which is more ruggedized exp2/gmt2/sub

[Antwonr15]

I have a datejust II and have noticed myself taking it off for a lot of the things that I do around work. I am in the military and can get into some messy situations along with being rather rough on a watch. I am now looking to invest in one of the three watches above and from my research it seems like they are all pretty tough but do they all have the paraflex shock absorber? I like a little color so the GMT full black and the hulk sub or even the blue sub appeal more to me than the exp2 with the black dial. However I dont see myself diving anytime soon so the sub loses some appeal in that factor but ultimately they are all very fine watches. I know there are a lot of threads like this but maybe some former military personnel can shed some light onto which one you would rather take on a deployment and why?

[johneh]

Well, any blue sub is going to be either two-tone, or white gold so I would rule those out. Whether it has paraflex isn't going to make a difference over movements still using kif. It's Rolex marketing hype at best.

For what it's worth, I'd get an Explorer 2 if I were in your situation.

[Ravager135]

It seems you're rather set against it but I'd get the black Explorer II if I were you. Seems to be a perfect work watch to contrast with your Datejust II. I wore my white dial Explorer II all the time when I was active duty.

[MCO1]

If you are not a diver I would say the GMT would be the watch of choice for you. Especially if you deploy a lot outside your normal timezone, then you would actually use the complication. I don't know what service you are in but the hulk sub would look pretty cool with some of the utility uniforms for what it is worth.

[watchwatcher]

I think I would go with the EXP2 for the deployment. Less chance of sand or grit to get underneath the moving bezel of the sub/GMT. Of course, you can't really go wrong with any.

[Time Exposure]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I think I would go with the EXP2 for the deployment. Less chance of sand or grit to get underneath the moving bezel of the sub/GMT. Of course, you can't really go wrong with any.

This. Plays into the theory of "less moving parts" being the most durable.

[Castor]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I think I would go with the EXP2 for the deployment. Less chance of sand or grit to get underneath the moving bezel of the sub/GMT. Of course, you can't really go wrong with any.

This.

I have the Explorer II Polar 216570 & I've put it through all kinds of shit (once even literally) & it came through with flying, & accurate, colours. It has the Paraflex shock absorber & the Parachrom hairspring & is rated to 300 ft. The orange hand is also quite useful for keeping track of an extra timezone. It's hard to go wrong with this watch if you're going to be on deployment & need a watch to take all kinds of abuse & still keep accurate time. Plus it's also pretty enough & tough enough to be rinsed off with water & used with your dress uniform. I found the Polar (white) dial to be substantially more legible than the black; the hands stood out better & the internal reflections were far less noticeable (others, I know will disagree with that, but that's my experience). It's the most legible watch I've ever seen, with the exception of the Tudor Heritage Ranger.

The 904L steel is much more likely to scratch than the crystal, but with all the banging around I do with my watch even the scratches on the steel are not bad & the crystal is as pristine as the day I got it.

[Tools]

You're talking two different things..

If you take of a DJ when you do stuff, you will also be taking off the watches that you mention that you like. LV's, TT's, precious metals, ceramic bezels or any removable rotating bezel are not "work" or heavy adventure watches..

[520lux]

I would go with the EXII…great looking watch all around can be dressed up or down.

[Lpugliese]

agree

Originally Posted by 520lux

I would go with the EXII…great looking watch all around can be dressed up or down.

[SHM3]

I'd say Explorer II or SS Sub. The polished center links on the GMT make it less rugged cosmetically (although not so much in reality).

[Antwonr15]

I really do enjoy the look of the black explorer II don't get me wrong and I was actually leaning more towards that piece due to the work that I do and with these comments will probably go that route. MC01 I am in the army so it would go well with the uniform and 520lux that a Sierra Vista code I spy?

[AK797]

Exp2 is a good choice altho bezel will mark up more than a ceramic bezel.

[IT Nerd]

Originally Posted by AK797

Exp2 is a good choice altho bezel will mark up more than a ceramic bezel.

+1, bezel scratches on the Exp2 aren't fun

[judson]

AF here, I didn't spend a lot of time in the field, though I did deploy. Exp2 makes the most sense to me out of your choices. Might I recommend a Seiko when you are in the field. I wore a Seiko the whole time I was in and every time I was deployed. Never worried about taking it off and still have it today.

[busytimmy]

Exp2 100%. I've owned all three.


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[spuds]

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Exp2 100%. I've owned all three.

This.


(and I still own all three! )

[locutus49]

SUb.

[crfsocal]

A g-shock would be the best option :)

I know, I know... in all seriousness, between those choices Exp2 imo would be the best option, no rotating bezel... but it will probably scratch more than the ceramic bezel as mentioned.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by crfsocal

A g-shock would be the best option :)

I know, I know... in all seriousness, between those choices Exp2 imo would be the best option, no rotating bezel... but it will probably scratch more than the ceramic bezel as mentioned.

Exactly what I was going to say. G-shock or Timex Ironman watch. I've had two Ironman watches my entire life. The first is at the bottom of a lake because of being kicked very hard in a triathlon. The other is on my kitchen table and used for "rough" activities. Hard to kill them.

[AF_Rob]

I actually get more use out of my rotating bezel than a second timezone. Being in Hawaii, you may find the second timezone more useful. Depending on how you deploy, you may want to consider leaving it at home... Unless you are deploying to an office desk, or plan on never taking it off. I would hate to see you lose it over there. Personal space can be limited, so I would never take it off.

[landroverking]

If you Google "tough as nails" and Rolex you will come up the the Sea Dweller.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by landroverking

If you Google "tough as nails" and Rolex you will come up the the Sea Dweller.

I just did it and got TRF as the first hit!

[Pacha]

During my time in Thailand, Laos & Vietnam, I wore a SS Sub with no ill effects.

[Jaycnyp]

Of your choices exp2 all day every day (it's the front runner for my next)! But might I recommend the explorer also (unless you need the date), it's a great piece!

[flatmad]

Exp II handles shock the best.


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[BBQ BOY]

Exp2

[tomfang]

SS Sub for sure. The crystal on the EXPII can be broke more easily than Sub due to no bezel around.

[chloebear]

All great choices for sure....I would say Exp2 because of the fixed bezel.

[WS9D]

Brother (from a former member of the military), I'm in law enforcement and wear my GMT2c daily, and it has stood it's ground well. If I were you, this is what I would get. The ceramic bezel will stand up better than the stainless bezel of the Explorer 2 which will scratch easily in this line of work. I'd much rather have the PCLs of my bracelet scratch over my bezel. The GMT/24 hour function is much more useful than the timing bezel of the sub. The aviation history of the watch is second to none. Each scratch/gouge on the bracelet will be a different memory for you to reflect on, some good, some bad. The GMT will hold it's own whether in camies, class a's, bravos, Charlie's, or full blown dress uniform. The rotating bezel gives you access to a third time zone which could be useful during a deployment. The explorer only gives u two. The GMT in my mind is an iconic watch because of its history.

As a Marine and a cop, the GMT gets my vote. I've been in fights with it, a car crash with it, countless hours of training with it, desk dived with it, and all the other BS this job has thrown at it.

More importantly, it has survived my 3-yr-old son and all of his abuse.

In the end, they are all strong enough to hold up to you rugged environments, and that's what gives them the honor of being called a Rolex.

Just make sure you get insurance for those "Oh $#%" moments in life.