Back when Rolex parts accounts were open books these conversions were much more common to find than they are today. The premise is simple, you take the case of a 1018 Rolex Oyster Perpetual which sports the same 1570 caliber movement found in the Explorer I, and you swap the dial and hands, find a domed crystal and you’ve pretty much got an Explorer lite. More on the comparison of the two models here: Collector's Guide: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1018. Namely the case is slightly different, and the crown is different. Selling now as I have acquired a 1016! Added comparison pics to the link.

All modifications were performed by a watchmaker. I sourced a new dial and hand set from VRM. I also had the watchmaker swap the crown to a larger 6mm crown vs the original 5.3mm crown which I will include with the sale should you wish to swap it back. Happy to disclose my sources to the buyer. Watch was pressure tested to 50 meters, and serviced, so it’s running as a superlative chronometer should.

The case itself is in good condition and from 1982 and stamped as a 1018, and it comes with the 78360 hollow link bracelet with 580 end links. The bracelet was recently restored by Michael Young in Hong Kong and is minty fresh.

In all, if you’re looking for a 1016 Explorer and want to avoid the steeper price tag, this is a good way to test the waters at half the price. I would be happy to jump on FaceTime or WhatsApp and chat with anyone who is interested.

Asking $6400 shipped fully insured in the US - for international deals - let’s chat.

Trade offers: I’m always interested in 4 and 5 digit Rolex as well as neo vintage Tudor.