Rolex Exploer II

[Coxey]

Now in a position to get my first Rolex, I have had my heart set on a Submariner or a GMY Master II in blue both would be new however waiting times are around 12 months. Today I saw an Exploer II which was available with no waiting list.

Any thoughts on the Explorer ? I hadn't really considered it until today

Thanks

[Ari]

The Explorer II is a watch that I got really excited about when it was launched. It looked so cool in the photos. I loved the stainless steel bezel with the engraved 24hr numbers infilled in black, and I thought the orange GMT hand was the perfect nod to the old Steve McQueen Explorer, and set off perfectly by the matching 'Explorer II' script on the dial. I liked the short winder that sits between the lugs better than a Sub and the brushed satin finish to all of the stainless (case and bracelet).

In short, shut up and take my money!

First time I saw one it just did nothing at all for me. And the orange just looked cheap.

I've revisited it several times but each time I came away feeling the same.

I've never been so excited by a watch pre viewing in the flesh, and so let down viewing it in reality.

It should work, it really really should. But for me, it just doesn't.

That's just one opinion though, interested to know what others think.

[Ari]

Coxey said:

I have had my heart set on a Submariner or a GMY Master II in blue both would be new however waiting times are around 12 months.

Just to add, if your heart is set on a Sub or blue GMTII then anything else you get will always be the watch that's not quite as good as the one you wanted.

Get your name down with a couple of dealers and get the watch you really want. If that takes a year it'll be all the sweeter when it does arrive. My suspicion is that you'll get a 'cancelled order' in a much shorter time frame however...

[Hoofy]

Nope, neither the Explorer II nor the Sub do it enough for me.

I'd take an Air King or Explorer over the more popular models.

[JD84]

I chose the polar explorer 2 over a GMT for the following reasons.

Once I saw it I wanted a white face, this really limits your options with a Stainless Rolex.

40mm watches look a little small on me, the explorer 2 is larger at 42mm

I absolutely love mine, it rarely comes off my wrist, it flies under the radar a little better than the Sub/GMT.

I love Subs/GMT, I will probably buy one, but they are a bit obvious. Whichever you choose you will love.

Try one on, however if your heart is set it may be difficult to change.

Edited by JD84 on Tuesday 28th November 20:30

[GT03ROB]

Coxey said:

Now in a position to get my first Rolex, I have had my heart set on a Submariner or a GMY Master II in blue both would be new however waiting times are around 12 months. Today I saw an Exploer II which was available with no waiting list.

Any thoughts on the Explorer ? I hadn't really considered it until today

Thanks

The only question should really be "Do you like it?".

For something you will wear it your opinion is all that matters. Personally I think they are nicely understated & don't scream "ROLEX" in the way others do. This may be important to you or not.

[Graemsay]

There's a review of the Explorer II on aBlogToWatch.

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-explorer-ii-216...

There were rumours before Baselworld that a new version with a ceramic bezel was going to be released. It didn't turn up then, but it's possible it might arrive in 2018.

[stuno1]

I was given 2 opportunities by my wife to buy one while trying a white face one on but didn’t pull the trigger. Never really understood why as I thought I loved it. When looking again recently I noticed they had gone up by £500 so was less keen.

Tried on a Tudor pelagos and instantly fell in love. Bought it that day. Trying on a watch can make or break it. I never really appreciated that when I first started looking at watches.

[Coxey]

Okay I have decided to go for the Explorer 2, however black face or white face?

[don logan]

I've never regretted buying a black dial, I've never questioned whether I wanted white dial altthough I think white is the more classic option for that model!

[Ari]

Black. White always looks a bit cheap on a Rolex to me.

[So]

White. It’s an opportunity to get a sports Rolex that isn’t black.

[GCH]

Black

[mikeh501]

first rolex.. get black.

btw, love the polar exp2 ! nearly bought one last year, as it just nags at me.

[grumbledoak]

[So]

Coxey said:

Now in a position to get my first Rolex, I have had my heart set on a Submariner or a GMY Master II in blue both would be new however waiting times are around 12 months. Today I saw an Exploer II which was available with no waiting list.

Any thoughts on the Explorer ? I hadn't really considered it until today

Thanks

Goldsmiths Nottingham has one for £3995. It's very tidy and usually their stock has had a Rolex service. White dial, doesn't look polished and the bracelet is not worn.