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Thread: Polar 16570 with GMT bezel swap

  1. #1
    Master
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    Polar 16570 with GMT bezel swap

    Saw this on Reddit recently. Seems it's possible to put a 16710 GMT bezel onto a 16570 Explorer 2 as the case is pretty much identical.

    I think it looks great and the rotating bezel means it adds a bit more functionality too!

    Anyone ever considered or tried it?

    Source: Reddit
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/com...mt_bezel_swap/

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  2. #2
    I think it looks ace! As you say it’s also a bit more functional.

  3. #3
    Grand Master Raffe's Avatar
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    I might be able to look at it if the bezel was properly aligned.
    Someone who lies about the little things will lie about the big things too.

  4. #4
    Master
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    Here's another pic I found, this time with a coke bezel on the Polar.

    And properly aligned for the pic (credit: pcs)

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Grand Master learningtofly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingKitega View Post
    Here's another pic I found, this time with a coke bezel on the Polar.

    And properly aligned for the pic (credit: pcs)

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk
    I bloody love that!!!

  6. #6
    Grand Master Raffe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by learningtofly View Post
    I bloody love that!!!
    Agree, looks ace.
    Someone who lies about the little things will lie about the big things too.

  7. #7
    Grand Master mart broad's Avatar
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    Reminds me of this the stuff of legends the Pan Am white gmt



    ( with thanks to hodinkee)

    https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/Al...MT-Master-6542

  8. #8
    Grand Master Onelasttime's Avatar
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    Compare and contrast





    I do quite like the coke bezel but it would always annoy me seeing Explorer II on the dial and knowing it was a mod. I have an irrational distrust of the 'mod'

  9. #9
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    I wouldn't be able to stop at just the bezel. I would have the pepsi insert, find a roulette datewheel, regular hands from the black face model and then source a jubilee that would fit. Cheaper than buying a Pan Am 6542!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingKitega View Post
    Here's another pic I found, this time with a coke bezel on the Polar.

    And properly aligned for the pic (credit: pcs)

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk
    OH WOW!!

  11. #11
    I looked at doing this and had a new explorer dial and handset to put into a GMT case
    Looks great imho and easy to reverse- any competent watchmaker could do it
    Sold the dial recently as I lost interest for it😕

  12. #12
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    That looks great, unfortunately it won’t work on the latest model otherwise I would definitely be tempted!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  13. #13
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    Been doing more digging around and it seems it's entirely possible to do, but getting the parts is the difficulty.

    Posted a WTB for now and if I manage to get the right bits, I'll give it a go!

    Bits I think needed are:
    Rolex 319.16800 retaining ring
    Rolex 317.16628 bezel click spring
    Rolex 316.16800 bezel spring
    Rolex 313.16710.7 bezel assembly/ring?
    Rolex 315.16700 bezel insert

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  14. #14
    ^^^probably a lot cheaper than putting the explorer dial and handset into a GMT!

  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    That looks great, unfortunately it won’t work on the latest model otherwise I would definitely be tempted!
    Never thought of it, but would the dial and handset of the current explorer2 fit in the current GMT?
    A current Pepsi with white dial might look nice....

  16. #16
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by GOAT View Post
    Never thought of it, but would the dial and handset of the current explorer2 fit in the current GMT?
    A current Pepsi with white dial might look nice....
    Not sure myself. Guess it's a no considering the current Exp 2 is 42mm?

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  17. #17
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    Finding it tricky to source 16710 parts. As far as I know the 16710 shares the same case with the 16570 and 16610. Does that mean the bezel mechanism is the same?

    Can anyone confirm whether the steel bezel ring is indeed the same? Would widen my options to find these parts.

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Master endo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingKitega View Post
    Finding it tricky to source 16710 parts. As far as I know the 16710 shares the same case with the 16570 and 16610. Does that mean the bezel mechanism is the same?

    Can anyone confirm whether the steel bezel ring is indeed the same? Would widen my options to find these parts.

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk
    16710 and 16610 bezel inserts and rings are interchangeable in my experience (and i'd assume the crystal retaining ring is as well) the only major difference is the click spring.

  19. #19
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    Quick update.

    Coke bezel and black bezel sourced. Now looking for bezel rings mechanisms. If anyone has a spare bezel ring, retaining ring, or bezel spring let me know!

    Oh and a pepsi bezel would be nice too, but I think the coke still looks best on a white dial.


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  20. #20
    Master
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    Job done!


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  21. #21
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    Looks great man, real unique!

  22. #22
    I think that looks really good. If I dinged the bezel badly on my one I’d be sorely tempted to do the same as you have, as it is all reversible (I assume)

  23. #23
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Well done, it looks great.

    Just how difficult or easy was it to do? I may just try it on mine!

  24. #24
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63 View Post
    Well done, it looks great.

    Just how difficult or easy was it to do? I may just try it on mine!
    It's just a matter of getting the parts and tools together. Took me an while to get off the Exp2 bezel but that's probably the hardest part. You really need the right tool to do that, or take it to a watchmaker is best.

    Once off, it's pretty much a doddle to put the retaining ring, rotating bezel etc back on.

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  25. #25
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    Have to say they looks bloody lovely.

  26. #26
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingKitega View Post
    Job done!


    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk
    Just love the look of that.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  27. #27
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    Shame Rolex don't do more white dial sports watches. Very legible and gives a nice clean look.

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk

  28. #28
    Quote Originally Posted by GOAT View Post
    Never thought of it, but would the dial and handset of the current explorer2 fit in the current GMT?
    A current Pepsi with white dial might look nice....
    Good Job!

  29. #29
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    Looks good that bud


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  30. #30
    Master
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    Finally the full set is complete. Here's the Polar on all three inserts. Still think the coke is best but will keep it on the black for now.

    What do you think?

  31. #31
    Master
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    On balance I think you're right, the black is very good. As a 16570 owner I'm tickled that this can be done; I've not seen it before and it adds an extra dimension to the watch.

  32. #32
    Journeyman
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    Superb work, I'm very tempted to try it with mine, how much did the parts cost?

  33. #33
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    So far spent over £500. I got the black bezel insert from a forum member and other parts off eBay. Paid a small fortune for the bezel ring and pepsi inserts ain't cheap nowadays!

  34. #34
    Journeyman
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    Cool

    Thanks, a serious conversion!

  35. #35
    Craftsman
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    That's a stunner. Black bezel,if we were voting.

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  36. #36
    Master
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    Bit of Photoshop fun.. Three-in-one!

  37. #37
    Craftsman Pras's Avatar
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    Anyone done this DIY ?

    I have basic watch tools and all parts on order from the states.

    didn't realise the original crystal comes off with the bezel when pried off the case

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