Fixing a Rolex pearl

[KBH 7]

We all know that most of the reps come with crappy pearls. Particularly the ugly flat ones that we affectionately call "zits". Well, it's really not that hard to make a decent one with just a little epoxy and lume powder.

 

Let's look a what you need to make a very decent, gen like pearl for those Subs. Here's a picture of the before. A WholesalOutlet990 insert with a typical crappy pearl.

 

 

And, here's what you need to fix it. Some 2-part epoxy and a little lume powder. What I'm using is some Ultra-Green from Glow, Inc. A 1/4 oz packet is around $3 and is enough to do a lifetime of pearls and a few watch dials. The Loc-Tite epoxy is OK but I'm sure others would work just as well.

 

 

Mix a dot of each of the 2 parts and then mix in a good portion of lume powder.

 

 

I use a needle to pick up and place just enough mixture to cover the center of the pearl and leave a nice concave dome.

 

 

Here' what it looks like when almost covered. Just a little more.

 

 

When done it's almost identical to the gen. For comparison, the gen pearl is on the black Sea Dweller insert.

 

 

 

 

 

Although I didn't get a lume shot. The two are of identical brightness in the dark, and the Glow, Inc. lume lasts just about as long as the gen Rolex pearl.

 

I've used this epoxy without lume before and after about a year it does start to yellow just a bit, but not real bad. I'm thinking that with all the lume powder adding color to the epoxy this will not be a problem at all.

[greg_r 81]

Great tute. I should probably do this to my DeepSea, but apathy ftw....

[sconehead 5]

Easy, yet effective method for getting a gen looking pearl, well done KB...

 

...Go on Greg...you know you want to...:P

[greg_r 81]

lol - you expect me to find time for modding as well as running this place?

 

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:P:rofl:

[KBH 7]

You're the ultimate "multi tasker" aren't you. I can picture you with a phone in your ear, typing with one hand, and mixing epoxy with the other.

[greg_r 81]

.. at which point the phone gets glued to my ear and my hand to the keyboard. Yup. That's me

[trailboss99 994]

.. at which point the phone gets glued to my ear and my hand to the keyboard. Yup. That's me

 

 

 

Time for me to go order some lume powder me thinks.

 

 

 

Col.

[KinCaidk 0]

I am gonna try this for sure

 

Thanks, B!

[Luthier 1]

Now, KBH... remove all these cheap fake diamonds and place a drop of your luminized epoxy in each empty ring.

[KBH 7]

Now, KBH... remove all these cheap fake diamonds and place a drop of your luminized epoxy in each empty ring.

 

Hey, I paid a lot of money for that dial. That's no cheap rep dial.

[Luthier 1]

Now, KBH... remove all these cheap fake diamonds and place a drop of your luminized epoxy in each empty ring.

 

Hey, I paid a lot of money for that dial. That's no cheap rep dial.

 

Doesn't matter. It's screams - FAKE!!!

No, seriously... it's not a diamonds, why you paid a lot?

If you want something blingy - buy mother-of-pearl dial, at least it would be real MOP. And it's beautiful.

[dingle 57]

I am gonna try this for sure

 

Thanks, B!

 

 

you know the routine by now.......

 

....send watch to sconehead

Adress: Uk....blah,blah,blah

[KBH 7]

As the old saying goes, "different strokes for different folks". I personally can't stand MOP dials. And I can't stand bling diamond bezels on watches. This dial though I really like. It's a minimalist approach to bling.

[KBH 7]

By the way Luthier, as for screaming fake, here's from the advertisement:

 

ROLEX SUBMARINER SERTI SILVER DIAL GENUINE ROLEX DIAL WITH ADDED GENUINE DIAMONDS AND GENUINE SAPPHIRES BEAUTIFUL

 

Dial For Rolex STAINLESS STEEL Submariner Quick-Set

 

This Dial Will Fit Calibers: 3035, 3135

[Luthier 1]

If it's real diamonds - I have no problems. It's classy, if real.

And definitely cost a lot.

I don't like MOP dials too, but once I saw really great MOP dial for Daytona, very well made, for $360, with all correct engravings and hour markers.

And I liked it.