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Old 8 June 2011, 01:32 AM   #1
CKLinLA
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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 ?
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Old 8 June 2011, 01:36 AM   #2
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I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique.
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Old 8 June 2011, 08:03 AM   #3
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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?
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Old 8 June 2011, 08:13 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 8 June 2011, 09:49 AM   #5
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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.
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Old 8 June 2011, 09:54 AM   #6
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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.
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Old 8 June 2011, 01:40 AM   #7
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The orange letters on the 216570 looks cool.
If they changed the index markers as well it would be a winner.
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Old 8 June 2011, 01:53 AM   #8
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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"!
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Old 8 June 2011, 02:28 AM   #9
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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...
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Old 8 June 2011, 12:54 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ecsub44 View Post
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
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Old 8 June 2011, 03:05 AM   #11
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Anybody have any theories on what the new one will do to the older models price wise? Up, down, no change?
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Old 8 June 2011, 04:27 AM   #12
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Hate the larger size of the new one.
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Old 8 June 2011, 05:24 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by towernick View Post
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.
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Old 8 June 2011, 04:36 AM   #14
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I'm sure the new EXP will be a big HIT!
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Old 8 June 2011, 04:42 AM   #15
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Both look great to me! I'll take one of each please!
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Old 8 June 2011, 05:12 AM   #16
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Old- current- New
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Old 8 June 2011, 05:30 AM   #17
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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........
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Old 8 June 2011, 05:40 AM   #18
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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...
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Old 8 June 2011, 05:50 AM   #19
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I really like he looks of the new Exp2

But the 1655 is just downright AMAZING!!
Thanks for the great pics!
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Old 8 June 2011, 06:29 AM   #20
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great pics
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Old 8 June 2011, 07:41 AM   #21
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I like new too, just my opinion as I am not a vintage guy.
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Old 8 June 2011, 07:43 AM   #22
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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.
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Old 8 June 2011, 12:42 PM   #23
CKLinLA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Robert View Post
I still like the original.....................the new one should have square markers on dial, keep it unique.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UJU View Post
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 View Post
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 View Post
Hate the larger size of the new one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JYogi View Post
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 View Post
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.

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Old 8 June 2011, 07:44 AM   #24
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They should make a "dirty" dial like Panerai has done on some of their latest releases.........gives the watch a subtle vintage look....
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Old 8 June 2011, 08:03 AM   #25
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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
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Old 8 June 2011, 09:59 AM   #26
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Old school for me............My old straight hand
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Old 8 June 2011, 12:56 PM   #27
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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
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Old 8 June 2011, 12:58 PM   #28
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That is purdy...............
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Old 8 June 2011, 01:12 PM   #29
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nice i like the orange numbering...
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Old 8 June 2011, 02:35 PM   #30
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I am not a fan. the style is old looking.
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