New Bracelet on Older Explorer 2

[rgnathan]

I read somewhere else that it is possible to put the new Oyster bracelet - the bracelet that ships with the new Explorer 2 - onto a previous generation 16570 model with a 3186 movement. My 16570 has a white dial.

Is that indeed possible? Apparently the new bracelet's cost is something like $1,500 but the look and feel are supposed to be a quantum leap above the traditional bracelets.

This is not meant to be a judgment on the old bracelet. I have many Rolexes with the older bracelets and enjoy them immensely. My questions are simply:

Can this be done?
Is it worth it?
How would the older watch and newer bracelet look?
Is the feel really that much better?

I know this would be a kind of "Frankenwatch", but people put all kinds of straps on their Rolexes, and I would keep the traditional bracelet.

Thank you.

[nch209]

Save your cash... The bracelet that ones on the 216570 will not work on your 16570. Perhaps other new ones will, perhaps, but note the narrow lugs on the 216570....

[burger'n'fries]

I believe the bracelet of the new exp 2 is 21mm wide at the lugs so I don't think it'll work.

Welcome to TRF, by the way.

[Psmith]

The bracelet is too wide at the lugs (21 mm), however you may be able to fit an EasyLink clasp to the old bracelet. They are hard to find though, unless you already have a suitable donor watch, and very expensive to buy

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rgnathan

I read somewhere else that it is possible to put the new Oyster bracelet - the bracelet that ships with the new Explorer 2 - onto a previous generation 16570 model with a 3186 movement. My 16570 has a white dial.

Is that indeed possible? Apparently the new bracelet's cost is something like $1,500 but the look and feel are supposed to be a quantum leap above the traditional bracelets.

This is not meant to be a judgment on the old bracelet. I have many Rolexes with the older bracelets and enjoy them immensely. My questions are simply:

Can this be done?
Is it worth it?
How would the older watch and newer bracelet look?
Is the feel really that much better?

I know this would be a kind of "Frankenwatch", but people put all kinds of straps on their Rolexes, and I would keep the traditional bracelet.

Thank you.

In the real world there is not a lot of difference in the newer type bracelets yes the newer clasp could prove to be a improvement.Now the newer type easy link or glide lock clasp is interchangeable but even if you could source one it would be well over £1000 just for the clasp.As for the bracelet on the new larger Explorer it will not fit the older 16570 Explorer11.

Today's Internet term "hollow link" is a complete and utter misnomer all it means in the real world. Is simply this the links are made from heavy solid gold or S.steel tubing and then formed to shape. This leaves a void in the center, just like any other piece of tube.. However, the tubes are still made from solid 18Ct gold or solid SS.

The newer type or so called solid links are still machined but they are machined with holes drilled right through the metal. So in the real world they are as well technically hollow but not to the same extent.And in every day wearing would doubt if any real difference in strength or longevity of life as long as you keep them clean.Even the old type Oyster bracelets have been stress tested and will take 525 lbs pressure before breaking and that's enough to seriously damage your wrist.

[Crazyforwatches]

I don't believe if you buy a new Bracelet from Rolex that you will keep your old bracelet .
I think it is $1500 plus you must return your original bracelet :(