robadob 1 Posted November 27, 2018 I managed to pick up an old Noob Explorer II 16570 in an M2M and I’m planning to convert this in to a 16710 with SH3185. It’s going to be a difficult project but everything seems fairly straightforward, due to the gen construction of the case, aside from one detail - stem height. The Noob Explorer is built for an A2836, which when mounted has a stem height about 0.5mm lower than a 3185. This leaves me with three options - a) laser weld, drill and re-tap the case to allow for the stem to sit 0.5mm higher, b) drill the case and jb weld the tube slightly higher, or c) find a movement holder that will seat the 3185 slightly lower (will this affect hand clearance amongst other things?). Preferably I would go with option a or c (if this doesn’t cause further complications). Are there any modders on the forum who are able to laser weld cases? A few users have converted the Noob 116710 to 3185 using a movement holder. I’ll get in contact with them to see if this could work with the 16570 also. If anyone has any other suggestions I’d be very happy to hear them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hanski 40 Posted November 28, 2018 32 minutes ago, robadob said: Are there any modders on the forum who are able to laser weld cases? Go to Google Maps and search "Laser Welding" I had good luck finding someone who does it 20 miles from me. Email whoever you find in your area and ask them if they'll take on a one-off, hourly job to weld in 316 stainless material on a watch case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luxuracer 14 Posted November 28, 2018 My only question is ... WHY ... ?!? There are better routes to get your 16710. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robadob 1 Posted November 28, 2018 10 hours ago, Luxuracer said: My only question is ... WHY ... ?!? There are better routes to get your 16710. Pray tell Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 1,859 Posted November 28, 2018 10 hours ago, Luxuracer said: My only question is ... WHY ... ?!? There are better routes to get your 16710. It's not even an easy job using a gen and gen parts, as documented on TRF. Good luck OP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobandshawn 5 Posted November 28, 2018 yes please - what is this better route...? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luxuracer 14 Posted November 28, 2018 6 hours ago, robadob said: Pray tell My guess is that you only have the Noob Explorer II 16570. You should do more research before sinking your time and money into this. This mod had only been talked about, never been done. The SH3135/3185 modded movement would cost you $900-$1,100. then you have to get hands, dial, bezel, insert, plus rework the case. By the time you know it you would spend thousands into an unproven project. The route of modifying a Noob 16570 to a 16710 had been looked into by many members and modders (including occb2, yodog, tripdog, 2fake4u) and pushed aside, considering not worth getting into. I am not here to stop you. I just want you to do more research beforehand. My recommend route is to live with the ICHS .... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robadob 1 Posted November 28, 2018 It has been done, by none other than @sneed12. Link to thread below: https://www.repgeek.com/rep-watch-trade/284724-rolex-explorer-ii-16570-40mm-franken-gen-dial-hands-datewheel-converted-3186-movement.html He successfully used JB weld to reset the crown height. Yes, it’s likely to not be an easy build, and the eventual cost probably not worth it, but it’s a challenge. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luxuracer 14 Posted November 28, 2018 1 hour ago, robadob said: It has been done, by none other than @sneed12. Link to thread below: https://www.repgeek.com/rep-watch-trade/284724-rolex-explorer-ii-16570-40mm-franken-gen-dial-hands-datewheel-converted-3186-movement.html He successfully used JB weld to reset the crown height. Yes, it’s likely to not be an easy build, and the eventual cost probably not worth it, but it’s a challenge. I wish you luck. I will follow this thread for the next 4 years ... to see how this would turn out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robadob 1 Posted November 28, 2018 Thank you for your optimism Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robadob 1 Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) Turns out it was really straight forward in the end. @Misiekped did the movement work, and @ado213 did the case work. Final specs were as below: - Noob Explorer II (case tube height changed by Ado213) - Yuki 3135 Movement - misiekped 3185 conversion + gen pallet fork + gen reversing & setting wheels - Startime Submariner Bezel Assembly - Gen Rolex 25-295-C2 Crystal (LEC no AR) - Gen Rolex 16710 Dial - Gen Rolex 16710 Hands - Gen Rolex 16710 Pepsi Insert - Gen Rolex 6mm Crown - GMT Click Spring - Gen Rolex Date Wheel The watch has changed hands a few times now, but hopefully @Micha NBG doesn’t mind me borrowing his latest photos: Pics: Edited May 29, 2020 by robadob 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomtom1988 63 Posted May 30, 2020 Damn that does look nice, how much did it cost all in all to create that build? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hlkrbs 0 Posted September 10, 2020 Tell me when you want to sell it. Very nice Franken ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chulajuana 24 Posted April 26, 2021 Any chance this beauty is for sale? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
