2016 Rolex Explorer 2 (New) or 1999 Sub Two Tone Bluesy (Pre-Owned) Thoughts?

[Skyramorth]

Hi everyone,

I have been on this forum for quite some time before joining, just reading and whatnot, but I have recently come across a dilemma, and would love some advice!

I purchased my first Rolex when I was 20, I decided to go for a Pre-Owned 1982 Datejust 1601 WG/SS on an Oyster bracelet.



Now for my 21st birthday, my parents have opted to buy me another Rolex, after seeing my love for watches and the brand. I definitely want a sports/professional series this time, and I am torn between the Explorer 2 216570 New from the AD with all the trimmings, or a Pre-Owned 1999/2000 Rolex Sub Two Tone Blue.

I think the Explorer 2 fits me well (see photo) and I love the white dial, but something about the two tone sub feels "Royal" or something like that. The sub is quite a bit older and does have some bracelet stretch though.





P.S Please note, the Explorer 2 photo, and the photo of the Datejust are my own photos, but the photo of the Submariner isn't, and I give full credit to the original photographer.

Any comments/throughs would be much appreciated!


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[RickB8960]

Explorer 2 is probably more age appropriate for you but you'll outgrow it IMO, that Bluesy is timeless, such an amazing piece. That would be my choice but both are beauts!

[WindingMan]

I would stick with what you've got. You already have one of Rolex's finest and most elegant watches on your wrist. Why force it to share wrist time with two of its most gauche?

[kromdom]

which one SINGS to you? buy THAT.

[Flywheel]

The Exp II is a fantastic modern watch, and a great choice for a younger person. The TT blue sub in my opinion seems dated. For some reason I always associate it with the 80s.

[visualplane]

Is that the 40mm or 42mm explorer ii?

[77T]

Originally Posted by visualplane

Is that the 40mm or 42mm explorer ii?

He was showing a 42mm new Expl.II

For OP: you'll always be able to get that Expl.II - but great Bluesy's aren't that common.
So what are you? Pallid or colorful...

[japenney]

Exp 2 as an every day type watch. I would not wear blusey every day at your age / skin tone..it just does not look good to my eyes.

[visualplane]

The 40mm explorer ii may fit better.

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[Skyramorth]

Yes, 77T it is the 42mm. I agree with the Two tone being a classic, but I also somehow feel it may look too old for me as I am only 20. The white dial sings to me at the moment but I will have to keep thinking. Plus less stretch on the band as it would have no soft metals like the two tone sub.


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[Steve36Efc]

As its a gift from your parents and something you'll never part with I'd go with the new from AD explorer. I'm sure if you still feel the itch for a TT Sub you can pick one up at a later time.

[Fongball]

If you are happy keeping your first Rolex for your everyday watch and want something for special occasions, I'd get the Bluesy. If you would like a more modern watch for everyday, definitely the Explorer II. That's what I bought for my daily "beater". All this is just my opinion, YMMV.

116622BLSO
116710BLNR
216570POLAR

[Maiden]

This is a hard one. The bluesy is a special piece and so iconic. Only you know what is best for YOU!

[Rolex fan 61]

What do YOU like the best, then that's the one.

[dominic.warren]

My opinion go TT Sub but the bluesy is more my style mine says hi

[AK797]

At 20 go with SS if you are not sure of yourself. You got plenty of time.

[Skyramorth]

Originally Posted by dominic.warren

My opinion go TT Sub but the bluesy is more my style mine says hi

Looks fantastic mate. Love the strap.


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[toneafficianado]

I have a 42 mm Explorer !! and used to have a Bluesy C.
I prefer the Explorer !!.

I love the Explorer so much it will never be sold. The bracelet with Easylink is way better than the "tuna can" of the 1999 Bluesy ,plus you have the use of the GMT function.

It is a large but extremely comfortable and rugged watch. i recommend that one to you.

[beshannon]

In my case I would take the Explorer II in a heartbeat

[Skyramorth]

Originally Posted by toneafficianado

I have a 42 mm Explorer !! and used to have a Bluesy C.
I prefer the Explorer !!.

I love the Explorer so much it will never be sold. The bracelet with Easylink is way better than the "tuna can" of the 1999 Bluesy ,plus you have the use of the GMT function.

It is a large but extremely comfortable and rugged watch. i recommend that one to you.

Awesome, thanks for your reply. I've tried it on a few times at the AD, and I've always loved it. It definitely wears well, and as something I want to last, I think SS is the best way to go. Plus less moving parts (bezel) than the sub, so less to go wrong down the track.


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[Skyramorth]

Originally Posted by beshannon

In my case I would take the Explorer II in a heartbeat

Yeah I'm definitely leaning that way now.


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[Friar]

Polar Explorer II no doubt. The bluesy would be a better match for someone older. I'm almost 70 and not old enough yet.

The EasyLink bracelet has to be better than the older somewhat stretched bracelet. But as others have said, it's what sings to you. And being 20, you've got many watch buying days ahead of you.

[Psmith]

Exp II no doubt

[brookish]

I have the bluesy and LOVE it, but for your age and watch history, I think it would be great to get a BNIB Explorer. No hassles, 5 year warranty and your first brand new watch, new box, still in the seals... This to me would be a nicer experience. You can then save towards a BNIB 116613 and get one in a few years. The Explorer is great and you will be able to wear it anytime/anyplace...

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by japenney

Exp 2 as an every day type watch. I would not wear blusey every day at your age / skin tone..it just does not look good to my eyes.

My reasoning as well for the Explorer 2.

[Wcdhtwn]

Explorer 2. If you want a diver get a new Subc, date or no date, before a 17 year old TT Sub.

[Etschell]

If you like blue try the pelagos.

[toneafficianado]

Originally Posted by Skyramorth

Awesome, thanks for your reply. I've tried it on a few times at the AD, and I've always loved it. It definitely wears well, and as something I want to last, I think SS is the best way to go. Plus less moving parts (bezel) than the sub, so less to go wrong down the track.


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Yes, SS is easy to live with on a daily basis..the Exp II has no PCLs either.
Another plus for you if you go that way would be that you are looking at a 2016 Exp II whereas the Bluesy is 17 years old. The Exp II will have 5 years warranty and won't need a service for ten years or so. I have swum in mine regularly too. I't a fantastic "daily driver" Rolex.

[Stevieb]

If it was me I would go with the Explorer

[watchwatcher]

The EXP2 looks fantastic on you.