How durable is the bezel on explorer 2

[broncophil]

I just picked up the new exp2, and was just curious how durable the bezel is. The sub-c has been my daily wearer for 2 years, and i banged the heck out of it. But the bezel looks new.

Any input?

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[mike]

Well, very durable, but not scratch proof if that's what you mean.

[ExplorerChris]

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

I have a 1986 16550 Exp II and love it
I will be honest the bezel is awesome however over time the numbers will fade and wear.
Having said that I redid the numbers on my bezel with some Testors gloss black model paint and a tooth pick and it looks like new. Rolex Canada will charge $290 for a new bezel replacement.

[Presa canary]

Bulletproof, not scratch proof though... But it looks awesome w scratches

[broncophil]

i'm more worried about the numbers scratching off.

not so much the steel part

[ExplorerChris]

Originally Posted by broncophil

i'm more worried about the numbers scratching off.

not so much the steel part

Numbers won't scratch off since the bezel is engraved but as I said earlier with time they will fade for sure but it's such an easy fix you really shouldn't worry

I was not liking the way my bezel was looking some of the numbers were almost gone completely as well as the markers and then I researched how to redo the numbers yourself.
I was very intimidated as far as taking the priject on because I'm legally blind but the way it looked bothered me more.
Once I started to repaint the numbers and how great it looked I felt a lot more confident in doing it and I would recommend it to anyone that has faded bezel numbers it's a real easy fix.
Keep in mind it will be years and years before you will even need to think about having to repaint.

Don't over think it the Exp II is an awesome everyday watch that will give you a lifetime of enjoyment

[Dr. Robert]

The bezels on my 1655s are still ok.

[Golden Ellipse]

It will show more wear than the Sub, since the Sub uses a crenelated bezel whereas the Explorer is smooth (with a polished edge to boot). Hence aesthetically, the Explorer is somewhat more "delicate." Mechanically however the Explorer's bezel will survive a hard edge-on knock much much better than any rotating bezel, whether aluminum or ceramic insert, since the entire assembly is permanently connected. The Sub's bezel is dynamically connected using springs, ratchet, and retaining plate connections. Therefore the answer to your question really depends on whether you're interested in appearance or mechanical robustness.