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crombie · 12 May 2010, 02:17 AM

Lot of recent activity on this forum regarding the Explorer II (16750). My question is, what years of production did the Ex II case come without the lug holes? Was this produced because of looks, or was there another reason?

Tools · 12 May 2010, 02:24 AM

Lug holes stopped in about 2003 on most rolex models and the Exp II was no exception... The only lug hole case left is the 14060..

I'm sure the reason was simply cosmetics........

padi56 · 12 May 2010, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crombie

Lot of recent activity on this forum regarding the Explorer II (16750). My question is, what years of production did the Ex II case come without the lug holes? Was this produced because of looks, or was there another reason?

Around 2002 end of Y series early 2003 the non lug hole cases started to make there appearence on most models. The non date sub still has a lug hole case, myself prefer a lug hole case its much easier to swap from a bracelet to strap if needed.

Dr. Robert · 12 May 2010, 03:09 AM

Would it be possible for a competent watchmaker w/ the right tools to drill lug holes in a ss Rolex w/out lug holes???????

padi56 · 12 May 2010, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Would it be possible for a competent watchmaker w/ the right tools to drill lug holes in a ss Rolex w/out lug holes???????

Well any competent machinist could drill the hole though the case no need of a watchmaker.

crombie · 12 May 2010, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Around 2002 end of Y series early 2003 the non lug hole cases started to make there appearence on most models. The non date sub still has a lug hole case, myself prefer a lug hole case its much easier to swap from a bracelet to strap if needed.

I agree, it does make it easier (another reason I like my subs). I enjoy swapping out straps/bracelets depending on how I'm going to wear the watch (dress/work related). some of us just aren't happy with the way they were meant to be worn!

Dr. Robert · 12 May 2010, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Well any competent machinist could drill the hole though the case no need of a watchmaker.

Would anything need changing??? Springbars, etc.....????

padi56 · 12 May 2010, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Would anything need changing??? Springbars, etc.....????

Yes you would need the normal Rolex lug hole springbars

Dr. Robert · 12 May 2010, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Yes you would need the normal Rolex lug hole springbars

Reason I asked, Padi....is that I am picking up a used explorer 1 that doesn't have them(lug holes) & was wondering if it would work?? Just get different spring bars &.....what about the bracelet?? Would anything have to be changed??

AndersB · 12 May 2010, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Well any competent machinist could drill the hole though the case no need of a watchmaker.

Not sure just anyone should try this though... The most difficult thing maybe is to make sure the drill (coming in from the outside of the lugs) hits the existing hole on the inside just right. It's like digging a tunnel from either side of the mountain (or whatever) and making sure the two meet in the middle.

And the edges of the holes mustn't be rough.

JJ Irani · 12 May 2010, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndersB

Not sure just anyone should try this though... The most difficult thing maybe is to make sure the drill (coming in from the outside of the lugs) hits the existing hole on the inside just right. It's like digging a tunnel from either side of the mountain (or whatever) and making sure the two meet in the middle.

And the edges of the holes mustn't be rough.

Have to agree there. Precision is the name of the game.........and if the holes are "out" by even a very small fraction of a millimeter, you will have problems.

I wouldn't touch it.

JJ

George Ab · 12 May 2010, 04:07 AM

I prefer the cosmetics of the no hole. Not sure why one would want to modify a watch to look like an older watch. It would effect resale as you have a non-standard watch. May want to consider laying down until the urge to “drill baby drill” into your Rolex goes away.

sakuraba · 12 May 2010, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Would it be possible for a competent watchmaker w/ the right tools to drill lug holes in a ss Rolex w/out lug holes???????

Even if the lug holes are drilled, a non-holed case would have a "T" suffix on its model number. Flipping it down the road would produce questions.

Christiaan · 12 May 2010, 05:14 AM

F serials were the first non lug holes...

12 May 2010, 02:17 AM	#1
crombie "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 246	Explorer II Lug Hole Question Lot of recent activity on this forum regarding the Explorer II (16750). My question is, what years of production did the Ex II case come without the lug holes? Was this produced because of looks, or was there another reason?

12 May 2010, 02:24 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Lug holes stopped in about 2003 on most rolex models and the Exp II was no exception... The only lug hole case left is the 14060.. I'm sure the reason was simply cosmetics........ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

12 May 2010, 03:09 AM	#4
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,258	Would it be possible for a competent watchmaker w/ the right tools to drill lug holes in a ss Rolex w/out lug holes??????? __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

12 May 2010, 04:07 AM	#12
George Ab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: George Location: Seattle Watch: One of Them Posts: 6,924	I prefer the cosmetics of the no hole. Not sure why one would want to modify a watch to look like an older watch. It would effect resale as you have a non-standard watch. May want to consider laying down until the urge to “drill baby drill” into your Rolex goes away. __________________

12 May 2010, 05:14 AM	#14
Christiaan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Christiaan Location: Fort Mill, SC Watch: 67' Breitling Navi Posts: 1,617	F serials were the first non lug holes... __________________ "Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities" Frank Lloyd Wright. "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been and there you will long to return." DaVinci

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