Explorer 11 226570 pick up

[deansot53]

I have been very lucky and have picked up the black dial Explorer 11 from my reputable and knowledgeable AD.
I am an avid Rolex collector and this watch really is a special and understated piece in my opinion.
I would like to get the forums opinion on their thoughts on the (2021)new Explorer as it wears well and is good value for money compared to other professional stainless steel models.

[kieselguhr]

Congratulations

[liberalclown]

I think there is no understated watch in the Rolex collection anymore, everything sells over list. Good value for money is subjective, if you prefer it over others then thats what is important.

Congratulations and wear it in good health!

[afmars]

It’s a great watch that doesn’t scream “ROLEX” to the non-WIS. I believe that is why it is overlooked by many but in my opinion it’s one of its best features.

[planemad]

Originally Posted by deansot53

I have been very lucky and have picked up the black dial Explorer 11 from my reputable and knowledgeable AD.
I am an avid Rolex collector and this watch really is a special and understated piece in my opinion.
I would like to get the forums opinion on their thoughts on the (2021)new Explorer as it wears well and is good value for money compared to other professional stainless steel models.

Does your gmt hand line up perfectly to the indices?

Mine did not and has been sent back to Rolex.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=826892

[deansot53]

Mine seems to line up perfectly. I am sorry about yours hopefully it’s a one off.
Interested in hearing the forums opinion on the 2021 Explorer 2.

[icejeep]

Cool watch and also great on rubber strap. "Sleeper" of the current sports models.

[1William]

Congratulations.

[JayHantz]

Huge congrats!

[PhilippeD]

Congratulations. It's a great watch and I actually prefer the black dial over the "polar".

[brandrea]

Congratulations Dean, enjoy it

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by deansot53

Interested in hearing the forums opinion on the 2021 Explorer 2.

I don't think much has changed: the Exp II has always had a devoted following but it has never been a mainstream choice. Until now when "steel sport Rolex" is the only criteria it takes to sell immediately and trade above MSRP. But I suspect that Rolex has not significantly increased the production of them relative to the other (previously) more popular lines. The same way that the sudden spike in OP demand has made them harder to find then other models you'd think would be more desirable (I've seen 3 Daytonas in the case at my AD this year, 0 OP41s though). When I inquired, my AD recently told me they'd probably see a Submariner sooner than an Explorer II.

It would be great if you could post some wrist shots. For whatever reason I rarely see the new Exp II shown on a wrist, so I'm always left wondering how big it actually is. 42mm concerns me a bit...

[deansot53]

I hope you like this as much as I do.

[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by deansot53

I hope you like this as much as I do.

It's a great looking watch for sure. It does look big though. Not to the point where I'd say it looks too big for you, but it definitely has the "big watch" look. Can you share what size your wrist is?

[deansot53]

Hi I am just under 7" probably 6.75 to be more precise. I think having a shirt and jumper does make it look a little larger but it fits very well and is comfortable. I have a SD43 and that wears a little too big and heavy for me personally.

[Harry-57]

It appears to be one of the more overlooked Rolex Professional models, although it might be very popular on planet Earth, as opposed to our more rarefied WIS universe in here.

I particularly like the Polar. I thought they missed a trick on the new black dial by not including the "floating" hands, but it's nevertheless a fine watch and a good looker. Not a second division GMT Master - which I think it is regarded as in some quarters. It's got a history and vibe all of its own.

I thought 42mm might be a bit chunky and clunky, but on my 6.5" wrist it's a very comfortable fit that I can (and sometimes do) wear 24/7 for weeks on end.

[watchmakers4]

The Explorer 11?? Am I Rip Van Winkle, or a coma patient? When did Rolex release the other 9 iterations of the Explorer?

Jk, enjoy the watch and congratulations.

[Atlanta]

It’s hard to improve on perfection but IMHO they made the correct decision in returning to the 36mm size. It is my favorite watch and I love mine, but I sure would prefer the newer bracelet and some modern lume. Incredible watch.


Member #14554
126619LB & 114270

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by deansot53

I have been very lucky and have picked up the black dial Explorer 11 from my reputable and knowledgeable AD.
I am an avid Rolex collector and this watch really is a special and understated piece in my opinion.
I would like to get the forums opinion on their thoughts on the (2021)new Explorer as it wears well and is good value for money compared to other professional stainless steel models.

I love mine!! I agree, it does wear well. Enjoy!

[Choo Yao Chuen]

Congrats! No pics to share?

[deansot53]

Yes on a previous post but happy to share again.

[Daveclock]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

It’s hard to improve on perfection but IMHO they made the correct decision in returning to the 36mm size. It is my favorite watch and I love mine, but I sure would prefer the newer bracelet and some modern lume. Incredible watch.


Member #14554
126619LB & 114270

Dude that's the baby brother of the EXP-II the OP got.

OP Congrats on the incoming, I've got the older bro 2018 version but would love to add the Polar to the mix too, if the AD would only let me!

[liberalclown]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

Dude that's the baby brother of the EXP-II the OP got.

OP Congrats on the incoming, I've got the older bro 2018 version but would love to add the Polar to the mix too, if the AD would only let me!

You mean the grandfather of the watch that OP got?

[afmars]

Originally Posted by watchmakers4

The Explorer 11?? Am I Rip Van Winkle, or a coma patient? When did Rolex release the other 9 iterations of the Explorer?

Jk, enjoy the watch and congratulations.

[synrrgy]

Congrats! I have the 216570 and it's been one of my go-to pieces. You will love it!

[Doood]

Congratulations OP, the new black Explorer II is an arguably nicer looking watch than the 216570. The new black dial and non-ghost hands really dress it up.

I did like the 216570, and regret not getting one, when you could get them new. The 216570 was more of a tool look, especially the matte dial, and am still timid about the new movement.

I am on the fence as to which I like better. I do have the 216570 polar and it is probably my favorite watch.

[deansot53]

I think the new Explorer 2 wears so well and feels very comfortable. The balance and weight seems just right and although 42m and a slightly bigger watch than the average it is not too clunky. I would recommend this model to all Rolex enthusiasts.

[TheVision]

I'm on the AD waitlist for the black dial (was qouted possible pickup by x-mas and waiting since August).

I wouldn't worry about the sizing. I was skeptical reading from forums but finally tried the exhibtion model in Las Vegas AD back in June and even though I have 7" wrist, it wears very comfortablty and doesn't really appear too "big" in person.

Keep in mind, cameras usually have slightly zoomed in frames so internet photos will make the dial bigger than in reality.

I mean at the end of the day, it's not a like 44m heavy dive watch which a LOT OF people wear nowadays.

I've worn 44mm-46mm Breitlings in the past so the ExpII is fine in my books.

[WalterE]

I can't take my 2021 ExpII off my wrist. Seriously! I wear it 24/7. A perfect set and forget one-watch! My other pieces are not getting much love as a result.

I have taken it off a couple of (very short) times for activities which I thought called for a different style of watch, but always anxious to get it back on. It's just that comfortable and... Different!