Now I appreciate ceramic after owning the Explorer2

[BBQ BOY]

Since owning the Explorer2 for the past 4 months or so, it shows wear on the bezel VERY easily. This is where I have come to appreciate the ceramic bezels. I have hit the ceramic bezels on stainless tables by accident with zero marks, but if I barely brush up against something on the Ep2, I can expect a character mark. While I do not necessarily mind marks on my watches, I fear how the Exp2 is going to look in just 1-2 years of constant use. The metal on my Exp2 seems soft as well. This particular watch seems to ding easily as I know that I have not hit hard enough in a particular area to push that much metal in. The bottom corner of the lug has a nice size chunk of metal pushed in. it amazes me that its done this at the angle its at.

[tomchicago]

Did you mistakenly order the softer stainless version?

[BBQ BOY]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Did you mistakenly order the softer stainless version?

LOL. I like soft things I guess.

[tkerrmd]

yup, and why Im not really that big on that watch, love everything about it but the bezel, if it was ceramic I would have the black and the polar!

[Annan]

I've had my EXPII 216570 for almost a year and have no marks on the bezel. I am a careful wearer but, it is my daily wearer and sees lots of action. The only significant mark so far was to the clasp when I banged it on a stainless steel faucet. A few strokes with a scotchbrite pad made that disappear.

[IGotId]

I've been wondering about the Exp II's bezel as I'm kind of a clutz! I've been debating getting an Exp II vs a BLNR for a while!

[bighaole]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

yup, and why Im not really that big on that watch, love everything about it but the bezel, if it was ceramic I would have the black and the polar!

If it were a ceramic bezel, it would be the GMT Master.

I think what makes the explorerII the explorerII is the radially brushed pattern on the bezel. Putting that in a flat ceramic disk on it would make it a very different watch.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by bighaole

If it were a ceramic bezel, it would be the GMT Master.

I think what makes the explorerII the explorerII is the radially brushed pattern on the bezel. Putting that in a flat ceramic disk on it would make it a very different watch.

yup and thats why I have a GMT!

[HogwldFLTR]

I've had the 16570 for months now; I too an a careful wearer and refrain from pounding nails or using it to open beer bottles. The bezels shows no indication of wear. I did buy a 114060 and really love the ceramic bezel, look, and heft of the watch. They are both great pieces but I must admit that if I had to make a choice I'd go with the Sub as my first choice.

[ExplorerChris]

I have a 1986 Explorer II 16550 and only now am I considering having the bezel replaced by Rolex Canada.
Every six months or so I touch up the numbers on the bezel with some Testors gloss black model paint and a tooth pick.

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

[Travelair007]

Seriously?? I have to worry about breathing in the right direction so I don't scratch this.....




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[Tools]

I've been wearing Explorer II's for years, and they see a lot of activity in the hills and seas. They don't exhibit any unusual "softness" or bezel damage..

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by BBQ BOY

The metal on my Exp2 seems soft as well.

I think there's a pill for that condition.

[raclaims]

Oddly enough I have a small "dent" in the case on mine but the bezel is fine! I actually went to the AD and asked what was up with this super soft metal on the Explorer 2...it's for exploring...WTF?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by flagada2009

Seriously?? I have to worry about breathing in the right direction so I don't scratch this.....




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You do my friend, I got three marks on mine in just one week recently, no idea where they came from, no marks in a year before that. The ceramics really are worth their weight in gold to me now.

[RolexBuckeye]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I think there's a pill for that condition.

It's called ED. Explorer Disfunction.

[vitalsignsrn]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I think there's a pill for that condition.

[Fletcher UK]

I assume the bezel on the EXPII 216570 is not easily re-brushed due the paint on the numbers. I presume it is do-able by an experienced watchmaker. Anyone a rough idea how much a replacement bezel would be on a EXPII 216570 (PS - I don't have the watch but would be interested to hear some guestimates).

[kbutler1]

Huh, I wear mine all the time doing all sorts of activities and maybe have one minor little mark on it.
Actually, with the amount of rough use it gets I'd rather have to replace the ExpII bezel vs. a new ceramic insert (I assume the ceramic costs much more but maybe that's a bad assumption?)

[Annan]

Originally Posted by Fletcher UK

I assume the bezel on the EXPII 216570 is not easily re-brushed due the paint on the numbers. I presume it is do-able by an experienced watchmaker. Anyone a rough idea how much a replacement bezel would be on a EXPII 216570 (PS - I don't have the watch but would be interested to hear some guestimates).

I think rebrushing goes beyond potentially damaging the numbers. The finish on the bezel is much different than the bracelet. The bezel has what I would call a starburst pattern which I think is done with a lapping machine. I would not even try to brush out a bezel scratch like I might on the bracelet. Not sure but thought I heard a new bezel runs close to $300 (USD). I'm sure the Rolex staff at a service center have the skills and technology to refinish a bezel and they would be my first choice over even an "experienced watchmaker".

[Fletcher UK]

Hi Annan, yes I have observed that the finish on the bezel of the EXPII is very different to the finish on a bracelet. I am myself in the experimental stages of re-brushing my own (fake/copy) Omega bracelet (watch is genuine ) but it is an ideal test bed and so far I am happy with the results (only done the clasp).........steady as she goes n all that, but I understand that it is a completely different finish on the EXPII bezel and not one I would attempt to botch up myself. If it's $300 USD's it would probably be £500 here in the UK which is a fair dent. You are obviously far wiser in these issues than me as I have never even heard of a lapping machine :(
If the truth be known I am in turmoil here over my next purchase. Choice of 3. My favourite is the TT GMTc but I'm sorry to say have been put off by some of the comments a lifelong friend of mine has made about TT's rolexes in general. A Black Bay Red (really like everything about the watch, gilt dial, gold hands, fake patina, retro look, bracelet / strap / nato swapability etc. Only negative in book is the lack of date. Or ........................EXPII 216570 (Polar of course). If anyone would like to shed opinions on what I should choose I would be more than happy to hear (sorry to hijack the thread). I currently own a white faced Daytona SS (2010) and a Sub LV (2007), both owned from new. Decisions decisions Defo gonna get one around Xmas.

[ExplorerChris]

I was quoted $280 by Rolex Canada for a bezel for my Explorer II 16550

[Fletcher UK]

Les than I would have expected. PS - I'm not sure I want 2 white faced Rolexes in a 3 watch collection. FYI - I will be selling an Omega PO Casino Royale to help finance one of the 3 stated watches.

[Annan]

Fletcher: You might find this of interest. http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.ph...el-a-pictorial

[Chris B]

Softness ? ... nah, not having that one

My 16550 bezel before & after service

[bighaole]

The bezel on my ExplorerII definitely has some character marks on it. I had it serviced by a very experienced watchmaker and he told me that there is nothing he can do for the bezel, other than replace it. I chose to leave it be.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Fletcher UK

If the truth be known I am in turmoil here over my next purchase. Choice of 3. My favourite is the TT GMTc but I'm sorry to say have been put off by some of the comments a lifelong friend of mine has made about TT's rolexes in general .

Oh yeah? And what's this guy been saying? TT Rolexes are iconic, nobody makes them better, and are much loved by most on this forum of genuine Rolex experts and enthusiasts. If that is your fav watch then you should go for it unless your friend has an excellent reason to deny you.

[Fletcher UK]

Thanks Chris, so that does prove a point, that the EXPII bezel is refurbish-able to a degree. Yours looks great Chris. Many thanks.

[Fletcher UK]

Originally Posted by AK797

Oh yeah? And what's this guy been saying? TT Rolexes are iconic, nobody makes them better, and are much loved by most on this forum of genuine Rolex experts and enthusiasts. If that is your fav watch then you should go for it unless your friend has an excellent reason to deny you.

I'll dig out his exact comment, giz a few minutes..........

[Fletcher UK]

I’m sorry Fletch, but I’m not with you on either. I think Bi Metal watches look awful and to my mind are best left to the domain of Gypsies or Indian Restaurant owners. With one exception, I’m not aware of anyone of our generation who would wear such a monstrosity! That one exception accompanies the said item with a diamond ring! Now need I go any further!

You’ve got the two best looking Rolex’s that money can buy. Why the f**ck do you want to buy the most awful looking one. As for being collectable, I haven’t seen any that have held their value as well as the stainless steel equivalents.

If you want gold, stick to the white gold one’s or buy a straight dress watch but please don’t spend your hard earned money on a halfway house sleaze-ball’s Rolex.

Sorry man! Just my opinion, I know. Hell what do I know…..!!!!?