Rolex OP into a 1016

[Gabus]

It looks like a Gen OP (1002) has the same specs as a early Explorer type. Can I swap a Yuki dial and hand set and have an accurate 1016 / 5500?

[alligoat]

Yes, but it would be a 5500, not a 1016. Case size for the 1016 is larger. So you need the 5500 dial, not the 1016 dial, to be safe.

[Gabus]

Thanks, great to have it confirmed by an expert. I like the idea but not sure I want to franken a gen watch.

[alligoat]

It's an easy 5 minute swap for a watchmaker. Just keep the old dial and hands in case you want to swap back later. Let's face it, 1002's and 5500 Air Kings are at the bottom of the Rolex pecking order, worth $1k or so in decent shape.

[ubiquitous]

As alligoat mentioned, the 5500 is the smaller 34mm case/19mm lugs. The 1016 is 36mm/20mm lugs.