[Pompompurin's] How to build a Rolex GMT MASTER II 16710 properly

[pompompurin]

also, the noob transformer case (16570 or 16710) with 2836-2 movement has the wrong tube height. Someone on repgeek built and sold their franken noob 16570 with yuki 3185; that watch has a repositioned tube heightand modding that is hard (i.e., it requires expensive, intrusive modding which could affect case integrity and water resistance).

Hence the reason why I still find my method to be the best way to build 16710.

 

[mega12]

Hi everyone, just to jump in:
I have a Noob 2813 and the movement was switched to a Swiss eta 2836 with gmt gearing by Ado213.
Maybe he replaced movement holder or so, but he didn’t drill any new holes to adjust crown height or whatever. So I cannot confirm that this wouldn’t work or with big issues only.

 

[mega12]

By the way, it was more an issue placing a DG2813 into a BP 2836 case instead of vice versa...

 

[J.S.]

Introduction
It has been a while since I started a thread to document my builds and franken process.
]

Nice job mate!
I've had this plan many years and I have all the parts sourced with luminova hands but I have tritium dial not SWISS or SWISS MADE therefore I've haven't taken these steps. But now you made me think again to go from 16570 to 16710.

:drinks_cheers:

 

[ashu2289]

The explorer 165710 bezel comes off like a datejust bezel: you just need a sharp, thin blade to pry around the bezel and it will come off.

The explorer 16570 bezel is pressed onto and around the crystal and its gasket.

hey mate, which is a better idea to use the four blade bezel removal tool or the single edge sharp razor blade to remove the explorer bezel?

 

[ashu2289]

hey mate, which is a better idea to use the four blade bezel removal tool or the single edge sharp razor blade to remove the explorer bezel?

experts please chime in....any suggestion would be helpful

 

[DreadPirateRobert]

hey mate, which is a better idea to use the four blade bezel removal tool or the single edge sharp razor blade to remove the explorer bezel?

the 4 blade tool makes life way easier in regards to this

 

[Saulgman]

I’m tempted to so this But with the prices of gen parts and the watch it will cost allmost the same as a 16710 watch only ...

 

[magoohkg]

Great work, well done!

 

[ashu2289]

I’m tempted to so this But with the prices of gen parts and the watch it will cost allmost the same as a 16710 watch only ...

mate, you can find mint Black Explorer II for $6k and the parts excluding Dial for $500-$600 and I think including dial for arnd $1K, so tops you spend $7k overall, still at least $3k cheaper than a mint 16710

 

[ashu2289]

the 4 blade tool makes life way easier in regards to this

thanks mate

 

[naturaqua]

Looks great! I really like this but buying a gen 16570 is a bit "over the budget" för me... what's the best option if I'd like to buy a 16710 from a TD and do some smaller mods?

 

[Azurax]

I assume this can be done with the pepsi version as well right?

 

[lamkinpark]

pompompurin , I am planning to build 16710 follow your approach. Would like to ask did u use the gen 16570 xtal retaining ring or using JF retaining ring for your xtal?

 

[KJ2020]

pompompurin , I am planning to build 16710 follow your approach. Would like to ask did u use the gen 16570 xtal retaining ring or using JF retaining ring for your xtal?

The 16570 does not have a crystal retaining ring. The bezel serves that purpose on that model.

 

[lamkinpark]

KJ2020 , tqvm. ???? That mean I would require complete JF 16610LV/LN Bezel, click spring, click spring tensioner, retaining ring, gasket. Did I miss anything here?

 

[KJ2020]

That is all, but just so you know it is a bezel tension ring, not a "click spring tensioner".

Exciting project! Hope it goes well for you.

 

[airking]

pompompurin thanks for posting this! With this option it is absurd to spend almost double on a 16710.

Just to be clear, the crystal and crystal gasket of the 16570 will work with the 16710 bezel assembly? Only need to source the retaining ring, bezel, click spring, and insert?

If I do this I would get the black dial and not even bother sourcing a 16710 dial. If someone ever calls out the text on the dial, it would make for a great conversation starter. And it would make converting back super easy.

 

[pompompurin]

pompompurin thanks for posting this! With this option it is absurd to spend almost double on a 16710.

Just to be clear, the crystal and crystal gasket of the 16570 will work with the 16710 bezel assembly? Only need to source the retaining ring, bezel, click spring, and insert?

If I do this I would get the black dial and not even bother sourcing a 16710 dial. If someone ever calls out the text on the dial, it would make for a great conversation starter. And it would make converting back super easy.

The stock crystal and gasket on a 16570 is the same as a 16710: you don't need to buy another set of crystal with gasket.

You also need a washer as part of the bezel assembly.
If you need sth asap, wso sells sub / gmt master bezel assembly for $100 usd (but I have no idea what the quality is like). Jf / tc bezel assembly also works fine

 

[KJ2020]

I did a conversion on a BP 16570 to add a rotating bezel. I bought 3 WSO bezels and permanently glued different inserts in because it's a lot easier on a 5 digit model to swap the bezel than it is to swap the insert. Inserts get damaged around the edges (paint chipping) from frequent changing.

I found the WSO bezels to be very gen-like, in fact I had to inspect them very closely next to my gen to make sure which was which until I had all the inserts glued in. However, the machining tolerances are poor and I had to modify all of them to fit the retaining ring properly. The inside diameter was too small once the crystal retaining ring was in place. They would not fit my gen 16710 initially either.

I completely hand sanded the first one with 600 grit and it took quite a while but I did not want to take too much off. The next two I used a dremel tool since I had a very good idea of how much and where to remove material. Once modified, the WSO bezels are an excellent substitute even for use on a gen.
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