Explorer 2 VS GMT2 VS Submariner2!

[Rolexer!]

Hello guys
how are you? I hope you are all fine. I'm planning to have my first Rolex watch this Christmas, I browsed the official website of Rolex and read few threads in here. I reached that the best watches that suit me are those three but the problem is that I can not decide which one to go for! according to the website they are almost the same except for minor difference but what is on reality?
I would be very thankful if help me take the decision.

P.S. I'm looking for steel watches

[MikeJaye]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Out of the three watches you're looking at I would go for the Sub. The explorer 2 is dismissed straight away due to the old style bracelet and clasp. The GMTIIC is a very good watch but the the polished links on the bracelet are prone to scratching, plus the bezel can look a bit fussy compared to the subs.

For me the new sub with ceramic bezel is a great everyday watch that will last forever.

Good luck in your choice.

Mike

[jonathon555]

I would go for the GMT IIC, I like the look of the PCL & the 24hr hand is useful

You can't not consider the other two either

[GMZ]

I just picked up a Exp II, I like the 24 hr hand for when I travel and the non rotating bezel to keep things simple and robust. The safest bet would be to try them all on and see which one strikes you.

[rfknauss]

The Submariner is the best daily watch in my opinion. However, if you travel a lot, the GMT's feature to track other time zones is a plus.

And welcome to TRF!

[SaddleSC]

I think as a first Rolex, it really doesn't get much better than the new GMTIIC. I have a GMTIIC, a Submariner, a Sea Dweller and some others, but the GMT is the most versatile and it is absolutely stunning. Plus, most people are far more likely to use the dual time zones than to require the extra water resistance of the divers.

[Rolexer!]

@MikeJaye thanks dude for welcoming me. aren't the three models featuring the same Oyster Bracelet? -I read that on the Rolex website- and both the GMT and the submariner have the same ceramic bezel so how can the GMT be scratchable and the Submariner not?

[Rolexer!]

Originally Posted by GMZ

I just picked up a Exp II, I like the 24 hr hand for when I travel and the non rotating bezel to keep things simple and robust. The safest bet would be to try them all on and see which one strikes you.

does that mean that the bezel of the other two may become loose with time?

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

Plus, most people are far more likely to use the dual time zones than to require the extra water resistance of the divers.

I agree with you ant to be honest the maximum depth I ever dived to is the depth of a small swimming pool:lol

[GMZ]

Originally Posted by Rolexer!

does that mean that the bezel of the other two may become loose with time?

Not necessarily, however the chance is greater, IMO, for something that has moving parts to fail than something that does not move. My day job consists of working on major caliber gun systems so I can be fairly rough on things in addition to my extra curricular pursuits so the less chance for failure the better in my eyes. You really need to go to an AD and check out a few, relying on other peoples opinions for a purchase of this magnitude may hurt your wallet down the road if you decide you dont like your choice after all.

[enronforme]

A white EXP ll is on my wish list right now. You can't go wrong whatever you decide- all great watches!
Bob

[Rolexer!]

Originally Posted by GMZ

for something that has moving parts to fail than something that does not move.

that is really resonable and makes sence

Originally Posted by enronforme

A white EXP ll is on my wish list right now. You can't go wrong whatever you decide- all great watches!
Bob

I'm just trying to get the best of the best

[Rolexer!]

about lumination is it of the same quality in all these three watches?

[av8ors]

I have the same dilema. Since I travel more than deep sea diving, I am leaning toward GMT II at this time.

[Rolexer!]

Originally Posted by av8ors

I have the same dilema. Since I travel more than deep sea diving, I am leaning toward GMT II at this time.

please dude let us know your final decision

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Rolexer!

I'm just trying to get the best of the best

Then go w/ the SubC (yes, I'm biased). Iconic watch that can be worn at any occastion (beach, formal...although pretty much all 3 would fit that bill too). But why I prefer the Sub over the other two are for a few simple reasons:

1. I LOVE the timing bezel of the Sub. Yes I dive w/ my watches, but the simple fact is I use the timing bezel on a daily basis (cooking, walking my dogs, timing deadlines, ect).

2. I think Rolex has the BEST brushed stainless on the market (and I've owned many other brands). Because of this fact, I prefer the all brushed bracelet of the Sub over the GMT w/ the polished center links.

3. GLIDELOCK, GLIDELOCK, GLIDELOCK! Take a wild guess what I think is the best invention in a stainless bracelet to date. The fact that the Sub (and even better DSSD) Glidelock means you can adjust the length of the bracelet in seconds (and with ZERO tools) is AMAZING. I prefer to wear my watch a little loose during daily wear...but the minute I increase my activity level, I tighten the watch significantly so it doesn't move around (not to mention you can adjust for the different temperatures that cause wrist swell & shrinkage). That's something that can NOT be done by the other 2 on your list.

Good luck!

[gypsy]

I'd get either the sub or the explorer with a white face. The GMTc seems to be a halfway house between the others. Either go all out and get a sub C or get one of those lovely white face explorer 2's before rolex ruins it by making it bigger and putting a nasty orange gmt hand on it.

[orangejuicy]

Stop praising the GMTc, please! You're killing me. Say it's awful so I can stop thinking about it day and night!

[Le Chef]

If you travel across time zones on a regular basis the GMTIIc is a no-brainer. and you can always get the center links brushed if you want to. If you don't travel save your money and get the simpler Sub.

[mike]

Something to consider is the possible "upgrade" (For want of a better term) the EXP II MIGHT get in the future.

The GMT IIC and the new Sub C have the latest geewhiz while the EXP II has yet to be changed (some feel that's a good thing).

If I had to pick now the IIc would be it for me.

[MikeJaye]

Originally Posted by Rolexer!

@MikeJaye thanks dude for welcoming me. aren't the three models featuring the same Oyster Bracelet? -I read that on the Rolex website- and both the GMT and the submariner have the same ceramic bezel so how can the GMT be scratchable and the Submariner not?

No problem.

Yes all three have oyster bracelets but each have subtle differences. As Mike pointed out above the exp II is the oldest and yet to receive the latest upgrades that the sub and gmtiic have received. It's bracelet is tried and tested but the middle links on it are hollow, whereas the GMTIIC and Sub are solid. In isolation it's hard to notice a difference but in a side by side test it's immediately obvious difference between a bracelet with hollow links And one with solid ones. Now as to which one you prefer only you will know. Personally my preference is for 100% solid bracelets. I love the extra weight and the fact that it rattles less. Not that the Exp II bracelet will be all over the place but hollow links seem a bit cheap to me. Some people so prefer the old bracelets though due to them being lighter than the new ones.

Now on the GMTIIC bracelet the centre links are polished to a shiny mirror finish. This when the watch is new looks stunning, but over time accumulates scuffs and marks and show wear a lot more obviously than the bracelets on the sub and exp II which are all brushed. This is what I was referring to about scratching, not the bezel. The fact that it shows scratches more obviously bothers some people, plus others do not like how flashy it can make the watch look.

Lastly the difference in oyster bracelets is the clasp they come with...all three are different. The exp II in my eyes has the cheapest looking and feeling clasp. Yes it has stood the test of time but in my eyes is worlds apart when compared to the newer ones on the GMTIIC and sub, so much so that this was the only stumbling block which made me choose a GMTIIC over the exp II. The GMTIIC and SubC clasps are just pure class and scream quality. The sub as mentioned about has the glidelock adjustment, which allows the wearer to instanly adust the bracelet by up to 2cm in 1.8mm increments in seconds with no tools required. The GMTIIC has an easylink, which is a half link extention which can be popped in and out. Both are great but the subc just beats it with the extra flexibility of the glidelock.

The best thing to do is to go to an AD and try them on. At the end of the day only you know what you like. Have fun and good luck.

[av8ors]

I am going to the local AD and try them on.

[dddrees]

The decision is really yours. Alot of good points have been made, however you really never know until you look at them first hand and try them on. All the features and information are good to know but you have to see them and try them on to see which one you like the the most.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Speed]

Try them on... and buy the one YOU like best. Simple as that. Not a bad choice in the bunch!!

[fc3s2k]

Though one!! I have a SUB C and Explorer II, hopefully I get the GMT II-C then I'll tell you which one to get ;0)

[wokafu]

Sub C coz i think 1 would like a classic look as a 1st

[tictocChuck]

You have to try them on at the dealer....also do the mirror test to get a different 3rd view perspective which can be very telling, that is wear the watch and strike a few casual poses in front of both a small mirror and full length mirror....I found this to be an eye opener and assisted in my decsions (made me ditch a few Rolex's because it didn't look right). Anyways, of the bunch you're considering I would say the Submariner is the best known, followed by the GMTIIc and then the Explorer II....but it is what you think that counts....just don't buy on impulse and give yourself 2 or 3 visits to the AD to decide....make sure you can return it (don't wear it or get it sized immediately because then you can't return it), and check for "re-stocking fees", etc. Remember if you size/wear it...no AD will take it back and it's classified as used and yours to keep until you sell it privately (AD's will seldom give fair value on used watches).

[tomchicago]

explorer ii current config is probably going away next spring. having it with 3186 movement & non-maxi case/dial will make the later ones hold value.

[av8ors]

I just came back from a local AD. Both SUBc and GMTIIc fit great and looked similar from far away. The only thing I could notice was the polished center links on GMT.

The AD has three SUBc and one GMTIIc... I left for an hour to walk it off and went back to ask them if they were willing to make a deal on the GMTIIc... It was sold.

[ersnyder]

Start with the Sub but plan on getting all 3 (and maybe more!) before the dust settles!

[av8ors]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

Start with the Sub but plan on getting all 3 (and maybe more!) before the dust settles!

I like the way you think...if THE Boss asks, I can always tell her I got it from downtown LA for 100 bucks.