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Touring · 14 August 2013, 12:04 PM

Tried the search but couldn't find my answer.

Lately, I've been itching for a watch with a GMT hand and have narrowed it down to the GMT Master-II (116710LN) or the previous gen Explorer II (16570). I tried on the new version of the Exp II and although my puny 7 inch wrists could seemingly pull it off, it looked a bit cartoonish to me (had a feeling I'd think it was too big in a few years). Leaning towards the 16570 because it flies under the radar a bit more than the GMT Master-II, which has that classic Rolex-style bezel....which is now shiny ceramic.

I've managed to locate a 16570 NOS at a dealer. However, it is the black dial version (I prefer the polar). The SA mentioned over the phone that he could contact Rolex to see if they'd swap the dial and said it would be done at no cost, which is news to me because everything I've read says otherwise.

I was wondering if I would have to swap the hands as well, but it's hard to tell from online photos. In some, the black dial version's hands appear to have silver outline while in other photos, they appear black like on the polar Exp II. Can anyone clarify?

If I wanted to replace both the dial and the hands, any idea what the estimated cost would be?

Thanks in advance.

kbutler1 · 14 August 2013, 12:52 PM

Willing to bet a trusted seller on this site could help you out with a polar 16570

ecsub44 · 14 August 2013, 01:08 PM

Black dial has white gold hands/surrounds.

White dial has black painted hands/surrounds.

There are some white dialed watches with white gold hands floating around...so you won't be completely out of the ballpark with that choice.

Touring · 14 August 2013, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

There are some white dialed watches with white gold hands floating around...so you won't be completely out of the ballpark with that choice.

How did these variations come about? Are they modded or did the white dial come with them standard at one point?

77T · 14 August 2013, 11:49 PM

They were mod'd...

capote · 15 August 2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

How did these variations come about? Are they modded or did the white dial come with them standard at one point?

Yes at some point, maybe the earlier model 16550.

ecsub44 · 15 August 2013, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

They were mod'd...

I thought that some of the early examples of cream rail dials did indeed have white gold hands/surrounds?

Not true?

azguy · 15 August 2013, 12:35 AM

The 16570 is very stealthy and flies under the radar well. If you can get the dial and hands swapped for nothing why not. Otherwise I would shop for a nice pre-loved one, they are out there.

Touring · 15 August 2013, 01:34 AM

If they'll swap both the hands and dial free of charge, I will definitely pick it up. Just wanted to verify the correct color of the hands so that I can negotiate their inclusion if they differed between the black and white dial models. Based on the above, if I want a "stock" polar Exp II, I'll have to try and swing both.

Macro · 15 August 2013, 03:30 AM

I agree the older Explorer II wears better.

Watch may need service if the dial and hands are swapped - are they doing this for free too?

Will you also need some form of paperwork to confirm Rolex made the changes?

ecsub44 · 15 August 2013, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

They were mod'd...

Looks like these are original...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...r+II+version--

77T · 15 August 2013, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I thought that some of the early examples of cream rail dials did indeed have white gold hands/surrounds?

Not true?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Looks like these are original...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...r+II+version--

I was actually talking about the NOS the OP asked about + someone's recollection of seeing an Expl.II Polar with WG hands - wasn't really making an all encompassing statement about older vintage era ones.

Any current era 40mm Expl.II with WG hands on Polar dial has been mod'd methinks.

NKflyer · 15 August 2013, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

I was actually talking about the NOS the OP asked about + someone's recollection of seeing an Expl.II Polar with WG hands - wasn't really making an all encompassing statement about older vintage era ones.

Any current era 40mm Expl.II with WG hands on Polar dial has been mod'd methinks.

Some of the early 16550's (the slightly thicker but very similar predecessor to the 16570) did indeed have white dials and WG hands as original however the metal surrounding the lume plots on the dial was also WG. White gold hands with black outlined plots on the dial is going to look goofy.

My advice to the OP would be to purchase a white dial watch to begin with. There are a ton available for sale in all ages and price ranges.

77T · 15 August 2013, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Some of the early 16550's (the slightly thicker but very similar predecessor to the 16570) did indeed have white dials and WG hands as original however the metal surrounding the lume plots on the dial was also WG. White gold hands with black outlined plots on the dial is going to look goofy.

My advice to the OP would be to purchase a white dial watch to begin with. There are a ton available for sale in all ages and price ranges.

Right - but we are talking about a NOS 16570 don't you think?

ecsub44 · 15 August 2013, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

I was actually talking about the NOS the OP asked about + someone's recollection of seeing an Expl.II Polar with WG hands - wasn't really making an all encompassing statement about older vintage era ones.

Any current era 40mm Expl.II with WG hands on Polar dial has been mod'd methinks.

Gotcha. I wasn't limiting the question to just NOS in reference to hands, just because the OP wanted to change the dial.

I wasn't certain if my recollection of WG polar dials was correct.

I guess we're both right!

NKflyer · 15 August 2013, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77T

Right - but we are talking about a NOS 16570 don't you think?

Yes, of course. A white dial 16570 should have black hands and black plot surrounds. Anything else has been altered.

But if someone remembers seeing an white Explorer II with WG hands, it may have been a watch from the prior reference and the they maybe didn't realize it.

77T · 15 August 2013, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Yes, of course. A white dial 16570 should have black hands and black plot surrounds. Anything else has been altered.

But if someone remembers seeing an white Explorer II with WG hands, it may have been a watch from the prior reference and the they maybe didn't realize it.

Yes agree

77T · 15 August 2013, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Gotcha. I wasn't limiting the question to just NOS in reference to hands, just because the OP wanted to change the dial.

I wasn't certain if my recollection of WG polar dials was correct.

I guess we're both right!

Roger that

77T · 15 August 2013, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Tried the search but couldn't find my answer.

If I wanted to replace both the dial and the hands, any idea what the estimated cost would be?

Thanks in advance.

Figure $400-500 for a pre owned dial and 100-200 for hands. TRF and eBay are sources but be sure you have a trusted seller with references.

Touring · 15 August 2013, 05:02 AM

Although I have not been able to find a NOS polar Exp II, I did manage to locate a NOS black dial at an AD a bit further away from me for an excellent price. A bit weird though because their MSRP was not only higher than the last known MSRP ($6325), but it was $380 higher than my local AD's list...which was also higher than the last known MSRP. When I brought this up, they went and called Rolex Head Office and apparently, the higher MSRP is correct?! Must have been a price bump post-discontinuation?

Regardless, the SA worked with me and I was happy with the final price. I will enjoy the black dial for a little while. If I really want to mod it into a polar, I can wait until it's time to service the watch....then it's like getting a brand new model!

Will post pics when it arrives.

Thanks for the help.

Cc1966 · 15 August 2013, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring

Although I have not been able to find a NOS polar Exp II, I did manage to locate a NOS black dial at an AD a bit further away from me for an excellent price. A bit weird though because their MSRP was not only higher than the last known MSRP ($6325), but it was $380 higher than my local AD's list...which was also higher than the last known MSRP. When I brought this up, they went and called Rolex Head Office and apparently, the higher MSRP is correct?! Must have been a price bump post-discontinuation?

Regardless, the SA worked with me and I was happy with the final price. I will enjoy the black dial for a little while. If I really want to mod it into a polar, I can wait until it's time to service the watch....then it's like getting a brand new model!

Will post pics when it arrives.

Thanks for the help.

Look forward to seeing your "new" model. Glad it worked out for you and was worth the effort.

joe100 · 15 August 2013, 07:00 AM

The 16550 would be great. The truly forgotten sports reference

14 August 2013, 12:04 PM	#1
Touring 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hoth Posts: 1,243	16570 hand colors Tried the search but couldn't find my answer. Lately, I've been itching for a watch with a GMT hand and have narrowed it down to the GMT Master-II (116710LN) or the previous gen Explorer II (16570). I tried on the new version of the Exp II and although my puny 7 inch wrists could seemingly pull it off, it looked a bit cartoonish to me (had a feeling I'd think it was too big in a few years). Leaning towards the 16570 because it flies under the radar a bit more than the GMT Master-II, which has that classic Rolex-style bezel....which is now shiny ceramic. I've managed to locate a 16570 NOS at a dealer. However, it is the black dial version (I prefer the polar). The SA mentioned over the phone that he could contact Rolex to see if they'd swap the dial and said it would be done at no cost, which is news to me because everything I've read says otherwise. I was wondering if I would have to swap the hands as well, but it's hard to tell from online photos. In some, the black dial version's hands appear to have silver outline while in other photos, they appear black like on the polar Exp II. Can anyone clarify? If I wanted to replace both the dial and the hands, any idea what the estimated cost would be? Thanks in advance.

14 August 2013, 01:08 PM	#3
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	Black dial has white gold hands/surrounds. White dial has black painted hands/surrounds. There are some white dialed watches with white gold hands floating around...so you won't be completely out of the ballpark with that choice. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

14 August 2013, 11:49 PM	#5
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,017	They were mod'd... __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

15 August 2013, 07:00 AM	#22
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	The 16550 would be great. The truly forgotten sports reference __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

14 August 2013, 12:52 PM	#2
kbutler1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Colorado Watch: This one Posts: 633	Willing to bet a trusted seller on this site could help you out with a polar 16570

15 August 2013, 12:35 AM	#8
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	The 16570 is very stealthy and flies under the radar well. If you can get the dial and hands swapped for nothing why not. Otherwise I would shop for a nice pre-loved one, they are out there.

15 August 2013, 01:34 AM	#9
Touring 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hoth Posts: 1,243	If they'll swap both the hands and dial free of charge, I will definitely pick it up. Just wanted to verify the correct color of the hands so that I can negotiate their inclusion if they differed between the black and white dial models. Based on the above, if I want a "stock" polar Exp II, I'll have to try and swing both.

15 August 2013, 03:30 AM	#10
Macro Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: UK Posts: 125	I agree the older Explorer II wears better. Watch may need service if the dial and hands are swapped - are they doing this for free too? Will you also need some form of paperwork to confirm Rolex made the changes?

15 August 2013, 05:02 AM	#20
Touring 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Hoth Posts: 1,243	Although I have not been able to find a NOS polar Exp II, I did manage to locate a NOS black dial at an AD a bit further away from me for an excellent price. A bit weird though because their MSRP was not only higher than the last known MSRP ($6325), but it was $380 higher than my local AD's list...which was also higher than the last known MSRP. When I brought this up, they went and called Rolex Head Office and apparently, the higher MSRP is correct?! Must have been a price bump post-discontinuation? Regardless, the SA worked with me and I was happy with the final price. I will enjoy the black dial for a little while. If I really want to mod it into a polar, I can wait until it's time to service the watch....then it's like getting a brand new model! Will post pics when it arrives. Thanks for the help.

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