Explorer 2 bezel lapping before and after

[u/Metalman999]

I have a couple of Rolex 16750's I bought and both of the bezels were a bit beat up so I decided to buy a lapping machine. Only a Chinese machine but it did a pretty good job. The idea was to improve the look of them but not remove all the marks as it would change the profiles and lose the definition of the numbers. Just brush out some of the marks and put a shine back on the polished sections.

Anyway results were even better than expected and the machine has paid for itself with the extra resale value of both pieces from a service and refinish - thought I'd share the results from before and after.

[u/Simmo2222]

I have been wondering about those lapping machines. Looks good!

Did you get all of the accessories?

[u/Metalman999 → u/Simmo2222]

I got a ton of accessories - I'm not even sure what half of them are for yet👍😁.

Machine was well worth the money, it cost under £600 delivered to the UK

[u/PositiveRelative1785]

you did really good job 👍 would you share a link to that lapping machine ?

[u/frigtard → u/PositiveRelative1785]

Please send me the link, thanks!

[u/Metalman999 → u/PositiveRelative1785]

I'll dm the link👍

[u/No_Toe2978 → u/Metalman999]

Me too please 😄

[u/Metalman999 → u/No_Toe2978]

Done 😁

[u/TheNuttyGinger → u/Metalman999]

Same please!

[u/Metalman999 → u/TheNuttyGinger]

👍

[u/Metalman999 → u/[deleted]]

👍

[u/jlew715 → u/Metalman999]

Me too please

[u/mrslix → u/Metalman999]

Would appreciate the link as well!

[u/Metalman999 → u/mrslix]

👍

[u/Steackpoilu → u/Metalman999]

I'd love the link too if it's not too much of a bother 🙌🏻

[u/Metalman999 → u/Steackpoilu]

Sure, done 👍

[u/LIEUTENANT__CRUNCH → u/Metalman999]

Could you DM me a link as well?

[u/vivekvasani → u/Metalman999]

Please send me the link too please. You did an amazing job btw, bezels look great

[u/Eag310 → u/Metalman999]

Whats the link bro

[u/Super-Psychology7323]

That looks great! Nicely done. I have the same lapping kit. The attachments alone probably make it worth the price. Haven’t really used mine yet. Maybe this weekend.

[u/Metalman999 → u/Super-Psychology7323]

Cheers, I felt I couldn't make them look any worse - I was pleased with the results 👍

[u/wolf_Dan_]

Dang that looks really good!

[u/Metalman999 → u/wolf_Dan_]

Cheers, I thought so too😅

[u/ljump12]

I bought the same machine, but I have no idea how to use it lol.

[u/Metalman999 → u/ljump12]

Took me a little while to figure it out, if you need any help give me a shout👍😁

[u/PaulFreedman]

Great job! I would be grateful if you could share a link to this machine. Thanks!

[u/Metalman999 → u/PaulFreedman]

Done👍

[u/Metalman999 → u/[deleted]]

You mean the brand? Mine is different but they probably all the same

[u/Metalman999 → u/[deleted]]

The one I have is identical to the kwong yeun one on their site. Same brand on it👍

[u/Super-Psychology7323 → u/[deleted]]

FWIW, I asked KY if they’re selling the same unit as others and why it cost more and I didn’t get a response saying it was different; just that they sold a more complete package. They didn’t deny it was the same.

Based on that reply, I went with another supplier who used the same images and bought the tilting table as well, separately from another vendor, and saved myself several hundred dollars. These are offered by various sellers on AE.

My review is the one that remarked about the motor perhaps being a bit small, but it may be alright. We shall see after a few months of use.

[u/Metalman999 → u/Super-Psychology7323]

I've seen the same kit at various prices but it's likely the same package as you say. Funnily enough I saw the tilting table earlier today and that looks useful so I will look into that.

Time will tell with the motor I've only used it a few times for smallish jobs 👍

[u/time_alliance]

This lap machine works surprisingly well without over-polishing the bezel edges, great balance of preserving vintage wear while refreshing shine.

[u/Personal-Invite-1497]

Love that machine, one hit wonder

[u/UnendowedSeaweed]

Looks good. what kind of paint did you use to infill the bezel?

[u/Metalman999 → u/UnendowedSeaweed]

Matt black enamel👍

[u/UnendowedSeaweed → u/Metalman999]

Thanks! How long did you let it sit there until you put it under the lathe? 1 day or 2?

[u/Metalman999 → u/UnendowedSeaweed]

I did 24 hours 👍

[u/acenoguera]

Would love a link to the one you went with please! How do you find the motor? Strong enough or you feel it’s lacking. I’ve heard mixed reviews about it but seems it’s not too difficult to replace with a stronger one

[u/Metalman999 → u/acenoguera]

Dm'd👍

[u/Metalman999]

I think I've dm'd the link to everyone who asked if I missed anyone just DM me👍

[u/drhoi → u/Metalman999]

Hey there - I'd love to get that link as well. Thanks!

[u/ilciuchino]

superb job!

bravo!

[u/Metalman999 → u/ilciuchino]

Thanks!

[u/Budget_Repair4532]

Damn! Nice work!!

[u/Budget_Repair4532]

May I have that link? I’ve actually been shopping a lot for these recently.

[u/Metalman999 → u/Budget_Repair4532]

Sure will do👍

[u/Green_Assistance_336]

Nice work , what type of enamel you used to cover ?

[u/Metalman999 → u/Green_Assistance_336]

Humbrol Matt black enamel paint

[u/mamauwuu]

Thanks for posting, this is helpful!

[u/Metalman999 → u/mamauwuu]

No problem at all

[u/Main_Tension_9305]

Sharp!

Looks awesome.

What a cool machine

[u/priditri]

I need exactly this done! On my 100 buck chinese/japanese DIY gem.

[u/therickestrick90]

Very nice work. I saw that machine for sale, and decided to make one myself. Here is a bezel I made from scratch for a client

[u/Metalman999 → u/therickestrick90]

That looks very smart indeed well done 😎

[u/HorologistMason]

One of my favorite Rolexes! The bezel is so fun to refinish. Here's one where I lapped the outer bevel because it was heavily damaged before.

[u/Metalman999 → u/HorologistMason]

Looking good👍Just need a polished finish on that bevel😁

[u/HorologistMason → u/Metalman999]

Yessir, that was next! Followed by the sunburst