different explorer 2 series

[AngMoTan]

hi guys,

i'm looking at getting a preowned explorer 2 but am quite confused about which model to buy as there are quite a few series. i've come across the A,D,F,G,M,Z series but am not sure which alphabet belongs to which year of manufacture.

moreover, they all look the same! can anyone help? thanks a mil!

[SeaDweller50]

They are just serial numbers. List and dates below. The latest Explorer II (circa 2011) has a 42mm dial and comes in black or white dial.

L000001 .........................1989
E000001 .........................1990
X000001 .........................1991
N000001 .........................1991
C000001 .........................1992
S000001 .........................1993
W000001 .........................1994
T000001 .........................1996
U000001 .........................1997
A000001 .........................1998
P000001 .........................2000
K000001 .........................2001
Y000001 .........................2002
F000001 .........................2003
Also started engraving the serial number inside the bezel (under the crystal)

D000001 .........................2005
Z000001 ..........................2006
M000001 ..........................2007
V000001 ..........................2008
G000001 ...................Mid 2010
Random Numbers ....Late 2010 to present (8 digits)

[AngMoTan]

wow thanks! so does it mean those models after 2005 all have the engraving inside the bezel which is located under the crystal? it seems all of them look almost identical. only the 2012 model looks different, it has the orange hand right?

[SeaDweller50]

Orange GMT hand, correct. The older models are all identical within the time frame given by your ser numbers.

[SeaDweller50]

If you like the large dial I say go for the 42mm.

[benlee]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

If you like the large dial I say go for the 42mm.

+1

[AngMoTan]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

If you like the large dial I say go for the 42mm.

haha, it will burn a very big hole in my pocket!

[padi56]

The only changes with the Explorer 11 since 1988/9 first the change from Titium lume to Luminover around 1998 then from 2001 Laser Etched Rolex crown In the Crystal.From around 2002 end of Y serials early 2003 the non lugs holes started to make there appearence on most models.From 2004 Serial F/D on some models the Rolex Rolex Rolex on the inner Rehaut ring started.Some late models just before they were discontinued might have the in-house made hairspring but no big deal either way.And of course the different prices over the years so always buy the best example because they are all basically the same except for a few minor cosmetic changes.And Rolex have never made a series of any watch they are just case serial stamps. And many serials overlap in different years, and by any Internet chart we can get a approx date when the case/clasp was stamped now this don't always mean when the watch was made.

R 1987
L 1988
E 1990
X 1991
N 1991 (Nov)
C 1992
S 1993
W 1994
T 1996
U 1997 (Aug)
A 1998 (Nov)
P 2000 (Jan)
K 2001 (Sep)
Y 2002 (Sep)
F 2003 (Sep)
D 2005 (Apr)
Z 2006 (May)
M 2007 (Aug)
V 2008 (Aug)
G 2010 (July)
G 2011 On
Plus Randoms

[subtona]

Older has 3185 movement
Newer has 3186 movement

Newest 42mm has 3187 movment.

Minor movement changes but it is part of the difference

[AngMoTan]

wow thats detailed, thanks! oh and what about the movement? whats the difference between the 3185 and 3186? which are these models?

[SeaDweller50]

I have to agree the 3187 movement is incredible. Incredible accuracy

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

I have to agree the 3187 movement is incredible. Incredible accuracy

No matter what the movement its only as good as what is has been regulated to that's a fact.And most any Rolex movement since the 15 series can with correct regulation perform well in side the COSC spec which all Rolex movements are tested too.And the 3187 is basically a 3186 with the inhouse paraflex shock system but most movements are based on the cal 3135 with or without added complications.

[Rich2putt]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

I have to agree the 3187 movement is incredible. Incredible accuracy

x2

[Culley22]

What year was the switch over from 3185 to 3186?