Bezel marker discoloration on ceramic sub

[rmar20019]

Hello all

Ive got this wierd smudge on the 35 bezel marker. Im not sure what it is; I bought it this way without noticing. I have tried to clean the bezel with some dish soap and a soft tooth brush, but the mark didn't come out.

Some of the other markers have some similar discoloration in the middle.

Has anyone here had a similar issue? If so, how do I clean it, if possible?

Thank you in advance!

[Srct]

I have previously seen a number of threads on ceramic bezels - mostly it turned out to need cleaning properly- examples below. Good luck

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=562803

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=586558

[TimeAZ]

Probably "within factory tolerance(s)"

My guess- has to do with some inhomogeneity with the platinum inlay and not something you can brush out or clean. If it's really troublesome or bothers you a lot, you can consider sending off to RSC for bezel replacement under warranty.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Probably "within factory tolerance(s)"

My guess- has to do with some inhomogeneity with the platinum inlay and not something you can brush out or clean. If it's really troublesome or bothers you a lot, you can consider sending off to RSC for bezel replacement under warranty.

i think it would not be a free of charge replacement service even under warranty.

[rolexpure]

I think someone has scraped that part of the indices with something. Maybe a shirt cufflink or zipper or something and has scratched a bit of the platinum insert.

I've seen it plenty of times. You wont get it out - that will require a new bezel from Rolex.

[padi56]

Well would expect it looks a lot worst under high magnification than it is,the platinum is just a very thin layer much like a PVD coating.

[scurfa]

Could be a noxious substance or a scratch, freaky things happen


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[drrd]

Case and bracelet brushing looks a bit unusual too but these things go with grey purchase, bought as seen.

[JSolution]

I had the same - and posted here - needed a very very hard scrub with a toothbrush to get it out

[RRGHOST1]

Woudn't bother me tbh.

[Oldnick]

I wear my 1166600 Deepsea as a daily wearer and after 11 years the ceramic bezel got so dirty that some of the numbers nearly disappeared, I wouldn't try and clean it yourself as this might damage the bezel. Had it serviced last year by a RSC and it now looks brand new, think this is the down side of the ceramic bezel, a Watchfinder video calls the ceramic bezel a petrie dish.

[jimcameron]

I'd be more concerned about the speckles where the minute hand it pointing.

[Driver8]

Looks like dirt or oil to me. As Jay said, probably just needs a very hard scrub with a toothbrush. Either way it's worth a try - if it comes off great; if it doesn't (and if it bothers you) you'll need it fixed by Rolex anyway.

[monsieur_z]

It happened to me before, it was just dirty.
Soapy water and a soft cloth or brush should fix it.

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[Tikandtokalot]

Looks more like colour missing or very thinly applied rather than added dirt etc.

[rmlovett1]

Looks like thin, worn, or overly zealous, previously “attended to” spot/s. If it truly won’t clean up…. If it’s a new watch under warranty, I’d send to RSC. If bought grey, I’d work with the seller on a solution. If no luck there, and no warranty, it’s up to you to send for replacement on your dime, or let it be.

[Tools]

It's dirty, wash it with soap and water.

[Ensign]

Could the platinum be wearing thin? Maybe a previous owner cleaned it too often. Gold plating wears, platinum would too.

[rmar20019]

Originally Posted by JSolution

I had the same - and posted here - needed a very very hard scrub with a toothbrush to get it out

I'm gonna try again. Maybe I didn't clean it well enough.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by rmar20019

I'm gonna try again. Maybe I didn't clean it well enough.

AD or grey purchase?

[rmar20019]

Originally Posted by Al1969

AD or grey purchase?

Grey. I got it from collectors 1946 on Chrono24. They're good sellers, I just didnt catch this in their pictures. Going back, it was somewhat visible.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by rmar20019

Grey. I got it from collectors 1946 on Chrono24. They're good sellers, I just didnt catch this in their pictures. Going back, it was somewhat visible.

If soap and water don’t work. Reach out to RSC and see what they tell you.

What does the seller have to say?

[rmar20019]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Looks like thin, worn, or overly zealous, previously “attended to” spot/s. If it truly won’t clean up…. If it’s a new watch under warranty, I’d send to RSC. If bought grey, I’d work with the seller on a solution. If no luck there, and no warranty, it’s up to you to send for replacement on your dime, or let it be.

This was a grey market purchase, and I'm out of the warranty period by a little over a year. It's not super noticeable and to be honest the excitement of owning my first sub takes over whatever inconvenience this little smudge is. I'll Probably send it in for service within the next year or so, and I'll just have RSC change it then

[Chewbacca]

Unacceptable!

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's dirty, wash it with soap and water.

^^^Yes. Use Dawn dish soap and toothbrush and it will look bright again. This is common with oils and other products like sunscreen. Regular washings with Dawn dish soap will eliminate this build up.

[rmar20019]

Originally Posted by Mystro

^^^Yes. Use Dawn dish soap and toothbrush and it will look bright again. This is common with oils and other products like sunscreen. Regular washings with Dawn dish soap will eliminate this build up.

I'll try the dawn again, hopefully it starts to fade after a few washes

[joli160]

I used aceton which worked well

[RJRJRJ]

Case looks refinished, so maybe it was mucked up during that process.

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by Oldnick

I wear my 1166600 Deepsea as a daily wearer and after 11 years the ceramic bezel got so dirty that some of the numbers nearly disappeared, I wouldn't try and clean it yourself as this might damage the bezel. Had it serviced last year by a RSC and it now looks brand new, think this is the down side of the ceramic bezel, a Watchfinder video calls the ceramic bezel a petrie dish.

I would send it for a service and if it was returned like that have a discussion and send it back.