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Old 10 September 2013, 07:50 AM   #1
mfireman
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Explorer vs GMT

Hi all, this is my first post to any forum in my life and I am just looking for feedback as I continue to save for my first Rolex. I have always loved the look of the GMT and the new BLNR is stunning in my opinion but lately I have begun to fall for the simplicity of the Explorer. Aside from the lack of second time zone and date are there any quantitative reasons to NOT buy the Explorer (M214270-0001)?
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Old 10 September 2013, 07:52 AM   #2
nauticajoe
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Both great options to have as a 1st. Best is to try both & see which makes you smile.

Good luck!
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:01 AM   #3
Rolexitis
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I have the 116710 LN but I REALLY like the Explorer for its simplicity. It's very nice.
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Old 10 September 2013, 05:34 PM   #4
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Both great options to have as a 1st. Best is to try both & see which makes you smile.

Good luck!
x2
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Old 10 September 2013, 07:55 PM   #5
Bangel
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Both great options to have as a 1st. Best is to try both & see which makes you smile.

Good luck!
Good advice.

Apart from functions and looks, comfort is another potential variable.
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:47 PM   #6
travisb
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The GMT will be a little more substantial on the wrist.
As you said, the Exp has a nice, clean, simple dial.
Both are excellent options. Depends on which you like more.
Time for a trip to the AD!
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:04 AM   #7
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Have you look at the explorer II? It splits the difference - simple design plus a dual time zone feature.
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:07 AM   #8
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Have you look at the explorer II? It splits the difference - simple design plus a dual time zone feature.
X 2. The best Rolex I have ever owned.
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Old 10 September 2013, 09:25 AM   #9
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Have you look at the explorer II? It splits the difference - simple design plus a dual time zone feature.
His point is the simplicity of the Exp1 is what appeals to him. The TZ function and date is handled by the GMT.

Just have to try them on again and again until you can't bear to take take one of them off.

If I was a betting man I'd say you will end up with the GMT. It was the one that got you started on your quest to begin with. Sometimes we get so caught up in the chase that we over analyze it by entertaining other choices.

But they are both beautiful watches and either one is a winner.
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Old 10 September 2013, 09:33 AM   #10
iazrollie
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His point is the simplicity of the Exp1 is what appeals to him. The TZ function and date is handled by the GMT.

...

But they are both beautiful watches and either one is a winner.
maybe look at the milgauss GV, then. It has the simplicity of the explorer, with an interesting color like the gmt.
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Old 10 September 2013, 09:36 AM   #11
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IMHO consider the Classic classic of the Explorer I in 36mm....
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:05 AM   #12
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Just acquired an Explorer, had it been my first Rolex, I'd probably not have three! Stop what you are doing and go get one.
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:11 AM   #13
watchwatcher
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It's not really a vs. They are two totally different watches with different functions. If you need the dual time zone, the get the GMT.
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Old 10 September 2013, 08:37 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mfireman View Post
Hi all, this is my first post to any forum in my life and I am just looking for feedback as I continue to save for my first Rolex. I have always loved the look of the GMT and the new BLNR is stunning in my opinion but lately I have begun to fall for the simplicity of the Explorer. Aside from the lack of second time zone and date are there any quantitative reasons to NOT buy the Explorer (M214270-0001)?


Cabernet vs. Bordeaux.. both have beautiful flavors.. but only you will know what fits your palate best!

Give it a try on your wrist.. and you will know!

Good luck on the search as it is the most fun!
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Old 10 September 2013, 09:46 AM   #15
domenick512
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Both are great watches, so I recommend you try them on before deciding. I really thought I wanted a gold sub with a blue face, but after trying it on I realized the black suited me a lot better. Glad I took the time.
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:20 PM   #16
wingku
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Quite the orange to apple....I love both but I have the Expy I.
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:24 PM   #17
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Explorer. My favorite Rolex.
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:29 PM   #18
Cc1966
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Take a look at an Explorer II with the smaller 40mm case. These are the generation just before the latest and the prices can be excellent. Good luck...
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:44 PM   #19
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My 1st was a 39mm Explorer I followed by an old Coke GMTII. Both are great watches, two completely different styles. If you need the date and/or 2nd time zone then definitely the GMT is the one for you, but the classic, uncluttered design of the Explorer I is why I picked it as my 1st, I don't really NEED the 2nd timezone, it was just a plus.
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:49 PM   #20
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I like 36mm Exp. And Pepsi.
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Old 10 September 2013, 01:57 PM   #21
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To answer your question, no, there is no reason not to buy the Explorer. Unless deep down you know you really want the GMT. The Explorer is a great watch.
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Old 10 September 2013, 02:04 PM   #22
MitchSteel
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GMT first.....any GMT.
Then the rest will follow
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Old 10 September 2013, 02:06 PM   #23
Hairdude1
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Get the GMT!
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Old 10 September 2013, 04:23 PM   #24
DreambreaX
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gmt more elegance
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Old 10 September 2013, 04:40 PM   #25
mruhland31
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I really agree with the posts above stating how different they are. Both great watches. I have a Sub C and an Explorer I. I really like them both but for different reasons. Explorer is really light weight with a classic and almost dressy look. Still its tough as nails. The GMT is bigger and a really cool "utility watch" also a very classic look. Kind of hard to explain...both great but very different. Try em both. Can't go wrong either way.
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Old 10 September 2013, 04:44 PM   #26
ltmgeller
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I love my gmt BLNR. I prefer it over the explorer any day.
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Old 10 September 2013, 05:18 PM   #27
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no doubt!!!
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Old 10 September 2013, 05:31 PM   #28
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GMT! more elegant and versatile
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Old 11 September 2013, 01:50 AM   #29
Annan
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You might find this of interest.....http://minus4plus6.com/216570.htm
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Old 11 September 2013, 12:46 PM   #30
mfireman
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You might find this of interest.....http://minus4plus6.com/216570.htm
good article, thanks for sharing
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