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DDG · 7 February 2010, 03:25 AM

I had an older Exp II. I don't remember which series, had the holes in the lugs. It was an everyday work watch, and it had a hard life. The black numerals around the bezel seemed to be just plain old black enamel paint, and they fell out of the indentations after a few years. The indents were polished under the paint. I would re-paint them, let them dry and scrape off the excess, but eventyaly they would flake out too. I eventually sold it, and bought a new one a couple of years ago, one of the later models, and it's numerals are still intact. What changes were made to the bezel markings on the new watches? Is it just a better apaint, a ceramic or epoxy material, or a better way to keep whatever it is in the indentions? And for those who are having the same problem now, can a newer bezel be fitted to the older watch?

Tools · 7 February 2010, 03:39 AM

Paint technology changes all the time.. I don't doubt that the paint used today is much different from that a decade or two ago.. Newer Exp Ii's also have slightly deeper markings..

As for a new bezel.. They are commonly replaced with the newer version upon a service instead of refinished..

Fiery · 7 February 2010, 04:27 AM

Maybe the black numerals are now not painted, but put there using PVD technology. AFAIK it lasts a lot longer that way.

Atomant · 7 February 2010, 04:32 AM

I noticed my friend's exp II's black paint is a shade lighter than mine too and she only bought it a few months earlier than mine.

ParisDakarBmw · 7 February 2010, 05:02 AM

The PVD would look cool in this case.

7 February 2010, 03:25 AM	#1
DDG Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Dennis Garrett Location: Land of Oz Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 405	Explorer II bezel markings I had an older Exp II. I don't remember which series, had the holes in the lugs. It was an everyday work watch, and it had a hard life. The black numerals around the bezel seemed to be just plain old black enamel paint, and they fell out of the indentations after a few years. The indents were polished under the paint. I would re-paint them, let them dry and scrape off the excess, but eventyaly they would flake out too. I eventually sold it, and bought a new one a couple of years ago, one of the later models, and it's numerals are still intact. What changes were made to the bezel markings on the new watches? Is it just a better apaint, a ceramic or epoxy material, or a better way to keep whatever it is in the indentions? And for those who are having the same problem now, can a newer bezel be fitted to the older watch?

7 February 2010, 03:39 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Paint technology changes all the time.. I don't doubt that the paint used today is much different from that a decade or two ago.. Newer Exp Ii's also have slightly deeper markings.. As for a new bezel.. They are commonly replaced with the newer version upon a service instead of refinished.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

7 February 2010, 04:32 AM	#4
Atomant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fernwood Posts: 3,455	I noticed my friend's exp II's black paint is a shade lighter than mine too and she only bought it a few months earlier than mine. __________________ 116613LN 16600SD 16610LV 116710 16710 16570 Speedy 3570.50 PAM25 Oris TT1 and a bunch of G-Shocks. Flipped: Daytona 116520 Seamaster 2231.80

7 February 2010, 04:27 AM	#3
Fiery "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Europe Watch: Sub-C 116610LN Posts: 2,649	Maybe the black numerals are now not painted, but put there using PVD technology. AFAIK it lasts a lot longer that way.

7 February 2010, 05:02 AM	#5
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	The PVD would look cool in this case.

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