1st Rolex... BLNR vs Explorer 2

[chaerezrd]

I'll keep it short also... I have both and the GMT has more utility when traveling with the rotating bezel to change zones quickly. It also is more versatile in different occasions. Definitely blnr if you had to pick one imo.

[emersm]

For me, the Polar is much, much easier to read.

[oldsalt]

I've got both and they vie for wrist time... waiting for a "panda" to complete my set (for now)
Good luck with your decision...

cheers

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by emersm

For me, the Polar is much, much easier to read.

Yep - definitely agree with this...

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by oldsalt

Yep - definitely agree with this...

Well , I've never had the polar but I'd argue the
readability on the BLNR which I own is 2nd to none !!!
Anytime day or night I look at the watch I can instantly
tell and discern the accurate time ... Polar might be the same
But as I mentioned I only have my experience with my
BLNR !!! Plus overall appearance and versatility I'd still
choose the BLNR !!!
Note, edit ; I'm referring to the hour and minute
hands time not the GMT hand...
Hour and minute hands are supposed to be set to
Local time so that shouldn't be an issue...

[oldsalt]

My biggest disappointment with my BLNR is the GMT hand is hard to see - then again I'm in my mid 60's so the eyesight isn't what is once was .. going to get the hand changed from the "blue" to some brighter colour...

cheers

[PatrickJ]

You can't go wrong with any Rolex. The BLNR, GMT GM2, Submariner are the most popular models. However, it will come down to this and you will realise it around a year from purchase. You should buy the one you like and ignore fashion and trends, otherwise every five years or so you will flip the watch.

[Scapegoat]

BLNR stands out for its classy looks. The exII seems oddly sized and cartoon like hands, does not help it.

[krattzz]

This may be taboo but every time I leave the house with the BLNR on I place a small piece of clear plastic tape that covers the bottom on the bracket, the clasp cover I guess you could all it. Since this is the area that tends to get scratched first I'm trying to preserve it. Any other suggestions by the board? I know I can purchase this cloth that will remove small scratches but why not protect it from happening.

[AlphaOmega4]

Update.

Went to local AD yesterday and tried on a brand new BLNR they just received.

Loved it!! fit the wrist perfect and since one of my best friends wears an Explorer 2 as his only watch I find myself leaning away from it quicker and quicker.


Price is $8,900... I'm new to the watch scene.. Is there any room for negotiations? Granted I know it could very from AD TO AD or maybe none negotiate at all.

Just trying to prepare myself.

I did also like the GMT 2 All Black face.. however it just didn't seem as special.

the other one I tried on and surprisingly found myself likeing was a two tone black and gold.. It ran about 11k out of my budget... but man was it a beauty as well.


One last question I started asking myself... will this go with most attire.. didn't know if the Black and Blue made it harder to pull off??

Thanks for all of your help..

Hoping to have something new on my wrist by Monday

[elkaholic]

Between the latest GMT and Explorer II models, I'd go GMT all day long. I don't care for the larger 42mm explorer.

I do believe the black GMT is a bit more versatile than the BLNR, but that's just my own taste talking. Both look fantastic, I just don't want the blue/black combo every day personally.

I don't own either, FYI. The decision between a polar 5 digit 40mm and a 5 digit GMT would be much more difficult for me to make.

[oldsalt]

Originally Posted by krattzz

This may be taboo but every time I leave the house with the BLNR on I place a small piece of clear plastic tape that covers the bottom on the bracket, the clasp cover I guess you could all it. Since this is the area that tends to get scratched first I'm trying to preserve it. Any other suggestions by the board? I know I can purchase this cloth that will remove small scratches but why not protect it from happening.

I've given up trying to protect mine... it gets scratched every day...this is about six months worth - wear it and enjoy it...

[AlphaOmega4]

Update 2...


Just got back from our Local AD... worked with the Sales Manager. He is a good friend of one of my close buddies.

He took exceptional care of my wife and I and went over features/background/materials etc... of the different watches I was interested in and even a few I let him know was not in my price range but still let me check out.


So I made my purchase today... Will update this thread on Tuesday when I receive my FIRST ROLEX.... So excited to receive this as a gift from my wife for my 35TH Birthday.

[undant]

I'll keep it short also... I have both and the GMT has more utility when traveling with the rotating bezel to change zones quickly. It also is more versatile in different occasions. Definitely blnr if you had to pick one imo.

[Marcus09]

Well the BLNR and the gmt in general is my favorite Rolex. And the explorer II my least favorite. For me, it's like a gmt wannabee.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PatrickJ]

Blnr

[SA1]

BLNR all day...

[Left wrist]

I've had the white and black expy 2 42mm. I think they are great. I prefer them due to the size. In a perfect world if both were an option. well... :)

No wrong decision go with what suits your wrist and style best. Th bezel of the BLNR is amazing. I like the PCLs but the watch wears a bit smaller.

[AlphaOmega4]

Thank you for all of your Input.. after trying them both on

One sang much louder than the other.

Absolutely Love it !!

[caprebels]

Great choice! I picked BLNR or the EXPII. Congrats! You will love it.... I have had mine for a little over 2 weeks and still can't believe I have it.

Mine says "hello".....

[rgwarden]

If it's the new 42mil Explorer II then BLNR all day, but I am crazy about the old 5 digit Explorer. So straightforward lean and mean.

[Cryten]

Congrats. That'd be my choice too (well, it was actually).

Enjoy

[fishingbear]

After reading your dress situation with work and play I'd go with the BLNR;
And that's coming from a big fan of GMTs....

[fishingbear]

Just saw that you chose BLNR. Congratulations!

[withthesword]

Delete wrong thread

[superstarmar]

Congrats !!! Fantastic choice !!!
You will love it more everyday ... But
Not more than your wife ...
It'll be a special piece and have a special place
In you heart ... Wear it in the best of health !!!

[CKLinLA]

Congrats.
It will always be the special one.

[JRT]

Congrats! It is the all-rounder stunner.

[Rolex fan 61]

Explorer 2

[RRGHOST1]

Prefer the Explorer2 to be honest but would have to be the white dial.