How to age a 1665 pearl and how to remove caseback paintings?

[prdubis]

Hi there,

I've just bought a brand new MBW 1665, and I am beginning to mod it.

First, I've protected the crystal and put the watch in a tupperware box with screws inside and then I put the watch in the dryer for five minutes. I got a nice vintage wear on the strap, case and bezel insert but I would like to age the bezel pearl as it is too white.

Do you have an idea to age it and make it look as old burnt tritium?

I've tried to remove the paintings on the caseback with white spirit and nail polish remover but it was vain. What is the solution?

Thank you for your help!

[kbh]

What I did was take the pearl out and lay it inside a toaster over on a piece of aluminum foil for about 2 to 3 minutes. I was trying just to get it from white to where it matched the dial. I'm sure a little longer would have darkened it more. Here's a picture that's not very good but it kind of shows the result:

[freddy333]

I hope you removed the movement before putting the watch in the dryer!

Paint remover will remove the paint on the caseback. I buy the spray can at any hardware or auto parts store & follow the instructions on the can.

[hiker01]

Do you have a Cigar lighter? The one that's like a torch?.....Just hit the pearl with the flame off and on until you get the color you desire:

Here's what I got for my sub:

[bertieng]

Be careful when applying heat to the vintage dot. Bear in mind it is made of plastic.

[seraphe]

If you find the paint on the caseback too stubborn to be removed, try using duct tapes to lift the paints off after you have rinsed the caseback in paint removers for a while. It works wonders for mine.

[prdubis]

Thank you so much for all your advices!