Which is Stronger....Drilled-Through Lugs vs Non Drilled-Through

[Jason71]

I have finally gotten to the bottom of this issue. My wife was really awesome to me this Christmas and she decided to buy me a Rolex of my choosing (within Reason). I have wanted something to take snow-skiing, backpacking, hiking, etc. I decided on a 16570 Polar Exp II. IMHO, this watch is WAY UNDERVALUED compared to some of the other sports models. I mean.....3185 movement just like the GMT II, but >30% less (many times) in price. I searched and searched for the one that I wanted, and ultimately I have ALWAYS wanted a sports Rolex with fixed bars. I decided upon a Z-serial 16570 because I figured I could install shoulderless bars and it would be a "poor man's fixed bar" watch.

This is where I had a little problem. I went to install bars that I already had in stock that fit my 14060M, 16600, 16610, 5513, 1680, etc......all of which have drilled through lugs. The bars that I had in stock (20mm x 2mm x 1.2mm ends) DIDN'T FIT!!! The lug holes on the Z-serial 16570 are 1mm instead of the 1.2mm

Anyways, not only do the bars NOT extend through and through the lug like the drilled through lug watches, but it is also nearly 20% smaller in diameter vs its older counterpart.

I would like to think that I am SO EXTREME with my outdoor sports and exploring that this slight change in design is actually going to matter. When I am hanging over a cliff with my MARATAC NATO keeping me from certain death only because my bars extend further through the Lug and they are 1.2mm instead of only 1mm.........I'll be so GLAD.

I am sure this will be strong enough for anything I will be doing. Overall, I am happy with my new watch. I think I still prefer the drilled-through lug watches, but this watch is pretty dang cool also........as close to a fixed bar Rolex as I will ever likely get.

I give you my Z-serial 16570 Polar

[Cajones]

I like.

[rle737ng]

Beautiful.

[JimSnyder]

You know those bars are gonna eat at ya It looks great. You'll enjoy it. Merry Christmas

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

You know those bars are gonna eat at ya It looks great. You'll enjoy it. Merry Christmas

Good chance of that

This is an exercise in controlling my OCD. So far, it is working pretty well. I have been wearing this watch all week and the issue with the smaller-end bars isn't really bothering me.......much.

[JimSnyder]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Good chance of that

This is an exercise in controlling my OCD. So far, it is working pretty well. I have been wearing this watch all week and the issue with the smaller-end bars isn't really bothering me.......much.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Good chance of that

This is an exercise in controlling my OCD. So far, it is working pretty well. I have been wearing this watch all week and the issue with the smaller-end bars isn't really bothering me.......much.

You are WAY past that point J.

But I prefer the lug holes for reasons you have given + the ease of change.

[busytimmy]

Cool watch indeed. Nicely done!

[locutus49]

There is a Buddhist saying: Superman is stronger than Batman. Great watch.

[SALTY]

Very nice rig you're running there.

[dysondiver]

very smart looking

[tkerrmd]

Awesome Jason!! Congrats!!

[Old Expat Beast]

Interesting post snd great looking combo, Jason. Kind of early to be opening xmas presents though

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Interesting post snd great looking combo, Jason. Kind of early to be opening xmas presents though

She's let me open it to make sure it's authentic......I'm not really supposed to be wearing it........Much..

[sleddog]

Nice pickup Jason, and great to see you with something other than another Diver!!

Love it on the Maratac strap by the way, congrats and enjoy!!

[cop414]

Looks great Jason!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Jason71

This is where I had a little problem. I went to install bars that I already had in stock that fit my 14060M, 16600, 16610, 5513, 1680, etc......all of which have drilled through lugs. The bars that I had in stock (20mm x 2mm x 1.2mm ends) DIDN'T FIT!!! The lug holes on the Z-serial 16570 are 1mm instead of the 1.2mm

Anyways, not only do the bars NOT extend through and through the lug like the drilled through lug watches, but it is also nearly 20% smaller in diameter vs its older counterpart.

Great information; great watch and congratulations!!!

[james1787]

Looks AWESOME!! Congrats! Love the nato strap on it..

[Angrypuppy]

I'm curious in the answer to the technical part of your post. I'm trying to find a 16710 and was hoping for lug holes, but the non lug hole watches seen to be a lot more prevalent. It probably makes no real difference but I'd be curious to no the breaking strength of each design.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Angrypuppy

I'm curious in the answer to the technical part of your post. I'm trying to find a 16710 and was hoping for lug holes, but the non lug hole watches seen to be a lot more prevalent. It probably makes no real difference but I'd be curious to no the breaking strength of each design.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OCD kicking-in......must resist......
I wish I had the answer, but I don't. I guess it would be dependent on the 1.2mm vs the 1mm ends and also the reduction in length extending into the lug.

BTW......Don't settle. If you want a 16710 with drilled-through lugs, get one. My advice would be to look for something around a K-serial. Drilled through lugs and SELs....best of both worlds. Also, don't fret about it having the Coke, Pepsi, or Black insert.....buy whatever watch is in the best condition that you can afford regardless of bezel insert color. The insert is easy enough to replace and you will likely want to end-up with at least a coke and a Pepsi insert anyways.

[DocJekl]

Originally Posted by Jason71

OCD kicking-in......must resist......
I wish I had the answer, but I don't. I guess it would be dependent on the 1.2mm vs the 1mm ends and also the reduction in length extending into the lug.

BTW......Don't settle. If you want a 16710 with drilled-through lugs, get one. My advice would be to look for something around a K-serial. Drilled through lugs and SELs....best of both worlds. Also, don't fret about it having the Coke, Pepsi, or Black insert.....buy whatever watch is in the best condition that you can afford regardless of bezel insert color. The insert is easy enough to replace and you will likely want to end-up with at least a coke and a Pepsi insert anyways.

I have a P serial (I think) Coke bezel 16710 from the year 2000, and it's got lug holes, solid end links, and Superluminova- so perfect.

But where can I buy extra genuine Rolex bezel inserts that didn't come with the watch?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by larryganz

I have a P serial (I think) Coke bezel 16710 from the year 2000, and it's got lug holes, solid end links, and Superluminova- so perfect.

But where can I buy extra genuine Rolex bezel inserts that didn't come with the watch?

Sometimes an AD will sell you one, and they are also for sale here on the forums. You have to pay a bit of a premium, but well worth it IMHO.

[brandrea]

Looks fantastic,

[Rashid.bk]

Thats a cool watch and some good info regarding the springbar sizing.
Congrats of course.

[Vincent65]

Nice gift, mate - congrats. I think it looks great, and is generally an under-rated ref. I agree. I personally prefer the older drilled-through lug-holes and spring-bar set-up; for me it looks more 'tool', and is secure and easy to change.

How about a red NATO on that to match the 24hr hand, in the absence of any orange?!

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Nice gift, mate - congrats. I think it looks great, and is generally an under-rated ref. I agree. I personally prefer the older drilled-through lug-holes and spring-bar set-up; for me it looks more 'tool', and is secure and easy to change.

How about a red NATO on that to match the 24hr hand, in the absence of any orange?!

I have a red strap, it just isn't as good quality as the MARATACs. I just wish the MARATACs were in a few more colors. Where else can you get a Rolex with the GMT complication and the 3185 movement for less than $3,000??? I think these are a real bargain right now.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by locutus49

There is a Buddhist saying: Superman is stronger than Batman. Great watch.

Originally Posted by Jason71

I have a red strap, it just isn't as good quality as the MARATACs. I just wish the MARATACs were in a few more colors. Where else can you get a Rolex with the GMT complication and the 3185 movement for less than $3,000??? I think these are a real bargain right now.

FWIW, a rotating bezel is not really a complication.

Still, your point is well taken...

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

FWIW, a rotating bezel is not really a complication.

Still, your point is well taken...

Honestly, I have no idea what you are referring to since the Exp II bezel doesn't rotate. I was referring to the complication of the 'jump' hour hand.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Honestly, I have no idea what you are referring to since the Exp II bezel doesn't rotate. I was referring to the complication of the 'jump' hour hand.

I stand corrected.

I haven't handled a GMT in years (like 30!) so I had completely forgotten about that.

As Emily Litella would say, "Never mind"... < me

[bbressler]

Great watch and perfect for those outdoor activities you mentioned. Looks good on that orange Nato too!