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matt.wu · 9 April 2013, 03:43 AM

Thought I'd post about this here, since I've seen similar questions about "is this possible" in the past.

The Explorer II family is my absolute favorite in the Rolex lineup, vintage or modern. The idea of the watch really appeals to me - purpose built by Rolex, truly a tool watch having never been made in gold, relatively unrecognizable as a Rolex...

I have had pretty much every iteration available (1655, 16550 black, 16570 cream dial, 16570 black and white, 216570 black and white) and still have the 1655 and 16570 white. Were I a "collecting" type, I'd definitely collect every watch in the Explorer II family.

However, I'm more of a "find the perfect daily wearer" type of guy. I love my 1655, but found myself a little bugged by the rattling in the end links, even after 2+ years of trying to get accustomed to it. The 216570 is too gaudy for my taste, personally, but I really wanted an orange hand. So what's a guy to do? Send it off for mods! All original Rolex - just a little paint added.

I found a 16570 in beautiful condition and here's the end result. I'm VERY happy with it:

Tools · 9 April 2013, 03:57 AM

Interesting look.. nice color.

If I was going orange-hand, I would try to find one of the earlier authentic orange-hand shapes

MichaelB_Can · 9 April 2013, 03:58 AM

Nice !

Mike B , Canada ⌚

RGonzalez328 · 9 April 2013, 04:05 AM

Nice! I like when people take risks. I'm planning on painting me a roulette wheel. It's your watch so enjoy it how you like!

cop414 · 9 April 2013, 04:07 AM

Looks good to me, happy that you're happy!

Cru Jones · 9 April 2013, 04:22 AM

Though I quite like the red hand, that looks pretty good, as does the missing cyclops.

ecsub44 · 9 April 2013, 04:48 AM

LOVE it!

will hung · 9 April 2013, 04:51 AM

Very nice. I had been thinking about this for some time. If you don't mind me asking, did you look into using the orange hand from a 216570?

JP Chestnut · 9 April 2013, 04:53 AM

I didn't expect to like it, but I do! Good job. I too really appreciate the Explorer 2. The white dial 16570 happens to be my favorite Rolex.

matt.wu · 9 April 2013, 05:34 AM

I would love to fit a 1655 or 216570 hand, but I don't think either would fit due to different movements and/or dial size.

So it's just enamel paint!

Speed · 9 April 2013, 05:45 AM

Best mod ever.

I love it!

samuel019 · 9 April 2013, 05:53 AM

As a fan of Explorer's myself I say it looks great!!!! Especially the missing cyclop. Its one of the best mods I've ever seen. I like my Rolex's bigger than the traditional sizes from yester year and you've got a great mix of past and new. I wouldnt pay any attention to any negative comments you might get because your watch looks good.

You can call it the new Rolex SeaExplorer!

afc1 · 9 April 2013, 05:58 AM

Looks very nice! I probably would have kept the cyclops but the orange hand suits the watch very well.

SeaDweller50 · 9 April 2013, 06:31 AM

I agree with all of the above. Very nice.

watchwatcher · 9 April 2013, 07:13 AM

Interesting. I think I would try one of the older orange hands, as Larry (Tools) said. I mean as long as we're experimenting, why not?

Jason71 · 9 April 2013, 07:38 AM

I love Rolex Mods with authentic Rolex parts. I LOVE it.

It looks really nice. I don't like the added size of the newest Exp II, but this seems to be a great compromise. Congrats. I would wear that sucker all the time.

nick c · 9 April 2013, 07:41 AM

Very nice

jay1988 · 9 April 2013, 08:29 AM

I actually quite like it. Good job.

For me the best of both worlds would be a late model 16570 Polar with a modern bracelet.

Hate to derail a thread but has anyone put a "newer" bracelet on a 16570 ? Which one would fit ? Would it be expensive ?

superdog · 9 April 2013, 08:56 AM

Love it!!!

mjclark32 · 9 April 2013, 09:09 AM

Looks good to me

HL65 · 9 April 2013, 09:10 AM

Pretty cool!

ikovalchuk17 · 9 April 2013, 09:20 AM

Very nice. I like it.

MitchSteel · 9 April 2013, 10:18 AM

Im never a fan ofModded Rolex, but I LIKE IT

looks pretty cool

mrhy · 9 April 2013, 10:25 AM

Explorer ll is my favorite as well

Andrés G · 9 April 2013, 10:31 AM

Love it.

melons · 9 April 2013, 10:34 AM

Great mod, the orange hand looks like it belongs on the watch.

AF_Rob · 9 April 2013, 10:38 AM

Love it! Best of both worlds right there!

jtk2012 · 9 April 2013, 10:39 AM

so cool and happy you posted a pic....I think that is the best Polar Exp II on the streets currently. Great job, let me know when you want to sell it to me :)
enjoy in good health

cstone28 · 9 April 2013, 10:53 AM

Love it. I've always disliked the cyclops but strangly seeing that I miss it. I'm conflicted, I don't even feel I know who I am anymore.

boywondergq1 · 9 April 2013, 11:12 AM

9 April 2013, 03:43 AM	#1
matt.wu "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 884	Best of both worlds (look away, purists) - ORANGE HAND 16570 Thought I'd post about this here, since I've seen similar questions about "is this possible" in the past. The Explorer II family is my absolute favorite in the Rolex lineup, vintage or modern. The idea of the watch really appeals to me - purpose built by Rolex, truly a tool watch having never been made in gold, relatively unrecognizable as a Rolex... I have had pretty much every iteration available (1655, 16550 black, 16570 cream dial, 16570 black and white, 216570 black and white) and still have the 1655 and 16570 white. Were I a "collecting" type, I'd definitely collect every watch in the Explorer II family. However, I'm more of a "find the perfect daily wearer" type of guy. I love my 1655, but found myself a little bugged by the rattling in the end links, even after 2+ years of trying to get accustomed to it. The 216570 is too gaudy for my taste, personally, but I really wanted an orange hand. So what's a guy to do? Send it off for mods! All original Rolex - just a little paint added. I found a 16570 in beautiful condition and here's the end result. I'm VERY happy with it:

9 April 2013, 03:57 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	Interesting look.. nice color. If I was going orange-hand, I would try to find one of the earlier authentic orange-hand shapes __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

9 April 2013, 04:07 AM	#5
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,135	Looks good to me, happy that you're happy! __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

9 April 2013, 04:48 AM	#7
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	LOVE it! __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

9 April 2013, 05:53 AM	#12
samuel019 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Anthony Location: Triad Watch: Me go broke!!!! Posts: 4,038	As a fan of Explorer's myself I say it looks great!!!! Especially the missing cyclop. Its one of the best mods I've ever seen. I like my Rolex's bigger than the traditional sizes from yester year and you've got a great mix of past and new. I wouldnt pay any attention to any negative comments you might get because your watch looks good. You can call it the new Rolex SeaExplorer! __________________ Rolex Collection: A few here and there. Just ask

9 April 2013, 03:58 AM	#3
MichaelB_Can Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Mike Location: Canada Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 332	Nice ! Mike B , Canada ⌚

9 April 2013, 04:05 AM	#4
RGonzalez328 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: California Posts: 84	Nice! I like when people take risks. I'm planning on painting me a roulette wheel. It's your watch so enjoy it how you like!

9 April 2013, 04:22 AM	#6
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,255	Though I quite like the red hand, that looks pretty good, as does the missing cyclops.

9 April 2013, 04:51 AM	#8
will hung "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 144	Very nice. I had been thinking about this for some time. If you don't mind me asking, did you look into using the orange hand from a 216570?

9 April 2013, 04:53 AM	#9
JP Chestnut Banned Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ann Arbor MI Watch: Rolex Ref 16600 Posts: 3,908	I didn't expect to like it, but I do! Good job. I too really appreciate the Explorer 2. The white dial 16570 happens to be my favorite Rolex.

9 April 2013, 05:34 AM	#10
matt.wu "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 884	I would love to fit a 1655 or 216570 hand, but I don't think either would fit due to different movements and/or dial size. So it's just enamel paint!

9 April 2013, 05:45 AM	#11
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Best mod ever. I love it!

9 April 2013, 05:58 AM	#13
afc1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Boston Posts: 1,848	Looks very nice! I probably would have kept the cyclops but the orange hand suits the watch very well. __________________ afc1 Watch Collection: Rolex and AP

9 April 2013, 06:31 AM	#14
SeaDweller50 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Sandy Location: England. Watch: 14060M 2 liner Posts: 3,204	I agree with all of the above. Very nice.

9 April 2013, 07:13 AM	#15
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,002	Interesting. I think I would try one of the older orange hands, as Larry (Tools) said. I mean as long as we're experimenting, why not?

9 April 2013, 07:38 AM	#16
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	I love Rolex Mods with authentic Rolex parts. I LOVE it. It looks really nice. I don't like the added size of the newest Exp II, but this seems to be a great compromise. Congrats. I would wear that sucker all the time. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

9 April 2013, 07:41 AM	#17
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	Very nice

9 April 2013, 08:29 AM	#18
jay1988 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Midlands Posts: 1,515	I actually quite like it. Good job. For me the best of both worlds would be a late model 16570 Polar with a modern bracelet. Hate to derail a thread but has anyone put a "newer" bracelet on a 16570 ? Which one would fit ? Would it be expensive ?

9 April 2013, 08:56 AM	#19
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,827	Love it!!! __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

9 April 2013, 09:09 AM	#20
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	Looks good to me __________________

9 April 2013, 09:10 AM	#21
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,989	Pretty cool! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

9 April 2013, 09:20 AM	#22
ikovalchuk17 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: LA Watch: ND Sub Posts: 371	Very nice. I like it.

9 April 2013, 10:18 AM	#23
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	Im never a fan ofModded Rolex, but I LIKE ITlooks pretty cool __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

9 April 2013, 10:25 AM	#24
mrhy "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: new york Watch: Pepsi GMT Posts: 2,383	Explorer ll is my favorite as well

9 April 2013, 10:31 AM	#25
Andrés G "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Guatemala Posts: 3,392	Love it.

9 April 2013, 10:34 AM	#26
melons "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: GMT -5 Watch: Rolex/Panerai Posts: 991	Great mod, the orange hand looks like it belongs on the watch.

9 April 2013, 10:38 AM	#27
AF_Rob "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Rob Location: Virginia Watch: Sub/Polar/OP/BB Posts: 4,667	Love it! Best of both worlds right there!

9 April 2013, 10:39 AM	#28
jtk2012 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Real Name: James Location: Manhattan Watch: Explorer II Polar Posts: 33	so cool and happy you posted a pic....I think that is the best Polar Exp II on the streets currently. Great job, let me know when you want to sell it to me :) enjoy in good health __________________ "you can't take the sky from me"

9 April 2013, 10:53 AM	#29
cstone28 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 80	Love it. I've always disliked the cyclops but strangly seeing that I miss it. I'm conflicted, I don't even feel I know who I am anymore.

9 April 2013, 11:12 AM	#30
boywondergq1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 792	__________________ "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

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