The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 6 October 2023, 07:26 PM   #1
deansot53
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 260
Explorer 40m or Explorer 2 daily wearer?

I have a bit of a dilemma. I am now the proud owner of the new Explorer 40mm where the Explorer 2 black dial was my daily wear prior to this.

I need to choose and possibly lose one of the pieces and ask what would you keep either the Explorer 40 mm which seems to go under the radar wears well and has a simple but functional dial and likewise the Explorer 2 black dial that has a couple more functions but wears slightly larger on me.

I understand keeping both is the obvious answer but only have room for one.
deansot53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 07:28 PM   #2
Miker86
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 280
40mm EXP would be the better daily wearer imo. Would trial the newly acquired Explorer for a while before making a decision as it can take a while to form an opinion on a watch.
Miker86 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 07:45 PM   #3
london_v
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Watch: 124060
Posts: 316
Both are pretty discreet. I feel you’d eventually miss the Exp II if you let it go. So I’d keep that one.
london_v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 07:55 PM   #4
amh
"TRF" Member
 
amh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Tejas
Watch: Various
Posts: 5,082
Post up some pics, we'll be happy to judge.

I have the 42mm exp2 and the smaller/older models would feel tiny (7.5in wrist.)
amh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 07:57 PM   #5
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 78,097
Congratulations on the Exp40.

IMHO you keep both for a period of time, until the honeymoon is over with the new watch. Then make a decision
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 08:39 PM   #6
Tritto
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 130
Explorer 40m or Explorer 2 daily wearer?

I spent a bit of time trying on an explorer 40mm at an AD a while ago. Nice watch, but if felt like I'd get bored and reach for something more interesting before long. On that basis, I reckon the Exp2 would be a better option for me. I've not tried the two on side by side though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tritto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 08:44 PM   #7
Ontime
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: USA
Posts: 249
Its going to be hard letting go but if the 40mm feels more comfortable, you should keep it.
Ontime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 08:54 PM   #8
warrior
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: massachusetts
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 1,692
I think the Explorer I is the classier, more timeless piece. Way more versatile as it’s the better “ dress” option and retains a sportiness as well. More sleek/comfortable, too.

The Explorer II works best as a tool watch.
warrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:04 PM   #9
Daveh3196
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: PA USA
Watch: Explorers
Posts: 279
I think it would depend on your career and lifestyle. Do you only wear jeans/t-shirts? Do you have other watches or a dress watch. I would keep the explorer over the explorer II if it was a single watch collection because it fits better and looks better under dress shirts/cuffs and can really be worn for almost any occasion. If you have a dress watch then I’d keep the exp II for daily wear.
Daveh3196 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:24 PM   #10
HHIslander
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Real Name: Henry
Location: USA
Posts: 4,288
Depends on your wrist size. Smaller wrist, go Explorer.
HHIslander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:32 PM   #11
deansot53
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 260
Please see the pics on my wrist which should assist in your thoughts and help with my decision.
Attached Images
   
deansot53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:44 PM   #12
HHIslander
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Real Name: Henry
Location: USA
Posts: 4,288
Quote:
Originally Posted by deansot53 View Post
Please see the pics on my wrist which should assist in your thoughts and help with my decision.
Explorer looks much better on your wrist IMO.
HHIslander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:47 PM   #13
georgew
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: George
Location: USA
Watch: mostly Subs
Posts: 804
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daveh3196 View Post
I think it would depend on your career and lifestyle. Do you only wear jeans/t-shirts? Do you have other watches or a dress watch. I would keep the explorer over the explorer II if it was a single watch collection because it fits better and looks better under dress shirts/cuffs and can really be worn for almost any occasion. If you have a dress watch then I’d keep the exp II for daily wear.
this should be a significant factor for you to consider. But from our wrist shots, 40mm fits better and would be more versatile - Exp II screams tool watch on your wrist (if that is what you intend). Keep both for a while
georgew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:57 PM   #14
nighthawk77
2024 Pledge Member
 
nighthawk77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 1,153
You need both for when one is away at service!

I have the 39mm Explorer and whilst it does make a great daily wearer, it's sometimes nice to have something to mix it up a little. I'd try and keep both if possible.
nighthawk77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 09:59 PM   #15
Jonny8
"TRF" Member
 
Jonny8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 176
Looking at your photos I’d say the Explorer is the better fit.

However, as a previous owner of the II I know how comfortable they are! I have a 39mm Explorer and although I love it I still miss the II. Both can be an excellent one watch IMO, so I’d decide if I really need the extra complications of the II, and if not I’d choose the Explorer (just).
Jonny8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 October 2023, 10:01 PM   #16
Alphaguy
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Al
Posts: 143
Congrats on your new, the Explorer is a perfect fit IMO.
Alphaguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 12:58 AM   #17
amh
"TRF" Member
 
amh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Tejas
Watch: Various
Posts: 5,082
Pics say exp!
amh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 03:35 AM   #18
nyc2la
"TRF" Member
 
nyc2la's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Real Name: Stephen
Location: Beach
Watch: 16660
Posts: 9,424
Keep the Explorer 40
__________________
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." --- RWE
nyc2la is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 03:36 AM   #19
Pinchy
"TRF" Member
 
Pinchy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: California
Posts: 599
I love my Ex2 and Ex36. As a daily, EX40 is far better than the EX2 in that it can play nicely in every environment. Ex2 is Rolex's tooliest tool watch that ever tooled.
Pinchy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 04:21 AM   #20
DJFanUK
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: UK
Watch: Several
Posts: 375
Love my Exp2 poplar, not a fan of the black dial version as much so i would go Exp 40
__________________
126333, 126900, 226570 Polar, 126710BLNR, BB58 BLK, Helm Vanuatu.
DJFanUK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 08:13 AM   #21
matthew P
"TRF" Member
 
matthew P's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 467
I love the latest ExpII in both colors, with a preference for the black though that seems to change with the season.
To me they wear even larger than the numbers suggest and I suspect I’d have to have a 8 inch wrist to wear it comfortably as a true daily.

On my 7 inch wrist I can wear the larger explorer but for my 7 inch wrist the modem field watch sizing of the 36 is so incredibly comfortable

I choose explorer in what ever size you prefer.
It’s understated simplicity is a virtue to me.




..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..
matthew P is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 October 2023, 01:05 PM   #22
Kenny G
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,106
For a one and done I’d go Ex1.

Would make for a great 2 piece combo though (could also consider the polar if owing both).
Kenny G is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.