New Exp II experience

[handsfull]

Received the call from the AD yesterday and got first crack at a black dial Explorer II. I've been waiting impatiently (like most on the forum) to get my grubby hands on one...LOL. I have been excited to see these and reserved judgement (and my decision to purchase) until I could actually 'handle' one.

My thoughts (don't be mad, it's just MHO):

First thing I noticed is the small crown, should be trip lock....no question. Not a super big deal, but in a sport watch I consider this an error. Next is the dial. The amount of 'dead' space/dial proportioning is off IMO, the "Rolex" text is less than a MM away from the 12 o'clock marker and looks ill proportioned in overall size. I don't believe they should have painted the hands either, it looks like something a Rolex "replica" would have...this is one thing that isn't noticable until you see it in person. Size: I think the size will be great for some people, but it's big. I sold off a DSSD awhile ago because it the lug-to-lug was too long (approx 7.25-7.5 wrists) and the EXP II is slightly shorter in this dimension. The Exp fits my wrist, but it's the maximum I would wear for myself (I'm active/fit...not a suit wearing guy). I think the watch is 'large' just for the sake of being large.....not because makes the watch more useable as a tool. No problem with that....but had Rolex kept/updated the 40mm size AND made the 42mm....I'd purchase a 40mil.

One thing I wasn't expecting was the matte finish dial (somewhat grey), it's MUCH more subdued than a gloss black dial, less 'blingy'. Although I didn't buy this one....I'll be waiting for the white dial to arrive/try on.....still haven't ruled it out!

Threw a pic in to show the lug-to-lug difference between DSSD, maybe it will help others.....

[Rob_b]

Big congrats

Thanks for your honest impressions. I share some of your feelings for sure, but the over all quality of this watch is still outstanding, I'm sure you agree

[FremStar]

Interesting assessment... Thoughts of the unpopular 1655 are starting to resonate... I think the white dial would be for you...

[hiver]

I had a similar experience, and found the watch slightly too large for me. Bigger wrists needed!

Found a new G series 16570 polar instead...its a classic!

[dardeca]

I saw the new Exp. II at the Rolex boutique in San Francisco yesterday. I did not fall in love with it for some of the reasons mentioned above. The 42mm looked slightly too large on my wrist and the small crown coupled with the overall size of the watch just looked odd.

[handsfull]

Glad to know I'm not the only one. It looks great in the pic (sans the Neanderthal wearing it), and as Rob b stated...the quality is intact (after all...it IS a Rolex )

It's the first time I've ever left a watch dealer feeling "good" that I didn't make a purchase...I guess i was genuinely 'unmoved'.

[superdog]

I'm biased, but I look at your pic and it is singing to me from my phone. Then I look at my wrist and smile. I love the size, but ive always shied away from rolex before the new breed because they were too small. And the black and orange is amazing. I almost feel bad for my green sub c as its not going to get much wrist time.

[esm]

Originally Posted by handsfull

First thing I noticed is the small crown, should be trip lock....no question. Not a super big deal, but in a sport watch I consider this an error.

No need for a trip lock as it only has 100m rating. IMO, a trip lock would be an over kill, just like the 3900m rating on the DSSD.

Originally Posted by handsfull

Next is the dial. The amount of 'dead' space/dial proportioning is off IMO, the "Rolex" text is less than a MM away from the 12 o'clock marker and looks ill proportioned in overall size.

If I re,e,need correctly, the previous model had the Rolex crown close to the 12 o'clock marker also. I think the "cleaner" dial is a plus, makes it less cluttered, unlike the DSSD....

Originally Posted by handsfull

I don't believe they should have painted the hands either, it looks like something a Rolex "replica" would have...this is one thing that isn't noticable until you see it in person.

"replica"?
Rolex would've to make a watch with painted hands first for someone to replicate right...?!?



All in all - great observation thanks for sharing





(My above comments are obviously "IMHO" )

[TempoKing]

Not bad...thanks for sharing

[FremStar]

Eric I didn't even want to touch the "r" word on Jeff's assessment... I'm just taking notes enjoying my 216570 and will reference these comments 10-20 years from now when we can all look back and laugh at these comments... 1655!!! Like fine wine hate turns into love!!!

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by esm

No need for a trip lock as it only has 100m rating. IMO, a trip lock would be an over kill, just like the 3900m rating on the DSSD.

Im sayin Trip lock should of been implemented just for proportions, not depth rating.

Originally Posted by esm

"replica"?
Rolex would've to make a watch with painted hands first for someone to replicate right...?!?

No, Rolex doesn't necessarily have to make it first...it would be another companies way of making an Homage or something to that effect. Ironically, I thought the painted hands would have no effect on me when I saw it in pics online, but in person it's a no-go in my book.


I'm not giving up hope!! Im back to the waiting game on the white dial.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Eric I didn't even want to touch the "r" word on Jeff's assessment... I'm just taking notes enjoying my 216570 and will reference these comments 10-20 years from now when we can all look back and laugh at these comments... 1655!!! Like fine wine hate turns into love!!!

Sam, No hate here!!! LOL! Just making a critique, it might be the next 1655...or it may be another root beer dialed GMT with a jubilee bracelet! I like all Rolex's but some more than others.

I know the white will be different with fully painted hands. Sadly, I want to like the white dial although my pocketbook/wife may differ with that opinion!

[dalip]

Useful points. Any new model will understandably go through the kind of hype we've seen and also have its harsher critics. The model is selling well here, at the moment, with waiting lists. However, I too haven't actually purchased one since the official release which has surprised me.

I did try the black dial on again the other day but was more drawn to the dj2 blue index dial next to it. I ended up with neither.

But I have never been enamored enough with the explorer range to pick one up. All a matter of taste. I've always really appreciated the reference on others but it's not been for me. That seems to still be the case with both new releases... 1 and 2.

As always with these things everything can change. But for now the exp 2 42 is a watch I'll admire on others wrists and not my own.

[Speed]

I tried on the white dial recently. A bit big for me...the lug length makes it so. I did not care for the high gloss black trim on the hands and plots. Perhaps the trim is glossy on the 40mm...but there is much less of it.

I really wanted to dig it. I may get a 40mm white expy II someday.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by dalip

.....But for now the exp 2 42 is a watch I'll admire on others wrists and not my own.

Dalip...Well said! Wish I was a Better wordsmith!

[FremStar]

I'm walking over to Wempe now to check another new release and just wanted to say I effing love this site! All good Jeff no ill will I'm still learning this horology game myself..
. Just like how most folks are drawn to subs I'm drawn to that elusive original orange hand. Make mine T<25 please

[Stonerider]

the matte /greyish finish made me turn away and back to the GMT-ii-C

The contrast the C makes is profound and make the GMT look more like a "Rolex" then the explor-ii .... tooooo bad, hence the Explor was the first one I felt for, but found it to small so I turned to GMT.

With the announcement of the new explorer, I waited with the GMT until I saw it launched .... and is pleased with my choice

IMHO

Blues Skies

[esm]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Im sayin Trip lock should of been implemented just for proportions, not depth rating.

Ann, gotcha....

Originally Posted by handsfull

No, Rolex doesn't necessarily have to make it first...it would be another companies way of making an Homage or something to that effect. Ironically, I thought the painted hands would have no effect on me when I saw it in pics online, but in person it's a no-go in my book.

I agree on the "homeage" comment, but not the "replica" comment.
The is a big difference between a homage and a replica.....

Originally Posted by handsfull

I'm not giving up hope!! Im back to the waiting game on the white dial.

You won't disappoint on the white dial.

Still remembered the day when I picked these up... It was an exciting day






(the black one didn't stay for long though.....)

[Melanotaenia]

Originally Posted by esm

No need for a trip lock as it only has 100m rating. IMO, a trip lock would be an over kill, just like the 3900m rating on the DSSD.

I agree that it does not need a trip-lock, but they should have at least beefed up the size to compensate for the increase in the overall case size of the new watch.

That said, the white model definitely catches my eye and IMO, a better looking watch of the two.



Just my opinion as well

[paddy_crow]

I actually prefer the small crown.

[rexambar]

Originally Posted by Stonerider

the matte /greyish finish made me turn away and back to the GMT-ii-C

The contrast the C makes is profound and make the GMT look more like a "Rolex" then the explor-ii .... tooooo bad, hence the Explor was the first one I felt for, but found it to small so I turned to GMT.

With the announcement of the new explorer, I waited with the GMT until I saw it launched .... and is pleased with my choice

IMHO

Blues Skies

+1.............................

[Rollie2011]

Wow, I was thinking of going with the white...

Now these pictures have me loving the black

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by FremStar

I'm walking over to Wempe now to check another new release and just wanted to say I effing love this site! All good Jeff no ill will I'm still learning this horology game myself..
. Just like how most folks are drawn to subs I'm drawn to that elusive original orange hand. Make mine T<25 please

No love lost Frem I also like this site, its great to know others are afflicted with my watch curse.

[MortgageGuy]

I think it is gorgeous... Not for everyone of course but do believe the 42mm size will be a hit... Not too big but larger that the Rolex "norm" 40mm for sports models... Only time will tell but I would assume this watch would do alright in terms of sales

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by Rollie2011

Wow, I was thinking of going with the white...

Now these pictures have me loving the black

John don't fight the temptation here is one more pic for you, join the dark side (In my Darth Vader voice)...

[B. Doggy]

I'm definitely can't wait to try one on! Not sold on it via pics yet.

[Gerardus]

I am a big Eplorer fan, but the new polar model does not fit the bill for me.
Old model polar and new black EX42 are

[z32turbo]

Appreciate the post. Thanks for sharing.

[azguy]

From all the pics I've seen in the last few weeks I wouldn't even consider it. With that being said, I'm still waiting for the AD to get them so I can go try it on.

[jcourant]

Originally Posted by FremStar

John don't fight the temptation here is one more pic for you, join the dark side (In my Darth Vader voice)...

Hi Sam, is it ironic that I want the white EXP42 and I'm a Chelsea fan? No luck with Laura, but it sounds like the SF boutique has one. I'm going this week.....