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CKLinLA · 8 June 2011, 01:32 AM

I received a copy of the Rolex Baselworld 2011 brochure from a friendly dealer
and could not resist taking photos of my Explorer II 1655 against background
shots showing the soon to be available Explorer II 216570

Having them side by side (sort of) makes it a lot easier to see the similarities and the
differences, and maybe decide whether Original (1655) or New (216570) looks better.

What changes do you like/dislike

?
Which watch looks better overall

?

Dr. Robert · 8 June 2011, 01:36 AM

I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique.

snowpea · 8 June 2011, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique.

Why the need for two of the same exact watches?

lhanddds · 8 June 2011, 08:13 AM

The original was great (had one for a while) was always a little difficult to spot check the time quickly. Maybe they could have used square indices but not as many. The new one looks a little to similar to the other new ones, instead of an Explorer. I still think it will do well. I might need a white faced watch by then.

Jason71 · 8 June 2011, 09:49 AM

At least Rolex is making something that is similar to the old-style. Maybe now they can make a reissue Red sub.

Original 1655 for me.

Singslinger · 8 June 2011, 09:54 AM

I think the domed crystal of the old model is cool but the bezel on the new one is better (the numbers are more legible).

Going purely by looks, it would be a difficult choice. They both look great and I wouldn't know which to pick. But for the money, I'd go for the new version simply because I think it'd be more durable as a daily beater.

UJU · 8 June 2011, 01:40 AM

The orange letters on the 216570 looks cool.
If they changed the index markers as well it would be a winner.

ecsub44 · 8 June 2011, 01:53 AM

I REALLY like the new Explorer II. But I would have preferred if they used non-round hour markers. Otherwise I think it's just about "perfect"!

glimmer · 8 June 2011, 02:28 AM

I like the original one, but since I'll never have one, I'll settle for the new one...still deciding whether black or polar is the one for me...

buke45 · 8 June 2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

i really like the new explorer ii. But i would have preferred if they used non-round hour markers. Otherwise i think it's just about "perfect"!

x2

towernick · 8 June 2011, 03:05 AM

Anybody have any theories on what the new one will do to the older models price wise? Up, down, no change?

Saxon007 · 8 June 2011, 04:27 AM

Hate the larger size of the new one.

HL65 · 8 June 2011, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by towernick

Anybody have any theories on what the new one will do to the older models price wise? Up, down, no change?

Yes- absolutely nothing. Vintage buyers buy vintage watches and it is a function of supply and demand in vintage market. It has nothing to do with modern watches which attract modern watch buyers. They work completely independent of each other.

nauticajoe · 8 June 2011, 04:36 AM

I'm sure the new EXP will be a big HIT!

ippon20 · 8 June 2011, 04:42 AM

Both look great to me! I'll take one of each please!

butcher · 8 June 2011, 05:12 AM

Old- current- New

Dan2010 · 8 June 2011, 05:30 AM

I like the new Explorer II WAAAAY better than the original. I know this will ruffle some Curmudgeon feathers but I think the original Explorer II looks cheap and I can see why it was not a big seller. Just my opinion of course so don't everyone get all pissy........

WatchTimes · 8 June 2011, 05:40 AM

I had an old 1655 in my hands a couple weeks ago.
First time I ever had one in the flesh and was close
to buying it but I asked my friend what it was he did
not like about it and he said look at the dial, with all
the markers sometimes its hard to quickly tell the time
and I saw what he meant.
The 1655 is a beautiful watch, an amazing piece of Rolex
history but for wear I give the edge to the New Exp II...

travisb · 8 June 2011, 05:50 AM

But the 1655 is just downright AMAZING!!

Thanks for the great pics!

youngr · 8 June 2011, 06:29 AM

great pics

MortgageGuy · 8 June 2011, 07:41 AM

I like new too, just my opinion as I am not a vintage guy.

Rebel · 8 June 2011, 07:43 AM

I just like the old stuff. Also, I have small wrists so the newer bigger case really wouldn't work well for me. But, they are nice....but there again, I'd take a McQueen anyday of the week.

CKLinLA · 8 June 2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJU

The orange letters on the 216570 looks cool.
If they changed the index markers as well it would be a winner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

I REALLY like the new Explorer II. But I would have preferred if they used non-round hour markers. Otherwise I think it's just about "perfect"!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saxon007

Hate the larger size of the new one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JYogi

I had an old 1655 in my hands a couple weeks ago.
First time I ever had one in the flesh and was close
to buying it but I asked my friend what it was he did
not like about it and he said look at the dial, with all
the markers sometimes its hard to quickly tell the time
and I saw what he meant.
The 1655 is a beautiful watch, an amazing piece of Rolex
history but for wear I give the edge to the New Exp II...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebel

I just like the old stuff. Also, I have small wrists so the newer bigger case really wouldn't work well for me. But, they are nice....but there again, I'd take a McQueen anyday of the week.

Looking through the comments, many dislike the standard round
markers on the new 216570, and for non-round markers. I agree.
The round markers, and mercedes hour/minute hands, gives the new
Explorer II a look thats more similar to other Rolex. This is a plus to
some, but less so to those who liked the Explorer II partly because
it had a different, and maybe 'non-Rolex', look.

Yogi is right, the 1655 dial does make it a little harder to tell time
with a glance .. .., but I must have gotten used to it cause I didn't
realize this until he mentioned it.

I have reservations about the larger size too, but I guess you can
only be sure how it fits when you have the watch on your wrist.

Overall, I think the new Explorer II does look good. The best design
change for me was the orange Explorer II text. It complements the
orange hand well, especially on the white dial.

barstoolman · 8 June 2011, 07:44 AM

They should make a "dirty" dial like Panerai has done on some of their latest releases.........gives the watch a subtle vintage look....

snowpea · 8 June 2011, 08:03 AM

I like the new one better, not a vintage guy and couldn't buy a watch with a lot of scratches would drive me crazy

HL65 · 8 June 2011, 09:59 AM

Old school for me............My old straight hand

Lol-x · 8 June 2011, 12:56 PM

The phantom hands effect is cool.

Somehow I don't think the crystal is anti-reflection treated

Photo from the web (not mine):

Name: EXIIphantom.jpg
Views: 361
Size: 37.5 KB

Dan2010 · 8 June 2011, 12:58 PM

That is purdy...............

watchenthusiast · 8 June 2011, 01:12 PM

nice i like the orange numbering...

Boolean · 8 June 2011, 02:35 PM

I am not a fan. the style is old looking.

8 June 2011, 01:32 AM	#1
CKLinLA "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: KL Location: Los Angeles Watch: Explorer II Black Posts: 1,480	Explorer II Orange Hand New and Original Compared I received a copy of the Rolex Baselworld 2011 brochure from a friendly dealer and could not resist taking photos of my Explorer II 1655 against background shots showing the soon to be available Explorer II 216570 Having them side by side (sort of) makes it a lot easier to see the similarities and the differences, and maybe decide whether Original (1655) or New (216570) looks better. What changes do you like/dislike ? Which watch looks better overall ?

8 June 2011, 01:36 AM	#2
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,258	I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique. __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

8 June 2011, 09:49 AM	#5
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	At least Rolex is making something that is similar to the old-style. Maybe now they can make a reissue Red sub. Original 1655 for me. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

8 June 2011, 04:27 AM	#12
Saxon007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,002	Hate the larger size of the new one. __________________ Licensed to kill time.

8 June 2011, 04:42 AM	#15
ippon20 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Dan Location: Orlando/NSB, FL Watch: 16710 (3186) Posts: 1,629	Both look great to me! I'll take one of each please! __________________ Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Instagram @pivot_and_spine

8 June 2011, 08:13 AM	#4
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	The original was great (had one for a while) was always a little difficult to spot check the time quickly. Maybe they could have used square indices but not as many. The new one looks a little to similar to the other new ones, instead of an Explorer. I still think it will do well. I might need a white faced watch by then.

8 June 2011, 09:54 AM	#6
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	I think the domed crystal of the old model is cool but the bezel on the new one is better (the numbers are more legible). Going purely by looks, it would be a difficult choice. They both look great and I wouldn't know which to pick. But for the money, I'd go for the new version simply because I think it'd be more durable as a daily beater.

8 June 2011, 01:40 AM	#7
UJU "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Norway Watch: 14060M Posts: 274	The orange letters on the 216570 looks cool. If they changed the index markers as well it would be a winner.

8 June 2011, 01:53 AM	#8
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	I REALLY like the new Explorer II. But I would have preferred if they used non-round hour markers. Otherwise I think it's just about "perfect"!

8 June 2011, 02:28 AM	#9
glimmer Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Here, everywhere Posts: 1,244	I like the original one, but since I'll never have one, I'll settle for the new one...still deciding whether black or polar is the one for me...

8 June 2011, 03:05 AM	#11
towernick Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 880	Anybody have any theories on what the new one will do to the older models price wise? Up, down, no change?

8 June 2011, 04:36 AM	#14
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	I'm sure the new EXP will be a big HIT!

8 June 2011, 05:12 AM	#16
butcher "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: athens Posts: 2	Old- current- New

8 June 2011, 05:30 AM	#17
Dan2010 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Watch: Panerai 914 Posts: 6,540	I like the new Explorer II WAAAAY better than the original. I know this will ruffle some Curmudgeon feathers but I think the original Explorer II looks cheap and I can see why it was not a big seller. Just my opinion of course so don't everyone get all pissy........

8 June 2011, 05:40 AM	#18
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,787	I had an old 1655 in my hands a couple weeks ago. First time I ever had one in the flesh and was close to buying it but I asked my friend what it was he did not like about it and he said look at the dial, with all the markers sometimes its hard to quickly tell the time and I saw what he meant. The 1655 is a beautiful watch, an amazing piece of Rolex history but for wear I give the edge to the New Exp II... __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

8 June 2011, 05:50 AM	#19
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,489	I really like he looks of the new Exp2 But the 1655 is just downright AMAZING!! Thanks for the great pics!

8 June 2011, 06:29 AM	#20
youngr "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: England Watch: 16610 & 16710 Posts: 899	great pics __________________ SS Submariner Date "V" SS GMT Master II Pepsi "D"

8 June 2011, 07:41 AM	#21
MortgageGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Adam Location: Orlando, Florida Watch: Me Posts: 9,935	I like new too, just my opinion as I am not a vintage guy. __________________ The richest people in the world look for and build NETWORKS, Everyone else looks for work... Robert Kiyosaki

8 June 2011, 07:43 AM	#22
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,254	I just like the old stuff. Also, I have small wrists so the newer bigger case really wouldn't work well for me. But, they are nice....but there again, I'd take a McQueen anyday of the week. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

8 June 2011, 07:44 AM	#24
barstoolman Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 801	They should make a "dirty" dial like Panerai has done on some of their latest releases.........gives the watch a subtle vintage look....

8 June 2011, 08:03 AM	#25
snowpea "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Steven Location: Jazoom Watch: Milgauss GV Posts: 1,092	I like the new one better, not a vintage guy and couldn't buy a watch with a lot of scratches would drive me crazy __________________

8 June 2011, 09:59 AM	#26
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	Old school for me............My old straight hand __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

8 June 2011, 12:56 PM	#27
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,587	The phantom hands effect is cool. Somehow I don't think the crystal is anti-reflection treated Photo from the web (not mine): __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

8 June 2011, 12:58 PM	#28
Dan2010 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Watch: Panerai 914 Posts: 6,540	That is purdy...............

8 June 2011, 01:12 PM	#29
watchenthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: USA, Miami Posts: 20	nice i like the orange numbering...

8 June 2011, 02:35 PM	#30
Boolean "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 17	I am not a fan. the style is old looking.

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