How my Explorer became the coolest Explorer ever.

[Paulr1980]

Little update. I have the option of a new caseback from the AD, with a surcharge as I wouldn’t be handing back the old one.

I’m heading towards having the engraving done though. I think it would be something I’d really have a connection to.

[Tikandtokalot]

It's only original once.
If you engrave over it then it's no longer genuine as gifted.
I'd get another case back and keep that one in a safe place or frame.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Paulr1980

The thing that’s putting me off replacing the case back is it undermines my previous thought about baking in all these memories. I remove the caseback and it’s a vanilla Explorer again.

If it’s a choice between losing the initials and that I’ll replace the caseback probably. I’d prefer to keep it all totally original though.

I am with you 1000%…
You now have an amalgamation of two very important times in your life (hopefully with many more to come).

The caseback has now become a canvas.

Here’s my perspective…uncomfortably offered as it involves gazing into an uncertain future.

1) Don’t lacquer it, coat it or sticker it. The solvents in those would dissolve the initials.

2) I hope your marriage lasts the remainder of your natural life, however the future could change that.

3) Get a blank caseback of the same era your watch was made.

4) Find an artisan who is expert in laser etching. Scan your caseback now for a CNC etch file. Use the blank to etch his initials into it.

5) Then choose a deeper laser etch if the first pass is too light. You want this to last for years of wear and tear. You’ve seen caseback a that soften from nothing more than skin abrasion/polishing.

6) Have the laser etching oxidized to the same density of the Sharpie scrawl.

7) When the blank meets your approval, have the original caseback done exactly the same. Save the blank.

8) Now you have the original and it will be a permanent reminder. If any sad circumstance causes you to no longer want the nuptials date on it, just switch out casebacks.

I told you it might be uncomfortable…but hopefully helpful…


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[winst]

What did you decide on in the end OP?

[steveclr]

I realize that this is an old thread that was recently updated, but just wanted to say that I haven't heard of these individuals. After some web searching, I'm amazed that explorers with no spacecraft, submersibles, etc are still around. I thought they were all gone 20+ years ago. Thanks for the story! I wish my mainstream media would keep me updated on people like this.

[Paulr1980]

Originally Posted by steveclr

I realize that this is an old thread that was recently updated, but just wanted to say that I haven't heard of these individuals. After some web searching, I'm amazed that explorers with no spacecraft, submersibles, etc are still around. I thought they were all gone 20+ years ago. Thanks for the story! I wish my mainstream media would keep me updated on people like this.

Thanks for checking in.

I went a totally different way actually and let it fade with time. I realised that that’s what he’d do. I know it happened and have a photo to remind me of the moment.

It’s just going to be that watch that absorbs all of the experiences of my life without more conscious thought than it deserves. I don’t want to turn it in to a contrived thing that requires effort. :)

[4rnold]

To the Op, the memory is in your head, wear it as it fades away and know that your hero had your watch in his hands.

You have a picture of it after all. And you have a signed picture of him.
Why do you need another signature on your watch?

It was brave of you to ask him to put the signature on the watch, so in that way he held it for a moment. You will forever have the explorer that your hero touched. Hold on to the memory, not the ink

[winst]

Originally Posted by Paulr1980

Thanks for checking in.

I went a totally different way actually and let it fade with time. I realised that that’s what he’d do. I know it happened and have a photo to remind me of the moment.

It’s just going to be that watch that absorbs all of the experiences of my life without more conscious thought than it deserves. I don’t want to turn it in to a contrived thing that requires effort. :)

I thought the engraving was an interesting idea, but what you went with was sound reasoning.

[1675-David]

cool story!! Just don't wear it in the shower!!

[MJZRolex]

Originally Posted by ROlesorusLEX

Here's what I would do:

Source a new caseback
Engrave both the same wedding dates as the old one in the same fashion
Transfer the Ran initials in engraved form in the same spot on the new caseback
Frame the old caseback with the sharpie markings

You get to bake in the memories with the newly engraved caseback, which has both engravings, while truly preserving the original back in a frame in your office

But either way, what a truly special story

Sent from my KB2005 using Tapatalk

Thanks for sharing this great story. This is what I would do as well.

[B2 Stealth]

Great story! Living legends! Thanks for sharing!

[GGGMT]

Amazing story!! I’ve got to google who these guys are, but they sound amazing


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[173rdabn]

WOW!!! Coolest thing ever. Get a replacement case back installed by an AD. Explain the importance of the initials being preserved.

[Random]

GREAT story OP. Got to love Sir Ranulph. I’d go with the engraving; using the Sharpie as the pattern. Just take plenty of photos / scan the signature first. Best of luck and do show us the result. Might seek him out to do my Explorer! Best rgds