A tale of two GMT watches the TOOL vs the JEWEL

[Brich436]

TOOL (EXP2) VS. JEWEL (GMT MASTER 2)

After the arrival of the BLNR (my latest addition to the inventory) I couldn’t help but notice how different it was from my 14-year-old 16570 Explorer 2 polar. The BLNR really seems to be one of the fanciest steel sports models that Rolex makes, and I love it. It really is a stunning watch, but it is light years from the 16570 that I have owned since 2010. I thought I would take some time to chronical the dramatic and obvious differences between them.



BEZEL

The EXP2 with the fixed steel bezel and white dial is the consummate tool watch in my opinion. There is no rotating bezel to damage. Mine shows the scars and scrapes from 14 years of wear. The BLNR has a beautiful ceramic bezel filled with platinum numerals and is extremely flashy. It is one of my favorite things about the watch. The blue and black color combination is stunning and really gives the watch some pop!


DIAL

The EXP2 white dial has black applied markers and black handset for visibility (no white gold hands here). The white dial is extremely legible GMT hand is done in red for outstanding visability. The BLNR has the white gold markers, white gold hands and blue GMT hand which matches the bezel color. It is stunning and the black dial is a deep gloss black.

BRACELET

The EXP2 bracelet has hollow center links and has a very cheap feeling stamped clasp. I have retrofitted mine with the Steel Reef EZ link style extension and it is a life saver or else you have to wear the bracelet super loose at all times. The bracelet does have a ton of micro adjustment in the clasp. The BLNR clasp feels like a bank vault when you shut it. The jubilee bracelet is a marvel of design and is the most beautiful bracelet on any watch at any price (in my opinion – yes I have seen APs integrated bracelet in person). The EZ link extension on the BLNR is fantastic to adjust the watch to the perfect position.



WEIGHT

The EXP2 sized to my wrist comes in at 123 grams while the BLNR comes in at 142 grams. The BLNR feels much more substantial and solid but for a tool watch the light weight nature of the EXP2 is wonderful.

WRIST PRESENCE

The EXP2 is extremely understated I don't think anyone has once noticed or commented on it in 14 years. It flys under the radar so low that its not even a blip. I would feel comfortable wearing the EXP2 in places I would never wear the BLNR. The EXP2 glides under a ski glove with ease. The BLNR on the other hand screams ROLEX! It really is one of the classics in the catalog and there is no doubt what you are wearing.


COST

The BLNR retail price is over twice the cost of the EXP2 when I purchased it in 2010. I also got a 12% discount on the EXP2 back in 2010 (ah the good old days)! I paid $5250 out the door for the EXP2 in 2010 and my BLNR was $11,500 just recently. Even adjusted for inflation that is a BIG step up in cost. Rolex has moved upmarket from the simple tool watches they used to make. I believe the EXP2 is one of the best examples of a true tool watch that they have made.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I think these two GMT watches are SO different and stark in contrast that they make an outstanding pair in a collection. They really scratch different itches. One is like a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the other one is like a BMW M5. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer between them and they both stand on their own in my collection. I just happen to love them both for very, very, very different reasons. For now the EXP2 will remain my primary winter ski trip and adventure watch (it really does that SO well) and the BLNR is my more upscale sport piece.

I highly recommend both….. and now for that vintage 1675!