Explorer II 16570 - Polishing it to become more shiny?

[WeThe]

So, I'm thinking about polishing a white Explorer II 16570 so it becomes more shiny.

Most parts of the watch are now brushed (entire bracelet, case (except sides) and bezel), factory standard.

I'm thinking of a polishing more like a datejust. Bezel, case and centerlinks in bracelet.



Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

Also, could the bezel on the 16570 be changed to something without numbers, would for example the bezel from the Milgauss fit?

[MYK]

Why not just flip ot towards a datejust or a milgauss? I personaly prefer brushed links and don't recommend that mod, it would look like a bad replica.

No offense, I just think the 16570 is gorgeous the way it is.

Good luck!

[Canadianjam2]

Don't do it!

[77T]

Originally Posted by WeThe

Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

The 1st sentence explains the 2nd...

Originally Posted by WeThe

Also, could the bezel on the 16570 be changed to something without numbers, would for example the bezel from the Milgauss...

Not a good idea...

Before potentially ruining that 16570, have you considered just buying an Explorer?

[toolr]

Originally Posted by WeThe

Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea

I would be one of those people...

[Hairdude1]

Agreed don't polish

[hdrazor251]

IMHO that would be a BIG mistake and ruin the look of the watch. But, it's your watch and you can do what you want.

[Pup]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Agreed don't polish

x2....A consequence of such change in aesthetics would be lower resale value in one of your most important aftermarkets: MOST, (but probably not all), members of this forum.

[joe100]

Do what you want but you'll ruin it

[capote]

The reason why you can't find pics is because nobody has gotten that crazy idea before. And a Milgauss bezel? Love to see pics of that.

[Ilias_t]

You will also lose the 24 hour indication using a milgauss bezel.
I suggest to wait 'till you have the amount of money for a milgauss (bit big and heavier) or a nice datejust (smaller and lighter).

[Silvio Mosiello]

It does not look right on that watch. Please dont do it. It will also lose alot of its value. In the end its up to you!

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by WeThe

So, I'm thinking about polishing a white Explorer II 16570 so it becomes more shiny.

Most parts of the watch are now brushed (entire bracelet, case (except sides) and bezel), factory standard.

I'm thinking of a polishing more like a datejust. Bezel, case and centerlinks in bracelet.



Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

Also, could the bezel on the 16570 be changed to something without numbers, would for example the bezel from the Milgauss fit?

You are of course free to do as you please with your watch, but IMHO it will look like one of those overpolished second hand watches that is as good as impossible to sell... I'd suggest that you buy a Milgauss or Datejust instead. If possible, keep the Explorer and enjoy variety.

Or... add a jubilee bracelet to it, for the occasional dressier look (easy to put back the oyster bracelet):





BTW: The Milgauss bezel will not fit, it has a larger inner diameter (and outer).

Let us know what you decide to do! If you do polish, it will be interesting to see the result.

Best,

A

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by MYK

Why not just flip ot towards a datejust or a milgauss? I personaly prefer brushed links and don't recommend that mod, it would look like a bad replica. . . . .

x 2 . . . .

But why not actually give it a try, post some pics, read the comments . . ;-)
And later you can have it re brushed again . .

Good luck

HAGWe

[Psmith]

Someone here has done this with a Sub... there are some pics floating around somewhere...

Done well, full polishing can look great, but it has to integrate with the rest of the watch - bezel, bracelet, etc. So you would need to think about the overall finish, and which parts should be polished/remain brushed

[Puffy]

if you ever wanted to return it to the satin factory finish it'd be soft as a mouse's ear due to all the metal removed

[padi56]

Originally Posted by WeThe

Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

Perhaps your own quote will give you a clue why.

[Adam K.]

An Explorer II with a glitzy polish job? Ewww, no. Just don't. (please).

[Annan]

Anders: That pic of your Explorer on a Jubilee is beautiful!

[karmatp]

The reason you have googled it and found none is because it is a terrible idea, it would destroy the watch.

If you are not happy with it and need some more bling in your life, sell it and buy a polished watch, problem solved.

[JJL]

If you like the watch (and don't prefer another model), and want a little more shine I say absolutely go for it. It's your watch and YOU know what YOU want. Don't be afraid to be creative and personalize YOUR watch...

Let us know how it comes out

[WeThe]

Originally Posted by Canadianjam2

Don't do it!

Thank you all for all your comments, mainly being like Nike's with a negation.

I guess you're right, it will probably look bad. But I still think it might look good, but the chances might be small and you have to get the balance just right. That's why I was looking for pictures.

Would an Easylink bracelet for the latest Rolex GMT-Master II fit my 16570? Then I could get both some polished surface and a warm weather extension.

My best bet would be to change into or buy a Datejust or II. Though at the moment I've promised (that special) SOMEONE not to do such things, and that promise might be the source of my crazy ideas..

THNX!

[shocken2]

It's correctly been pointed out that this will detract from the value of the watch. That's a given, but, if you don't plan to sell it, I think it's a unique and interesting idea. Personally, I love the polished Milgaus case, but don't at all care for the dial. I LOVE the explorer II dial. Must admit that I never thought to polish the case (I think it looks great as is) and combine the two styles, but it would certainly be a fascinating combo.

Value aside, it could create a really unique piece that would be enjoyable to you. If you're sure, go ahead and give it a try. Make sure it's what you want though.

A cheap way to give it a try might be to an Ex II homage and experiment with that. I'm not sure if there are any really cheap homages... Debaufre GMT 2 is a decent piece, but it will run you several hundred dollars. But do some research, find a cheap piece to practice on, and see if it grows on you.

[jamesbondOO7]

Try it, very easy to reverse.
I had my DJ on an Oyster fully polished for a while, it was quite interesting. Back to brushed in a couple of minutes with a Scotch Brite from the kitchen.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by WeThe

So, I'm thinking about polishing a white Explorer II 16570 so it becomes more shiny.

Most parts of the watch are now brushed (entire bracelet, case (except sides) and bezel), factory standard.

I'm thinking of a polishing more like a datejust. Bezel, case and centerlinks in bracelet.



Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

Also, could the bezel on the 16570 be changed to something without numbers, would for example the bezel from the Milgauss fit?

The Exp2 is one of the most low key models Rolex makes. It would be wise to sell it and use the funds to purchase something that better meets your desires. I doubt you'll find any photos of such a watch.

[inadeje]

If you want to destroy the resale value of your watch and make it look like a bad chinese copy, polish away, its your property to do with what you see fit. Some people even PVD coat perfectly good Rolex watches too. Not my style but to each their own.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by WeThe

So, I'm thinking about polishing a white Explorer II 16570 so it becomes more shiny.

Most parts of the watch are now brushed (entire bracelet, case (except sides) and bezel), factory standard.

I'm thinking of a polishing more like a datejust. Bezel, case and centerlinks in bracelet.



Most people probably will say that polishing a bad idea, but please could somebody post images of 16570:s with this done? I've googled a lot but I haven't found any!

Also, could the bezel on the 16570 be changed to something without numbers, would for example the bezel from the Milgauss fit?

Say no to shiny tool watches.

[glamorama]

It's your watch.

If I saw someone polish center links, case or put jubilee on that model I'd think it look ridiculous. Buy something else.

[franklin]

Yes to polishing shoes. But no to polishing any tool watch. Would you polish a hammer or a screw driver?

[G.Montag]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

Try it, very easy to reverse.
I had my DJ on an Oyster fully polished for a while, it was quite interesting. Back to brushed in a couple of minutes with a Scotch Brite from the kitchen.

Do you have a picture of what the scotchbrite brush job looks like?