ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

AlphaOmega4 · 26 July 2016, 07:40 AM

Hey Guys,

Long time lurker , first time poster.

I will keep it short and to the point not to be a bother.

Just celebrated my 35th Birthday.. Wife knows I have been wanting to pick up my first Rolex..

We narrowed it down to the 2 we both like (as far as looks) and fits my budget.

BLNR or Explorer 2 - Black face.

Please share any opinions advice etc.... anyone own both or make the jump from one to another?

This will be my first Rolex and probably my only Rolex for quite some time.

Best,

John

japenney · 26 July 2016, 07:46 AM

This forum is biased towards the blnr so expect the majority of responses to be blnr. That being said I choose the blnr. It has all the functionality of the explorer plus a rotating bezel for timing daily tasks such as cooking and parking meters. It can also dress up or down while the explorer cannot dress up as it is very toolish. The blnr may just be the best all-rounder in the entire lineup. I'd go as far to say it is.

sensui · 26 July 2016, 07:48 AM

I'll keep it short also... I have both and the GMT has more utility when traveling with the rotating bezel to change zones quickly. It also is more versatile in different occasions. Definitely blnr if you had to pick one imo.

Robb · 26 July 2016, 07:59 AM

BLNR for me

penguin78 · 26 July 2016, 08:00 AM

An Explorer 2 (white) was my first, but between that and a BLNR I would say BLNR as the one and only as it can dress up better. I own both the Explorer II and a GMTII LN, and wear them in rotation along with a non-Rolex watch.

Guess it depends on your normal attire, and if you do dress up regularly whether you have other non-Rolex watches that cover the dressy side. If you do like the Explorer II I would say go for it - you can get a pretty good deal from one of the trusted sellers on the forum.

Roboshap · 26 July 2016, 08:08 AM

Definitely the BLNR. I chose it as my one and only Rolex and I have been very pleased with its versatility as it can dress both up and down. I tend to be in a suit most days during the week for work, but it also wears very casually on the weekends as well. I also think it's a lot more unique in appearance than the Explorer II, which is very understated.

eltonbalch · 26 July 2016, 08:09 AM

Of the two, the BLNR has the edge. On the plus side, the rotating ceramic bezel and the blue/black accent give the watch that extra "pop". On the other hand, I am not a big fan of the polished center links but I would still pick the BLNR if it was my only Rolex.

solo-act · 26 July 2016, 08:10 AM

From activity I've seen here at the forum, I think the BLNR will win out. You can sequence to the BLR though, nothing wrong with that!

HL65 · 26 July 2016, 08:11 AM

BLNR for me and still one of my favorite modern Rolex!

Snow-Dweller · 26 July 2016, 08:11 AM

For a first Rolex I would choose the BLNR over the Exp II. I would, however, seriously consider the GMTc LN.

Enjoy the quandary!

scombs263 · 26 July 2016, 08:14 AM

I have both and love them equally. Seems like BLNR is in high demand and well sought after. I pick the BLNR as I have seen very few in public on people's wrists compared to the Explorer II. I think the BLNR will be more desired by the masses.

JJ WA · 26 July 2016, 08:22 AM

OMG... BLNR all the way! If not, then the standard GMT or Sub no-date. The current Exp II never grew on me. But that's just my personal preference, of course.

Toony · 26 July 2016, 08:32 AM

BLNR. It's a beauty.

Ru4scuba · 26 July 2016, 08:33 AM

This guy by a long shot

Dchen · 26 July 2016, 08:33 AM

I was in the same position as you on February!

I spent 6 months thinking about it and finally I July I went for the BLNR!

The explorer II is an interesting watch, but ultimately it lacks a certain lust factor that the BLNR seems to capture perfectly!

Put it this way, if you got the explorer II you'd always be thinking 'what if I got the BLNR'...

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Berserker74 · 26 July 2016, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by japenney

This forum is biased towards the blnr so expect the majority of responses to be blnr. That being said I choose the blnr. It has all the functionality of the explorer plus a rotating bezel for timing daily tasks such as cooking and parking meters. It can also dress up or down while the explorer cannot dress up as it is very toolish. The blnr may just be the best all-rounder in the entire lineup. I'd go as far to say it is.

^^This. Plus the BLNR will hold its value better - even appreciate in value. You'll take an insta-hit on the Explorer II.

*You'll get more props for owning the BLNR it's very popular and limited in availability and production.

*The BLNR represents a first for Rolex in terms of the bi-colored ceramic bezel - the Ex II is just the latest iteration of that particular line. Sure it's the first Ex II in a maxi case but considering many other models were refreshed into maxi's that's not really anything special.

*Have you tried these two watches on? IMHO the new Ex II looks awful in a maxi the old form factor looked heaps better. Certainly can't compare with the Batman which is just beautiful - again just my opinion :)

*The polished center links on the Batman are a sticking point for many but just search the forum. There are plenty of options for dealing with this little niggle.

Best of luck with your decision!

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zjd168 · 26 July 2016, 10:27 AM

BLNR vs xxx? nowadays only DaytonaC can win this battle.

Berserker74 · 26 July 2016, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zjd168

BLNR vs xxx? nowadays only DaytonaC can win this battle.

In steel probably. Definitely in terms of current buzz and popularity. But pure aesthetics? Could you really count the ceramic Pepsi out? :D

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superdog · 26 July 2016, 10:33 AM

I prefer a polar exp 2, then blnr, then exp 2 black.

Berserker74 · 26 July 2016, 10:36 AM

The Polar Ex II is the best looking white faced Rolex IMO. But I like the older models better. Not a fan of the maxi Ex II - on my wrist anyways.

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lanta · 26 July 2016, 10:46 AM

The BLNR is a better choice, well appreciated with stunning looks

droptopman · 26 July 2016, 10:49 AM

1 watch BLNR. In a collection with other black dials, the EXP II Polar, but I prefer the 5 digit 16570 over the modern version.
Both great watches with utility and great for many activities.

Muzz · 26 July 2016, 10:49 AM

I prefer the BLNR John, the reference dresses up and down so effortless. To me, it could easily be a no collection required piece for quite some time. I do like the Explorer II but not as a one and only.

Oneironaut · 26 July 2016, 10:49 AM

I must be the outlier here but I'm actually strongly leaning towards trading my BLNR for an Explorer II Polar. This is my second BLNR too! Considering I'm dressed in either casual or business casual clothing 99% of the time I feel the PCLs are just too much for me along with the flashy bezel. Dont get me wrong, I think the black and blue ceramic bezel is quite stunning but after having chipped a different ceramic bezel in the past on a moderate knock I lost a lot of love for them. On a dressy watch I think ceramic is fine but not really suited for everyday wear.

From a design standpoint I'm really in love with how integrated into the design the steel bezel is on the Explorer II. It can definitely take some knocks and still keep going. I've tried on the Polar Explorer many times now and feel like it'll be a lot easier to make a connection to it as soon as I finally go through with the trade. Regardless, choose the one that YOU like the most. You'll be the one wearing it after all. Best of luck with your decision!

Berserker74 · 26 July 2016, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oneironaut

I must be the outlier here but I'm actually strongly leaning towards trading my BLNR for an Explorer II Polar. This is my second BLNR too! Considering I'm dressed in either casual or business casual clothing 99% of the time I feel the PCLs are just too much for me along with the flashy bezel. Dont get me wrong, I think the black and blue ceramic bezel is quite stunning but after having chipped a different ceramic bezel in the past on a moderate knock I lost a lot of love for them. On a dressy watch I think ceramic is fine but not really suited for everyday wear.

From a design standpoint I'm really in love with how integrated into the design the steel bezel is on the Explorer II. It can definitely take some knocks and still keep going. I've tried on the Polar Explorer many times now and feel like it'll be a lot easier to make a connection to it as soon as I finally go through with the trade. Regardless, choose the one that YOU like the most. You'll be the one wearing it after all. Best of luck with your decision!

Sorry to hear about your experience with the bezel on your Batman. That would put me off ceramic watches also.
It's a miracle nothing like that has happened to me, I'm quite rough on my watches/wear them on pub crawls etc haha...

The PCLs are a sticking point for many, but you've got options: from NATO to rubber Everest to brushing your bracelet to acquiring a new glide lock bracelet a-la-Submariner...

Anyways, if you do decide to trade I'm sure you'll have no end of offers. Gotta enjoy your watch right?

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TimeToWatch · 26 July 2016, 11:33 AM

Definitely the BLNR

Urosfan · 26 July 2016, 11:35 AM

Polar exp 2 is my choice but I'm biased

daytonaTBR · 26 July 2016, 11:37 AM

BLNR without a doubt

ELITEVIDEOGAMES · 26 July 2016, 11:45 AM

For your 1 and only BLNR for sure.
you wont regret it, the bicolor ceramic bezel is gorgeous.

Bucknuts12 · 26 July 2016, 12:16 PM

Have both, exp2 is a better casual watch and under the radar. Blnr is the best dress up watch ever, love both!

26 July 2016, 07:40 AM	#1
AlphaOmega4 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Real Name: J Location: @ the Beach Watch: AK 116900 Posts: 170	1st Rolex... BLNR vs Explorer 2 Hey Guys, Long time lurker , first time poster. I will keep it short and to the point not to be a bother. Just celebrated my 35th Birthday.. Wife knows I have been wanting to pick up my first Rolex.. We narrowed it down to the 2 we both like (as far as looks) and fits my budget. BLNR or Explorer 2 - Black face. Please share any opinions advice etc.... anyone own both or make the jump from one to another? This will be my first Rolex and probably my only Rolex for quite some time. Best, John

26 July 2016, 07:59 AM	#4
Robb 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Robb Location: USA Watch: BLNR Posts: 4,939	BLNR for me __________________ 126610LN l 166610LV l 126619LB l 116710BLNR l 126710BLRO l 126720VTNR l 126718GRNR l 116500 white l 116500 black l 116508 john mayer l 116519LN l 116503 white l 126655 l 226627 Ti Master l 116518LN

26 July 2016, 08:00 AM	#5
penguin78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: South Atlantic Posts: 108	1st Rolex... BLNR vs Explorer 2 An Explorer 2 (white) was my first, but between that and a BLNR I would say BLNR as the one and only as it can dress up better. I own both the Explorer II and a GMTII LN, and wear them in rotation along with a non-Rolex watch. Guess it depends on your normal attire, and if you do dress up regularly whether you have other non-Rolex watches that cover the dressy side. If you do like the Explorer II I would say go for it - you can get a pretty good deal from one of the trusted sellers on the forum.

26 July 2016, 08:11 AM	#9
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	BLNR for me and still one of my favorite modern Rolex! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

26 July 2016, 08:11 AM	#10
Snow-Dweller 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Clive Location: The Alps Watch: collections change Posts: 6,284	For a first Rolex I would choose the BLNR over the Exp II. I would, however, seriously consider the GMTc LN. Enjoy the quandary! __________________ . The path from WIShood to WISdom can have many turnings... ——————————————————————————————————— . 16803. 16570. 18038. 114300. GMW-B5000D.

26 July 2016, 07:46 AM	#2
japenney "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: Josh Location: Canada Watch: undecided Posts: 4,777	This forum is biased towards the blnr so expect the majority of responses to be blnr. That being said I choose the blnr. It has all the functionality of the explorer plus a rotating bezel for timing daily tasks such as cooking and parking meters. It can also dress up or down while the explorer cannot dress up as it is very toolish. The blnr may just be the best all-rounder in the entire lineup. I'd go as far to say it is.

26 July 2016, 07:48 AM	#3
sensui 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 12,443	I'll keep it short also... I have both and the GMT has more utility when traveling with the rotating bezel to change zones quickly. It also is more versatile in different occasions. Definitely blnr if you had to pick one imo.

26 July 2016, 08:08 AM	#6
Roboshap "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Real Name: Adam Location: South Florida Watch: 116710 BLNR Posts: 18	Definitely the BLNR. I chose it as my one and only Rolex and I have been very pleased with its versatility as it can dress both up and down. I tend to be in a suit most days during the week for work, but it also wears very casually on the weekends as well. I also think it's a lot more unique in appearance than the Explorer II, which is very understated.

26 July 2016, 08:09 AM	#7
eltonbalch "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cambridge, NY Posts: 1,089	Of the two, the BLNR has the edge. On the plus side, the rotating ceramic bezel and the blue/black accent give the watch that extra "pop". On the other hand, I am not a big fan of the polished center links but I would still pick the BLNR if it was my only Rolex.

26 July 2016, 08:10 AM	#8
solo-act "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Colorado Posts: 64	From activity I've seen here at the forum, I think the BLNR will win out. You can sequence to the BLR though, nothing wrong with that!

26 July 2016, 08:14 AM	#11
scombs263 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: COMBS#263 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Watch: Rolex SD43 Posts: 2,193	I have both and love them equally. Seems like BLNR is in high demand and well sought after. I pick the BLNR as I have seen very few in public on people's wrists compared to the Explorer II. I think the BLNR will be more desired by the masses.

26 July 2016, 08:22 AM	#12
JJ WA "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Seattle Posts: 787	OMG... BLNR all the way! If not, then the standard GMT or Sub no-date. The current Exp II never grew on me. But that's just my personal preference, of course.

26 July 2016, 08:32 AM	#13
Toony "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: Tony Location: Gatchaman Posts: 1,873	BLNR. It's a beauty.

26 July 2016, 08:33 AM	#14
Ru4scuba "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Real Name: Chris Location: NCR Watch: Today's watch Posts: 736	This guy by a long shot

26 July 2016, 08:33 AM	#15
Dchen "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: London Posts: 27	I was in the same position as you on February! I spent 6 months thinking about it and finally I July I went for the BLNR! The explorer II is an interesting watch, but ultimately it lacks a certain lust factor that the BLNR seems to capture perfectly! Put it this way, if you got the explorer II you'd always be thinking 'what if I got the BLNR'... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

26 July 2016, 10:27 AM	#17
zjd168 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: US Posts: 2,698	BLNR vs xxx? nowadays only DaytonaC can win this battle.

26 July 2016, 10:33 AM	#19
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,834	I prefer a polar exp 2, then blnr, then exp 2 black. __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

26 July 2016, 10:36 AM	#20
Berserker74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Antony Location: China Watch: 116613LB, 116610LV Posts: 30	The Polar Ex II is the best looking white faced Rolex IMO. But I like the older models better. Not a fan of the maxi Ex II - on my wrist anyways. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

26 July 2016, 10:46 AM	#21
lanta "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Real Name: Bryan Location: Maryland Watch: 116610LV Posts: 25	The BLNR is a better choice, well appreciated with stunning looks

26 July 2016, 10:49 AM	#22
droptopman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Mark Location: Washington State Watch: SUBS and GMT's! Posts: 9,664	1st Rolex... BLNR vs Explorer 2 1 watch BLNR. In a collection with other black dials, the EXP II Polar, but I prefer the 5 digit 16570 over the modern version. Both great watches with utility and great for many activities. __________________ Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? Ty: By height.

26 July 2016, 10:49 AM	#23
Muzz "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Steve Location: TO CAD, HCMC VN Watch: MP 18946 Posts: 7,292	I prefer the BLNR John, the reference dresses up and down so effortless. To me, it could easily be a no collection required piece for quite some time. I do like the Explorer II but not as a one and only.

26 July 2016, 10:49 AM	#24
Oneironaut "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: NOLA Posts: 44	I must be the outlier here but I'm actually strongly leaning towards trading my BLNR for an Explorer II Polar. This is my second BLNR too! Considering I'm dressed in either casual or business casual clothing 99% of the time I feel the PCLs are just too much for me along with the flashy bezel. Dont get me wrong, I think the black and blue ceramic bezel is quite stunning but after having chipped a different ceramic bezel in the past on a moderate knock I lost a lot of love for them. On a dressy watch I think ceramic is fine but not really suited for everyday wear. From a design standpoint I'm really in love with how integrated into the design the steel bezel is on the Explorer II. It can definitely take some knocks and still keep going. I've tried on the Polar Explorer many times now and feel like it'll be a lot easier to make a connection to it as soon as I finally go through with the trade. Regardless, choose the one that YOU like the most. You'll be the one wearing it after all. Best of luck with your decision!

26 July 2016, 11:33 AM	#26
TimeToWatch Banned Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: TRF Watch: Rolex & AP Posts: 1,757	Definitely the BLNR

26 July 2016, 11:35 AM	#27
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	Polar exp 2 is my choice but I'm biased

26 July 2016, 11:37 AM	#28
daytonaTBR "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 1,466	BLNR without a doubt

26 July 2016, 11:45 AM	#29
ELITEVIDEOGAMES "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Real Name: Tom Location: Long Island NY Watch: me sell games Posts: 1,898	For your 1 and only BLNR for sure. you wont regret it, the bicolor ceramic bezel is gorgeous.

26 July 2016, 12:16 PM	#30
Bucknuts12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Naples Posts: 13	Have both, exp2 is a better casual watch and under the radar. Blnr is the best dress up watch ever, love both!

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