Need some opinions on the Explorer II

[benlee]

The Rolex addiction is infecting me now and I already start thinking about my 2nd Rolex

I was recently offered what I think is a reasonably competitive price from a AD for a brand new Explorer II and think this piece will make an excellent daily wear watch and complements my current DateJust2. As I also travel frequently, the GMT function will comes in nicely too.

So some questions directed towards existing owners of Explorer II as I will like to hear your opinion :

1) Is it tough enough to be a daily watch, ie taking the usual knocks etc without leaving dents and requiring me to be extra careful? Of course I have seen the marketing material and this watch is supposedly tough enough to travel to the north pole but I just want to reconfirm.

2) Other than purely personal preference, any reasons to choose the black dial over the white or vice versa?

3) How is the resale value compare to other models?

4) If given the chance to repeat the purchase, will you still choose the Explorer II or you would have chosen another model?


Thanks in advance and have a nice day!


Ben

[wisguy]

Had one for a couple of months and sold it, I bought because I missed my previous ExpII.

The watch is great but for some reason it didn't do it for me, probably the steel bezel as I am used to some color.

Of the two I prefer the white, it was an easy sell as well. But not as strong as a Submariner.

If you like it go for it!

[77T]

The Expl.II is one tough watch. Read about the special efforts Rolex took to keep the movement operating accurately under the rigors of mountain climbing and other pursuits.

The white dial is better to read at night even after the lume has diminished. Ambient reflected moonlight or dimly lit areas make the dial more readable than the black dial.

Values of pre-owned Expl.II's are cyclical - Rolex doesn't make as many as the various Sub models but the market demand isn't that strong either. I would leave that factor off your list of qualifiers.

I've had 2 and would do it again and again...good luck in making a great acquisition.

[mastermixer]

Agreed, aside from preference the only thing I can think of is the white would be easier to see. Its going to be just as durable as SUB or GMT, and the brushed polish will help as well.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by benlee

The Rolex addiction is infecting me now and I already start thinking about my 2nd Rolex

I was recently offered what I think is a reasonably competitive price from a AD for a brand new Explorer II and think this piece will make an excellent daily wear watch and complements my current DateJust2. As I also travel frequently, the GMT function will comes in nicely too.

So some questions directed towards existing owners of Explorer II as I will like to hear your opinion :

1) Is it tough enough to be a daily watch, ie taking the usual knocks etc without leaving dents and requiring me to be extra careful? Of course I have seen the marketing material and this watch is supposedly tough enough to travel to the north pole but I just want to reconfirm.

2) Other than purely personal preference, any reasons to choose the black dial over the white or vice versa?

3) How is the resale value compare to other models?

4) If given the chance to repeat the purchase, will you still choose the Explorer II or you would have chosen another model?


Thanks in advance and have a nice day!


Ben

1) Yes
2) No
3) Never mind resale value
4) Yes

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by Psmith

1) Yes
2) No
3) Never mind resale value
4) Yes

+1

[Annan]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

+1

me too.....

[AmbSteve]

Absolutely love my Exp II and wear it daily. Actually, I don't think about resale at all since I buy my watches for me

[jcclx1]

It is a great watch love mine, buy it and enjoy!

[sea-dweller]

Excellent watch, very comfortable to wear!

[DynamiteBids]

Everyone will say "buy the watch for you", but if you are concerned about resale, getting it for say 15% off will take much of the initial hit.

[andyol1966]

Very happy with my polar 216570. Seems very tough and no scratches on the bezel yet as some people have said can happen. No regrets. Wear it in rotation with my SubC. Personally I love the contrast with the black sub. Legibility is amazing and my eyes are immediately drawn to the black hands to read the time quickly and the orange 24 hr hand gives some interest and historical significance without any distraction. Would absolutely buy again

[benlee]

Thanks guys for your inputs. Looks very re-assuring.

Originally Posted by DynamiteBids

Everyone will say "buy the watch for you", but if you are concerned about resale, getting it for say 15% off will take much of the initial hit.

Originally Posted by AmbSteve

Absolutely love my Exp II and wear it daily. Actually, I don't think about resale at all since I buy my watches for me

I am not that concerned of re-sale value as I don't trade my watches or flip them frequently. It is however good to know the watch holds value as it is one of the main advantage of Rolex and just in case I loss interest few years down the road.

BTW, any chance a 42mm or larger Explorer II Chronograph will be coming? Perhaps at Basel World 2013?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by benlee

BTW, any chance a 42mm or larger Explorer II Chronograph will be coming? Perhaps at Basel World 2013?

I would say the chances of that are somewhere between slim and none

[andyol1966]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I would say the chances of that are somewhere between slim and none

I agree. Of course the possibility of a 42 mm Daytona chronograph at Basel remains, but can't see explorer's ever having chronograph function.