Dual Time Zones

[CCI24]

Hello TRF!

I'm on the hunt for my second Rolex and I've decided I need a sport model which will fit my lifestyle as I'm a citizen of two countries and visit my homeland often

Now the deciding factor for me is which watch would be the best contender for tracking two time zones.

Explorer II or GMT?

[Old Expat Beast]

It doesn't really matter. Both do the same job in that respect. Most important would be which one you prefer on your wrist.

[lapince]

I love the Exp II, but don't like the GMTII very much, except in it's BLNR version which I love and got 2 months ago, I say either but get the BLNR if you go for ceramic...

[nick c]

How about tudor great gmt

[Tools]

As mentioned, same movement, same function outside the redundant rotating bezel...

Get the one you want to see on your wrist..

[CCI24]

I recently saw a explorer II with a black dial but those are really hard to come by or I'm I not looking hard enough ? I would probably go with that one over the GMT

[sea-dweller]

They are both awesome and do the job well! Pick the one that sings to you!

[foodle]

1675

[Clutch Cargo]

They both will work, but the GMT has an added benefit of the rotating bezel. It allows for a quick adjustment when traveling to a third time zone.

[malarky_hk]

The GMT is more versatile IMHO. But really just personal preference here.

[sleddog]

As stated, it's a personal preference really. I lean towards the GMT myself for the rotating bezel function, and bolder look, but do love the larger modern Explorer as well....
Try them both on, and then decide for yourself!

[GradyPhilpott]

The GMTII tracks three time-zones.

I won't knock the Explorer II, but it's 24 hour complication was initially designed to tell those who are in places where the sun don't shine or where the sun always shines, whether it is day or night.

Of course, now that function has expanded.

You don't mention anything about the need to track GMT, so two time-zones should be enough.

That pretty much leaves it up to you.

Which one do you like best?

This is the one I chose.

[.db]

Originally Posted by Tools

As mentioned, same movement, same function outside the redundant rotating bezel...

Get the one you want to see on your wrist..

IMO, the bezel isn't redundant has been convenient for travel (used to live in two time zones, travel to third(s)). It serves it's purpose; but you're right, it all comes down to look on the wrist.

That said, I'd still prefer the looks of the GMT

[LBHQ]

I go for the GMT II, more versatile, ceramics bezel

[ExplorerChris]

Originally Posted by CCI24

Hello TRF!

I'm on the hunt for my second Rolex and I've decided I need a sport model which will fit my lifestyle as I'm a citizen of two countries and visit my homeland often

Now the deciding factor for me is which watch would be the best contender for tracking two time zones.

Explorer II or GMT?

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

I went with the Explorer II 16550 Black dial for the following reasons
The GMT feature
The fixed bezel
Casual or dressed up it looks good
Not as common as a GMT Master
Most under rated undervalues professional series Rolex IMHO

It's just a great everyday every occasion watch

[tkerrmd]

both awesome watches, but the bezel on the GMT is the tie breaker for me, adds another function while also scratch resistant

[Dan Pierce]

The 16170 GMT II will allow for simultaneous second time zone and easily calculated 3rd, a rotating bezel for simple timing, as well as all the bezel color and bracelet option.
Can't beat that package.
dP

[ess45]

Originally Posted by CCI24

I recently saw a explorer II with a black dial but those are really hard to come by or I'm I not looking hard enough ? I would probably go with that one over the GMT

You're just not looking hard enough. Congrats on your choice.

[mike]

Strong opinions on both sides with no wrong answer.

If you are talking the latest references the decision comes down to a couple points IMHO.

Versatility always favors the GMT due to the rotating bezel. Sure you can track a third timezone, but it also serves as a type of timing device.

The EXP II (new style) is 42mm and as such wears larger than the GMT. Brushed vs PCLs is a personal choice IMO. White dial--gotta go EXP.

The new EXP uses the 3187 movement. vs the 3186. Not sure how much of a difference that is in the real world.

The EXPs bezel will certainly be more prone to scratches, but is a much simpler design.

Try em both and see which hits the right spot.

[CCI24]

Originally Posted by ExplorerChris

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

I went with the Explorer II 16550 Black dial for the following reasons
The GMT feature
The fixed bezel
Casual or dressed up it looks good
Not as common as a GMT Master
Most under rated undervalues professional series Rolex IMHO

It's just a great everyday every occasion watch

I agree with this. It's so below the radar and it sings to me a lot more than the GMT. If it wasn't hard to get a GMT on a jubilee bracelet with minimal stretch I would be all over it.