Blacked-out MAD Paris Gulf Rolex Explorer II, questions, questions...

[Zeus6542]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

You might already know this but MAD is a company that customizes watches. Maybe write to them and see what they know about it.

I did reach out, but got "Good Afternoon, Thank you for your feedback.

Unfortunately we are not able to give you any information about the ‘history’ of the watch :(

Congratulations anyway on this stunning piece !

Kindest regards,

MAD TEAM"

Ha!

[Chiboy]

Wow, I'm loving the new kinder, gentler TRF! I was expecting bullets to fly!

[Cwillis0001]

I like it. I never understood the the hostility to modified anything, Rolex included. I like personalized things. I think it looks great.

[Zeus6542]

Originally Posted by Batchelor22

Have no info, but great looking watch!!

Originally Posted by Zeus6542

Thanks! I think so too.

Originally Posted by madgpol

Like the watch case but not sure the bracelet works. Think that cheapens the look. On a Nato it would work better imho

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

I really like the look.

Originally Posted by epicurus

I love it

Originally Posted by Moose500

I think it is pretty cool! Love the Gulf logo on the dial.

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

These MAD Paris watches should sell for a premium secondhand.

Personally I dig their work.

Originally Posted by dannyboy123

I quite like that.

Originally Posted by dannyboy123

Very unique. Some of these customised offerings are very very cool. I know not everyone likes them but the world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same things.

Originally Posted by Soultime

I normally really don't like the custom jobs - but I think that actually works well.

Very legible too.

Originally Posted by Cwillis0001

I like it. I never understood the the hostility to modified anything, Rolex included. I like personalized things. I think it looks great.

Thanks everyone. I come from the world of Porsche and yes, variety over there is certainly the spice of life. I really like this watch and the story behind it, had it check by a watch smith, and bought it. I enjoy it immensely but I think a Bond Nato strap would look very good on it. I've since removed the bracelet and back cover to confirm the 3186 movement. It's all there.

My thoughts are that someone took their late 2006 Explorer II back face to MAD Paris, where they coated it, stamped the dial with the orange GULF, then added early period Mark I hands (no lollipop, orange Freccione ("Arrow") 24-hour) and added their logo to the back case. That's as much as I can tell.

Thanks again, everyone.

[MYK]

Not usually a fan of modded Rolex, but this one looks great and the story makes up for it. Sorry, no actual info to share just wanted to say congratulations! :)

[Daveclock]

The hands look quite crude, don't you think they are pattern or aftermarket.

Some while ago there was a similar one sold in UK on ebay - I seem to remember it was a minor football players awarded watch. It was also blacked out. Sold for appx. same money as normal version at the time.

I think they look quite good, but can't imagine someone paying to have it done to a perfectly good watch.

I be RSC gets a headache thinking about how to reply to "service please!"

[jlovda]

I love those original "stick" hands.

[RustyW]

I agree re: the hands. Love the old style. If they made the modern EX II look like the old McQueen version, I would be all in on it.

[jets]

Looks like one the best replicas I have ever seen.

[Zeus6542]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

Wow, I'm loving the new kinder, gentler TRF! I was expecting bullets to fly!

Me too! :)

[Zeus6542]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

The hands look quite crude, don't you think they are pattern or aftermarket.

Some while ago there was a similar one sold in UK on ebay - I seem to remember it was a minor football players awarded watch. It was also blacked out. Sold for appx. same money as normal version at the time.

I think they look quite good, but can't imagine someone paying to have it done to a perfectly good watch.

I be RSC gets a headache thinking about how to reply to "service please!"

Ha! The hands are actually pretty good when examined closely with a loop, but I don't think they are Rolex OEM.

And servicing? I think I'll go to an independent. :)

Originally Posted by jlovda

I love those original "stick" hands.

Yes, me too. There early Explorer II Mark I style.

Originally Posted by RustyW

I agree re: the hands. Love the old style. If they made the modern EX II look like the old McQueen version, I would be all in on it.

Yep.

Originally Posted by jets

Looks like one the best replicas I have ever seen.

Ha! Yes, my concern too. But I keep checking in and there's a enough plus-points about it that make me consider it's real.

3186 movement = Rolex
2006 serial number
Bracelet proper for year

But...
No rehaut etching = ?? I've read earlier post here that reaut lettering COULD be on and off back in those years.
Etched crystal at 6 o'clock = ??

Size = measured 39mm with a micrometer, but the 16570 should be 40mm? But the 3186 is in it.

So yes, there are some questions about it's authenticity.

The search continues...

[Zeus6542]

Weight, full watch and locking bracelet: 124 gm.

Could one of you with a 16570 please weight yours and post?

TIA (thanks in advance).

JP

[Zeus6542]

Anybody have the wt. (grams) of your 16570 Explorer? Thanks!

[Zeus6542]

No worries, mates. Found it.

"The Explorer II 16570 is a very comfortable watch, and if you consider the new generation Explorer II too large, you'll consider the 16570 perfect in size. It is also quite lightweight at 124 grams.

Rolex Explorer II 16570 a Complete Review - Millenary Watches"