Simple Rolex Modifications That Make A Big Impact

Last Sunday, we highlighted an outstanding Rolex modification: an Explorer II 16570 ‘Polar’ with a GMT-Master II 16710 ‘Pepsi’ bezel. This white-dialed, Pepsi-bezeled amalgam pays homage to the mythical ‘Albino’ GMT-Master 6542 with all the charm of a 5-digit Rolex. Today, we’re looking at three more Rolex modifications, this time with a “less is more” mentality.

As usual, we do not recommend you modify your Rolex, particularly if it's under warranty. If you do decide to modify your Rolex, you should have it done by a qualified watchmaker. We have not attempted the listed modifications.

Rolex Submariner 16610LN w/ Maxi Dial From 16610LV

With a few uncommon vintage exceptions, the only Rolex Submariner with an aluminum bezel insert and a ‘Maxi Dial’ (larger lume plots) is the 50th anniversary Submariner 16610LV ‘Kermit’ (above, left). Notice how much larger its lume plots are than the 16610LN (above, right). The green-bezeled diver introduced the Maxi Dial to the modern Submariner collection, which, by 2010, would feature exclusively Maxi Dials, ceramic bezel inserts, and larger cases.

The present modification is fairly simple but can be done in two ways: installing a 16610LV dial into a 16610LN, or installing a 16610LN bezel onto a 16610LV.

Image Source: Reddit u/Basto123

I’ve seen a few examples of this mod, but the one pictured above stands out as the coolest. A Redditor shared that after a motorcycle accident destroyed his 16610LN, he sent the watch to Rolex for service. When he got the watch back, it had been fitted with a Maxi Dial, likely from a 16610LV. This is a unique example of the aforementioned modification, done by Rolex at an official Service Center.

While most people might not notice the difference between this watch and any other 16610LN, I think it’s one of the coolest examples of a ‘less is more’ Rolex modification.

‘Blueberry’ Rolex GMT-Master 1675

Image: Watch Collectors

Much like the ‘Albino’ GMT-Master featured in our latest modification article, the ‘Blueberry’ GMT-Master 1675 – with its striking all-blue bezel insert – is incredibly rare and its (authentic) existence remains a topic of debate. I trust Rolex expert Paul Altieri’s knowledge on the subject, so I’ll share his words from Bob’s Watches:

“As the all-blue bezel insert was not something that Rolex formally offered to the public, production numbers were very small, and official records and information about these all-blue inserts are virtually non-existent… The ‘Blueberry’ GMT-Master was actually a watch that Rolex manufactured, and its all-blue bezel insert ranks among the rarest and most collectible GMT inserts of all time.”

Image Source: Time & Tide

As you might expect from such a rare, desirable, and elusive watch, most examples are either fully inauthentic, feature inauthentic inserts, or are mix-and-matched: non-Blueberry 1675 cases/dials paired with genuine ‘Blueberry’ inserts. I can't speak to either of the examples pictured. 

Regardless of this muddled landscape (or perhaps because of it), I don't have the same disdain for aftermarket ‘Blueberry’ GMT inserts as many others. As long as you're not trying to pass off an aftermarket bezel as the real deal, I think this easily-reversible modification is a pretty fun one. While it's a bit louder than the other two mods on this list, it's quite simple to do and is within the realm of "Rolex reality," per se.

Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 w/ Red Date Wheel

This modification embodies the “less is more” mentality. Simply put, this is a Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 with a red (or ‘roulette’, alternating red and black) date wheel. With the 16622’s red ‘YACHT-MASTER’ dial text and red lollipop seconds hand, a red date wheel feels right at home and, in my opinion, ties the whole dial together. Date wheel aside, the 16622 is just an undeniably cool and quirky watch that deserves more love; you can read about it here.

Final Thoughts

Rolex modification can be a divisive topic in the watch community. I see these subtle yet effective tweaks as interesting forays into Rolex modding. Maybe you hate them; that's okay -- they're all reversible assuming you keep your original parts (please, please do that). If this kind of modification interests you but you're not ready for your Rolex to undergo surgery, try out a custom Rolex watch strap from Everest!