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 31 July 2018, 10:05 PM   #1
olorin
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Alternate Reality
Posts: 17
My First Rolex, The Explorer II 216570 Black Dial

For the longest time, I always thought I would save up and buy a nice vintage Rolex. Perhaps a submariner or a GMT.

So if you read the title of this thread, you'd probably wonder what went wrong (or right) along the way. Read on to find out what happened between then and now.

I think there are mainly 3 reasons that made me hesitant about purchasing a vintage Rolex.
First, the price is just ridiculous. I mean everything is nowadays, but I'm not ready to spend the same amount of money on a vintage piece if I can get a new one with roughly the same price or even way less.

Second, I don't really know whether I can trust the store about the intactness of the piece. Have the hands been changed? Was the dial repainted? I had a very unpleasant experience when my aunt gave me her Rolex, she had it restored and to my horror, it was completely repainted (so yes, technically this Rolex is my second one, but it's the first one that I personally bought). Sometimes it doesn't even come with paper or box. Buying from reputable vintage sellers (e.g. Analog Shift) is not an option since I'm based in Indonesia. To me, there's just too many hassles in buying a vintage piece

And last but not least, It just feels flimsy in my hand. I mean, when I try holding a submariner (ref 5513 I think) in my hands, I feel like the bracelet is about to fall apart. Obviously that was just a hyperbole, but you get what I mean. It doesn't feel as solid as a modern bracelet with the double lock clasp that is a standard issue for all Rolex nowadays.

And so with these considerations in mind, I began to search for a modern Rolex timepiece.

Personally, Rolex was never a favorite of mine. I feel that the design is just too simple, but at the same time it's too loud as everyone would recognize it from a mile away, and that it's very ubiquitous.

But a year ago, I was in a watch store and one piece immediately caught my attention. It was The Dark Knight, aka The GMT Master II Batman. I played with it, put it on my wrist, examined it from different angles. And just like that, I was hooked on a modern Rolex.

From that point, I started researching about which piece to acquire. First and foremost, I want a complication that is useful. This of course is a personal reason. I feel that a chronograph or a diving tool watch won't be off any use for me. For this reason alone, the Submariner, Datejust, Milgauss, Air King fell off my radar. Price point is also important, so off goes Sky Dweller and the Day Date (I love the Day Date and I personally feel that day display is an uber cool feature!). And of course it needs to be a sport watch, so Cellini was not considered.

So I was left with the GMT and the Explorer. Going back to my point about Rolex's ubiquity, it's easy to see why I finally succumbed to the charming spell of the Explorer. Also the price is very attractive compared to the GMT (yes, I still want that Batman, it's up next in my acquisition list lol).

The black dial with its mysterious aura quickly won my heart over its more clean looking white dial sibling. And so without much thought, I pulled the trigger when I saw one sold by a reseller (no AD in this damn country or anywhere else has sport Rolex watch, sigh).

And so I thought that was it, I got my first Rolex. Time to move on from Rolex and get another brand. But oh boy, I could not be more mistaken.

The more I play with it, the more I'm amazed at the product that I have in my hands.

Let's start with the bracelet. I always thought the jubilee bracelet was more beautiful, but I couldn't deny the charm of the oyster bracelet that the Explorer has. It just feels solid around the wrist, it commands respect and awe. It just looks clean. At the same time, it is super comfortable.

The clasp is just very well thought out. The spring loaded lock (I don't know what it's called) makes opening and closing the clasp buttery smooth. And if you're keen on keeping your watch as pristine as possible, you just need to pull the clasp lock a bit every time you open or close the clasp. And the cherry on top is the double locking clasp mechanism which to me is a life saver. I can't count how many times my Speedy's bracelet accidentally popped open when the other end of the clasp was stuck to something. The inside part of the clasp that touches my wrist is nicely curved, which contributes to its insane comfort when put on.

And of course the bracelet extension feature is very much appreciated. I'm not sure how common this feature is among other brands or even who first made it, but Rolex's extension feature just simply works and is one of the small features that is unseen and its usefulness can only be appreciated when you put it on and use it daily. To me, this level of attention to the features of a watch speaks louder than a beautiful finish or rare complication (call me practical I guess).

I tested the lume both by intentionally pointing a flashlight to the watch and just seeing how it works normally (e.g. when I step into my car after work). It simply does not disappoint. It's bright and green and coupled with the black dial just looks magnificent.

Setting up the time is a bit complicated to me, but that's what instruction manuals are made for. I especially love the fact that when I pulled the crown all the way, the second hand just stops. And the click feedback I get when I move the local time hour hand is just oh so satisfying! The sweeping second hand just screams quality.

the bezel is what I think separates this Rolex from its peers. It's a smooth brushed steel bezel with the 24 hours marking printed around it. I just simply love its simplicity. To add more on this point, this watch is just super legible. Everything is properly spaced, big but not too big, and is just very clearly printed. The trademark cyclops date window lives up to its legacy too. I suspect I won't be having any problem reading the time of this watch even when I hit my 60s or 70s haha!

But the star, or rather stars, of the show have to be the orange reference time hour hand and the black dial. The black dial gives the illusion of floating hands while the orange hand (along with the orange Explorer II font) just separates this watch from everything else. It makes it bold, distinctive, befitting its name.

I've been wearing it close to 2 weeks now and it keeps the time perfectly. I never really bothered to check for its accuracy though. Perhaps some other time. For now, this watch is as flawless as it can get for me and I'm just happy I pulled the trigger on this one.

TLDR: Bought Explorer II, DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

PS: pics coming soon :)
olorin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 July 2018, 11:02 PM   #2
jimcameron
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ByDawns Earlylite
Watch: 16800
Posts: 3,580
You did the right thing! There's enough drama with these watches without adding in the vintage aspect. If you're a devoted vintage collector, it would be different. If you want a very nice watch, you can't ask for more than you just acquired. Great choice, enjoy for many years in good health.
jimcameron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 July 2018, 11:42 PM   #3
Mephist
"TRF" Member
 
Mephist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 781
Wooow that was a long post, luckily there was a TLDR at the bottom.

Congratulations with your new Explorer II, it is an amazing looking watch
__________________
...And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years...
Mephist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 02:29 AM   #4
CoveWatch
"TRF" Member
 
CoveWatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: SoCal
Watch: Rolex & AP
Posts: 4,535
Congrats on the Explorer! It really is a great watch
CoveWatch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 02:44 AM   #5
kelv_w
"TRF" Member
 
kelv_w's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 307
Congratulations! The EXII black face was my first Rolex as well. It was the one that peaked my interest every time I walked past the AD window. It's a beauty and everyone seemed to say it's too big but whenever I put it on, it just feels right.
kelv_w is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 02:45 AM   #6
81sforlife
"TRF" Member
 
81sforlife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Real Name: J
Location: CO
Watch: Sub & ExpII
Posts: 555
Congrats! Great watch for sure.
81sforlife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 02:50 AM   #7
fdm79
"TRF" Member
 
fdm79's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Norway
Posts: 931
Congratulations !
__________________
Rolex GMT Master II 126710 BLRO - Rolex Submariner 116610 LV - Breitling Navitimer 01 Pan-American Bronze Limited Edition AB0121C4/Q605-447A - Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 3861 (Sapphire) 310.30.42.50.01.002 - Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 41mm Ceramic (Blue) 212.30.41.20.03.001
fdm79 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 02:56 AM   #8
ancientmariner
"TRF" Member
 
ancientmariner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Tony
Location: UK
Posts: 1,174
Well done!
Think you need 10 posts to put up pics.
ancientmariner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 04:34 AM   #9
TakeYourTime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Real Name: Alex
Location: California
Watch: Changes daily
Posts: 410
Congratulations! Great choice for the first one

You have to check the size of your picture!
I would recommend JPG or JPEG, maximum size for this forum is 293.0 KB

The easiest way is to "cut out" the part of the picture you don't want to show (e.g. the background).

You can change the size is via Microsoft Paint (click on resize and change the %)... Assuming not everyone is a Photoshop pro
TakeYourTime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 05:18 AM   #10
GMT Aviator
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GMT Aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Real Name: Mike
Location: London
Posts: 3,318
That’s a fine choice. Congrats.
GMT Aviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 02:40 AM   #11
olorin
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Alternate Reality
Posts: 17
So here are the pics:
Attached Images
         
olorin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 05:12 AM   #12
Nikrnic
"TRF" Member
 
Nikrnic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Real Name: Louis Nick Ric
Location: Michigan, USA
Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs,
Posts: 10,172
Congrats and nice mini review, you covered so many points and I agree as well. I bought my Polar new about 6 weeks ago and it rarely leaves my wrist.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Nikrnic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 05:14 AM   #13
Chewbacca
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: CJ
Location: Kashyyyk
Watch: Kessel Run Chrono
Posts: 21,112
I can now say I read a book this summer.

Congrats on the watch.
Chewbacca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:57 AM   #14
derklink
2024 Pledge Member
 
derklink's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Location Location
Watch: amacallit
Posts: 636
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewbacca View Post
I can now say I read a book this summer.

Congrats on the watch.
derklink is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 05:21 AM   #15
milgauss2007
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: MN
Posts: 34
Congrats I've been thinking about getting one of these I just can't decide if I want the 42 mm and how it's going to wear my wrist. And then of course there's a decision between black or white

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
milgauss2007 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 05:24 AM   #16
Navarino
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 3,411
Congrats on the EXP II!
Navarino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 06:03 AM   #17
watchwatcher
"TRF" Member
 
watchwatcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Larry
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Yes
Posts: 35,047
One of the best bang for the buck watches out there, IMO. Congrats!
watchwatcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 08:49 AM   #18
Grimm
"TRF" Member
 
Grimm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dallas
Posts: 121
Congrats! Will be my first too.
Grimm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 09:03 AM   #19
G'ed
"TRF" Member
 
G'ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: RolexHQ boardroom
Posts: 1,232
My fav Rolex and I owned quite a few. Even more than SkyD.
G'ed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 09:46 AM   #20
squatchy
"TRF" Member
 
squatchy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Minnesota
Watch: SS/WG DJ41
Posts: 93
The EXPII has very slowly been growing on me... tried on a Polar today and it's piquing my interest. Never had before.
squatchy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:18 AM   #21
voltc
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 105
great choice.. congrats
voltc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:24 AM   #22
AJM914
"TRF" Member
 
AJM914's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: AJ
Location: NY
Watch: ♕
Posts: 6,761
Congrats! Beautiful!
__________________
AJM914 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:37 AM   #23
SemperFi
"TRF" Member
 
SemperFi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Angelo
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Watch: Rolex Submariner
Posts: 42,164
Congratulations and welcome to TRF.
__________________
Rolex Submariner
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue
Tudor Ranger 79910
Nomos Club Datum 733
Nomos Metro 38
Stowa Flieger Classic 40

* Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons *
SemperFi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:38 AM   #24
chloebear
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Mike
Location: USA
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 2,902
Congrats! I had to google TLDR. Too long....didn't read.

I have this exact watch and it is by far my favorite Rolex. It is just a cool watch that always brings a smile to your face. Enjoy!
chloebear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:43 AM   #25
WatchinMD
"TRF" Member
 
WatchinMD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: Larry
Location: Maryland
Watch: Saxonia Moonphase
Posts: 3,428
Looks great! Congrats
WatchinMD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 10:50 AM   #26
JetJok737
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Chicago
Posts: 17
Great choice, love mine!
JetJok737 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 11:28 AM   #27
Urosfan
"TRF" Member
 
Urosfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Watch: Me now
Posts: 19,372
Congrats
Urosfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 August 2018, 11:40 AM   #28
rmlovett1
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
rmlovett1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Richard
Location: GA
Watch: YTBD
Posts: 23,509
Excellent choice! Congratulations!
rmlovett1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2018, 10:51 PM   #29
Britus
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 63
Great choice


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Britus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2018, 11:01 PM   #30
schoolboy
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Real Name: Jesus
Location: Texas
Watch: 116234
Posts: 8,721
Congrats!

I enjoyed reading your story/review.

Enjoy it in good health


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
schoolboy 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.