Bezel and gasket/crystal swap and pretty much good
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BP realeses 2006 version of Explorer II
- Thread starter Mr.Swackhammer
- Start date
- 2/11/12
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The triangles are what kill it for me. But….if a gen fits (will try the one I have in my parts for a Franken), that would be a great & easy upgrade.
The second is the GMT arrow. It’s too pointy vs an equilateral triangle.
- 2/11/12
- 1,180
- 1,184
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- 28/5/19
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Sigh. Well I was hoping not to have to fire up the dremel but there you have it. I have never seen a 16570 with engraved tehaut before. And the video on Andrew’s doesn’t seem to show it. Well let’s see what comes.
And thanks for confirming it wasn’t my eyes going.
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There's medication for this.
- 2/11/12
- 1,180
- 1,184
- 113
Sigh. Well I was hoping not to have to fire up the dremel but there you have it. I have never seen a 16570 with engraved tehaut before. And the video on Andrew’s doesn’t seem to show it. Well let’s see what comes.
And thanks for confirming it wasn’t my eyes going.
It’s modeled after 2006 which had engravings and no lug holes.
- 28/5/19
- 4,092
- 6,198
- 113
Thanks. I started looking at them by years. The drilled lugs changed in 2006/07.
- 12/3/18
- 36,272
- 74,207
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"Therefore, Explorer II ref. 16570 models made from the mid-2000s and after feature this engraved rehaut."
www.grayandsons.com
I've seen some differing references on this topic. Additional sources should be documented.
History & Evolution Rolex Explorer II (Rolex Explorer II 16570)
A robust Rolex sports watch, we take a deep dive into the history and evolution of the Explorer II by comparing all the models since 1971.
www.grayandsons.com
I've seen some differing references on this topic. Additional sources should be documented.
This says 2006 for rehaut:
www.beyondthedial.com
This says 2007 for rehaut:
www.fratellowatches.com
This says "Mid 2000s": for rehaut
The top two sources also reference the change to no-holes cases in the early 2000s.
Collector Guide The Rolex Explorer II (All References In Detail)
This collector's guide will take you through all the Rolex Explorer II references so that you can understand the details of each generation of this iconic watch.
www.beyondthedial.com
This says 2007 for rehaut:
Buyer's Guide: The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 — Making Sense Of The Different Versions
✓ Thomas looks at the different generations of the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 ✓ Which is the right one for you? ✓ Find out here! ✓
www.fratellowatches.com
This says "Mid 2000s": for rehaut
Rolex Polar Explorer II Ultimate Buying Guide - Bob's Watches
Let’s have a look at the history and evolution of these white dial variants in our ultimate buying guide to the Rolex Explorer II Polar.
www.bobswatches.com
The top two sources also reference the change to no-holes cases in the early 2000s.
- 28/5/19
- 4,092
- 6,198
- 113
- 28/5/19
- 4,092
- 6,198
- 113
- 2/11/12
- 1,180
- 1,184
- 113
- 12/3/18
- 36,272
- 74,207
- 113
This isn't the first time BP has released 16570s with a VR3186. There was a release a couple years ago though for some reason it was short-lived.That looks like a mix of 5 & 6 digit dimensions. I should have mine in a week or less, I’ll find out if it will take a gen bezel and compare the guts to my gen polar dial, hands, DW.
These new releases do not look appreciably different from the previous recent batches. The CGs angle back too far over the crown, the date is still over magnified and ofc the bezel triangles are too far out. The lug chamfers are a tad too wide. Everything but the bezel is correctable DIY or by a modder but as usual it's an unwelcome and unnecessary burden. The bezel would have to just be replaced.
Compare to the OG 2836 case. Keep in mind this pic is from a low viewing angle, which causes the DW to appear low and the upper bezel markers to appear high. I've used these cases OOTB for years without displeasure.
Are my eyes deceiving me?
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As always, you provide great info @KJ2020 ! Thanks.
I’ve never had, or worked on, one of these but are the bezels not replaceable?
- 2/11/12
- 1,180
- 1,184
- 113
I've been trying to find this but what is the proper procedure for replacing an explorer II bezel? What's the best bezel tool/press type? Does the crystal coke off with the bezel?
- 2/11/12
- 1,180
- 1,184
- 113
Use a razorblade at one of the corners (tape the lug), slowly inch it in with a jewelers hammer. It will start separating from
The case.
The crystal can come off, and you can simply press it out.
I usually put it back on upside down so the gasket can settle into the groove and press with a crystal press & dies.