Question about Explorer II old vs new

[psv]

After a bunch on black-faced Rolex in the stable I've finally decided to get a white faced Explorer II. My first intention was to get an older version with lug-holes but then there is the issue of the newer 3186 movement.

I'm no fan of the text around the dial (is it called engraved flange?) so I am curious about which year/series did that turn up? Is there a late model Explorer II with the new 3186 movement but without that text around the dial?

Last crazy question: the Exp II hands have a black border - are there any Rolex models with maxi-hands with that black border available? I had this slightly crazy idea of putting a pair of maxi-hands on a Exp II... (yeah, I know, some of you might be throwing up at the idea, I'm just toying with it so far...)

Thanks in advance!

Patrick

[AndersB]

Originally Posted by psv

(is it called engraved flange?)

Engraved rehaut is what it's called, at least here on TRF.

And I'm generally no great fan of that either. Depends a bit on the model though.

[psv]

Tack så mycket, Anders!

[psv]

So still haven't figured out the original questions

a) when/what serial # begun the engraved rehaut? (thanks, Anders!)
b) Is there a 3186 movement Exp II without the engraving?
c) maxi hands?

[Tools]

You will probably have to actually go through a bunch of Dealer stock to find a recent model that has no engraved rehaut but is fitted with the 3186. Look at any of the Z or M models for the lack of engraving, then check for the movement inside, if the Dealer will let you. I would expect that there are some out there but there is no way of knowing without actually getting your hands on one..

I'm not sure why you feel the need to go through the effort though....... there just isn't enough difference between the 3185 and 3186 to notice any difference in function and use...

Happy hunting.......

[AndersB]

There is a way to check if the movement is 3185 or 3186 without opening the watch. It's called the wiggle test. Do a search here and you should find lots of info. If I remember correctly, you turn the crown to move the jump-hour hand and watch the (red) 24-hour hand. If the latter "wiggles" it's a 3185. If it doesn't move then it's a 3186. There's another, similar method too I think but I don't remember the details right now.

And your question c) - don't think so.