Custom Left Handed Explorer

[Peej]

I know a lot of people will dissaprove, but I've been thinking about customizing an explorer. I'm a lefty, and I find the overall look of the crown on the left more appealing when on the right wrist.

Has anyone tried to convert a watch to a lefty? The explorer would be simple since it lacks a date wheel and other complications. Also, does anyone know a watchmaker that could perform this?

[Ensign]

Seriously? So you are going to machine and weld an Explorer I? The movement will have to be re engineered, too.

[harvey]

…oh this should be good.

[TheWatchmen]

There’s some watchmakers here that could provide input, but I think it’s a cool idea. Would love to see the finished product.

[prnceofpersia23]

Good luck.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by Peej

I know a lot of people will dissaprove, but I've been thinking about customizing an explorer. I'm a lefty, and I find the overall look of the crown on the left more appealing when on the right wrist.

Has anyone tried to convert a watch to a lefty? The explorer would be simple since it lacks a date wheel and other complications. Also, does anyone know a watchmaker that could perform this?

I would love to see it

Although I am sure Rolex has this filed under their “things we strongly suggest you don’t try” FAQ section

[eddie_b]

I don't believe it will work because of the position of the dial legs. My thought was you could flip the case 180 degrees but keep the dial (and bracelet) upright.

You could hack it a bit by buying another dial and removing one or both of the legs. I'd have to see the movement to give you more input, just going off of memory now.

[2nastie]

Wear it the other way around and there you go lefty...

Disclaimer: Can't guarantee if you can actually tell the time, but you're good if you can read backwards.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by eddie_b

I don't believe it will work because of the position of the dial legs. My thought was you could flip the case 180 degrees but keep the dial (and bracelet) upright.

You could hack it a bit by buying another dial and removing one or both of the legs. I'd have to see the movement to give you more input, just going off of memory now.

That was the hangup I was thinking of, too. Otherwise it would work quite well to simply flip the dial (and crystal, if you care about where the coronet engraving is).

With an OP, you could practically just wear it upside-down and you'd just have to contend with the upside-down writing and 12:00 coronet.

[burnthesehills]

Pick up a lefty GMT and safe yourself the aggravation and destruction of a nice watch.

[saltyandwet]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

Wear it the other way around and there you go lefty...

Disclaimer: Can't guarantee if you can actually tell the time, but you're good if you can read backwards.

Wait....you actually use your watch to tell time? Who does that anymore? That's what your phone is for. A wrist watch is purely a fashion accessory now. I wear my watch all the time but it's never set to the correct time. It's strictly for looks.

[SLWoodster]

Do what you love. Forget everyone else.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by saltyandwet

Wait....you actually use your watch to tell time? Who does that anymore?

I did yesterday. My phone was in my pocket. Luckily, I had remembered to wind it.

[Sgooter]

What could possibly go wrong?

[gerry100]

with enough money you can do anything.

[Thuilln]

Dumb idea IMHO

[Fredrik]

If the dial feel doesn't match up you need to remove them and re-attach them somehow in the correct position or use a type of dial tape to attach the dial instead.
Maybe get a spare dial to practice on? Or have a chat with a watchmaker.

[koronet-kid]

Black venom have done one already https://www.blackvenomwatch.com/en/p...dition-35.html

[2ltdjorn]

seems like an easy Sunday afternoon project.

[Barada7]

Ignore the doubters. Go for it!

[Gab27]

I think it would be a cool project, but the VTNR is a really sharp looking watch on a right wrist (and probably much less expensive).

[Mr Ben]

That would be cool but might be easier and cheaper to train yourself to be right handed!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by koronet-kid

Black venom have done one already https://www.blackvenomwatch.com/en/p...dition-35.html

Good catch John

[deuxani]

If we’re talking about the Explorer I then it should be doable yeah. Go for it, you might inspire others too.

[roadster198]

Originally Posted by Peej

I know a lot of people will dissaprove, but I've been thinking about customizing an explorer. I'm a lefty, and I find the overall look of the crown on the left more appealing when on the right wrist.

Has anyone tried to convert a watch to a lefty? The explorer would be simple since it lacks a date wheel and other complications. Also, does anyone know a watchmaker that could perform this?

No, no and thrice no. Why would you do that and I say that as a south paw. Just leave it

[Peej]

I still think a conversion like this would be cheaper than going grey on a VTNR. That being said… If any member of this forum can find me lefty gmt at retail I can meet you anywhere in the world. I would wear it everyday until the end of time.

I’m looking for a piece that speaks to my needs and taste. I would say the vtnr falls under that umbrella, but I cannot afford to pay grey. Nobody has an issue with taking an off the rack Brioni to a tailor.

Trust me, nothing would make me happier than walking into a boutique, and finding a piece that’s perfect. But you either have to work with what’s out there, or make it work for you. I love the explorer, and I think it would make for an interesting one off piece.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by saltyandwet

Wait....you actually use your watch to tell time? Who does that anymore? That's what your phone is for. A wrist watch is purely a fashion accessory now. I wear my watch all the time but it's never set to the correct time. It's strictly for looks.

I do! If it is a fashion accessory just buy a quartz watch then!


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[jets]

Seen a 114060 converted to Destro on TRF at some point. Looked awesome.


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