Explorer II

[nickriebe]

Aloha all, Since i am a "Newbie" to the Rolex club (and have been reading allot of posts on here) How do i tell the details about my "soon to be" Explorer II? (i.e. movement, date of manufacture, etc...) it has the letter F then the serial #. Ideas? Of course i asked my AD (Ben Bridge Timeworks) and all they could tell me is "It's new"... wow, really? Any info or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JUSTROLEXES]

Nick welcome to TRF.
An F Serial is a 2004 production and it could be new but very very old stock...I am sure if you check here on the Forum under for sale you can find an M or V for what they will sell you a New one for.
We have lots of great sellers like DavidSW, Bodybump, Mosco and many many more...

[nickriebe]

Thanks Tony! I guess my next question is... Is it better to own an "older" serial number in new condition? or go with the M or V?

[JUSTROLEXES]

M or V is Better IMO ...

[mike]

Originally Posted by nickriebe

Thanks Tony! I guess my next question is... Is it better to own an "older" serial number in new condition? or go with the M or V?

Pricing aside a consideration is how long before a service for an 04 model. An F series will have a 3185 movement. I'd probably go for a newer one with a 3186 personally.

[Melanotaenia]

Well the one at the dealer technically is new where many sold here with other serials are not. However sometimes the forums on TRF have new watches. But I don't often see the Explorer II offered for sale on here. Mine is an "E" serial, and I just love it.

Also keep in mind if you can score one on here it will most likely be cheaper than the AD price new or used.

Maybe someone else can chime in on whether there are any changes to the model I am keeping out.

[JUSTROLEXES]

Sure you can look or request a new one or a mint one and it's a win win since the price will be sure better...

[TimeOnHand]

A high Z serial, M and V will all have the new 3186 movement. Try to find those serial numbers, since you are buying new!

[kingblackbolt]

Welcome to TRF!
Excellent choice picking up an explorer II I have had mine on since I picked it up a few weeks back and it is my fave watch that I have yet owned from Rolex or any other company. The perfect all around daily wearer IMHO...Dealers can discount whatever they like and I know you can get 20-40% depending on what model you are buying. Rolex discourages discounts but it's not like there is a Rolex rep standing next to you when you are buying right?
Make sure you get an M or V serial model and ask them to open it up and check you have the newer 3186 movement as well. Good luck with your purchase I am sure you will be happy with it.

[nickriebe]

Thanks everyone! I contacted my AD and they said they have a M white face Explorer II. I really wanted the black face, but the white is different... They are going to do some more searching so hopefully a black face M or V will show up before Friday. Thanks again to all! :)

[Cru Jones]

If you don't want to wait too long, a "BNIB" F serial wouldn't be the worst thing if they properly discounted it. A 3185 movement is class, tried and true. It's a nice perk to get a 3186, but the overall impression I've gathered from the forum is that it's not worth paying more for.

If you feel like pursuing the F, I'd consider demanding, after they give their "last price", that they take off an additional amount corresponding to the cost of a servicing (it's been on their shelves for 6 years....Not that it needs a servicing, but why not use it as a negotiating tactic?).

If the price isn't right, wait for a newer model. You have nothing to lose....