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Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016


stevedrk

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Today I present my Rolex Explorer Reference 1016 project. Although I hate to admit it, I was not a fan of the Explorer watches, or any other than the vintage Submariner (with crown guards) models when I first got into reps. Slowly I started to appreciate the beauty of the big crown watches and I built six or seven of those. Recently, after finishing a 6200 build, I got to thinking about the 3-6-9 dial, which made me think of the Explorer. I started looking at other builds, and, yes, eventually, my opinion of this watch started to change. I started to appreciate the simplicity of it. And after trying on a vintage DateJust, I realized a 36mm watch was not ridiculously small on my 8" wrists.
 
So, I started my research on the 1016 and a few days later, I saw JMB's sales thread for 1016 cases with his bezel. I snatched one up right away and then started to purchase my parts. I have to admit this was a rather easy build, due largely in part because of the whole case from JMB. I settled on a Yuki dial and hand set, and to my luck, he happened to have his 7206 in stock, so I grabbed one up (although I originally intended to use it on another build). I purchased a 2842 from a fellow member to complete the parts. I like the 2842 and have used it in several builds now.
 
Anyway, as soon as the parts arrived, I started by giving the dial a quick spray of matte varnish. Although it was a matte dial, i like the texture and look the spray gives the dial. After letting it dry overnight, I pulled out my minimal tools and put this beauty together. I was quite impressed with this watch as soon as it became whole. It has quickly become a favorite.
 
Parts list:
JMB Case with custom CNC machined bezel and Clark T21 crystal
Yuki matte Explorer dial and hands
ETA 2842 serviced movement
Yuki 7206 bracelet

 
 
Now on to the photos:
 
 
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Awesome build!  I'm wondering why you chose to go with the Tropic 21, though, when there are good aftermarket Tropic 22s out there?  Usually, you go with a T21 only if you want a Superdome crystal on your 1016.

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M, that may be a mis-print.  I think you are the only one that got a T21 bezel...  Or, maybe I fat-fingered my sales thread - I better check!

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Awesome build!  I'm wondering why you chose to go with the Tropic 21, though, when there are good aftermarket Tropic 22s out there?  Usually, you go with a T21 only if you want a Superdome crystal on your 1016.

 

It is indeed a Tropic 22. Thank you, sir, for the catch. And thank you for your kind coments.

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Looks great!

So, are those the Yuki hands that came with dial? They fit and ETA movement without issue?

Did you have to reposition the dial feet or did you remove them?

Thanks,

Andy

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Stevedrk may correct me, but yes to me these hands look like Yuki´s handset!

Though, you have to tell Yuki to put the ETA hands in the box when you order a new dial.

The dial includes hands that are compatible only with a 1570 movement.

Dial feet of the Yuki 1016 dials (feet position) are only compatible with Rolex movements like 1570 etc.

 

You have to cut the existing feet and either glue a dial spacer to the dial with epoxy and additionally use dial dots or glue some dial feet like these (again with dual component epoxy):

 

 
 
If done well and on clean surfaces, previously roughened a bit with sandpaper, then you would have rock solid new dial feet with ETA position.
The result will be as it has to be, a service friendly dial - movement assembly :)
Edited by blue.
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  • 9 months later...

Beautiful build!!! I too am wondering this:

 

How is the 2842 held in the case? I thought there were no holes for the case clamps in these movements. Looks good by the way :clap2:

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