Converting a Noob Explorer II 16570 to Franken 16710 w/ SH3185

[Baron Rees]

I managed to pick up an old Noob Explorer II 16570 in an M2M and I’m planning to convert this in to a 16710 with SH3185. It’s going to be a difficult project but everything seems fairly straightforward, due to the gen construction of the case, aside from one detail - stem height.

The Noob Explorer is built for an A2836, which when mounted has a stem height about 0.5mm lower than a 3185. This leaves me with three options - a) laser weld, drill and re-tap the case to allow for the stem to sit 0.5mm higher, b) drill the case and jb weld the tube slightly higher, or c) find a movement holder that will seat the 3185 slightly lower (will this affect hand clearance amongst other things?).

Preferably I would go with option a or c (if this doesn’t cause further complications).

Are there any modders on the forum who are able to laser weld cases? A few users have converted the Noob 116710 to 3185 using a movement holder. I’ll get in contact with them to see if this could work with the 16570 also.

If anyone has any other suggestions I’d be very happy to hear them.

 

[Longwood]

You need a movement spacer depending on the case being used. The 3185 is 28.5mm

the crown height works if you open the inside of the crown tube movement side. Don’t damage the oring side where it seals. It relieves the pressure. Also if you use dial dots and don’t press hands fully you can make up some of the space.

Post a photo of your case back and movement spacer with measurements and I’ll dig up and see if I have any rings.

 

[KJ2020]

Any effect on the position and magnification of the datewheel doing this?

 

[Ruprekt]

Is there any possibility of a custom made tube that would get you the clearance you need?

 

[Longwood]

Any effect on the position and magnification of the datewheel doing this?

I’ve found most cases to not be correct using the gen crystal gasket. I have a assortment I play with.

i usually go for a eye ball correct look. Different year Rolex crystals are different anyways.

 

[KJ2020]

I'm curious why you would choose a 16570 case to make a 16710. The 16570 bezel is what holds the crystal in place. I put a 16710 bezel onto a BP 16570 for a different purpose. Using an aftermarket retaining ring, the fit was not exact and I had to do some modding to make it work. I was trying to achieve the look shown below, but in retrospect it would have been much easier to start with a 16710 case and swap in the 16570 movement dial and hands complete.

 

[ginopino]

I managed to pick up an old Noob Explorer II 16570 in an M2M and I’m planning to convert this in to a 16710 with SH3185. It’s going to be a difficult project but everything seems fairly straightforward, due to the gen construction of the case, aside from one detail - stem height.

The Noob Explorer is built for an A2836, which when mounted has a stem height about 0.5mm lower than a 3185. This leaves me with three options - a) laser weld, drill and re-tap the case to allow for the stem to sit 0.5mm higher, b) drill the case and jb weld the tube slightly higher, or c) find a movement holder that will seat the 3185 slightly lower (will this affect hand clearance amongst other things?).

Preferably I would go with option a or c (if this doesn’t cause further complications).

Are there any modders on the forum who are able to laser weld cases? A few users have converted the Noob 116710 to 3185 using a movement holder. I’ll get in contact with them to see if this could work with the 16570 also.

If anyone has any other suggestions I’d be very happy to hear them.

I read that this is the right watch to create a good GMT... but the problem is finding it!

 

[Baron Rees]

I'm curious why you would choose a 16570 case to make a 16710. The 16570 bezel is what holds the crystal in place. I put a 16710 bezel onto a BP 16570 for a different purpose. Using an aftermarket retaining ring, the fit was not exact and I had to do some modding to make it work. I was trying to achieve the look shown below, but in retrospect it would have been much easier to start with a 16710 case and swap in the 16570 movement dial and hands complete.

Reason for using the Noob Explorer is it has a gen case construction, so you can swap in a gen/TC/ST bezel assembly with no issues. It also most closely resembles the shape of a 16710 vs the current BP offering.

 

[KJ2020]

Reason for using the Noob Explorer is it has a gen case construction, so you can swap in a gen/TC/ST bezel assembly with no issues. It also most closely resembles the shape of a 16710 vs the current BP offering.

I see, nice project then. Good luck with it, I will subscribe with interest.

 

[mnkoshka]

I’m about to mod my 16610 euromariner case. Currently takes 2836 but want to run the 2824 and get the proper stem hight as it’s closer to the 3135 stem hight. I’m going to machine out the crown tube opening and machine a stainless dowel to an interference press fit. Press the dowel into the case. Then I will TIG weld the dowel in and re drill the case 0.46mm higher and tap it to suit the gen tube. Hopefully this works as I’m not sure what the cost of laser welding would be

 

[Baron Rees]

It's finally finished:

Noob explorer case, startime bezel assembly, SH3135 converted to a 3185 by misiekped using gen parts, will all other parts gen Rolex.

Massive kudos to ado213 for managing to put this together. By all accounts it wasn't easy.

 

[KJ2020]

It's finally finished:

Noob explorer case, startime bezel assembly, SH3135 converted to a 3185 by misiekped using gen parts, will all other parts gen Rolex.

Massive kudos to ado213 for managing to put this together. By all accounts it wasn't easy.

Looks awesome bro, masterful accomplishment. Great work by all those involved!

 

[lamkinpark]

Wow, great stuff. Congtraz

 

[mari115]

nice! now we need more pics tho!

 

[airking]

So how did you end up accounting for the stem height? Tube modification or playing with dial/spacers?

Great job, looks awesome!

 

[buubdaman]

I'm curious why you would choose a 16570 case to make a 16710. The 16570 bezel is what holds the crystal in place. I put a 16710 bezel onto a BP 16570 for a different purpose. Using an aftermarket retaining ring, the fit was not exact and I had to do some modding to make it work. I was trying to achieve the look shown below, but in retrospect it would have been much easier to start with a 16710 case and swap in the 16570 movement dial and hands complete.

Wow, what an insane build!