Explorer II Lug Hole Question

[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?

[Tools]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

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

Yes you would need the normal Rolex lug hole springbars

[Dr. Robert]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

F serials were the first non lug holes...