Explorer II to Explorer I

[Castor]

When I was first looking to buy a Rolex my favourite, by far, was the Explorer I (214270). Easily the most comfortable watch & sits WAAY under the radar & easily fits under all clothes & gloves.

My only problem with that watch is really a problem with me. I'm at that age where it's getting harder to focus my eyes up close; it was nearly impossible for me to read the dial on the 214270. So I went with my second choice: the Explorer II (216570). Don't get me wrong! The Explorer II is a wonderful & beautiful watch, but I always feel a little self-conscious wearing it.

Almost two years ago my wife bought the Explorer II for me (as a reward for losing a substantial amount of weight), but it looks as though my marriage is heading into the crapper. So it looks as though the sentimental value of the watch is about to be zero. And the Explorer I suits my personality & style more.

Does anyone know if it's possible to swap the hour & minute hands from a 216570 to a 214279?

[joe100]

I think the Explorer is THE Rolex. Suitable for any occasion, any day of the week. I don't know the answer to your question and someone will be along shortly with more knowledge on cannon pin sizes.

There are really 3 watches in modern watchmaking I find to be nearly perfect. The first is the Omega Aqua Terra. Hands down the best watch design in 30 years, next the Explorer. Both the 114270 and the 214270. And lastly, the white dial, black indicie Air-King.

[Jack T]

I can only reiterate what joe100 said, I know nothing of the technicalities of modifying these watches; however, the Explorer is a terrific watch under any circumstances. And the Aqua Terra was on my short list until I got hold of my 214270. As for near perfection in modern watches, my third choice may be the Oyster Perpetual, 116000 with a sliver dial. Sublime simplicity, veratile, durable. All one could ask for.

[cmadams]

Really can't beat the Explorer. Flies under the radar remarkably well and is a truly beautiful watch. I vote that you get the watch you've always wanted.

[AK797]

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[nagano2125]

Not certain but wouldn't the hands on an explorer II be longer than on an explorer and therefore not fit?


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[Castor]

I don't know if the hands would fit or not. I'm not sure if the size of the dial is the same, or if it's just the case that's bigger. If the dial itself is the same size then the problem is with the size of the hands (at least for my eyes).

[GRDowntown]

Originally Posted by joe100

I think the Explorer is THE Rolex. Suitable for any occasion, any day of the week. I don't know the answer to your question and someone will be along shortly with more knowledge on cannon pin sizes.

There are really 3 watches in modern watchmaking I find to be nearly perfect. The first is the Omega Aqua Terra. Hands down the best watch design in 30 years, next the Explorer. Both the 114270 and the 214270. And lastly, the white dial, black indicie Air-King.

I love your choices and your taste. The white dial 3-6-9 Air-King is so perfect and of all the Rolexes it produces stunning photographs and is very comfortable to wear. The contrast of the dial to the hands and 3-6-9 is so striking. I want both it and the Explorer, but don't know which one to get first. My only gripe about the Explorer is that the 3-6-9 against the black dial become invisible. (And I am not even going to mention the small hands. Well, OK I did mention it.)

I just wish the Air-King were 38mm and that the Explorer would coat the 3-6-9- in lume or make them otherwise more visible.