Explorer 1 more popular than Explorer 2?

[edyu]

My friend who's just getting into Rolex went to an AD in the weekend and the salesperson won't put his name on the list for Explorer 1 because "it's too popular and the list is too long" but did put his name on the Explorer 2 (Polar). Is this right? I guess I can see that happening due to the the price difference but I was a little surprised myself.

[tng11]

I've seen plenty of Explorer I in display cases around here. Explorer II, less often these days. I could see how demand for the Explorer I could be higher because of its price point, and that the Explorer II is a pretty big watch.

[mgsooner]

It's tough to say as we're merely relying on anecdotal evidence, but it is very common for posters here to state they saw an Exp II in an AD's case. The Exp is not one of the "hot" references but based on posts on this forum it seems to be less commonly available than the Exp II is.

[Snow-Dweller]

I sold my Exp II, and a while later bought an Explorer......so yes, it’s more popular with me!

[ink3027]

I'm surprised to hear that. The Explorer is one of the few SS models you can routinely see in the display case these days. I've never heard of too long of a waiting list for that watch. Maybe a miscommunication with the salesman?

[tlbarrs]

That seems a little strange to me I have had my Explorer ii Black dial for about 11 months and my brother picked up a brand new Explorer from the same AD last night and the sales rep told us that the Explorer ii is getting very hard to get but it took less than 2 weeks for the Explorer to come in to stock maybe he was just very lucky ��

[JacksonStone]

Every time I go into my AD, they have an Explorer II in the case, although it's not always the same one, or the same dial color. I haven't seen an Explorer there in almost two years. That's a single, anecdotal data point, but it underscores what your friend's AD told him. Also, FWIW, an unworn, stickered Explorer lists for a slight premium at trusted sellers, whereas the Exp. II in the same condition lists for slightly under retail at the same sellers.

Generally, I see the Explorer as being more coveted as a classic. The Explorer II seems to be caught in a no-man's land, since it's functionally similar to the GMT, but doesn't have the ceramic-bezel look that is so hot these days. Personally, I think it's a great watch, but the overall market seems to look at it as a poor cousin, unfortunately. (Or maybe fortunately, since it's easier to acquire.)

[AEC]

I find the Explorer I more appealing than the Explorer II, but I would question an AD who's reluctant to make an effort to supply an Explorer I. I don't think they're that scarce. Buy from a different dealer.

[peterrr]

Walked into my AD last weekend and for the first time since the summer they had an Explorer I sitting in the case.

Was a bit of an impulse buy, but I knew I would not regret it.

[edyu]

Originally Posted by ink3027

I'm surprised to hear that. The Explorer is one of the few SS models you can routinely see in the display case these days. I've never heard of too long of a waiting list for that watch. Maybe a miscommunication with the salesman?

I don't really know because I wasn't there myself. It's right after the holiday break for Rolex so who knows what the salesperson has up his sleeves. Nowadays nothing surprises me when it comes Rolex ADs. :)

[burnthesehills]

The EXP II is much more expensive and also not as versatile so I can see that. By versatile I mean it’s larger and a bit more sport/tool oriented than the EXP I that can basically work for any occasion.

[rickmanuk]

Until recently on the used market the Explorer 14270/114270 has had a premium over the Explorer II 16570. Confusing as I would have thought the additional complications would have the situation in reverse, so perhaps it is more desirable?

[Marcjvr]

Your friend can get an Explorer I from a grey for at or below MSRP.

I went to an AD to get mine but they messed me around and the last straw was when the sales associate had no idea how the easy link extension worked.

I walked out the store and went online and bought from Patrick (OCRolexguy) and have never looked back.

[Jerrocop]

Now that I have an Explorer 1 I've lost all interest in the Explorer II. Over several years of AD visits, I've only seen the Explorer 1 in the case once and that was many years ago. I'd say its very popular . . . at least around these parts it is.

[WJGESQ]

Only the GMT would hold any value for me-black dial of course.

[watchamatic]

I prefer the Exp2 over the Exp1 since I like bigger watches, I usethe GMT fubction while travelling and I love the polar dial.

[HogwldFLTR]

I prefer the date and GMT function of the ExpII to the Exp1 however the newer ExpII don't work for me because of their diameter. I prefer the 5 digit reference.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by edyu

My friend who's just getting into Rolex went to an AD in the weekend and the salesperson won't put his name on the list for Explorer 1 because "it's too popular and the list is too long" but did put his name on the Explorer 2 (Polar). Is this right? I guess I can see that happening due to the the price difference but I was a little surprised myself.

It sounds to me like this salesperson needs to go jump in a lake. Your friend should get the watch he wants. I sure hope that he does not play this salesperson's game.

There should not by any need to put your name on a list to get an Explorer I.