Basel '11 Explorer II - In Depth (caution-Hi Rez)

[PokerOps]

EII v EII



Explorer from 1971, notice the design of the orange hand...



courtesy of Jakes Blog
http://www.rolexblog.blogspot.com/

[seville]

I like white dial EXII.

[new_e46]

Anyone know what the price will be for the new Explorer II?

[bighaole]

thanks for posting the comparison shots. In the previous generation, I think the white face is significantly nicer than the black, but this new generation makes it more of a toss up. I hope it's just an angle issue, but the "float" effect on the black fact looks much better on the classic 1971 version, compared to the new one.

[Chad C.]

Really appreciate the comparison shots. I love what they did with the font on the bezel for the new version.

[Speed]

I know that the new Expy does NOT have a triplock crown...but the crown appears to be the same "size" as a triplock, yes???

To me, that would make up for the lack of water resistance...

[Juggernaut]

About the 42mmn...
I'm not sure about the other folks here who say they don't like it, but I personally have an issue with the 42mm, not because it's it doesn't look right (looks amazing actually!)... but because it's going to make ANY Submariner GMT, YM etc. look/feel smaller in comparison...?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

About the 42mmn...
I'm not sure about the other folks here who say they don't like it, but I personally have an issue with the 42mm, not because it's it doesn't look right (looks amazing actually!)... but because it's going to make ANY Submariner GMT, YM etc. look/feel smaller in comparison...?

no, i don't think so.....the tapered SS bezel + narrower lugs should make it wear about the same as the supercase models.

[CKLinLA]

Many thanks for the comparison pics - very useful. It is interesting that
the Orange hand on the white is 'all-orange', while that on the black face
is more similar to the original design (black near center).

I was just thinking that maybe asides from catering to the 'bigger is better' crowd,
which maybe trends younger, maybe the larger 42mm size is suppose to help out the
older Rolex enthusiast.

The larger hands/markers could be helpful when you cannot find them reading
glasses?? ?

As with many here, I am less enthused about this otherwise spectacular looking
watch because of the 42mm, but will wait till I see/feel the actual watch.

[Ken Cox]

I like the older ExpII.

It looks much cleaner, more legible and functional.

Also, many people who speak well of the ExpII mention how well it fits under shirt cuffs.

Will this have changed with the new ExpII?

And, do any of the older ExpII's have the blue parachrome spring?

If so, how would one identify them?

Thanks for the comparison photos.

[omg]

Right on the Moolah!

This is the first new thing that I like since Rolex started changing things around.

THE BLACK!!! I love it!

[zak98]

i love the white dialed version. so is this a "new" clasp on this version?

[TheVTCGuy]

I have to disagree.... with those that are... disagreeing... on the 42MM size of this watch. I feel it's perfect. I was consdering a DJII actally, becauseof the 41MM size. My Daytona, at 40, is OK, but I would actually prefer it a tad bigger, (like around 42). I have always enjoyed a hefty watch, and maybe the slightly larger dial will help with my aging and already old eyes. The 42 is one of the main reasons I'm so excited about this watch!

[PANERAI]

Originally Posted by SCD

Now we know why the Explorer I hands are so small...They needed to save up the metal for the Explorer II hands!

Overall I really like this design. I like the new fat hands...they're bold and match the bulky, purposeful proportions of the watch nicely. As before I generally prefer the black dial version, but I think they've made a small mistake with the "phantom" (geez what a fanciful name!) hands. It gets in the way of the overall "form-follows-function" vibe concept that holds the design together so nicely. So for the reason, maybe I prefer the white-dial. But my preference would be for the black dial with the white hands.

I'd also like to see "Explorer" on the dial not in orange...but whatever.

Overall...real nice.

Heard from an insider of Rolex that there will be a MKII fat hands for the Explorer 1 ref 214270 in the not too distant future...

[PANERAI]

Live pic of Rolex Explorer 2 in black dial at Basel 2011

[PANERAI]

Live pic of Rolex Explorer 2 in white dial at Basel 2011

[Sponon]

Originally Posted by Chipmunk

My next purchase.

+1

[iRolexi]

already posted here....wrist shots too....

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=168914

[therolexguy]

Looks great. I'm excited.

[bigjon]

Thanks for the live photos. Does the clasp have a side button release on it in the photo?

[JohnEaton]

CRAP CRAP CRAP !!!! I was finally in a period where I didn't need another watch... Oh I love this polar white Explorer with Steve McQueen hand !!!!!

[dannyp]

I'd be OK with it if it were still a 40mm, but at 42mm it's just too big for my liking. I do prefer my V series, though.

However, I suppose given how short a time the 40mm version was available with the 3186 movement there's hope for this new one increasing the value of mine... In like 40 years... At the very least mine is one step closer to becoming one of those really cool vintage Rolexes I see people wearing that they've had since new .

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by p_surabhi

Any pics of the bracelet? Is the bracelet same as the Sub-C ?

No. The diver's models are fitted with the GLIDELOCK CLASP only which replaces the older diver extension models on the older Sub.

The new Exp-II will have the EASYLINK bracelet quite similar to the GMT-IIC, Daytona, etc. which gives you the 5 mm extension link which pulls out from the clasp. See specs on page one of this thread and read all of them carefully. It's quite clearly mentioned about the bracelet.

JJ

[PANERAI]

Originally Posted by bigjon

Thanks for the live photos. Does the clasp have a side button release on it in the photo?

There's no side release button ( as in an Omega bracelet )..

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

No. The diver's models are fitted with the GLIDELOCK CLASP only which replaces the older diver extension models on the older Sub.

The new Exp-II will have the EASYLINK bracelet quite similar to the GMT-IIC, Daytona, etc. which gives you the 5 mm extension link which pulls out from the clasp. See specs on page one of this thread and read all of them carefully. It's quite clearly mentioned about the bracelet.

JJ

Yes it's a pity it doesn't have the same clasp as the SubC with the micro adjustment. Oh well

[osjd]

It's for whom 40mm is too small but 44mm doesn't suit. Great - 42mm.
And it will have bracelet from 904L ?
Why this orange hand is not completely orange ?
What is the retail price in US, in Europe is about 6000-6200euros will be.

[Sixxgrand1]

Just might be swayed into a white faced version. Either way this new model will bring me into my AD to view in person!

[barstoolman]

First time I would ever consider owning an Explorer
Bravo Rolex!!!!!!!!

[Pulpdiction]

Originally Posted by barstoolman

First time I would ever consider owning an Explorer
Bravo Rolex!!!!!!!!

Says it all.

[esspee1200]

wow! simply wow.