Does a 904L steel Rolex Explorer 1 exist with 2836 based movement?

[Teetertank]

I'm looking to get a 39mm Explorer rep. I'd like to get a watch with 904 steel body.

I see GMF, EWF & BP factory all make 904 steel versions, but all come with a Rolex clone movement not ETA based. I'd particularly like a 2836 movement.

Does any one know if such a model exists?

Thanks.

 

[TESLA760]

Most rep Rolexes used that movement for many years, until the clones came out. You should still be able to find one new from a TD. Just message them. If not they will pop up for sale in M2M

 

[Teetertank]

Most rep Rolexes used that movement for many years, until the clones came out. You should still be able to find one new from a TD. Just message them. If not they will pop up for sale in M2M

Thanks, do you have opinions on the reliability of the clone Rolex movements over the clone ETAs?

Partly I wanted to find a case for a Swiss ETA I have spare but also I figured the clone 3230s would be much less reliable or difficult to replace parts for.

 

[Teetertank]

Having searched some more, I just found Chazingttime are displaying what I'm after. I'll need to see if it's still available.

Anyone have a comparison of 904 with 316 versions? Is it worth the premium?

 

[ugalord]

Having searched some more, I just found Chazingttime are displaying what I'm after. I'll need to see if it's still available.

Anyone have a comparison of 904 with 316 versions? Is it worth the premium?

Imo not worth it.

Also, as far as I know the Explorer I of BP is availlable with 2824 as 316 and 904. If you see 2836 that's not true. A 2836 won't fit in that case. Most tds have a wrong information for whatever reason.

So if your spare eta is a 2836 you should got for a different watch.

 

[Teetertank]

Also, as far as I know the Explorer I of BP is availlable with 2824 as 316 and 904. If you see 2836 that's not true. A 2836 won't fit in that case. Most tds have a wrong information for whatever reason.

So if your spare eta is a 2836 you should got for a different watch.

Damn, I was hoping it would make a nice case for my spare, which yes is a 2836.

I did wonder why they were using this movement when there's no date on the watch.

I checked before and there's something like 0.5mm difference in height.

Good info - many thanks.

 

[TESLA760]

Thanks, do you have opinions on the reliability of the clone Rolex movements over the clone ETAs?

Partly I wanted to find a case for a Swiss ETA I have spare but also I figured the clone 3230s would be much less reliable or difficult to replace parts for.

Personally I have had no issues with the 3135 clones. They have been very reliable for me. They also allow or gen parts without much work.

 

[ugalord]

Damn, I was hoping it would make a nice case for my spare, which yes is a 2836.

I did wonder why they were using this movement when there's no date on the watch.

I checked before and there's something like 0.5mm difference in height.

Good info - many thanks.

But.. In the end the Asian 2824 are also pretty reliable and if you like an explorer I - go for it.
I guess you can find other watches for your spare eta movement
The old 5digit Explorer II has an ICHS 2836. It's also a great watch from BP. Not expensive and pretty good. That will be my next one btw

 

[APjumbo]

The BP, GMF dial is nice.
As mentioned above, the BP is advertised as 2836 but is actually a 2824.
The clone movement can be swapped with an eta 2824 if you have the correct movement holder.
The 3135 and 2824 use different movement holders.


The 904 on my ARF seadweller feels different and better than the cheaper reps I have, but I think this has to do with the quality of the brushing on the bracelet more than the grade of the steel. My BP 316L explorer I and my ARF 904L seemed very similar, except the ARF had better fitting endlinks.

I still think the best combo is a BP dial, ARF bracelet, swiss 2824 ETA. (or serviced asian 2824)
The other benefit of the 3135 is it has no date posiotion on the crown when you set the time, the BP has a ghost date position but can be modded though

 

[Duckber]

Why do you want 904L over 316L anyways? It's pretty much a scam to begin with, rep or gen.

 

[TESLA760]

I have the first SD43 ARF rep made. Only mods I did to it was a crystal. But its 904 and it shines like my gens. Rebrushes easily too. This is my daily beater for some time now.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

Having searched some more, I just found Chazingttime are displaying what I'm after. I'll need to see if it's still available.

Anyone have a comparison of 904 with 316 versions? Is it worth the premium?

No it’s not. I don’t know any who can see or feel the difference between 904 and 316 including me and I have both. Supposedly 904 is more corrosion resistant so if you’re a professional diver that might be good.

 

[Teetertank]

Why do you want 904L over 316L anyways? It's pretty much a scam to begin with, rep or gen.

No it’s not. I don’t know any who can see or feel the difference between 904 and 316 including me and I have both. Supposedly 904 is more corrosion resistant so if you’re a professional diver that might be good.

It's mainly the ability for 904 to take a higher polish than 316 that interests me. And as others have stated that there is a subtle difference in colour.

In my experience, and I admit to not really being a rolex guy, but when you see a genuine version, they seem to gleam and noticeably brighter than any reps I've seen.

But, if you're right Triplock and the 904 version isn't available then I guess that's a decision forced! I just know that, if after purchasing a 316 version, I felt it was dull in comparison to the real deal that I'd always be wishing I had taken a 904 option if it was available.

 

[Duckber]

It's mainly the ability for 904 to take a higher polish than 316 that interests me. And as others have stated that there is a subtle difference in colour.

In my experience, and I admit to not really being a rolex guy, but when you see a genuine version, they seem to gleam and noticeably brighter than any reps I've seen.

But, if you're right Triplock and the 904 version isn't available then I guess that's a decision forced! I just know that, if after purchasing a 316 version, I felt it was dull in comparison to the real deal that I'd always be wishing I had taken a 904 option if it was available.

That whole different color stuff is marketing bs

 

[KJ2020]

It's all about how the SS is polished.

The secret is a final polish with Polinum. This bracelet is 316L.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

It's mainly the ability for 904 to take a higher polish than 316 that interests me. And as others have stated that there is a subtle difference in colour.

In my experience, and I admit to not really being a rolex guy, but when you see a genuine version, they seem to gleam and noticeably brighter than any reps I've seen.

But, if you're right Triplock and the 904 version isn't available then I guess that's a decision forced! I just know that, if after purchasing a 316 version, I felt it was dull in comparison to the real deal that I'd always be wishing I had taken a 904 option if it was available.

There's no perceivable difference in color or how it can be polished. I've been a metals guy for decades and I have both gen rolex and non-rolex watches made from both 316 and 904. Rolex tries to differentiate itself by using a steel its competitors don't use. In the real world of wearing and using a watch it's a marketing ploy. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting 904, but don't think you're 'settling' for something inferior. 316 stainless steel has been the industry standard for many decades and for good reason.

If a gen rolex appears to gleam or look brighter it's the result of superior polishing. Rolex definitely knows what they're doing.

 

[WatchSmith.US]

And @KJ2020 knows what he's doing too! Damn that looks great KJ!

 

[rssid]

Wow that finish really is awesome !