GMT BLNR or Explorer II Polar?

[CT3113]

Newbie needs some help!

I'm looking to get my first Rolex soon and am really torn between the BLNR which looks amazing vs a used 40mm Explorer II. I tried on the 42mm Explorer II and it just felt a little too big for my wrist. The kicker...BLNR is twice the cost. I wear a suit every day, but plan on wearing whatever I get daily ... T-shirts on the weekends.

$9k for a BLNR
Or
$4-5k for a Explorer II Polar
????

[Seaswirl]

Do you have any other watches or would this be your one and only? If this is your first good watch, then I'd go with the BLNR.

[CT3113]

This will be my first nice watch.... But not my last! Will take some time to convince my wife I NEED another Rolex, so #2 won't be anytime soon.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Both great choices...you'll eventually end up with both.

If this is your first, get a new BLNR. In no time, you'll have enough saved for Exp II.

Congrats in advance!

[Rogdogg]

I would go with the BLNR. It's a fantastic watch.

I love the ExpII 40mm but I much prefer the 42mm.

[CT3113]

Lots of love for the BLNR... Making my tough decision a little easier!

I like the look of the ExpII 42mm better, but it just didn't fit as well on my wrist. Had a chance to try on lots of models today at the local AD...GMT (WG Pepsi was amazing, just too much for my budget), Yachtmaster, Submariner, Datejust, ExpII, and Milgauss (which looked awesome with the Blue dial and Green crystal). Just wished they had a BLNR in stock...sounds like they are still hard to get in.

[Mastergreenhand]

I'd go for the BLNR of the two. The polar is more subdued as an everyday watch which I think is great too. Can't go wrong with either choice.

[capote]

My biased opinion is 16570, low key, tough looking. I don't really care for the black/blue color combination on the GMT.

Besides, if you buy the Exp2 your watch fund is already halfway to the GMT

[68L]

I absolutely love my polar. Sub on weekends, polar every day and can't say enough about it.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Depends what you're going to be doing with it. The Exp II is more rugged; the BLNR has PCLs which will scratch very easily.

Personally, I'd go BLNR. I love mine and the Exp II is a bit bland for a first watch for my tastes. I would have one for work though, as it is very 'under the radar' and discreet.

[Exhausted]

If the price difference isn't an issue for you I would go with the BLNR. It's a stunning watch and goes well dressed up and casual.

[68L]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

Depends what you're going to be doing with it. The Exp II is more rugged; the BLNR has PCLs which will scratch very easily.

Personally, I'd go BLNR. I love mine and the Exp II is a bit bland for a first watch for my tastes. I would have one for work though, as it is very 'under the radar' and discreet.

Couldn't agree more. Don't buy the Exp II if you want attention. It's a tank of a watch but highly discreet.

[xeal]

BLNR gets my vote for sure.
I do love the polar color on the Explorer, however it doesn't have the shiny ceramic WOW factor that the BLNR has.
That extra splash of blue, with the changing color with different lighting, and the blue GMT arrow, ah..

[mthucs]

Gmt blnr batman!

[travisb]

BLNR. It's the bigger purchase (money wise) of the two, so it will be easier to save for the EXp2 when the time comes. And that time will come.

[Mr DateJust]

Personally I would go Exp 2. In white it is very versatile and goes with a suit as well as jeans. Has the same functions as the GMT essentially but half the cost. It is less bling, smaller and much more under the radar. Plus I think I have only ever seen one other in the wild. Those can be good or bad points depending on what you are looking for.

[regnant]

BLNR, it's a nicer watch

[mailman]

Blnr

[speedy_master1]

[Jeffreyw2014]

I'd start with fit first. I look at both and the Explorer was to big for my wrist so I went with the blnr, which took me awhile to find. Yes a price difference but spending 4-5k and not be happy isn't good either. Just my opinion and either way you can't go wrong. Good luck.

[CANCROWN]

GMT BLNR gets my vote!

[Tseg]

I was in the exact same position a year ago. I got the BLNR and am now eying up the Polar. I'm glad I sequenced it that way.

[kilyung]

Explorer... just to be different

[AK797]

If you can afford it blnr for sure!

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Tseg

I was in the exact same position a year ago. I got the BLNR and am now eying up the Polar. I'm glad I sequenced it that way.

I'm sure the OP would benefit with your rationale behind your decision.

[Maxy]

If one, BLNR no doubt. Polar usually is good for more than 1 collection, just not the only one Rolex.

[AL7273]

polar. bank the cash. take wife out for a night on the town.

[Konstantine]

I will put it this way, if I was to get a second watch to my collection it would either be the BLNR or an Explorer (since I ''disagree'' with the white dial of the Explorer II). Given my Sub is quite similar to the GMT I would possibly get the explorer that is a classier, more sleek watch(for classic suits). But for your case the BLNR is the one to go for.
P.S Are you sure your first Rolex should be a brand new one, I know the BLNR is relatively new but perhaps you can get a good second hand one?

[subtona]

ExpII

[CT3113]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I'm sure the OP would benefit with your rationale behind your decision.

Great point...and that is one thing I'm thinking...would be much easier to convince the Mrs a year later to buy the Polar given the lower cost. Ultimately, would like to have both.

Thanks ALL for all the help and ideas!!! Love this forum!!! Been readin for hours each night and love all the insights and info!