Toughest Rolex for Alaska

[askdanny]

[White Collar Boy]

Cool photos Danny.

Also, GGGMT has this covered too (^^).

[SS Oyster]

[QUOTE=dddl;12168620]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Except, if it’s your one and only watch, you wouldn’t want to be without it for months while away for service, so back to Explorer II.


So the Explorer II does not need service! Interesting

This was in response to the person saying a ceramic bezel could be replaced by shipping it to RSC. The Explorer II doesn’t have such a delicate thing to replace, so no it wouldn’t need THAT service.


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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

I am not sure what the OP has against ceramic bezels. My SubC was near bullet proof and I certainly whacked the bezel numerous times without issue.

You could argue that the triplock crown and elapsed time function on the Sub would prove more useful than a GMT hand and fixed bezel in “tough” environments.

And for argument sake, if a rotating bezel did come off due to impact. It would basically be left with the functionality of an Explorer.

Nothing against cerachrome bezels. I have a few of them, but thinking they wouldn’t be the best choice for such a harsh environment as my one and only (thesis of my post).


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[SS Oyster]

https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/n...ew-territories


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[Kinnakeet]

I do have a poplar ex 2 available and it would be a good choice. But I feel a turning bezel would be more useful so would go with a WG Sub. But that’s only because you bring up Rolex. But in reality I would take either my husbands SLA057 or my own SLA019. I feel either of those would be better, tougher, better lume and timing bezel.

[JMGoodnight369]

Just spent 9 days in Denali. I can assure you the submariner held its own through mud, snow and ATV rides


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[Stud Screw]

I've survived for 25 years in Detroit with a 5-digit Datejust.

I'll wear the same in Alaska.

[Carondelet]

I definitely think Explorer II is the right call, but I think the black dial variant would be a better pick. When the sun is blinding off of the snow, looking at a black dial would be easier on my eyes I think.

The Polar is 100% cooler though :)

[Bladeshot]

Great watch, Mark!

216570 Polar “of course”.

From Swiss Watch Expo article… helpful use feature…

“Rolex Explorer II (and the GMT-Master II) can be used as a solar compass to help orient the wearer. Simply point the hour hand towards the sun while you hold the watch horizontally.

The orange 24-hour hand will indicate the north in the northern hemisphere, and south in the southern hemisphere. Both the regular and 24-hour display must be set to local time.”

[CarlOver]

Explorer II seems right.

[TunaTuna]

I'd take my Speedy

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by Stud Screw

I've survived for 25 years in Detroit with a 5-digit Datejust.

I'll wear the same in Alaska.

Lol

[Boopie]

Polar Explorer, so long as you don’t drop it in the snow!

[indianmachine]

i'd take my 5513 submariner

[Paka]

Easy one: Polar Explorer II

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Imagine one day you decide to leave it all and live in Alaska! What an idea, but what ONE watch to help you survive? One with fragile ceramic with no place to fix it around? One with a flute bezel and jubilee band? PM? No! I think the polar Explorer II.


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A plain and simple fact any Rolex or most any other watch will be fine for Alaska, as all watches get the heat from your natural body heat when wearing .And again in the real world most all mechanical or quartz watches today will seldom need repair if worn with plain common sense, which with some today is sadly lacking

[Sunny Arizona]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Ed Viesturs would disagree.

Met him once. He had an older Exp II.

[1William]

The Explorer II for me. Either black or white dial would work.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Imagine one day you decide to leave it all and live in Alaska! What an idea, but what ONE watch to help you survive? One with fragile ceramic with no place to fix it around? One with a flute bezel and jubilee band? PM? No! I think the polar Explorer II.

Explorer II is the best daily anywhere

[amh]

Explorer II was designed exactly for situations like this. I'm actually surprised Rolex doesn't use it as a marketing angle. Exp2 'incomings' invoke responses like "Happy Spelunking!" but it would be just as appropriate to say "Enjoy the hermit life in Alaska!"

[Lightsped]

May be traveling to Anchorage in a month or so and had considered which watch to wear. I'd like to either wear my SS DJ41 white dial or OP41 green dial. We will just be doing the tourist things like train rides and stuff.

Open to any ideas of things to do that 70s something year old parents can do as well in the Anchorage area.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

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Nothing with a 32XX movement in it, that's for sure

As for saying a rubber strap is going to break of caught on something? Sure - but I'd rather have no watch than a de gloved hand

I'm with the G-Shock brigade. Probably a GW-9400 Rangeman. Solar powered (and no issue with 2 months of no light if needed) compass, barometer, altimeter, temp guage. Cheap enough to have multiple spares.

I know this is a "fun" thread, but as a "survival" watch or even just one that's going to get bashed around, its not going to be a relatively fragile automatic timepiece with a sapphire crystal for me.

Your explorer may have a fixed steel bezel but its still got a crystal that will shatter if hit against a rock hard enough.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by padi56

A plain and simple fact any Rolex or most any other watch will be fine for Alaska, as all watches get the heat from your natural body heat when wearing .And again in the real world most all mechanical or quartz watches today will seldom need repair if worn with plain common sense, which with some today is sadly lacking

True, SO true

[travisb]

Any of them would do the trick. Exp 2 is a fine choice.

[Swearengen]

Not a Rolex but............

[kieselguhr]

I would bring a Datejust. On a Jubilee. But I’m weird like that.

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by Stud Screw

I've survived for 25 years in Detroit with a 5-digit Datejust.

I'll wear the same in Alaska.

That's one tough watch!

[liberalclown]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

Great watch, Mark!

216570 Polar “of course”.

From Swiss Watch Expo article… helpful use feature…

“Rolex Explorer II (and the GMT-Master II) can be used as a solar compass to help orient the wearer. Simply point the hour hand towards the sun while you hold the watch horizontally.

The orange 24-hour hand will indicate the north in the northern hemisphere, and south in the southern hemisphere. Both the regular and 24-hour display must be set to local time.”

I tried and yes it works as you pointed, interesting fact!

[Beto737]

I’ve traded two subs and other Rolex pieces. My EXP II is still here. It’s the only “real to me” Rolex tool watch I own as far as I’m concerned.