Any wide shot of 42mm Explorer II?

[flal]

I've been a long time reader and have always appreciated Rolex, but haven't wanted to add one to my collection until recently. I'm pretty set on either a new 42mm Explorer II or nothing. The only other Rolex I'd consider would be a sub, but I already have a SMPc which I love and don't really want another dive watch in the collection. Also, I like that the Explorer II is pretty unique while I see the black subs out and about frequently.

My only concern is that it's a bit too big. I've paid my AD a visit, and I'm kind of on the fence. At times I think it's fine, at other times I think it's just too large. I've got a fairly thin wrist at 6.75 inches, but it's flat so I can usually pull off 40-42mm watches no problem. The Explorer II has fairly wide lugs though, so it makes the watch wear much larger than other watches that are similarly sized.

Most of the pictures I've come across on the forums have been up close which as I'm sure everyone knows makes the watch look much bigger. Does anyone have any wider shots of the Explorer II taken from further away? Every little bit helps as I decide if I'm going to make the plunge - thanks!

[JLM3]

I love mine and it is more comfortable on then my 2 subs and BLNR and I have a 6.75 wrist as well

[karmatp]

I have owned so many watches over the years and my black dialed Explorer II is probably my favorite of them all. It is such a great watch that does not scream Rolex like many others do.

As far as size, it will fit your wrist perfectly. I don't have any shots of it from a distance, but your wrist size will work well with it.

People always worry because Rolex states it is 42mm.
Funny thing is that next time you go to your AD, lay a sub c on top of it and you will see that they are pretty much exactly the same size. If Rolex put it at 40 or 41mm nobody would think twice.

The Explorer II wears amazing. I hate gloss dials and the matte dial is stunning. The smaller clasp is more comfortable than my ceramic subs was. Honestly, it is my favorite Rolex on the market. The last of the true tool watches.

[sensui]

I got a smaller wrist (6.375 to 6.5 inches), this is about my limit with watch sizes with this lug to lug. But I think the design is well balanced so I still dig it. Easy to read:

[AS1]

Originally Posted by sensui

I got a smaller wrist (6.375 to 6.5 inches), this is about my limit with watch sizes with this lug to lug. But I think the design is well balanced so I still dig it. Easy to read:

nice crisp photos right there!

[Cycleman6]

I absolutely love mine. I think the best overall value in the collection.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by sensui

I got a smaller wrist (6.375 to 6.5 inches), this is about my limit with watch sizes with this lug to lug. But I think the design is well balanced so I still dig it. Easy to read:

Great pics I weighed heavily on giving this one a second chance a few weeks ago. There isn't anything it can't do or be worn with. It's as comfortable as a 5 digit model. Plus I like the fact that it pays tribute to the version

[sensui]

Originally Posted by mailman

Great pics I weighed heavily on giving this one a second chance a few weeks ago. There isn't anything it can't do or be worn with. It's as comfortable as a 5 digit model. Plus I like the fact that it pays tribute to the version

agreed, that orange hand is perfect as the nod to the 1655.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by sensui

I got a smaller wrist (6.375 to 6.5 inches), this is about my limit with watch sizes with this lug to lug. But I think the design is well balanced so I still dig it. Easy to read:

Looks Great!

[flal]

Thanks for the replies. That's really good to know. I've tried a sub on a few times before, and have absolutely no problem with that size. i really love the look of the Exp II. I'll definitely compare that to the sub next time I stop by my AD.

[LAPratt]

Ugh....here I was contemplating on a polar. Above photo is making me think otherwise. I too have 6.5 inch wrist. I have a 43mm Tag that wears well, but the lugs on the Exp ii are way too long for me I think.

[Cycleman6]

Originally Posted by LAPratt

Ugh....here I was contemplating on a polar. Above photo is making me think otherwise. I too have 6.5 inch wrist. I have a 43mm Tag that wears well, but the lugs on the Exp ii are way too long for me I think.

I think the polar wears smaller than my Tag Formula 1 which is a 43mm

[LAPratt]

Originally Posted by Cycleman6

I think the polar wears smaller than my Tag Formula 1 which is a 43mm

Huh, really,....I guess I gotta try it on and make a decision.

[watchwatcher]

I think you'll be fine, it's a great watch that wears very comfortably for it's size, IMO.

P.S. Those are great photos above, guys!

P.P.S. Check out the EXP...at 39mm it's a great watch for us smaller waisted guys.

[flal]

Agreed - great pictures. Cycleman, love the explorer ii with the bow tie. Also with you on how it doesn't scream rolex. Very underrated beautiful piece.

[flal]

Not sure about the case height. Any problems fitting under a cuff? I want a versatile watch that I can wear with shorts and a tshirt (my uniform of choice) as well as a suit (not my uniform of choice which I have to wear far too often)

[Cycleman6]

Originally Posted by flal

Not sure about the case height. Any problems fitting under a cuff? I want a versatile watch that I can wear with shorts and a tshirt (my uniform of choice) as well as a suit (not my uniform of choice which I have to wear far too often)

The reason I choose the Explorer II was for its versatility with dress code. I can wear it with my swim trunks and t shirt and not look like a tool trying to flash a Rolex or pair it with a bow tie for the Derby. There isn't an outfit that it doesn't with with.

[530ExplorerII]

Originally Posted by Cycleman6

The reason I choose the Explorer II was for its versatility with dress code. I can wear it with my swim trunks and t shirt and not look like a tool trying to flash a Rolex or pair it with a bow tie for the Derby. There isn't an outfit that it doesn't with with.

Completely agree with this. In fact, if I could only wear one watch for the rest of my life it would be the Polar Exp. II. You can dress it up and down and it goes anywhere and does everything. Just took it on vacation and wore it on ATVs, Jetskis, Scuba Diving, out by the pool, and with a suit at dinner. Very versatile and amazing watch.

[Cycleman6]

Originally Posted by flal

Not sure about the case height. Any problems fitting under a cuff? I want a versatile watch that I can wear with shorts and a tshirt (my uniform of choice) as well as a suit (not my uniform of choice which I have to wear far too often)

No problems at all fitting under cuffs

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by Cycleman6

No problems at all fitting under cuffs

Agreed. Mine fits beautifully. If you like it (and some do t), it's a great watch. It's my favourite of mine.

[Ru4scuba]

6.5 inch wrists here and the clear favorite in my collection over Speedmasters and the blnr

[flal]

For those who's own or have owned both the Explorer II and the sub, how mich bigger does the Explorer II look in real life? The wrist shots make the difference seem pretty substantial, but of course that's up close.

[Zippy+]

I have both , wrist similar to yours , flat , the explorer 2 does look bigger but is so well balanced on my wrist , more comfortable than the sub and blnr for me.

[sensui]

Take a look yourself:





My honest opinion, doesn't wear that much larger compared to a maxi case six digit...compared to a five digit sub....more significant:

[GMT Aviator]

This is the widest shot I have of mine. Also have a fair few other Rolex, lots of GMT's, ceramic and 16710's alike, DJ2's and a yachtmaster, but this 42mm Explorer 2 just has something about it that is so pleasing.
The super maxi dial is unique in the Rolex line up. Why the more usual Rolex Divers aren't this size I now find quite perplexing as to my eye it would make the perfect dial for any Divers watch. Very legible, uncluttered and easy to read. It also doesn't shout 'I'm a Rolex' as obviously as subs, GMT's etc do which makes it appealing to me at least.
Only had this about a month and so far it hasn't been off my wrist. It wears beautifully on my 7" wrist and imagine would do the same on your 6.5". It's as tough as old boots, dresses up and down extremely well and like everyone else who's bought one, I'm pleasantly surprised just how much I really do appreciate it more than my other Rolex in so many ways. It's a keeper for sure. I love it. Pull the trigger, you won't be disappointed I assure you.

[flal]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

This is the widest shot I have of mine. Also have a fair few other Rolex, lots of GMT's, ceramic and 16710's alike, DJ2's and a yachtmaster, but this 42mm Explorer 2 just has something about it that is so pleasing.
The super maxi dial is unique in the Rolex line up. Why the more usual Rolex Divers aren't this size I now find quite perplexing as to my eye it would make the perfect dial for any Divers watch. Very legible, uncluttered and easy to read. It also doesn't shout 'I'm a Rolex' as obviously as subs, GMT's etc do which makes it appealing to me at least.
Only had this about a month and so far it hasn't been off my wrist. It wears beautifully on my 7" wrist and imagine would do the same on your 6.5". It's as tough as old boots, dresses up and down extremely well and like everyone else who's bought one, I'm pleasantly surprised just how much I really do appreciate it more than my other Rolex in so many ways. It's a keeper for sure. I love it. Pull the trigger, you won't be disappointed I assure you.

I love the side by side comparison of the 3 watches. The Exp II doesn't look much larger than the GMT at all. Love how they are all so different. Beautiful watches.

[mrhy]

Here it is and it's for sale


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[JR16]

My advice would be to try it on a few times and if you are still on the fence, buy a nice pre-owned 16570 which is 40mm and wears a lot smaller ... that's what I did and very happy w my decision. Over the years I've realized if I try something on and I think "is this too big on my wrist", it usually is and I've made some mistakes not listening to that voice


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[hoppes-no9]

OP, looks like very few responders read your request for wide shots.

Here's my 216570 on my 7-1/4" wrist, taken from far away but zoomed in.

[dr.fiddy]

Not so wide, but still...