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Old 12 October 2023, 12:23 PM   #1
NoRiskNoStory
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Most Rugged Rolex?

Which three Rolex models do you think are the most rugged?

Let's define "rugged" in terms of character and appearance.

Meaning: Showing strength and toughness in character; brave; courageous.

I'll start with the 3 watch collection of:

SD43
Explorer 2 Polar
Sub Hulk

Interested to know what everyone thinks, thanks!
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Old 12 October 2023, 01:33 PM   #2
Tim Plains
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Explorer II.
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Old 12 October 2023, 02:18 PM   #3
justin81
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Explorer II, the ugliest one.
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Old 12 October 2023, 02:38 PM   #4
JacksonRain
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Explorer II, the ugliest one.
Lol

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Old 12 October 2023, 02:57 PM   #5
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These three ... 😉

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Old 12 October 2023, 05:36 PM   #6
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Explorer II, the ugliest one.

In your eyes….
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Old 13 October 2023, 02:17 PM   #7
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In your eyes….

The light….the heat….

Um….wrong thread


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Old 12 October 2023, 05:57 PM   #8
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Quote:
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Explorer II, the ugliest one.
^^^ This.

SD43 for example is indeed 'strong' in terms of depth rating but that's meaningless IRL. No one's going to take these watches beyond the deep end of a pool.

However the ceramic is actually very brittle. How brittle? Well Pepsi owners certainly know - just glance at it the wrong way and it will crack.

Wearing the Exp2 right now:
- Yes, it's somewhat of an ugly duckling. This is clearly reflected in the availability and aftermarket price.
- Arguably the most rugged Rolex model. The brushed bezel won't look any worse even after a few dings;.
- It's a hard watch to love. However it's easy to admire it.

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Old 13 October 2023, 02:07 AM   #9
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Any Explorer I would be rugged. The Explorer II bezel would make that model more rugged than any Rolex with a ceramic bezel.
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Old 12 October 2023, 02:29 PM   #10
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SD43 no contest in ruggedness while also looking so good. Plus it still looks and feels like a normal wearable watch compared to the bigger and thicker Deep sea.
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Old 12 October 2023, 02:35 PM   #11
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Submariner design to be a tool watch until it become a cool watch and people bubble wrap it.
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Old 12 October 2023, 02:47 PM   #12
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Explorer II, I am on my second bezel insert on my SD4k and the extent of my adventuring is the office desk and the couch.
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Old 12 October 2023, 03:30 PM   #13
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Exp2 Polar
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Old 12 October 2023, 03:42 PM   #14
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In looks and character I'd vote Mariner or Submariner.

In a real life situation Explorer II. Nothing with a moving bezel that could pop right off is going to be in the top spot when the going gets tough.
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Old 12 October 2023, 04:26 PM   #15
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In looks and character I'd vote Mariner or Submariner.

In a real life situation Explorer II. Nothing with a moving bezel that could pop right off is going to be in the top spot when the going gets tough.
That's what Rolex should have called the Yacht-Master.
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Old 13 October 2023, 09:47 PM   #16
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In looks and character I'd vote Mariner or Submariner.

In a real life situation Explorer II. Nothing with a moving bezel that could pop right off is going to be in the top spot when the going gets tough.
I'd vote for Exp II, as I did manage to pop my subs bezel off just cleaning the exterior of my boat 2 yrs ago. Somehow, the watch/bezel caught the edge of a cleat and off it popped - was surprised to say the least. Luckily, I found the bezel on the deck (pretty much unharmed), but the washer and bezel click spring were nowhere to be found. I bought spare parts and re-assembled it. so, yes, it does happen.
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Old 12 October 2023, 04:44 PM   #17
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any Rolex tool watch is rugged.....it's intended to use for what its purpose is
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Old 12 October 2023, 05:12 PM   #18
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The new titanium Yacht Master looks the most rugged to me.
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Old 13 October 2023, 12:51 AM   #19
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The new titanium Yacht Master looks the most rugged to me.
Ding Ding
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Old 13 October 2023, 12:56 AM   #20
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The new titanium Yacht Master looks the most rugged to me.
On appearance alone, I’d have to agree
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Old 13 October 2023, 01:21 AM   #21
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Exp 2 and DSSD are the first two that come to mind.
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Old 12 October 2023, 05:50 PM   #22
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Quote:
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any Rolex tool watch is rugged.....it's intended to use for what its purpose is
Exactly that the only difference in all Rolex is the metal used or W/R rated difference which its extremely doubtful if any on forum today will ever use.
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Old 12 October 2023, 06:15 PM   #23
Gerry62
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Quote:
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any Rolex tool watch is rugged.....it's intended to use for what its purpose is
exactly like that
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Old 12 October 2023, 11:21 PM   #24
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I am sure they are not as rugged as they used to be with all the film protection, bubble wrap, safe keeping and tile dropping. But if I hade to choose the most useful, Most capable of them all. It would have to be the Explorer 2 without a doubt.

100m? yes that's plenty. Most will only dive to the deepest darkest depths of the families swimming pool. 300+ feet is way deeper than 99.999995% of us will ever go.

explorer 2 is the last of Rolex's "real" tool watches IMO.
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Old 12 October 2023, 05:22 PM   #25
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Old 12 October 2023, 05:39 PM   #26
Gerardus
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Most Rugged Rolex?

EXII is true tool watch,
nice to read below->



https://timeandtidewatches.com/who-d...ou-can-buy-it/
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Old 12 October 2023, 05:58 PM   #27
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Just don't drop any of 'em on the bathroom floor.
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Old 13 October 2023, 12:01 AM   #28
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Just don't drop any of 'em on the bathroom floor.
I know, right? Most Rolex are *really durable*, but there are just some things they can't or shouldn't do without the likelihood that they're damaged (for instance, dropping on a tiled floor). That would go for most if not all automatic watches, whereas a G-shock or the equivalent could handle that and much more.

But to the OP's question, I think you have to eliminate anything with a ceramic bezel, so the most rugged Rolex would be the Exp2, or the aluminum bezel / 5-digit sports models, etc. Bezel aside, though, the DSSD perhaps wins for overall toughness.


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Old 13 October 2023, 12:17 AM   #29
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This one....
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Old 13 October 2023, 12:34 AM   #30
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Sd43.
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