GMT II vs Explorer II

[DHPSU]

Originally Posted by Ewellblue

I think they both work in a collection. It might surprise most but the polar gets 80% wrist time!!



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Love that combo!


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[fdm79]

Originally Posted by F900LX

I have the BLNR and really wanted a polar Explorer. I love the white face and orange GMT hand, I tried it on several times in the past couple of years but it never looked right to me in person and on my wrist.

x 2

[Euge]

Originally Posted by Random Guy

3 time zones ? I thought it was only 2

Ok, the 3 time zones is if you rotate the bezel and know the 24 hrs original position.

You are right that it only tells 2 time zones.

But look this photo for example



The normal local hour would be 1pm the bezel hour 6pm or 18hrs, and the other would be 12 pm where the 24hrs original position should be.

I hope I explained this right and makes sense.



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[Colin G]

Originally Posted by Ewellblue

I think they both work in a collection. It might surprise most but the polar gets 80% wrist time!!

I have an EXPII and will get a GMTII soon whether it be the new BLRO or a BLNR.

Right now the EXPII gets way more wrist time than my Explorer and Sub these days. It is quickly becoming my favourite watch to wear.

[eonflux]

GMT because of the bezel

[007_Omega]

Not a fan of the new reference Explorer II but the older ones are very cool.

Still, the GMT is the GMT. The Explorer II may be better value but I have to go with the GMT.

The Polar Explorer II deserves a shout though. That watch is just too different to pass up if someone has a large Rolex collection.

[DLRIDES]

EXP II, the GMT II just looks like a Sub.

[Atlantic]

I chose a Polar 16570, for a different look, as I already have two Subs and the GMT is very Sub like in appearance. Also, the Explorer II is incredibly comfortable.

[colonelpurple]

Explorer II
Much more solid. The rotating bezel of the GMT is loose and another failure point
42mm works much better for this type of watch and display is clearer
Explorer II is thinner which means more flexible for different clothing
Metal bezel is super contemporary and cool against face. Rotating bezels are same old same old
GMTs are ten a penny, Explorer IIs are rarer in the wild
Orange GMT hand much more visible then GMT’s
Matt strap is much cooler, more versatile, more subtle and less prone to show scratches

[F900LX]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

Explorer II
Much more solid. The rotating bezel of the GMT is loose and another failure point
42mm works much better for this type of watch and display is clearer
Explorer II is thinner which means more flexible for different clothing
Metal bezel is super contemporary and cool against face. Rotating bezels are same old same old
GMTs are ten a penny, Explorer IIs are rarer in the wild
Orange GMT hand much more visible then GMT’s
Matt strap is much cooler, more versatile, more subtle and less prone to show scratches

I can agree with some of that but after two years my GMT bezel is as tight as the day I bought it...

[edd26]

Explorer ll. reasons: no PCL, no shinny parts, just a subtle watch. shinny watches are for girls that need attention. ( no offence )

[colonelpurple]

Originally Posted by F900LX

I can agree with some of that but after two years my GMT bezel is as tight as the day I bought it...

Good stuff
The one I tried on was a bit loose but my mates BLNR is sturdy

[Manstrom]

Bought the Exp II yesterday. Looks more toolish.
Love the white dial, and brushed bracelet (no pcl).

[Manstrom]

Originally Posted by Euge

Same movement but the GMT can track 3 time zones,
because the rotating bezel.

They look very different!!!

GMT more elegant and explorer more like a tool watch IMO.


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Is it really the same movement?
Exp II 3187
GMT Master 3187, jubilee 3285?

[JRT]

GMT with a ceramic bezel for sure.

[supersam80]

Gmt for me. Love mine.

I like the polar, I think the orange hand is great but it's a big 42mm watch....

[Chris B]

Both are outstanding timepieces, but there are some great deals to be had on the older Exp II at present

[1William]

I own the Polar Explorer II and a Tudor GMT.

[Ravager135]

I own both. As far as practical use, they are essentially identical. Few people are tracking three time zones at once, though the rotating bezel of the GMT-Master II makes this especially easy if you set your GMT hand to GMT time. For me, it really comes down to aesthetics. The Explorer II is far more rugged and sporty. Both are, of course, sports watches; but the GMT-Master II is more polished and versatile.

I think an ultra simplistic way to discern the two is that the Explorer II truly is an adventurer's watch whereas the GMT-Master II is an upscale traveler's watch.

[colonelpurple]

Originally Posted by Manstrom

Is it really the same movement?
Exp II 3187
GMT Master 3187, jubilee 3285?

The Explorer ii has a newer movement (3187, the GMT Master II has the 3186)
There are three components that have been upgraded, I forget where I had the link.
There is some argument as to whether one of the components is merely a larger size due to more space in the case. Although for me, larger is stronger

Rgds

[Manstrom]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

The Explorer ii has a newer movement (3187, the GMT Master II has the 3186)
There are three components that have been upgraded, I forget where I had the link.
There is some argument as to whether one of the components is merely a larger size due to more space in the case. Although for me, larger is stronger

Rgds

Thanks

[Hank]

Originally Posted by 1William

I own the Polar Explorer II and a Tudor GMT.

Which one do you like more? Which is more comfortable?


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[Manstrom]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

Explorer II
Much more solid. The rotating bezel of the GMT is loose and another failure point
42mm works much better for this type of watch and display is clearer
Explorer II is thinner which means more flexible for different clothing
Metal bezel is super contemporary and cool against face. Rotating bezels are same old same old
GMTs are ten a penny, Explorer IIs are rarer in the wild
Orange GMT hand much more visible then GMT’s
Matt strap is much cooler, more versatile, more subtle and less prone to show scratches

ExpII on BMW steerringwheel?!

[superdog]

I’ve got a BLNR, BLRO and a polar Exp 2.

I’m smitten with them all.

But my first true love remains the Exp 2.

[Psijason]

Explorer 11 all day long. Toolish and classy!!

[challer]

The rotating bezel increases the functionality tremendously. If you don't use the GMT complication and rotating bezel, they are basically equivalent. Then, its white dial or ceramic bezel.

[bigchelis]

ExpII

The rotating bezels move. I have to always fix my rotating bezels since just daily wear moves them.

So, having a fixed bezel is a HUGE HUGE plus IMHO.

Shiny sport watch does not work for me. I think sport watch should be satin or matte finish which the ExpII does better at.

Plus, the white dial is amazing. If you get the older 16570 it has a more pleasing 40mm size which also has super thin case compared to bigger or other diver from Rolex.

The small Rolex logo on dial makes it very discreet and not many people would know you had a Rolex.

bigC

[mschafer]

If it’s one watch then GMT, versatile, classic Rolex tool watch colors and look. If you’re looking for fun, modern, beach and ease of wear, I’d go Polar. No bad choices here.
My personal choice is a LN GMT for all day and everywhere.

[AdamG]

Gmt

[RBradleigh]

Originally Posted by dafuture

Ultimately, they're mechanically very similar. The GMT has an extra time zone thanks to it's rotating bezel, but other than that the main differences are color, price, and now size.

For me personally, the GMT is one of my favorites. That being said, I chose the Explorer II due to the white dial (I had a lot of black) and the much lower price point. The Explorer II is functionally very close, but thousands of dollars cheaper. That allowed it to be in my budget.

I recently paid MSRP for ExpII, $8100, correct if I'm wrong but doesn't the GMT Master go for $9300?