Anyone go from a Sub to the new Explorer II ???

[Mystro]

I would like to get some input from anyone that has gone from the Sub to the newer and bigger Explorer II. I like bigger watches and it sometimes crosses my mind when I put my Sub back on from my other larger watches if the Explorer II might be a better fit. I have ALOT of history with my TT Sub and I question if the Explorer II might be a bit too casual of a look. I would love to hear some feedback from owners that have either switched or own both.

FYI...I am a one Rolex kind of guy and this Classic TT Bluesy is what I am use to. It really has been a superstar for me so I am curious if anyone ever has done the Sub to Explorer switch and how the the personalities of each watch compare. I am thinking of adding the Explorer II.

[superdog]

If ur a one and only, I would not replace ur awesome sub.

If ur a constant flipper and play around, sure. In s heartbeat.

But the new exp 2 will not, IMHO, be a replacement. It would be a mistake.

[Mystro]

I had to clarify my OP but I would make it a addition to my TT Sub for sure but questioned if the Explorer 2 would be too casual and would give the same Sub magic if you are a Sub kind of guy. I figured if anyone replaced their Sub for a Explorer 2 they might give some insight into the personalities of the two styles of watches. I always buy divers but know the Explorer 2 has got to be a good light duty diver as well.

Originally Posted by superdog

If ur a one and only, I would not replace ur awesome sub.

If ur a constant flipper and play around, sure. In s heartbeat.

But the new exp 2 will not, IMHO, be a replacement. It would be a mistake.

[corkscrew]

I have both-a green sub and a white ExpII. I got the new model Exp as an up grade from the older model. I think the Exp is the ideal size watch. It is also the most comfortable watch. After wearing the 42 Exp and then wearing the Sub, the Sub seems small. I love the Exp. I know I'm in the minority, but I think it is a great watch.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I had to clarify my OP but I would make it a addition to my TT Sub for sure but questioned if the Explorer 2 would be too casual and would give the same Sub magic if you are a Sub kind of guy. I figured if anyone replaced their Sub for a Explorer 2 they might give some insight into the personalities of the two styles of watches. I always buy divers but know the Explorer 2 has got to be a good light duty diver as well.

If this is an add: absolutely. The exp2 is a super piece.

[strafer_kid]

I am a big Sub and Seadweller fan having had a number over the years. I really liked the look of the Explorer II in 42mm and picked up one with black dial shortly after it was released. I thought it was a very well designed and engineered watch, that wore quite well on the wrist. The new bracelet was also very nice and indeed I wore it for a while on a black NATO which also looked and felt good. Despite this, it still felt a bit too big for me, although I would not say I have a narrow wrist. The 2mm size increase over the Sub felt like more than that so I flipped it, and I know some others who did likewise. That said, the bigger size works for many and I would still recommend it as a very nice watch indeed!

[cangelosijeff]

My black Exp II is my daily, the Hulk my "change it up piece." They, for me, fit very differently, as with the bigger case I had a lot of trouble getting the Explorer just right. That said, once dialed in, they are a great combo!

[Mystro]

There is somthing clean and honest about the Explorer II design I like. It looks all buisness for the outdoor enthusiast (which I am). Heck, its one of few Rolex watches that lends itself to a rubber strap.
If you like a bigger watch, the Rolex choices are few. I like the DJ2 but not for what I would be using it for and the DSSD is too thick and bulky for field use, under coats, etc... I have been wishing for years for a 42mm SS Submariner but.....well, I am not holding my breath.
Is the SS bezel a scratch magnet???

[c.capt]

Add it? Definitely.

They are two different watches that serve different moods. For me, it's the polar 216570 and the SDc 116600 (instead of the sub) but I love both because they are unique. The expII is my go-to travel watch though (can keep track of home time and easily adjust the main hour hand to local time). As for the bezel being a scratch magnet, I have not had any issues, but I take care of my watches so depending on how you use it YMMV. They each have their own unique characteristics and their own place in my collection - and hopefully yours too! Starting to sound like Dr. Phil here, so I'm done.

[travisb]

Great addition to your Sub if you do it! Rugged looks and feel. Really enjoyed having it when I did. Perfect add!

[mike]

They go well with a Sub,.....or GMT.

[AK797]

Add for sure. I would usually suggest getting the TT ceramic Bluesy as it does wear bigger but your TT Sub and your great pics are legendary round here so I wouldn't do it. Maybe look at a YM2 a well.

[toneafficianado]

I have both a 216570 polar and Sub 14060M. I love them both and the Explorer is certainly bigger in every way, even the lugs are wider. It's hard to imagine needing a bigger watch than it.
It wears fantastically though and could easily be an "only" Rolex as it does everything and is SO easy to read, day and night. I can't recommend the model highly enough.. Go for it!

[Urosfan]

I would add if it was my only then i keep the sub i love my exp 2 and my hulk equally

[Eric Chan]

I used to own an Exploer II 16570 with a white dial. I added that to my collection and at that time, I owned a Submariner Date 16610 LN and Submariner 114060. There is room to add an Explorer II to a collection that already contains a Submariner, in my opinion.

I would not trade my Submariner (doesn't matter which version) for an Explorer II. I feel the Submariner is a better all around watch. In your case, I would keep the TT Blue Sub as that one is a beauty, not taking anything away from the Explorer II, but there really is no comparison, especially if you are a one-watch guy.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

I have both...and a 16600 and a couple others.

My 216570 is my GO TO watch for travel and adventure. Unless you're a dolphin, the Paraflex shock absorbers are better than my divers from a day to day perspective.

At the same time, the 216570 works well as a pedestrian desk diver.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

And works well on a mountain above the clouds...

[lhanddds]

The Exp II would be a nice contrast to your sub so when you are in a different mood, you have a choice, case and lugs flow better into the bracelet. I had a GMT IIC and could not get over the big lugs.

[Psmith]

The 216570 would make a great addition

[stockae92]

If you are a one Rolex guy and you had a lot of history (memory) with the watch. I wouldn't sell it / replace it with something else.

But if you KNOW you are done with the old, then its the time to get the new.

At the end, its your call.

[scimps]

I went from sub to exp2

Had 16610,116610,114060.... The latter was easily my favourite... But the 41mm exp2 came along and I honestly never looked at the rest... So i sold them

I still don't "miss them" but maybe I miss their reputation.... Although I do feel that fact I've never seen another exp2 out in the departure lounge or gym makes up for it.... Its the "stealth" rolex for sure

And in all practical terms - quite as capable

PS don't get one..... They're better cos everyone has a sub

[Tri-Tip]

I've had my Sub-C for nearly 4 years and just added a Polar Exp II one month ago (tomorrow). Now it's that dreaded decision every morning of which one to wear!

[Tempusfugitus]

Started off as a huge Sub fan, but then got an Exp II and now I prefer that for daily wear. They make a perfect pair for a two watch rotation, especially if the Exp is a polar, Exp on bracelet, Sub on rubber.

[wisguy]

I have owned a GMTIIc, SubC, Explorer II 40mm and Explorer II 42mm.

Of all of them I would go for the SubC or GMT, the 42mm Explorer is great on a white dial but it was kind of too big for me.