White Dial Exp-II: the WIS conundrum (long rambling post)

[CPTL]

This is a post about my next watch, the Exp-II. But, it's also about watch collecting, love of Rolex, and what drives us to keep buying these things.

I've long wanted a white dial GMT. I'm trying to diversify: get the daily wearer (my Sub), the dress watch (my DJ), the cool chrono, the "beater," the GMT, etc. I had myself convinced that the next one on the list had to be a Seamaster GMT white dial. It could be the "beater" and the GMT, and would substitute with the daily wearer for a change.

But, then I started thinking about when I would wear it, and why I was buying it, and what got me into buying watches in the first place.

The "beater" would be the watch I wear to the beach, fishing, going for a run, deploying to Iraq, etc. Since I do a lot of these things while I'm on vacation, then it would also have to be my vacation watch--unless I bring two, which doesn't make much sense.

But then I started thinking about why I'm buying these things in the first place. Is it to have a bunch of expensive watches? No, I don't think so. I started thinking about Bo's recent struggle--about how he's sitting there looking at his $10k watch with all these functions that he doesn't use. What is it about these watches that gets us all excited? Is it the functions? Is it having "one of everything?" A watch for every occasion? One watch for all occasions?

For me, at the end, it comes down to having a Rolex on my wrist. Since I put that Sub on the first time, that's all I want to wear. I love that feeling of looking down at the perfectly polished crystal, the slow, gentle sweep of the second hand, the perfection of the dial. It's got to be a Rolex to get that feeling.

I had myself convinced that I needed the Omega, because I wanted the lume. The logic goes like this: the "beater" is going to be the watch you wear in Iraq/Afghanistan/wherever else the Army decides to send you. So, you have to be able to see the damn thing in the dark. And, since you have the beater, it will also be your fishing/beach watch, and by extension the vacation watch.

But, as long as I'm wearing the Omega, I'm going to miss my Sub. It's that simple. Do I really want to spend a year deployed and every vacation looking down at my wrist and wishing I saw a Rolex there?

So, I've decided not to get the Omega. My Sub, the daily wearer, will become my beater. It's not like the Omega is any tougher than the Sub--it's just cheaper, which makes it easier to justify abusing it. But, I bought the Rolex because I wanted to wear the Rolex. The Sub is as tough as they come--it will be fine, and it's insured in case the bracelet breaks and it drops into the ocean. So why torture myself by leaving it at home? And I can see it in the dark, I just have to look really close and squint.

So, I will get the white dial Explorer (eventually) so I've got something to switch out the sub with. I'll have the black dial Sub, and the white dial GMT. Good contrast. That, with the DJ, will round out my collection nicely. All will get worn, and never will I look at my wrist and be disappointed. Maybe Rolex will soon begin using the same luminous material Omega uses, and I can get the hands and dial changed at a service.

Thanks, Bo, for making me think about why I spend all this time looking, reading, thinking about watches. Rolex is the reason. It's not because I want to stockpile watches that I'll never wear--it's because I want to look down at my wrist and see perfection. Back to the basics. Simplicity. Perfection. Rolex. Thinking about it makes me feel good.

Note that I haven't seen my Sub in about five months. I'll be reunited with it in about 10 weeks. Several friends, including two Rolex owners, convinced me that it would be a horrible idea to bring my Sub with me to Iraq. They were wrong--it was a horrible idea to leave it with my dad. I look at my wrist 20 times a day and see my Suunto Observer, which is a great watch that has been with me for a loooong time. However, every time I check the time I think, "I wish I had my Sub." Never again. Never again.

[chris_nor_cal]

i feel you man. i, however, would personally go for the omega, that thing has ridiculous lume. Glad to see you make it home safe

[BiG JeEzY]

I completely understand where you are coming from too. While I love wearing other brands like my Longines watch, the feeling that I get when I wear my Rolex as I look down at my wrist is not there too.

After reading what you said, the Explorer II seems like the perfect choice for you. I can already tell that you will love that watch when you bring it home, I know I did with my Explorer II!

I understand that the better lume may be on the Omega Seamaster GMT but the Explorer II has excellent lume for a Rolex. And you have a point of the possibility that Rolex may use better lume in the future, there's certainly that possibility.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Kevin,

you are doing the absolute right thing with going for the Explorer II. You would have the most versatile collection imagineable. Just wear the Sub Date as your everyday watch, and be sure to be safe in Iraq, you hear?

[CPTL]

Thanks guys. I've been thinking for weeks about this. Combinations of "...well if I get this one, then I would need that one or the other one." I don't need any of them. What I want is a GMT with a white dial, and I want a Rolex. Problem solved.

Now I've got something to lurk for...and then prey on!

[vukotab]

Great choice,Kevin!Explorer II is perfect watch for you!Go for it!

[Trurolexer]

Right choice!!! Explorer II white dial is a beautiful piece!!! Congrats man!!! I sold my PAM 112H to bought my Explorer II white D series. Some guys say I'm stupid, hell that! I LOOOVEEE my Explorer II!!!

[frostie]

Explorer II is an amazing watch. I like the simple look of this watch and it's functionality.

[mestreaudi]

What a fantastic post Kevin!!

You´ve made the right choice! The EXP II is a great choice!

Within 10 weeks you´ll be at HOME, SAFE and WELL!!

Best regards from Brazil,
Rafael.

[Texsubmariner]

Thanks for sharing with us your sentiments. I agree the Exp II will serve you well. Thanks for serving and please stay safe.

[JBat]

Great story, Kevin! I can't wait to see pics of the Expy when you get her. Be safe and thank you for your service.

[kcmo]

Sounds like a solid decision to me Kevin

I agree that there is just something MAGICAL about Rolex. I just don't want to wear anything else!!!! I know myself and I'm not happy with anything else adorning my wrist.

I really like the Exp 2 white dial! Hmmm, maybe I should try one on one of these days

Enjoy 'the hunt' and continue to be safe! Soon you'll be reunited with your Sub and new DJ!!!! Yaaaayyyyy

[DSJ]

Heck, after your story, I'm wondering why you would even get the Explorer? The Sub is all you want to wear!

This whole thread makes me warm and fuzzy - I started staring at my sweep hand for about 45 seconds!

[CPTL]

And 40 days later....

It comes TRUE!! I was going back through the many of my "Expy Angst" threads, and I can't believe how much time I've spent over the last 40 days thinking about Expy. Probably most of it has to do with the fact that we're winding up here in Ramadi; I still spend about 14/7 "working." Which translates to a lot of time on TRF.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by CPTL

And 40 days later....

It comes TRUE!! I was going back through the many of my "Expy Angst" threads, and I can't believe how much time I've spent over the last 40 days thinking about Expy. Probably most of it has to do with the fact that we're winding up here in Ramadi; I still spend about 14/7 "working." Which translates to a lot of time on TRF.

Heck of a 'signature' you've got there Kevin Awesome trio IMO!

[CPTL]

Thanks, Karis--I'm quite happy about it. This was the three I wanted. No matter how I thought about it, these were the ones I kept coming back to.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by CPTL

Thanks, Karis--I'm quite happy about it. This was the three I wanted. No matter how I thought about it, these were the ones I kept coming back to.

Well then you KNOW you've gotten the RIGHT trio!

[DSJ]

Congratualtions and welcome Home Kevin! We both have new Expy2's this week! Does your M-series have the rehaut engraving? Have you posted pics yet?

[f16570]

Nice call wear them all in good health.
And just rememeber, keep yer heed' doon'

[Arturo]

Rolex gives you an opportunity to demonstrate wisdom and discretion, and the healthy action of delaying gratification. It is very unhealthy to think the grass is greener. That watch on your wrist is good enough. Just be careful and avoid the addictive need to fill niches in the Rolex family.....One example is the SS Daytona. How many people get it because third parties tell them that it is the "cool" watch to have even though they have no need for a chrono and prefer a date. I want to want something intrinsically before I buy it, and not do anything for the rest of the world who tells me what I should like. Just some thoughts. The grass is not greener. WEar your sub to Iraq. Life is short.

[Tools]

Great deductive reasoning...(or is it rationalization)..

Who cares...It'll work until you fall in love again...

with another watch that is.........