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Old 14 November 2012, 03:38 PM   #1
Rogdogg
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Explorer II 42mm - Going for my first ever purchase??

Hi Folks,

I am sorry to do this topic to death but I would be most grateful if people could take some time to give me some advice or just their own thoughts or opinions. This is my first ever post as I have only recently discovered the site.

I am an average guy, just gone 32yrs old and seriously thinking of taking the plunge and forking out for my very first rolex watch.
I am not a wealthy guy but I work very hard in a foreign country away from my friends and family for almost all of the year. I have recently been told of a nice bonus coming my way so I am seriously considering treating myself, as a reward for all the hard work and sacrifice that I have made in my career. I have always loved watches but have never been in a position, until now, that I could spend so much money on a watch for myself. Even now the voice on my right shoulder is telling me of all of the "sensible" things I should do with the money, put it towards paying my mortgage down, invest, SAVE etc. haha
you get my point, whereas the voice on my left shoulder is constantly trying to argue the point of the watch. I think the watch argument is definitely winning although there is a small amount of guilt still lingering around.

If I am honest, I have not always been a huge fan of Rolex. I always admired them of course due to their heritage but thought a lot of them looked dated, or maybe just not my style. I had been having the above arguments with myself over the thought of buying a less costly Omega Seamaster Pro but then about 2 weeks ago, while walking to the Omega store to take a look I walked past the Rolex store and stopped at the window to take a look. The watch that really jumped out at me was the new Explorer II. "This jumps out at me more than any other rolex I have ever stopped to look at" I thought and that was that. I took so long looking at it that the Omega store closed by the time I got there. I think at that point I was hooked. Haven't thought about the Omega since but all I can think about is the explorer.

Is there anyone else out there who has had the same reservations about spending so much on a Rolex but then, having done so, not regret a single minute of it?

What are your thoughts on Black Dial or White? It was the Black that originally spoke to me in the window but the more research I do and the more pics I see, the white dial is starting to shout very loudly. (Usually I would have always preferred a black or coloured dial to a white one).

All your thought or opinions would be most greatly appreciated.

I can't get this out of my head. It's like I have some kind or Rolex Fever.
It's crazy.
Honestly, I even dreamt about Rolexes the other night.

Thanks for taking the time to read my Post
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:31 PM   #2
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I like the white dial personally.

It is a great looking modern watch with a rock solid movement. At 42mm it sits very well on most wrists so its comfortable too
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:36 PM   #3
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You've been bitten. IMO, both the white and black dial Explorer II models are awesome. I just love the look of the 'floating' hands that you only get with the Explorer. Perfect for someone like yourself in another timezone as well...

I think you've made up your mind, but I would go with the black dial if I were you...after all, it got you into this situation in the first place!
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:39 PM   #4
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Sometimes you need to tell the little man to shut up!

Get the Explorer- it sounds like you deserve it.
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:40 PM   #5
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If it's your first Rolex.....buy a submariner.
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:55 PM   #6
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I'm not rich too... But I work hard and I agree that we need to reward ourselves for it. If you think its deserved, why not?

I chose white btw. Good luck
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Old 15 November 2012, 12:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
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I'm not rich too... But I work hard and I agree that we need to reward ourselves for it. If you think its deserved, why not?

I chose white btw. Good luck
Im not rich and I dont work hard but I save smart and dont buy on impulse. Id get the black dial, it makes the black bezel numbers pop more.
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Old 15 November 2012, 11:06 PM   #8
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I'm not rich too... But I work hard and I agree that we need to reward ourselves for it. If you think its deserved, why not?

I chose white btw. Good luck
This is the one i like the most
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:47 PM   #9
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"Is there anyone else out there who has had the same reservations about spending so much on a Rolex but then, having done so, not regret a single minute of it?"

Yes! The First is the hardest. But after a month or so, I was glad I bought. The hard part is a year later (or less, for many) you'll get serious about a second Rolex, to change things up or maybe something dressier.

Then, there's always a desire for "the next"

As far as which one, you have to go with the one YOU want. I would go white dial, but I already have a few black dial watches. As an only one watch, the Black Dial is quite nice, too, especially if YOU like it better.
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:50 PM   #10
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Welcome

The 216570 is a great watch, but if you are undecided give yourself plenty of time to think it through. If you rush because of the 'craziness' then there is a danger of buyer's remorse. Give it a few weeks and go back to the AD a few times to try on some watches. Take your time
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:55 PM   #11
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Exp II 42mm polar white dial... I'm itching to get one myself... Never had any regrets from any of my purchases. You'll be glad once you make the move and its on your wrist. I would advise you to purchase from any of the top forum sellers here, they are all very helpful and will put your mind at ease on your purchase. Welcome to the illness!
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Old 14 November 2012, 04:56 PM   #12
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Do it you'll have no regrets. My first Rolex was the preceeded EXP II polar in 2009. Paid retail and never looked back & no regrets.

Good luck with the purchase, your worth it mate.
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Old 14 November 2012, 05:15 PM   #13
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A sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. I will take your advice and visit the store a few times to try them on. I will get a better idea of dial colours at that point. They both look so good it's hard to decide from pics.
ND10, Thanks for the pic. Your watch looks great. I will also look at some of the top sellers here from the forum
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Old 14 November 2012, 05:21 PM   #14
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Love my white dial, but can't go wrong with either. Sure you won't regret it, but you need to try both on and see which sings to you.
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Old 14 November 2012, 05:38 PM   #15
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Honestly you cannot go wrong with either! Best of luck with your search!
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Old 14 November 2012, 05:53 PM   #16
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I like the blk dial version.
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Old 14 November 2012, 06:00 PM   #17
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Go for it.....as long as you are sure you can afford it, no sense buying then having to go short elsewhere. But I think visiting the ad a few times and trying on the exp2, sub, gmt and exp1 maybe even a DJii...... That will help you figure how much you want the exp42...... If you want but don't want to spend quite so much, well try the previous version, it's smaller but looks jus as good.
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Old 14 November 2012, 06:05 PM   #18
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I prefer the white dial.

It is a large purchase; however, it is a commodity that has lasting value, and something that you will enjoy for years to come.
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Old 14 November 2012, 06:08 PM   #19
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Welcome to the forum! I didn't sleep for a week before and after buying my first Rolex but have Never regretted taking the plunge. It will last you a lifetime and more if you want it to, you could pass it down to your kid one day, and if you are ever in a pinch it will easily sell.

Let us know what you decide and be sure to post some wrist shots. :)


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Old 14 November 2012, 06:10 PM   #20
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I've had quite a few Rolex watches over the time but none of them beats the Explorer II 216570... it's simply the best and most comfy Rolex I've ever had. My personal favourite is the white dial, as well... VERY easy to tell the time from. Love the 42mm case, too... beautiful band/case ratio!

I've written a review about the watch than can be read in the Rolex reviews section.
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Old 14 November 2012, 08:02 PM   #21
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Hard work deserves rewards. If you can, then do it. No regrets.
The 216570 is a great choice. The only problem is choosing the dial color because both look so good.
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Old 14 November 2012, 08:09 PM   #22
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I spent ages before buying my Daytona, never regretted it...

I like the black dial, personally - and I have also been dreaming about getting one. I will probably be thrown out of the house by the wife, though...
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Old 14 November 2012, 09:01 PM   #23
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I like the black dial for several reasons:

Black goes with everything

Black is slimming

It pays homage to the legendary 1655 Explorer II
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Old 15 November 2012, 12:38 AM   #24
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Guys, Thanks for all of the posts. They've been a great help. It's reassuring to know that so many people think the same way.

@Maxim604 - Thanks for the advice and I will be sure to put up lots of wrist shots if haha, sorry, When I make my purchase.

@Bo - I had already read your review Bo. It was very good. I enjoyed reading it. I have been doing a lot of research on the watch and your review was one of the selling points.

One other question:

How often do Rolex upgrade these watches. If this one has been released since 2011 is there a chance of them bringing out a new version at Baselworld 2013.
I'd hate to maybe buy the watch in mid January only for them to release a new version in April.
What do you guys think?
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Old 15 November 2012, 12:45 AM   #25
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Guys, ...
One other question:

How often do Rolex upgrade these watches. If this one has been released since 2011 is there a chance of them bringing out a new version at Baselworld 2013.
I'd hate to maybe buy the watch in mid January only for them to release a new version in April.
What do you guys think?
no chance!
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Old 15 November 2012, 12:49 AM   #26
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Congrats on taking the necessary steps to properly research your potential first Rolex purchase!

For me I had to choose the 216570 in the Noir dial!



That 216570 paid proper respects to my favorite Rolex reference of all TIME the 1655!



Good luck and I look forward to seeing how your decision materializes!
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Old 15 November 2012, 11:10 AM   #27
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[QUOTE=FremStar;3717420]Congrats on taking the necessary steps to properly research your potential first Rolex purchase!

For me I had to choose the 216570 in the Noir dial!



Sam...love that shirt/tie combo with your 216570!!!



I agree with others here...there is no wrong choice with respect to the dial color, but I do prefer the noir.

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Old 15 November 2012, 01:11 PM   #28
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Sam...love that shirt/tie combo with your 216570!!!



I agree with others here...there is no wrong choice with respect to the dial color, but I do prefer the noir.

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Old 15 November 2012, 01:05 AM   #29
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I like the black dial myself, the white does stand out and is very nice too.Have fun post pics soon.
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Old 15 November 2012, 01:06 AM   #30
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I like the white explorer and have thought about one for myself
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