Rolex Explorer I Explorer 1016 Gen Beside Yuki Dial

[axel.gold]

Hi Everyone, I'm trying to put together as much gen as possible Explorer 1016 build. On this topic, anyone know where I can get a decent priced gen 1570 hacking no-date movement and gen 1016 case?

The first piece to arrive is my Gen Rolex 1016 Dial which I believe is a Mark 3. It is pictured here beside my Dad's rep with Yuki dial built by 369mafia.

I'll take better pictures on the weekend with sunlight.... and picture taken further down this trail.

 

[alligoat]

You can find a 1570 movement probably but I doubt you'll find a 1016 case. The 1570 movement will maybe cost $1500-2000usd. Maybe you could find a 1002 case or similar 36 mm case and use it. Others have used 16013/16014 or 16200 DJ cases but I don't know how the 1570 fits in those cases. Good luck.

 

[axel.gold]

Thanks for your insights alligoat my research led to the same conclusion but I was hoping RWI members had some other paths.

For ~$2000 USD unserviced, I'm thinking pay for the bit extra and get a full watch, take it to Rolex or equivalent for service (they give me new parts hopefully). Then Pull out the movement and drop in an ETA. So far finding a well priced hacking movement post 1972 well priced has been hard.

jmb made me an awesome case. I'm picking it up tomorrow and will post pictures.

 

[Dizzy]

Good luck finding a real 1016 case. You could use and modify an older Datejust 1603 case. It will also fit the 1570 movement. That would be closer to the 1016 than the newer 5 digit cases. Easiest solution is to Get a Vietnam case from Ruby or MQ or something or have JMB make you one. I’ve made a few also and it’s a bit of work but very doable.

 

[DC109]

Thanks for your insights alligoat my research led to the same conclusion but I was hoping RWI members had some other paths.

For ~$2000 USD unserviced, I'm thinking pay for the bit extra and get a full watch, take it to Rolex or equivalent for service (they give me new parts hopefully). Then Pull out the movement and drop in an ETA. So far finding a well priced hacking movement post 1972 well priced has been hard.

I think I'm crazy for this option, but was considering getting a beat-up gen and sending it to Rolex and paying for them to replace the case. Been too busy at work, but plan to call Monday to see if they will do that.

jmb made me an awesome case. I'm picking it up tomorrow and will post pictures.

A good rule in any hobby is to do what makes you happy and not worry about what others think of it. But you should know the plan you describe would wreck an original watch, and cost you a HUGE amount of money without any resale upside. Whatever you pay for a beat up gen, it will be worth significantly less with a service case. Rolex keeps the original case, so that's money down the drain. And the service case itself will cost a few thousand $$, if Rolex will even supply one at all. In other words, you'd be paying to reduce the value of the watch you buy.

You will not find a gen 1016 mid-case for sale. A few times a year you will see one listed on eBay or VRF, usually from Italy. Don't fall for it. Those are high end rep cases sold at an outrageous markup. Some people say they are made in Italy, others would argue they are Viet cases just reworked there.

The 160XX watches came with the 3035 movement, but they fit the 15XX movement as well. Those cases are functionally identical to the 1016. The only thing that is different is the bezel (you can use a JMB) and model engravings (not visible). That's probably the way to go for a gen case build.

 

[axel.gold]

Thanks DC109 I'm going to keep all your comments in mind. Will circle back with what I end up doing.

 

[axel.gold]

And here is the picture of the dials. Gen on the right,

 

[d1d1ka]

And here is the picture of the dials. Gen on the right,

What hands did you use for build on the left?

 

[miami_YG]

^^ @axel.gold I've been looking all over for 13mm hands for a 1570 movement. Can't find them anywhere. These look longer than the others available. Where did you get them?

(Thanks in advance!!)