The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 14 November 2012, 03:38 PM   #1
Rogdogg
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Rogdogg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 6,124
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
Rogdogg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:31 PM   #2
Lol-x
Facilitator
 
Lol-x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Real Name: Steve
Location: Omnipresent
Posts: 33,588
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
__________________

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
Lol-x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:36 PM   #3
Bulldurham08
"TRF" Member
 
Bulldurham08's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Kyle
Location: PA
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 404
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!
__________________
Rolex Datejust II 116300
(new watch swagger in full effect)

Bulldurham08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:39 PM   #4
woodsworth
"TRF" Member
 
woodsworth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: 100 Acre Wood
Posts: 959
Sometimes you need to tell the little man to shut up!

Get the Explorer- it sounds like you deserve it.
woodsworth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:40 PM   #5
Dr. Robert
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Dr. Robert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Bob
Location: U.S.A.
Watch: 1655
Posts: 64,277
If it's your first Rolex.....buy a submariner.
__________________
Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
Dr. Robert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:55 PM   #6
ND10
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: USA
Watch: SubC, Daytona
Posts: 588
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
Attached Images
 
ND10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 12:54 AM   #7
AK797
2024 Pledge Member
 
AK797's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,369
Quote:
Originally Posted by ND10 View Post
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.
AK797 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 11:06 PM   #8
GEO_79
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Georgian
Location: Constanta_Romania
Watch: 216570 Polar
Posts: 904
Quote:
Originally Posted by ND10 View Post
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
GEO_79 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:47 PM   #9
Gagebuilder
"TRF" Member
 
Gagebuilder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Doug
Location: Detroit Area
Watch: out for yelow snow
Posts: 1,067
"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.
__________________
So it's not the steam that causes the failure, but it's water that you notice in the watch after a shower that could lead you to believe the steam damaged the seal, but it's just the unfortunate result of an unserviced mechanical beast.
Gagebuilder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:50 PM   #10
Psmith
"TRF" Member
 
Psmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Clive
Location: Exoplanet
Watch: spring-driven
Posts: 38,856
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
__________________
Psmith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:55 PM   #11
blackout
"TRF" Member
 
blackout's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Everywhere
Watch: SubC LN & LV
Posts: 743
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!
blackout is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 04:56 PM   #12
93 Turbo
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
93 Turbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Australia
Watch: Rolex.Tudor.PAM
Posts: 1,554
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.
93 Turbo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 05:15 PM   #13
Rogdogg
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Rogdogg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 6,124
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
Rogdogg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 05:21 PM   #14
andyol1966
"TRF" Member
 
andyol1966's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Andy
Location: East Midlands, UK
Watch: Patek and Rolex
Posts: 1,074
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.
andyol1966 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 05:38 PM   #15
Hairdude1
"TRF" Member
 
Hairdude1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Alex
Location: Chicago
Watch: AP,PP, Rolex
Posts: 37,156
Honestly you cannot go wrong with either! Best of luck with your search!
Hairdude1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 05:53 PM   #16
Art 1
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida, Canada
Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega
Posts: 30,244
I like the blk dial version.
Art 1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 06:00 PM   #17
AH0RSEY
"TRF" Member
 
AH0RSEY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Steve
Location: Harrogate
Watch: OUT !!!!
Posts: 829
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.
__________________
Current rotation; AP15500ST grey, White Daytona 116500, WG Black/Red Daytona 116509, White and Black EXP 42, GMT2C.... too many previous it makes my head hurt thinking about them.
AH0RSEY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 06:05 PM   #18
George Ab
"TRF" Member
 
George Ab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: George
Location: Seattle
Watch: One of Them
Posts: 6,924
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.
__________________

George Ab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 06:08 PM   #19
Matrim604
"TRF" Member
 
Matrim604's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 578
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. :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
__________________
__________________________________________
"I'm a man of simple tastes, easily satisfied with the best."
Matrim604 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 06:10 PM   #20
SPACE-DWELLER
"TRF" Member
 
SPACE-DWELLER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Bo
Location: Denmark
Watch: Rolex, of course!
Posts: 22,436
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.
__________________
With kind regards, Bo

LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...
SPACE-DWELLER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 08:02 PM   #21
travisb
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
travisb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Travis
Location: FL / NYC
Watch: Yes..
Posts: 33,493
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.
travisb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 08:09 PM   #22
Kaprish
"TRF" Member
 
Kaprish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Rishi
Location: Dubai, UAE
Watch: Rolex Daytona 1165
Posts: 84
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...
__________________
Cartier Santos 100, Tag Carrera Chrono, Daytona 116520, Pam 104, Omega PO XL
Kaprish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 November 2012, 09:01 PM   #23
How
"TRF" Member
 
How's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Melbourne
Watch: 16610, Tudor 1960
Posts: 1,554
I like the black dial for several reasons:

Black goes with everything

Black is slimming

It pays homage to the legendary 1655 Explorer II
How is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 12:38 AM   #24
Rogdogg
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Rogdogg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 6,124
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?
Rogdogg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 12:45 AM   #25
subtona
"TRF" Member
 
subtona's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: gus
Location: East Coast
Watch: APK & sometimes Y
Posts: 26,599
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogdogg View Post
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!
Attached Images
 
__________________
subtona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 12:49 AM   #26
FremStar
"TRF" Member
 
FremStar's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Sam
Location: Gotham City
Watch: Wall Street
Posts: 9,954
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!
__________________
"Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!"

"A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern

"In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon

"Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung
FremStar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 11:10 AM   #27
john333
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
john333's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Gotham
Posts: 1,274
[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.

john333 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 01:11 PM   #28
FremStar
"TRF" Member
 
FremStar's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Sam
Location: Gotham City
Watch: Wall Street
Posts: 9,954
Quote:
Originally Posted by john333 View Post

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.

__________________
"Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!"

"A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern

"In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon

"Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung
FremStar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 01:05 AM   #29
blama215
"TRF" Member
 
blama215's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: US
Watch: SUB C 116610LN
Posts: 353
I like the black dial myself, the white does stand out and is very nice too.Have fun post pics soon.
__________________

ROLEX 116610LN
SMP 2254.50.00
ROLEX DateJust 16234
Aqua Terra 231.10.42.21.02.001
Aqua Terra 25773000 (wifes)
Breitling A1736006
blama215 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2012, 01:06 AM   #30
beshannon
"TRF" Member
 
beshannon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Brian
Location: Northern Virginia
Watch: One of Not Many
Posts: 17,892
I like the white explorer and have thought about one for myself
__________________
IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock
beshannon is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.