Explorer II with Faded Numbers on Bezel

[HighFlyer]

Hi all,

I picked up a Noob Explorer II 42mm 216570 (with the A3137 movement) a few months ago and am disappointed to report that the numbers are already starting to "fade" from the bezel. I'm sure this is due to rubbing against something (shirt, jacket, etc.) but it's my one watch that sees the least amount of wear-time, so it's not going to take long before it's much worse.

My dealer was the respectable folks over at InTime and their answer was for me to buy a replacement REP bezel. The problem with this is (1) I don't want to risk the same thing happening again; and (2) I have zero experience replacing bezels. I suppose I should view this as a learning opportunity.

The pics on the link below (sorry, couldn't get them posted inline) show the damage (not the best lighting, but hopefully you'll get the idea) -- clearly the "24" "2" "4" and "12" are the worst. Any recommendations on either part sources (I'm open to considering original parts if the bezel wouldn't be too absurdly priced) or someone in the US who might be able to help me with repairs? I'm holding off on the replacement order from InTime until I weight my options...

https://plus.google.com/photos/1133...s/6063872901102272641?authkey=CKWD8Y7-tcmcpwE

Thanks!

 

[flyr]

Some black model enamel will fix it up.
Just repaint the numbers and wipe off the excess with thinners.
Good luck!
Welcome to the forum!

 

[egroegart]

with wearing this watch very little I highly doubt it's due to rubbing or hitting it against things. Most likely when things like this happen it's dues to improper surface preparation. these metals are soaked in oil through a lot of the processes of being built, and when painted if that oil is not cleaned and completely off of there the paint will not adhere to the bare metal. also the numbers are indented, so brushing up against something is not going to rub the numbers off. You don't need a new bezel. Like what what said above. get some paint and paint them. they will look brand new,and you won't risk damaging anything by trying to get that bezel off of there, but I suggest making sure the surface is cleaned and prepped for painting properly. It's not a hard thing to do yourself. I would do this before replacing a whole bezel.

 

[bc1221]

Repaint the numbers and put a lacquer over them. It'll def help.

 

[Pam.Fanatic]

Any ideas who can do the plat mod on a DDSD in these forums?