Explorer II 42mm - best Rolex ever?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Albatross

I won't even ask the question because the dilemma is real and it's not just me...it's already been asked a thousand times and there are a thousand opinions. So...I'll just leave this here. The NUMBER ONE reason that I cannot pull the trigger on an Explorer II is that I cannot decide between the Polar and the Black dial versions. The NUMBER TWO reason is that I cannot decide between the 40mm and the 42mm references. 4 variations. I really like them all. So, since I can't really justify owning 4 Explorer II's...here I sit with my Datejust on my wrist. It's as simple as that. Indecision may or may not be my problem.

For heaven's sake man - 42 black and done

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by Albatross

I won't even ask the question because the dilemma is real and it's not just me...it's already been asked a thousand times and there are a thousand opinions. So...I'll just leave this here. The NUMBER ONE reason that I cannot pull the trigger on an Explorer II is that I cannot decide between the Polar and the Black dial versions. The NUMBER TWO reason is that I cannot decide between the 40mm and the 42mm references. 4 variations. I really like them all. So, since I can't really justify owning 4 Explorer II's...here I sit with my Datejust on my wrist. It's as simple as that. Indecision may or may not be my problem.

Death to all sales is giving a customer too many options.


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[Harry-57]

Best Rolex ever?

Let me just check my avatar and get back to you.....

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Best Rolex ever?

Let me just check my avatar and get back to you.....

And yet your signature shows a Hulk.

[jaw]

Still love mine - it was my first.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by jaw

Still love mine - it was my first.

Wow! Never knew it would look so good on a brown leather strap. Blown away.

[Daveh3196]

Originally Posted by Albatross

I won't even ask the question because the dilemma is real and it's not just me...it's already been asked a thousand times and there are a thousand opinions. So...I'll just leave this here. The NUMBER ONE reason that I cannot pull the trigger on an Explorer II is that I cannot decide between the Polar and the Black dial versions. The NUMBER TWO reason is that I cannot decide between the 40mm and the 42mm references. 4 variations. I really like them all. So, since I can't really justify owning 4 Explorer II's...here I sit with my Datejust on my wrist. It's as simple as that. Indecision may or may not be my problem.

I feel your pain. Initially I wasn’t a fan, then I felt 100% sure that the polar was the one. I used to think the black dial just didn’t look right... hard to read and not sure about the phantom hands. Now I’m loving the black dial. For some reason the more I look at it, the more interesting it becomes...


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[Albatross]

Dave ...you know the struggle. And by the way, your post is not making things any easier for me


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[Bmcg]

I have both too

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by jaw

Still love mine - it was my first.

That is a stunning watch !

Who’s strap and end links ?

[Daveh3196]

Originally Posted by jaw

Still love mine - it was my first.

Oh man... I need to get off of this forum


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[jaw]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

That is a stunning watch !

Who’s strap and end links ?

Thanks guys.

I purchased the end-links from TRF's very own Smartyjones18. Not sure if he's still around.

It's an OEM Breitling strap (oh the horror).

CAUTION: Padding is a bit too thick for use with these end links - linear indentation may occur on the strap.

As it was a bitch to fit, so I recommend using a strap with less padding.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by jaw

Still love mine - it was my first.

Just when I thought my mind was made up that the white dial looks best.
Of all the watches Rolex ever made, these two easily when the trophy for the "Get Both" Award.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

And yet your signature shows a Hulk.

I know. Sometimes it's hard to chose. My Hulk is more than a watch to me. It represents something special.

If I had to reduce my collection to one item it would be the Polar. Probably. Although I would try to take the Hulk out of the equation and keep it separately as a precious item.

[zengineer]

The extra size and change from red to orange for the 216570 doesn't do it for me. I for a long time wanted the 40mm 16570 and may still add one one day. The only thing that holds me back is the date and it's cyclops.

I realize it's an iconic part of Rolex DNA but I think it's a bit of an eyesore. I rotate a 39mm Explorer I, a 39mm white OP and a Speedmaster FOIS along with an older Seamaster and a Sinn for casual wear. I am completely OK with not having the date on my wrist, I know what day it is.

I do want to add a dive style watch or something with a bolder bezel at some point but will probably end up with a 5 digit no date Submariner. I also know I'm "wrong" but think a dive watch or anything with giant numbers on the bezel are a ridiculous choice with a suit. That's just me, we all have our own style.

So no, it isn't the bestest Rolex ever to me but in the end is there really such a thing? Different watches exist for different needs, tastes, occasions and wrist sizes.

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[Albatross]

Love the EX II on that Breitling leather! Very sharp indeed! Personally, I am much more of a bracelet guy than a leather or NATO type of guy...but I’m not gonna lie...that looks very sharp and I would sport that look without hesitation. Nice job. Thanks for the pic!


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[subtona]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

I love this watch, but man it really needs a trip lock crown. I just can't get past that detail.
I know it doesn't "need" it, bit the larger crown would look better and make it easier to use.
Otherwise it is a great watch.

The trip lock crown is for serious diving, it sticks out further and is counter to the intent of the explorer design. Imho I think Rolex made the right choice here. Sadly they gave into pressure and added the trip lock on the gmt.

The downside is the trip lock crown is not as well protected by the crown guards.

[Albatross]

Originally Posted by zengineer

The extra size and change from red to orange for the 216570 doesn't do it for me. I for a long time wanted the 40mm 16570 and may still add one one day. The only thing that holds me back is the date and it's cyclops.

I realize it's an iconic part of Rolex DNA but I think it's a bit of an eyesore. I rotate a 39mm Explorer I, a 39mm white OP and a Speedmaster FOIS along with an older Seamaster and a Sinn for casual wear. I am completely OK with not having the date on my wrist, I know what day it is.

I do want to add a dive style watch or something with a bolder bezel at some point but will probably end up with a 5 digit no date Submariner. I also know I'm "wrong" but think a dive watch or anything with giant numbers on the bezel are a ridiculous choice with a suit. That's just me, we all have our own style.

So no, it isn't the bestest Rolex ever to me but in the end is there really such a thing? Different watches exist for different needs, tastes, occasions and wrist sizes.

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If the only thing holding you back from a 16570 is the date and cyclops, you could always just remove the cyclops. I don’t know the procedure without screwing up the crystal, but I’ve certainly seen plenty of pics on this forum of watches where people have done it and a search of this forum would most likely yield a tutorial in how to do it. Can’t be that hard...it’s just glued on there.

If you are looking for a stealth/ under-the-radar Rolex, an Explorer II is already a top candidate for that award. If you then lose the cyclops which is probably the only thing about an EX II that screams Rolex, you probably end up with THE most under-the-radar Rolex ever. Which would be kind of cool in my opinion.


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[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by subtona

The trip lock crown is for serious diving, it sticks out further and is counter to the intent of the explorer design. Imho I think Rolex made the right choice here. Sadly they gave into pressure and added the trip lock on the gmt.

The downside is the trip lock crown is not as well protected by the crown guards.

It "can" be for serious diving or for aesthetics or maybe easier manipulation. I don't think it would stick out. The smaller watches like the GMT 2 and Daytona have it and it looks fine. As for protection, well the Datejusts and Day Dates have never had an issue with crowns being popped off.
Guess I'm just used to handling the trip lock crown. I went in and tried on an Exp and Exp 2 in Dubai and as soon as I touched the crown it felt tiny and out of proportion to me. I could accept it on the Exp 1, which in fact is build as an adventure watch yet has no crown guards but a 42mm Exp 2 really needs it imo.
Is it a deal breaker, at the moment, for me it is.

I understand your point but using the other models for reference I think this watch which is for adventure and a larger diameter for use in austere environments would benefit from a larger crown.

[kgglonghorn]

I think by "whats up fools", he was referring to all the people that buy a Rolex as an investment instead of for personal enjoyment.

[KeithP]

OP I'm with you 100%

[Daytonaman799]

Its A great watch. There are SO many greats though. The new ceramic Daytona is amazing as is the new BLRO. I am also a huge fan of the Dwellers. The thing about the Exp II is that it works everywhere. It’s GMT function is very useful and is the most legible watch in the entire line. It’s big but not over powering and wears comfortably. I do think it should be a trip lock just for the aesthetic as a twin lock is more than enough protection. It is interesting that this was the choice of the SAS when they chose a model to have done for them while the SRR chose the Submariner. It’s a phenomenal model in a line of many phenomenal models. That’s the true beauty of Rolex. They have something for everyone. That being said I do favor my Exp II’s and have both the black and polar.

[Dnf888]

Originally Posted by Ian Macdermott

I know it's a big watch but I didn't think it was that big.

ROFL.


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[ap1]

Nope