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Just commissioned Explorer 214270 Mk1 update to Mk2

Alphasports
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I decided to update my Explorer 214270 Mk1 to a Mk2, just because. I didn't have a huge issue with the shorter hands or non-lumed 3-6-9 and frankly was/am very tired of the Mk1 haters because it's a beautiful watch in its own right. That said I felt like a change without selling it. Local AD here in Montreal took it in yesterday, cost estimate on the redial and hands is CAD $700 (US $500) including new gaskets, so definitely cheaper and easier than flipping and buying new. The conversion is a package, you can't do a hands-only or dial-only swap. AD did warn me the mother ship will retain all swapped parts...

Waiting on a time estimate, depends if parts are available in CAN or SUI.

Anyway just in case you're in the same boat as me, it IS a cost effective update to one of the brand's great watches. Mine is 4 years old and keeps ridiculously good time, like 0 +/- per week!!!! I set my cellphone's (atomic-referenced) clock to show seconds and it never deviates, insane!!!
Edited:
 
JamieG
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Will they extend your warranty as a result of the intervention seeing as there’s new gaskets involved, new hands and a new dial?
 
alam
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The short hand has never bothered me and I do prefer the 3-6-9 marker style of my Mk1. I was told Rolex will replace the short hand w/the long style during service.... @Alphasports post pictures when you get it back from service!
 
tzachi
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great idea!. short hands do not bother, lume is . so you get it enhanced. waiting for photos.
 
Dan S
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It may seem cheaper than flipping now, but you will lose something on the back-end as well. Very few buyers will want the modded watch. Maybe consider buying a preowned Mk2 and selling your Mk1. The net difference would not be much more than you are paying, but you will have a more sellable watch.
 
rcs914
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The only way I would even possibly consider something like this is with the return of the original parts. Otherwise absolutely no dice. I mean if you are NEVER going to sell it, then ok - but otherwise I think you'll likely see quite a hit on value if you do try to.

It's ludicrous to me that Rolex doesn't return the original parts 🤨
 
Pun
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I perhaps belong to the other side in this case. I believe Mk1 will be more collectible as it is, in next 5-10 years’ period. I would never advise such change. We have different views on this watch indeed.
 
Alphasports
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No intention of ever selling...doing it to enjoy it now with a bit of a facelift, couldn't care less about any hypothetical "next owner".
 
Steve88M3
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Alphasports Alphasports
No intention of ever selling...doing it to enjoy it now with a bit of a facelift, couldn't care less about any hypothetical "next owner".

I approve of this refreshing approach to watch ownership.
 
Dan S
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Alphasports Alphasports
No intention of ever selling...doing it to enjoy it now with a bit of a facelift, couldn't care less about any hypothetical "next owner".

Steve88M3 Steve88M3
I approve of this refreshing approach to watch ownership.

What about a trade for something very appealing? ::stirthepot::
 
Alphasports
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Here's the updated watch, just got it back this week. I had asked for a light polish on the case only, looks good. $820 CAD at Rolex AD.


AA_explorer-mk2.jpg
 
alam
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Alphasports Alphasports
Here's the updated watch, just got it back this week. I had asked for a light polish on the case only, looks good. $820 CAD at Rolex AD...

looks good! 👍
 
widowmaker
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So, is this official? A Rolex Service Center will change both the dial and hands of a Mk1 upon request (at a price, of course) or will they automatically change/upgrade this when you send it in for service/overhaul?
 
Evitzee
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Looks great, I see no problem modding a watch like this. Too often we get anal about things like this. It's a watch, enjoy it.
 
Alphasports
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widowmaker widowmaker
So, is this official? A Rolex Service Center will change both the dial and hands of a Mk1 upon request (at a price, of course) or will they automatically change/upgrade this when you send it in for service/overhaul?

Yes it's official as far as paying for the update at an RSC, but you can't specify hands or dial, it's an all or nothing retrofit. I have heard that they do this automatically during a full Mk1 Service but cannot confirm. I was impatient for the update and didn't feel like waiting several more years to find out!
 
Rumar89
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Alphasports Alphasports
Yes it's official as far as paying for the update at an RSC, but you can't specify hands or dial, it's an all or nothing retrofit. I have heard that they do this automatically during a full Mk1 Service but cannot confirm. I was impatient for the update and didn't feel like waiting several more years to find out!

Does anyone know if the bit about RSC’s doing this swap automatically is true? That would be insane to me, Rolex changing the watch without the owners consent.
 
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