Explorer I handset on 116000 Oyster Perpetual

[IREZUMI]

Having made such a Great improvement to the watch,would this modification affect the value of the watch? Personally looks wise it should make it more desirable but maybe this would be an issue.
I would hate to think it would be a problem as I would love to get this done to my watch.

[tylerad1]

That 116000 looks great either way!

[rusty427]

Thanks guys, I thought this thread died.
Yes I really like the watch now 100%. I can tell the time at a glance. The lume works well too and is a good match. I can actually read the time in the wee hours.
It is interesting how the hand completely change the look, they actually complement the dial perfectly when the light plays of the indices.
I don't see how you could devalue the watch, as long as you keep the original hands.
Thank again for all your positive remarks. It was a big decision to modify it.
A couple more iPhone shots.

[Evo6]

Devalue? PM me if you ever want to sell it ;)

[Outrlimit]

Originally Posted by rusty427

Thanks guys, I thought this thread died.
Yes I really like the watch now 100%. I can tell the time at a glance. The lume works well too and is a good match. I can actually read the time in the wee hours.
It is interesting how the hand completely change the look, they actually complement the dial perfectly when the light plays of the indices.
I don't see how you could devalue the watch, as long as you keep the original hands.
Thank again for all your positive remarks. It was a big decision to modify it.
A couple more iPhone shots.

This is how the hands should fit on a 214270...

[Mr. K]

I have the exact same watch and after looking at yours, you got me thinking. Your watch looks so damn nice!

[DCheeta]

That might be my favorite Rolex mod. Well done!

[wrightbrain]

Originally Posted by Outrlimit

This is how the hands should fit on a 214270...

x2

[Ullsen]

Hi Rusty!

Had to register just to say how much I love the idea that pics of my watch inspired you to go for the modification yourself

Now two "OPs" have the perfect look! One in Australia. One in Germany. How cool is that

btw: Increased legibility was the exact reason why the original owner of my watch had the Explorer hands installed.

Here's one more, just for you:


All the best,
Ulli

[rusty427]

Hey Ulli!
Thanks for dropping in. I'm glad you still have the watch, I think got your picture from a German forum quite awhile ago, good forum by the way, I use google translate.
The OP is a keeper for me now with these hands, unique and super cool.
I love how the blue dial always catches the light differently, no two pictures alike.
Cheers Mate :)

[Loevhagen]

Thanks for the images - and the lume image. Brilliant. I am doing the same thing.

[Jake B]

SUPER...I love yiur watch!

[jt-]

Wow, beautiful, how it should look. So is this a 34mm OP? Looks very proportionate on both your wrists.

[nfld]

Originally Posted by Evo6

Honestly if Rolex sold this combo with the word "Explorer" on the dial I think they'd have a new best seller.

I agree....I'd buy one

[ChicagoPhil]

I wonder if this mod would work on a 34mm? Im guessing the dial of the 34 and 36 are the same size.

[Ullsen]

Originally Posted by jt-

Wow, beautiful, how it should look. So is this a 34mm OP? Looks very proportionate on both your wrists.

Hi John, the case is 36mm.

Originally Posted by nfld

I agree....I'd buy one

Rolex actually sold the OP with a black dial (for a pic follow the link in post #10). They took it off the market after a while - too close to the Explorer probably (and cheaper too although it already had the higher quality clasp). If you found and "modded" this version you'd be almost there ;)

Cheers
Ulli

[Schneeflocke]

Originally Posted by ChicagoPhil

I wonder if this mod would work on a 34mm? Im guessing the dial of the 34 and 36 are the same size.

I honestly think the 116000 is a tad bigger.

[bigwatchman]

Cool. Explorer without the triangle at the 12. It works. Nice idea v

[tucsonrick]

Rolex should offer an option like this on several of their watches - OP, Datejust, etc. - for exactly the reason you mentioned. I've worn the same Datejust since 1968 but now I have trouble reading it especially in lower light, and there is no good option unless I want to go to one of the sport watches. This makes too much sense.

[Mr. K]

Australia and German, I want to join the club in the USA. I have the same blue face 36mm OP as well. But where does one buy the hands? Gotta be OEM Rolex. But Rolex is so tight on parts in the US.

Any suggestions?

[rusty427]

I got mine from a TRF member.
PM sent.

[Blingtone]

I was thinking of joining the club here in the UK (for the same legibility reasons) - I also have the same blue face 36mm OP (with the earlier thinner hands).
However, it's very difficult to get the hands here and I would only consider OEM Rolex parts, but Rolex is so tight on parts in the UK too.

Any suggestions?

[Johny]

Originally Posted by rusty427

I got mine from a TRF member.
PM sent.

that's a great mod. rusty.

[time]

Found this when searching 116000. Nice pictures. How much is for the Explorer handset?

[Evo6]

Just finished putting together one of these and all I have to say is WOW! This is now one of my favorite watches that I've ever owned! It's way more svelte and versatile than I would have imagined and I actually kind of prefer the crown to the explorer triangle. Also the dial is so variable, vibrant blue in sunlight to nearly black indoors, it's just mesmerizing. The fully lumed numerals also make legibility superb in the dark. Oh and strap choices! The bracelet is of course the superb updated one (I've even added an easylink!) but man, it works so well on NATOs, leather, perlon. I even modified my navy RubberB and it's fantastic! As far as the hands I bought them here for around a $100, and that is also what it cost me to have a Rolex trained watchmaker install them and pressure test. This watch is probably my new daily wear, so great!

[dafuture]

That really looks beautiful. Too bad Rolex doesn't make them that way from the factory. I love the blue sunburst dial.

[SubmarinerSA]

Like it ! I fully get the need for legibility. Hit 50 and found my arms were too short !

[javier]

Congrats, I did the same. !!!

[KBM]

Wow, that looks incredible!

[rusty427]

Looking good guys