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Old 6 October 2023, 07:26 PM   #1
deansot53
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Explorer 40m or Explorer 2 daily wearer?

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am now the proud owner of the new Explorer 40mm where the Explorer 2 black dial was my daily wear prior to this.

I need to choose and possibly lose one of the pieces and ask what would you keep either the Explorer 40 mm which seems to go under the radar wears well and has a simple but functional dial and likewise the Explorer 2 black dial that has a couple more functions but wears slightly larger on me.

I understand keeping both is the obvious answer but only have room for one.
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Old 6 October 2023, 07:28 PM   #2
Miker86
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40mm EXP would be the better daily wearer imo. Would trial the newly acquired Explorer for a while before making a decision as it can take a while to form an opinion on a watch.
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Old 6 October 2023, 07:45 PM   #3
london_v
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Both are pretty discreet. I feel you’d eventually miss the Exp II if you let it go. So I’d keep that one.
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Old 6 October 2023, 07:55 PM   #4
amh
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Post up some pics, we'll be happy to judge.

I have the 42mm exp2 and the smaller/older models would feel tiny (7.5in wrist.)
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Old 6 October 2023, 07:57 PM   #5
brandrea
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Congratulations on the Exp40.

IMHO you keep both for a period of time, until the honeymoon is over with the new watch. Then make a decision
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Old 6 October 2023, 08:39 PM   #6
Tritto
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Explorer 40m or Explorer 2 daily wearer?

I spent a bit of time trying on an explorer 40mm at an AD a while ago. Nice watch, but if felt like I'd get bored and reach for something more interesting before long. On that basis, I reckon the Exp2 would be a better option for me. I've not tried the two on side by side though.


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Old 6 October 2023, 08:44 PM   #7
Ontime
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Its going to be hard letting go but if the 40mm feels more comfortable, you should keep it.
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Old 6 October 2023, 08:54 PM   #8
warrior
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I think the Explorer I is the classier, more timeless piece. Way more versatile as it’s the better “ dress” option and retains a sportiness as well. More sleek/comfortable, too.

The Explorer II works best as a tool watch.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:04 PM   #9
Daveh3196
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I think it would depend on your career and lifestyle. Do you only wear jeans/t-shirts? Do you have other watches or a dress watch. I would keep the explorer over the explorer II if it was a single watch collection because it fits better and looks better under dress shirts/cuffs and can really be worn for almost any occasion. If you have a dress watch then I’d keep the exp II for daily wear.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:47 PM   #10
georgew
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daveh3196 View Post
I think it would depend on your career and lifestyle. Do you only wear jeans/t-shirts? Do you have other watches or a dress watch. I would keep the explorer over the explorer II if it was a single watch collection because it fits better and looks better under dress shirts/cuffs and can really be worn for almost any occasion. If you have a dress watch then I’d keep the exp II for daily wear.
this should be a significant factor for you to consider. But from our wrist shots, 40mm fits better and would be more versatile - Exp II screams tool watch on your wrist (if that is what you intend). Keep both for a while
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:24 PM   #11
HHIslander
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Depends on your wrist size. Smaller wrist, go Explorer.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:32 PM   #12
deansot53
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Please see the pics on my wrist which should assist in your thoughts and help with my decision.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:44 PM   #13
HHIslander
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Please see the pics on my wrist which should assist in your thoughts and help with my decision.
Explorer looks much better on your wrist IMO.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:57 PM   #14
nighthawk77
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You need both for when one is away at service!

I have the 39mm Explorer and whilst it does make a great daily wearer, it's sometimes nice to have something to mix it up a little. I'd try and keep both if possible.
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Old 6 October 2023, 09:59 PM   #15
Jonny8
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Looking at your photos I’d say the Explorer is the better fit.

However, as a previous owner of the II I know how comfortable they are! I have a 39mm Explorer and although I love it I still miss the II. Both can be an excellent one watch IMO, so I’d decide if I really need the extra complications of the II, and if not I’d choose the Explorer (just).
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Old 6 October 2023, 10:01 PM   #16
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Congrats on your new, the Explorer is a perfect fit IMO.
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Old 7 October 2023, 12:58 AM   #17
amh
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Pics say exp!
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Old 7 October 2023, 03:35 AM   #18
nyc2la
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Keep the Explorer 40
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Old 7 October 2023, 03:36 AM   #19
Pinchy
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I love my Ex2 and Ex36. As a daily, EX40 is far better than the EX2 in that it can play nicely in every environment. Ex2 is Rolex's tooliest tool watch that ever tooled.
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Old 7 October 2023, 04:21 AM   #20
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Love my Exp2 poplar, not a fan of the black dial version as much so i would go Exp 40
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Old 7 October 2023, 08:13 AM   #21
matthew P
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I love the latest ExpII in both colors, with a preference for the black though that seems to change with the season.
To me they wear even larger than the numbers suggest and I suspect I’d have to have a 8 inch wrist to wear it comfortably as a true daily.

On my 7 inch wrist I can wear the larger explorer but for my 7 inch wrist the modem field watch sizing of the 36 is so incredibly comfortable

I choose explorer in what ever size you prefer.
It’s understated simplicity is a virtue to me.




..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..
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Old 7 October 2023, 01:05 PM   #22
Kenny G
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For a one and done I’d go Ex1.

Would make for a great 2 piece combo though (could also consider the polar if owing both).
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