What's the difference between an Explorer II and a GMT II?

[falling4arolex]

A few days away from purchasing my first Rolex and still debating between a Sub ND (14060M) or a GMT II (116710LN). In case you're wondering why the 14060M, it's because my AD no longer has the Sub Date (16610) and I don't wanna fork up the money for the New Sub. I would rather buy the GMT II for a few hundred bucks less. Hope my rationalization makes sense to everyone.

Anyways, my question is what's the difference between the Explorer II and the GMT II?

In my opinion, the GMT II is a much better looking watch. But in terms of functions, it seems like the Explorer II has the same 24-hour bezel and 12-hour hand for simultaneous use of a secondf time-zone.

Does this mean that the Explorer II can also be considered a pilot's watch?

Thanks in advance!

[sakuraba]

I believe we're comparing 16570 vs 16710?

The main difference is the rotating bezel of the GMT II. The movement is the same.

The rotating bezel allows you to temporarily track a 3rd time zone (for in-transit stop overs), which the Explorer II cannot.

[harry in montreal]

i may be wrong, but doesnt the GMTII's movement have a unique feature to adjust the hour hand (only) ahead in one-hour jumps to compensate for the time zones? regards, harry

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

i may be wrong, but doesnt the GMTII's movement have a unique feature to adjust the hour hand (only) ahead in one-hour jumps to compensate for the time zones? regards, harry

Depending on series, both the 16570 and 16710 use either 3185 or 3186 calibers. Both movements have the jump hour feature. Only real difference between Explorer II and GMT II would be the ability to track a third time zone.

Hope this helps.

[Z-Sub]

yes the 16710 GMT and 16570 explorer II share the same bracelet, case, movement but different dial and bezel.