Should I replace the orange hand on my '78 EXP II

[rjsnook1]

I own a 1978 Explorer II that was my father's and has been worn full time for the last 29+ years and the orange 24 hr hand has faded to almost the same color as the other hands.
Question 1: Where can I buy a reasonably priced aftermarket replica orange hand to replace the worn one in my watch?
Question 2: Will replacing the hand with a less costly aftermarket version --- of course to be done by my ROLEX authorized / certified AD --- diminish the value of the watch (not that I'm going to sell it) in any significant way?

Thanks in advance for anything anyone can share on this detail.

BTW, my father paid US $595. for the new EXP II in 1978 in Gaineville, Florida at the ROLEX AD there, Lawtons Jewelers!

[Welshwatchman]

I am thinking out loud here.

Since Rolex US are pissy about servicing watches more than 30 years old isn't NOW the time to get it off for RSA servicing with instructions to retain all parts except the hand in question.

That was you could get the proper hand fitted for the lowest price for the part (assuming they would be megabucks in the vintage arena) and proper service papers to boot.

A good investment?

[f16570]

Do not replace anything on the watch. It is great as it is.
Post some pictures, have it serviced and wear it for at least 29 years yourself.

[daveathall]

Agreed, the magic is to wear it as your father did before you.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF, Ray!

I agree. Please don't mess with your Explorer II. You might want to get it serviced, but be sure that the hands and dials are not exchanged.

Please post a pic!

[mike]

Don't touch it!!

[Tools]

I'll only answer question #2.

Yes...changing out the hand...ESPECIALLY with an aftermarket hand will dramatically decrease the value of your watch.. As a matter of fact, the only one who would buy it from you afterward would have to be someone completely non-knowledgable about the Rolex products..


Also, you will NOT get an authorised AD or Rolex Service Center to put an aftermarket hand on your watch...

. Your watch is the most valulable the way it is..

. Second best is a very good refinish on the hand in question

. Third would be a Service replacement hand from a Rolex Factory Service Center..

[lildragon]

Don't mess with it! Keep it the same and wear it proud as your father did before you! You're a lucky guy to have one handed down to you.

[Spark]

As a fellow 1655 owner I too would suggest you leave your watch exactly as it is.
It probably deserves a good service, but leave as much cosmetic stuff as original as possible.
By the way you mention the price and the jewellers your Dad purchased the watch from, if this means you have the box and original papers you are a very lucky guy
Wear it in good health.

[PhilM]

All the best advice has already been given, I'm just beeing selfish and would love to see some pics of the Explorer II

[Scooby]

Ray - if for no other reason, don't change a thing about the dial or the hands on that watch, and it hasnothing to do with value. I have my father's GMT dating back to the late 60's (it's my avatar pic). I had it serviced and made sure to keep the dial as is. I wanted to be sure that every time I looked at the watch, I saw exactly what he did. It makes a special connection, keeps him somewhat alive and at least near my thoughts most days.

Enjoy your father's watch as he did.

[jac67]

The only thing I will suggest is that you buy a set of NOS or good used ORIGINAL hands for your 1655. Sometimes, just the orange hand is available.

They come up occasionaly. Place a WTB (wanted to buy) ad either here or VRM (Vintage Rolex Market). Try "tuscanyrose" (John Buckley), he is on VRF/VRM. They won't be cheap though.

But what ever you do, DO NOT get rid/trade or the original ones.


John.

[rjsnook1]

Okay, here's a pic of my old EXP II.

The watch been serviced regularly by certified techs at local south Florida Rolex AD's several times over the past 29 years and most recently just last month. I get it done every 4 years as this is my everyday watch that gets a LOT of outdoor use (sportfishing, diving, etc.). It has NEVER failed on me in the field and keeps perfect time. As u can see the original orange hand has no color left in it at all and hasn't been orange since I came to own it 10 years ago when my father died. It's definitely my lucky watch that's been on my wrist through a lot of memorable events in my life and I'm looking forward to having it on for many more. I do wish the original orange hand was still orange though and that's why I was interested in replacing it but I didn't really want to spend a lot of $$$ to do so.
BTW, the bracelet is my second since the original one was damaged when I got the watch from my mother. It's an aftermarket made in Italy bracelet that is an excellent work of Rolex replica art IMO.
My lovely wife also wears a nice ladies DJ with a pink MOP dial and a full carat of diamonds around the bezel & stainless & 18K jubilee bracelet. Cheers to all of you on this great Rolex forum!

[Lol-x]

You can get your old bracelet refirbished.
The main thing to preserve the value of your watch is not to change the original hands. As much as you want to see the orange triangle 24hr hand, it would be a mistake to loose the original hands to your watch. But this is ultimately up to you.
You can buy aftermarket hands:
http://www.classicwatchparts.com/cat...6m571kembbhm16

But it is very important that you keep your original hands to restore to your watch when the day arrives to return the watch back to it's original condition.
Alternatively, check on e-bay sometimes those hands are for sale.

[koronet-kid]

you dont need to touch it it looks great as it is. just have the movement serviced and light refinish of case & bracelet. and enjoy wearing it. BTW your father has great taste.

regards sean

[vukotab]

I wouldn`t touch anything on that beauty!
Sometimes things are just perfect the way they are,with all their little faults and imperfections!