Bezel re-finishing/painting?

[dpa94114]

I was recently looking at a beautiful old 1655 from a fairly reputable albeit slighly over-priced jeweler in FL. The only problem was that a fair amount of the paint had worn off the bezel numbering. it still looked pretty cool, but i got curious.

What was interesting was that the price of this model was about 30 or 40% less than the one he had in mint condition.

I saw a note in another thread or two...what would be the process of getting the bezel repainted? Are there craftsmen who do this kind of work?

I'm thinking that if it's done carefully, it shouldn't dramatically impact the value of the watch.

thanks for any help

doug

[77T]

I'm guessing it's a Daytona or ToG?

The best process is to have RSC handle it...

[dpa94114]

I'm sorry....Explorer II

[samsmart]

Originally Posted by dpa94114

I'm sorry....Explorer II

I have seen it done. I am sure someone here on the forum has had it done, or done it themselves.

You just paint the numbers, let the paint dry, then refinish the bezel back to factory satin. The refinishing of the bezel will remove any excess paint leaving behind the paint in the number groves.

I am not trying to over simplify it, the Explorer II is a tricky watch to refinish, but it can be done.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by samsmart

I have seen it done. I am sure someone here on the forum has had it done, or done it themselves.

You just paint the numbers, let the paint dry, then refinish the bezel back to factory satin. The refinishing of the bezel will remove any excess paint leaving behind the paint in the number groves.

I am not trying to over simplify it, the Explorer II is a tricky watch to refinish, but it can be done.

Yes that's what basically is done but not sure of the type of paint that's used but it can be done.

[dpa94114]

thanks...I figured it was a fairly simple process, but I can't paint a straight line on a page... so I'm reluctant to make this a Rolex do-it-yourself-project

[rmfnla]

You don't paint any straight lines; you fill in the engraving and clean up the surrounding areas.

I've never done this on a watch but I have in numerous other applications; it's not too difficult and the results will really surprise you (in a good way)!

[Jocke]

Fill in the numbers with black paint and wipe off the excess before it dries.

[MST.]

If it's worth doing then it's worth doing properly, this is doing it properly.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by MST.

If it's worth doing then it's worth doing properly, this is doing it properly.

Very nice detailed overview.

[dpa94114]

WOW - fascinating stuff...it really is amazing to understand what goes into this work

thank you

[FNFZ4]

if you were in LA I could help you out with your problem

[GTS Dean]

Outstanding demonstration. Thanks Mark!

____________________________
TT OysterQuartz
SS/Black "U" Daytona
TT GMT II-C
DD OysterQuartz
Breitling Aero
Omega Speedmaster Pro

[joe100]

I did it on my omega Speedmaster date a year or so back. Very easy to do and if done properly, looks great