Strangely becoming drawn to the Explorer II

[psv]

Love the white dial Exp II. It was suppose to be my 1st Rolex purchase but I couldn't afford it back then, later I ended up with a Sub date as my first Rolex.

[aleiberman]

It was my first Rolex purchase. It was a 2007 Z-Serial. For whatever reason, it doesn't get much wrist time as my Sub and GMT, but it is my favorite and will never let it go.

[Sixxgrand1]

Black and white:

or just black and white..!

[theloxmyth]

Allow me to further dissuade you, Mark.

[93 Turbo]

Be careful Mark. Your interest now will probably turn into a strong desire, and we know what happens next.

I have a white faced 16570, wear it daily. I have been bitten, and will early new year be getting/sourcing a earlier noir, so long as I can find one. 12+ months ago there were many earlier black Exp II's in the FS section.

Hope you get one, it's a great watch.

[Cru Jones]

The crisp white dial, red hand, black hands and markers, perfectly proportioned bezel markers and dial markers, the case blending perfectly into the bracelet. Yes, the Explorer II is perfect for me.

The new bracelet will probably be an improvement, though the current one has worked for decades and is ultra comfortable and light. The new orange hand and lettering? I'll wait to see it in the flesh, but, I can't imagine it'll be as stealth and classy as the white, red and black. That's okay, to each his own.

[Ken Cox]

When I got my GMT II in 1986, I didn't know the Explorer II even existed.

If I had it to do over again, I'd get the Explorer II.

I hope Rolex leaves the new Explorer II exactly as now, except for a Triplock crown.

[Tachymeter]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

explorer II....the "stealth" Rolex........

I agree for the current generation, but the originals ...

[AstroBoy]

My was "Love at First Sight" !

[gaopa]

I only have one Rolex, an EXP II white dial and am crazy about it. I have several Omegas and other watches, but my EXP II is the top of the collection. Cheers, Bill P.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Ken Cox

When I got my GMT II in 1986, I didn't know the Explorer II even existed.

If I had it to do over again, I'd get the Explorer II.

I hope Rolex leaves the new Explorer II exactly as now, except for a Triplock crown.

I think any new releases at this point are going to have the dreaded super case. Grab the old ones while you can.

[JBat]

Terrific photos, Bill.

[Lamone]

The Explorer II is one of Rolex's finest work.

[Nacelle]

The EXP II white dial was my first Rolex purchased in the mid '90's...

I sold it two years ago and bought it back a month later, missed it so much!

Gets plenty of wrist time still...

Nothing strange at all about being drawn to it....a great timepiece!

[ibramr]

Originally Posted by Chipmunk

Explorer II white dial is my next purchase.

Same here. The explorer II white dial can be a nice addition to the GMTII and the 14060 now in use. It is functionally excellent, and aesthetically pleasing. Enjoy.

[Boadicea]

I love the low profile of the exp2. To me it is the difference between something that comfortably slips under your sleeve and sits flat on the wrist, or a watch that is obnoxiously top heavy and is uncomfortable as hell itself (ie: SubC, GMT2C, DSSD, etc).

[G.J]

I LOVE my white Explorer...

[glimmer]

The same is true of me. I used to dislike the Exp II..thought that it was useless because the bezel wouldn't rotate. Also I didn't like the font used for the numbers, thought they looked too boxy...and it took years for me to appreciate these design elements. The white is much more classier in my opinion just because I think it goes very well with the bezel...and I finally picked one up in May of this year from this forum. It's probably my favorite choice these days, something I can wear to any occasion.

[hdrazor251]

I first noticed the Explorer II (white) about 12 years ago when an acquaintance had one. Never asked him for a closer look but always found myself staring at it. It became my grail and I obsessed about it for years. Whenever I got a watch, I knew it was only renting wrist time until I got a white faced Exp II. Recently thanks to TRF, I was finally able get one. I can't explain it, but no other watch 'sings' to me like this model does.

[NMS75]

I'm looking forward to the possible Explorer II revamp for 2011 - lets hope it does happen

M

[dannyp]

I always liked the watch, but when I first looked at Rolexes, it didn't "sing" to me. I looked at all the sport models besides the SD and Daytona (when all were the old style cases) and saw the merits of each. Also looked at the TOG.

Then started looking at Rolexes again about 18 months ago. I really wanted a classic design (so old style case/bracelet) and the Sub was too noticable for me (it's a subtle watch, but everyone knows what it is), the Explorer I (which I adore) was too small and everything else had a super case/something polished. That left the Exp. II, so even though I arrived at it by process of elimination, I knew it was the watch for me and I really dig it.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by G.J

I LOVE my white Explorer...

Got any more of those Jubilee shots? I think the Exp. II polar looks better on the Jubilee than any other professional Rolex. The busier bracelet and PCL actually work for this model since the all-brushed case and bracelet and the white dial with light hour markers (in spite of the black outlines/hands) tends to look too monochromatic for me. This spices it up a bit and in a great way!

[ersnyder]

I'm just like you only different; I've loved the Exp II since day one!

[David Woo]

I love that last photo, Bill: a ceramic series rover?
Excellent.
DW

[NYTechGuy]

Originally Posted by darth95

I recently bought a black explorer II and love it! Worn everyday since

I just did, too! I was wanting and wanting a white face, but then saw the black and fell in love! :)

[Lion]

I have always enjoyed the 'look' of the Explorer II and will someday own the Polar. And I will wear it with pride like I do with my Pepsi!!!

[Sixxgrand1]

>> AND that is a clasp worthy of consideration at the minimum!

[dosei]

My 1st post here - I have never purchased a "Rollie" and have never had an interest, but am strangely drawn to the EX II also. Maybe in the near future I will be posting pictures.

[RLXtrader]

I have recently been eyeing the explorer II, I think the white dial is great, I have hesitated every time before, but I think I want one now...

I keep missing out on them, saw one for $2500 a while back then a few weeks ago I saw one for $2700 with box and papers, of course at these prices they go quickly but seeing them sit in the mid 2k range. I cant bring my self to pay 3k for it I could shoot for a GMT Master for around $3500 more or less.

based on the price I am split between either a GMT Master II or an Explorer II

[duckdown]

Where do you see them for under $3k? That's a very appealing watch at that price!!