take a toothbrush and soapy water and remove the gunk. If you have any hesitation a competent watchmaker can take care of it for you. The AD may have one on staff. I take it it wasn't Ben Bridge's "Time and Again" sale as they do a great job of cleaning up their watches.

First thing I do with a watch is take the bracelet apart and soak it in an ultrasonic cleaner for an hour. Soapy water and toothbrush on the head.

[KeithRVA]

Originally Posted by datejusting

Take it back to the AD. Looks like someone has put a metallic sealer in the space.

Is that really bad? I can deal with it unless its evidence of some previous damage/abuse. The steel under the paint actually looks great. Anyone have pictures of a 40mm EXPII?

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by KeithRVA

Is that really bad? I can deal with it unless its evidence of some previous damage/abuse. The steel under the paint actually looks great. Anyone have pictures of a 40mm EXPII?

I don't know if it's bad...but it's a bit "weird".

It definitely should NOT have whatever that metallic filler stuff is.

My guess is that it's some kind of cleaning/buffing compound residue. But I surely don't know.

[KeithRVA]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I don't know if it's bad...but it's a bit "weird".

It definitely should NOT have whatever that metallic filler stuff is.

My guess is that it's some kind of cleaning/buffing compound residue. But I surely don't know.

The cleaning/buffing residue sounds likely true. I had been eying this watch for months, tried it on numerous times, complained about a few of the "dings" on the bezel, trying to get a lower price :)

By the time I finally bought it, the AD had obviously had it cleaned up, as the wear on the bezel wasn't as noticeable as before. I think I'm ok with my EXPII now! Thanks

[cop414]

Originally Posted by KeithRVA

The cleaning/buffing residue sounds likely true. I had been eying this watch for months, tried it on numerous times, complained about a few of the "dings" on the bezel, trying to get a lower price :)

By the time I finally bought it, the AD had obviously had it cleaned up, as the wear on the bezel wasn't as noticeable as before. I think I'm ok with my EXPII now! Thanks

I agree,
You've already cleaned out part of it, might as well clean out the rest. Left over buffing compound from a polish gets my vote now.

[azguy]

I think it is residue from polishing too.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by cop414

Hard to tell Keith but it almost looks like dirt trapped in there. Maybe the original owner worked with some kind of gray dust substance and it worked it's way into that little area. Maybe compare it to a new one or someone can post a pic for you to compare it to.
I assume from your picture you went from 11 backwards to 4?
I bet it's just gunked up in there.

Here is a picture of my Explorer II to compare it to.

[Tools]

If you have a build-up of crud between the bezel and crystal, have it cleaned out.. Your Dealer should be able to steam clean it or you can use warm water, a good brush, and liquid hand/dish soap to clean it up...

Mine is older than yours.. ;)

[/URL]

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by DanG

Here is a picture of my Explorer II to compare it to.

It's astounding how different that watch looks when you can't see the red hand.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

It's astounding how different that watch looks when you can't see the red hand.

I actually like the 16570 Explorer II much better than the new one.

[Daytona-Dan]

Originally Posted by DanG

I actually like the 16570 Explorer II much better than the new one.

Aside from the clasp and other updates, I agree. It's just too big, every time I have seen one, I think the same thing. Perhaps it will grow on me?

I really don't understand the want or need for huge watches. I've seen some other brands that must be 70mm+

[KeithRVA]

Originally Posted by DanG

I actually like the 16570 Explorer II much better than the new one.

I'm just not used to the proportions of the new EXPII yet, because every time I see one it looks like a badly made replica. I love everything about my 16570! They are almost impossible to find at AD's anymore.