In terms of build quality and durability

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

That’s only a Rolex branded version of a shock system like KIF, which has been in all Rolex watches for a long time. Paraflex being noticeably better than KIF is dubious.

Rolex claims the Paraflex system increases shock absorption properties by 50%, which is a fairly substantial increase of something that can be measured.

It seems more dubious that Rolex would claim an engineering improvement if there isn't one, pulling it out of thin air if there were no numbers/tests to back it up.

To answer the OP, increased WR capability (due mainly to caseback thickness) past what all Oyster cases can withstand doesn't translate to an increase in real-world robustness or durability in terms of surviving knocks and bumps etc.

The only real difference in the choices would probably come down to the fewer things that could go wrong = more durable. The Explorer II doesn't have a moving bezel that can be knocked off, broken (if ceramic), or lost. All your dive watch choices do, so the 216570 gets my vote.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Rolex claims the Paraflex system increases shock absorption properties by 50%, which is a fairly substantial increase of something that can be measured.

It seems more dubious that Rolex would claim an engineering improvement if there isn't one, pulling it out of thin air if there were no numbers/tests to back it up.

To answer the OP, increased WR capability (due mainly to caseback thickness) past what all Oyster cases can withstand doesn't translate to an increase in real-world robustness or durability in terms of surviving knocks and bumps etc.

The only real difference in the choices would probably come down to the fewer things that could go wrong = more durable. The Explorer II doesn't have a moving bezel that can be knocked off, broken (if ceramic), or lost. All your dive watch choices do, so the 216570 gets my vote.

This has long been discussed. “Improves the shock resistance of Rolex watches by up to 50 per cent.”

Up to 50% of what? 50% vs. KIF? 50% vs. other brands? 50%. vs. no shock system at all?

Paraflex is first and foremost just another step towards vertical integration.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

This has long been discussed. “Improves the shock resistance of Rolex watches by up to 50 per cent.”

Up to 50% of what? 50% vs. KIF? 50% vs. other brands? 50%. vs. no shock system at all?

Paraflex is first and foremost just another step towards vertical integration.

There's no reason for Rolex to include a lie about improving the shock absorption capability vs the system it replaced if all they're doing is integrating production. They could do that without making such a claim and it would bother no one.

Are you suggesting that no improvement to KIF is possible, or that such performance can't be measured?