36mm Explorer homage build
Case; 36mm, 316L stainless case & bezel, flat sapphire crystal w/ green gasket, screw-down crown, display case back.
Bracelet; oyster solid link w/ screw-in pins, solid end-links, milled double-lock deployment clasp, w/ 'glidelock' adjust; $45 for both.
Sterile 3-6-9 dial and hand set, blue lume; $21
Miyota 8215 automatic, 21 jewel, gold for style points; $30
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The green gasket is a nod to the Milgauss.
At 12.6mm thick it's about a mm thicker than the RE.
Not included above is two failed DG2815 movements - never again, & a green lume, sterile dial that wasn't up to scratch. Actually, it was scratched.
Looks huge on wrist in the pic above. 7" wrist. Wears a lot smaller irl.
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13 comments
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The Heretic
Vintage Seiko & Soviet, Hamilton, & few of my own builds.
The City
Member since
Last active: 32 min ago
Very impressive. Also if you have your skill set, not to expensive to carry out!
Very impressive. Also if you have your skill set, not to expensive to carry out!
Thanks.
I ruined my share of cheap movements, dials and handsets in my early days.
Used to be into watch mods but I destroyed too many movements and hands to continue this little side hobby (during the pandemic).
Great job! The Explorer is actually the only watch in the Rolex line-up that appeals to me, so a well done homage like yours is always appreciated!
Might I suggest the miyota 9039? Then no ghost date. And I believe thinner. Or for far less than the price of the original watch, a Sellita sw300. Would make for a super slim watch!
Used to be into watch mods but I destroyed too many movements and hands to continue this little side hobby (during the pandemic).
Part of the attraction for me was it requires mastery of one's patience. Or lack of.
Might I suggest the miyota 9039? Then no ghost date. And I believe thinner. Or for far less than the price of the original watch, a Sellita sw300. Would make for a super slim watch!
I was unaware of the 9039. Seems 2-3 times the price of 8215, and I may utilize the date one day, so prefer it there under the dial. Although I don't envision changing or breaking up this build.
The Sallita is nice, but way over budget.
I was unaware of the 9039. Seems 2-3 times the price of 8215, and I may utilize the date one day, so prefer it there under the dial. Although I don't envision changing or breaking up this build.
The Sallita is nice, but way over budget.
That explains why the Chinese brands never use the 9039. Good to know!
Class! Very clean.
Fantastic build - Where’d you source your parts? eBay?
Fantastic build - Where’d you source your parts? eBay?
Yes.
I made MK II with a better movement, and slimmer case;
Yes.
I made MK II with a better movement, and slimmer case;
Would you mind sharing the listing for the case? I am parting out a silver/cream dial explorer 1 myself in the next month
Would you mind sharing the listing for the case? I am parting out a silver/cream dial explorer 1 myself in the next month
Sure. https://www.ebay.com/itm/125564614613?var=426605234463
The lugs have a slight curve to them, whereas Explorer are tapered straight and sharp, and it sits a little high, so it's a little bulkier than the RE. The MK I in this post was chunkier still. I gifted it.
The seller will put a green gasket in for you if you like. I think they're left over from 'Milgauss homage' days. The lugs are polished, but not hard to pop the bezel off and hit it with fine grit.
The glide-lock clasp's milled corners are razor sharp, so a little finishing required on you part if you want it more friendly to the touch.
I used an NH35 on MK II, and display case back.
EDIT: I see they offer a boxed crystal now. If it's sapphire I might upgrade.