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Puffy · 12 September 2011, 10:54 PM

So it turns out that sometime after V or G, and definitely for the Random series, Rolex changed the thickness of the hour indices markers on the now discontinued etc Explorer II 167570, from thick to thin.

A guy on another forum has contacted Rolex and was advised that Rolex had made a modification to the 16570 dial recently by 'thinning out' the hour indices. This has the effect of increasing the diameter of the lume in the markers, making them appear larger at night...

Below you can see what I'm talking about

What do you guys think? Does this make sense?

Cutting down on material saves cash, it's like stripping out a car.. and why spend resources on something that is no more..

V, 2009, 16570 - THICK indices markers

Random, 2011, 16570 - THIN indicies markers

Random, 2011, 216570 - THICK indicies markers

esm · 12 September 2011, 11:03 PM

oh no.... these 16570 Random serial thin indices marker dials will be the next internet hype

Cru Jones · 12 September 2011, 11:05 PM

i *think* i prefer the thicker indices....what i know i don't like about the thinner ones is that they no longer march the thickness of the hands. thinning both could maybe make sense, but, thinning only the indices gives too much prominence, IMO, to the hands.

Puffy · 12 September 2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

oh no.... these 16570 Random serial thin indices marker dials will be the next internet hype

we need a name mate!!

it's like the GMT stick dial, now fetching a premium of 50 quid

Puffy · 12 September 2011, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

i *think* i prefer the thicker indices....what i know i don't like about the thinner ones is that they no longer march the thickness of the hands. thinning both could maybe make sense, but, thinning only the indices gives too much prominence, IMO, to the hands.

i prefer the thicker too, they work much better with the hands and also the bezel insert.

wearing my Exp II now and the hour indices look really good, not sure why Rolex trimmed them down. "improving the lume at night" seems like a lame explanation...

people use mobile phones these days when it's dark

esm · 12 September 2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffy

we need a name mate!!

it's like the GMT stick dial, now fetching a premium of 50 quid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffy

not sure why Rolex trimmed them down.

ahh... it is the "EXPII "Tight-arse" dial then....

Puffy · 12 September 2011, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

ahh... it is the "EXPII "Tight-arse" dial then....

"tight as a flea's arse", or the "flea dial"

dpkong · 12 September 2011, 11:41 PM

the "thick dial" is much nicer indeed.

masterserg · 12 September 2011, 11:44 PM

Thicker all the way. No doubt!

odis84 · 12 September 2011, 11:46 PM

I knew it! I picked up on this a couple months back looking at an ad for a random s/n model in the classifieds. Never saved the pic and one hasn't come up in a while.

Great job for the proper comparison pics. Any idea if this was done on the black dial models too?

EXPII-semi-maxi

padi56 · 13 September 2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffy

we need a name mate!!

it's like the GMT stick dial, now fetching a premium of 50 quid

But only to those fool enough to pay for what is just a simple font change. Font changes have happen many times on various Roles watches over the past 4 decades, but that was before Internet hype madness.

tomchicago · 13 September 2011, 12:36 AM

Pretty cool! Never noticed! I think the thin are neat only if for novelty value.

Speed · 13 September 2011, 12:43 AM

I'll take thick.

Thank you.

dddrees · 13 September 2011, 01:44 AM

I perfer the thick markers.

cedargrove · 13 September 2011, 01:52 AM

Thick matches hands better, and provides more contrast on the white dial. Glad to see the new model has thick.

capote · 13 September 2011, 04:06 AM

Thick for me, goes better with the hands and also gives the watch a better contrast. Nice find BTW, never heard of that before

When it comes to Rolex I guess old is always better.

dysondiver · 13 September 2011, 04:20 AM

couldnt care less ,,, but those tonka hands are just a bit too early learning center for me . ym hands were chunky enough thankyou.

Chipmunk · 13 September 2011, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Thick matches hands better, and provides more contrast on the white dial. Glad to see the new model has thick.

Me too.

capote · 13 September 2011, 04:29 AM

I just realized that if you down the line would need a service dial, you would get the thin one since its the last one for this model. I best keep my current dial safe from the scary world outside

Lol-x · 13 September 2011, 08:50 AM

That EXII42 looks great. Is that your watch?

Mickey® · 13 September 2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffy

we need a name mate!!

it's like the GMT stick dial, now fetching a premium of 50 quid

Laurel and Hardy Markers?

I had a friend that had 2 kids and although now they are the same size one was real thin and the other was kinda big (same age) they called them Spaghetti and Meatbal?

Onikage · 13 September 2011, 09:02 AM

Sorry I had to do it.

toolr · 13 September 2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffy

i prefer the thicker too, they work much better with the hands and also the bezel insert.

wearing my Exp II now and the hour indices look really good, not sure why Rolex trimmed them down. "improving the lume at night" seems like a lame explanation...

people use mobile phones these days when it's dark

Maybe not so lame as the Explorer ll was designed for cave exploration, the extra lume would probably be a good idea for it's intended purpose. At any rate, either one is fine with me. Both are IMO better choices than the new Exp42.

DT14 · 13 September 2011, 12:42 PM

anyone know if the same "thick or thin" distinction also appears on the black dial Exp II's? If so, did they change during same time period?

Atomant · 13 September 2011, 01:04 PM

Interesting observation

I'd go with the thick.

toolr · 13 September 2011, 03:02 PM

Thin or thick is fine with me

Puffy · 13 September 2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

But only to those fool enough to pay for what is just a simple font change. Font changes have happen many times on various Roles watches over the past 4 decades, but that was before Internet hype madness.

Agree Peter, but some people have extra cash to burn on say 'stick dials' and other craziness. having said that, i actually wouldn't want the thinner Exp II dial, doesn't look as good as the thick

recently when I researched my DSSD i found that there are also dial variations on this reference, and there seems to be a market for MK1, MK2 etc DSSD dials!

pleased to announce i've got the latest DSSD with the nicest dial font so will be charging anyone a hefty premium should i decide to sell

Puffy · 13 September 2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolr

Maybe not so lame as the Explorer ll was designed for cave exploration, the extra lume would probably be a good idea for it's intended purpose. At any rate, either one is fine with me. Both are IMO better choices than the new Exp42.

i see your point and agree it's an improvement for cave explorers. just makes you wonder why they didn't make this enhancement a loooong time ago

Jannal · 13 September 2011, 07:10 PM

I prefer the thick indices / markers, looks proportion to the min / hourly hands.

toolr · 13 September 2011, 09:36 PM

It also appears that the 16570 random serial number watches in addition to the thin surrounds also have AR coating under the cyclops. When viewed under a light the reflection in the cyclops is blue vice white. The date is also very easy to read under all conditions unlike my GMT-ll 16710 and Subdate 16610.
Interesting changes for a watch that is at it's final run.

View Poll Results: Which looks better?
Thick	186	78.48%
Thin	34	14.35%
Indifferent	17	7.17%
Voters: 237. You may not vote on this poll

12 September 2011, 10:54 PM	#1
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	Explorer II - new dial variation So it turns out that sometime after V or G, and definitely for the Random series, Rolex changed the thickness of the hour indices markers on the now discontinued etc Explorer II 167570, from thick to thin. A guy on another forum has contacted Rolex and was advised that Rolex had made a modification to the 16570 dial recently by 'thinning out' the hour indices. This has the effect of increasing the diameter of the lume in the markers, making them appear larger at night... Below you can see what I'm talking about What do you guys think? Does this make sense? Cutting down on material saves cash, it's like stripping out a car.. and why spend resources on something that is no more.. V, 2009, 16570 - THICK indices markers Random, 2011, 16570 - THIN indicies markers Random, 2011, 216570 - THICK indicies markers __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

12 September 2011, 11:44 PM	#9
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	Thicker all the way. No doubt! __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

13 September 2011, 01:44 AM	#14
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,258	I perfer the thick markers. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

13 September 2011, 08:50 AM	#20
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,906	That EXII42 looks great. Is that your watch? __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

12 September 2011, 11:03 PM	#2
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	oh no.... these 16570 Random serial thin indices marker dials will be the next internet hype

12 September 2011, 11:05 PM	#3
Cru Jones 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: CET Posts: 36,251	i think i prefer the thicker indices....what i know i don't like about the thinner ones is that they no longer march the thickness of the hands. thinning both could maybe make sense, but, thinning only the indices gives too much prominence, IMO, to the hands.

12 September 2011, 11:41 PM	#8
dpkong "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Don Location: Borneo Watch: it! Posts: 863	the "thick dial" is much nicer indeed.

12 September 2011, 11:46 PM	#10
odis84 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 36	I knew it! I picked up on this a couple months back looking at an ad for a random s/n model in the classifieds. Never saved the pic and one hasn't come up in a while. Great job for the proper comparison pics. Any idea if this was done on the black dial models too? EXPII-semi-maxi

13 September 2011, 12:36 AM	#12
tomchicago Banned Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Watch: 16710BLRO, 214270. Posts: 2,717	Pretty cool! Never noticed! I think the thin are neat only if for novelty value.

13 September 2011, 12:43 AM	#13
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,749	I'll take thick. Thank you.

13 September 2011, 01:52 AM	#15
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Thick matches hands better, and provides more contrast on the white dial. Glad to see the new model has thick.

13 September 2011, 04:06 AM	#16
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	Thick for me, goes better with the hands and also gives the watch a better contrast. Nice find BTW, never heard of that before When it comes to Rolex I guess old is always better.

13 September 2011, 04:20 AM	#17
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,062	couldnt care less ,,, but those tonka hands are just a bit too early learning center for me . ym hands were chunky enough thankyou.

13 September 2011, 04:29 AM	#19
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	I just realized that if you down the line would need a service dial, you would get the thin one since its the last one for this model. I best keep my current dial safe from the scary world outside

13 September 2011, 09:02 AM	#22
Onikage "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: England Watch: 16710, 16628 Posts: 7,757	Sorry I had to do it. Attached Images __________________ GMT II 16710 TRADITIONAL ( D- Serial #) ROLEXFANBOY P-Club Member #4

13 September 2011, 12:42 PM	#24
DT14 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Dallas Watch: Daytona, Explorer Posts: 218	anyone know if the same "thick or thin" distinction also appears on the black dial Exp II's? If so, did they change during same time period?

13 September 2011, 01:04 PM	#25
Atomant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fernwood Posts: 3,455	Interesting observation I'd go with the thick. __________________ 116613LN 16600SD 16610LV 116710 16710 16570 Speedy 3570.50 PAM25 Oris TT1 and a bunch of G-Shocks. Flipped: Daytona 116520 Seamaster 2231.80

13 September 2011, 03:02 PM	#26
toolr 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northwest Posts: 1,391	Thin or thick is fine with me

13 September 2011, 07:10 PM	#29
Jannal "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 685	I prefer the thick indices / markers, looks proportion to the min / hourly hands. __________________ Bell & Ross: BRS-98S / Benrus: Type 1 silver, black Casio: G-Shock GW-5000U / GW-5000-1JF / DW-5000SP 20th / DW-5600C-9CV Maratac: GMT / Pilot / Marathon: Navigator / Panerai: Luminor 000i Seiko: SBGX117 / SBGX335

13 September 2011, 09:36 PM	#30
toolr 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northwest Posts: 1,391	It also appears that the 16570 random serial number watches in addition to the thin surrounds also have AR coating under the cyclops. When viewed under a light the reflection in the cyclops is blue vice white. The date is also very easy to read under all conditions unlike my GMT-ll 16710 and Subdate 16610. Interesting changes for a watch that is at it's final run.

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