EXPII Polar or SS GMTIIC - which one is more popular?

[esm]

yes I know its personal preference...

But let's say put the cost issue aside, which would you prefer based on:

- Functionality
- Style
- Size
- Comfort
- Resale value
- Pouplarity
- other issues you may want to bring up

I have tried both a few times and really "want" a GMT, so would love to read TRF owners experiences.

Please share and dont be shy!

PS - have considered previous generation GMTII, but the newer style always sings to me :-)

PPS - can't post poll as posting on iPod Touch under the iPhone mode ;-)

[Kapture1]

GMTIIC hands down

[darthmouse]

I would say GMT IIc.

-Same functions as Explorer
-Looks great IMHO (I love the coin edge design)
-Higher resale
-Better known (may be a plus/minus)

The bezel is ceramic, so that is a factor... And of course the black dial.

[alpinab7]

Resale value, GMT has it...everything else imo Explorer, practical, comfortable, good looking etc etc My 2c anyhow

[nauticajoe]

GMTIIc has my vote.

[spuds]

I've owned an Explorer II (albeit a black one) & as you know eric my friend I now own a GMTIIc.....

As much as I loved the undeniable 'stealth factor' of the ExpII I've gotta admit I always felt like an 'also ran' when I admired Sub's & GMTII/c's from afar.

I also think you have some pretty big pieces in your collection so (IMO) the ExpII might see very little wrist time as it may feel almost feminine on the wrist (by comparison that is)?



NO disrespect intended to any ExpII owners..... I still love the Exp'II's & this is just my personal opinion & experience!!

[esm]

thanks guys. I can def see the GMTIIC popularity here.

I dont have a luxury white dial watch yet, thats why I was looking at EXPII, but now I have a white SS Daytona coming, it feels like to attention is now on the GMTIIC. It also has a green 24hr hand abs text... I just love green details on rolex.

Please keep it coming!

Thanks :-)

[Chris B]

GMT IIc is more certainly more popular but of my watches its the least worn.

The versatility, comfort & stealth factor of the white Exp II is not to be under estimated as any owner will gladly tell you, its second on my 'wrist list'

[esm]

oh man Chris... That is beautiful!!!!!

[dgr8dude]

i have them both (thanks to my wife) and i absolutely love them both. imo, the GMTIIc has an edge over the Polar Exp II in terms of your criteria, but the polar is only one of the few white dialed sports watch from Rolex and is quite stunning....

[Kanger]

It's pretty obvious that the GMTIIC is more popular and has better resale value. But the EXP II has almost the same functions minus a rotating bezels, and it is so comfortable! If you get a late Z, M, or V EXP, you will have the same movement as the GMTIIC as well. I prefer the EXP II.

[esm]

how many other white dial SS Rolex sports watches are there apart from EXPII and Daytona?

[nauticajoe]

Originally Posted by esm

how many other white dial SS Rolex sports watches are there apart from EXPII and Daytona?

Can we count the Milgauss as a 'sports' watch or would that fall in line with the DJ's of the world?

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by esm

how many other white dial SS Rolex sports watches are there apart from EXPII and Daytona?

Ground-crew GMT or at a push (is there gold under all that frost?) maybe the blinged-out Iced GMT

[esm]

umm.. Good question re: Milgauss. I have always looked it more of a dressy watch rather than a sporty one....

[spuds]

I think 'technically' the Milgauss are 'sports'.....??

[esm]

what kind of sporting activity would you be doing around radio active machines Dan....? :LOL:

[SSSS]

I love the look and functionality of the GMTIIC, but its just too bulky for my taste.

I prefer the slimness and comfort of the Exp II. It has the same functionality with respect to the dual time, but without the mass. It also has the same movement as the GMT too.


Furthermore, since this may be the last version of the current Exp II model, it may become a highly sought after model in not too long. According the AD I spoke to, not many EXP IIs were sold which may make them that much more desirable when the new model comes out.

But like most people here say, you should get the one that appeals to you and enjoy.

Originally Posted by esm

yes I know its personal preference...

But let's say put the cost issue aside, which would you prefer based on:

- Functionality
- Style
- Size
- Comfort
- Resale value
- Pouplarity
- other issues you may want to bring up

I have tried both a few times and really "want" a GMT, so would love to read TRF owners experiences.

Please share and dont be shy!

PS - have considered previous generation GMTII, but the newer style always sings to me :-)

PPS - can't post poll as posting on iPod Touch under the iPhone mode ;-)

[nickriebe]

I love them both and refuse to choose between them... I currently have the black face Explorer II and really want the polar as well. HOWEVER, the GMT IIc is calling my name very loudly! :)

[JJ Irani]

Hi Chris,

Those Polar pics are absolutely outstanding!!

[scl6118]

IIC all day!

[tomchicago]

I have GMT II Pepsi (non-monster case) & a polar eII. The Pepsi I wear at night because black face looks better at nite, & the polar eII I wear to the office since it's lighter, lower profile & all around "crisper" & i think more appropriate for routine office wear.

[sea-dweller]

I'd say GMT II C.

[mpkRolex]

GMTiic for me. It is confortable for me for all day wear. I like Expy II as well as it is low key I prefer the polar dial.

[jvo300]

I've owned both and would answer GMTIIC.

- Functionality: Similar in most respects, but you can't move the ExpII bezel. I happen to love the GMTIIC PCLs which make it both dressy and sporty IMO.
- Style: GMTIIC is more in your face and less subtle. I equate that to style.
- Size: GMTIIC is bulkier. I like bigger watches so this is a plus in my book.
- Comfort: ExpII is smaller and therefore should feel more "comfortable.".
- Resale value: You'll get killed in resale on ExpII compared to GMT IIC. Best bet to minimize this issue is to buy preowned from a reputable seller here on TRF!
- Pouplarity: GMT IIC by far!

Bottomline for me is that the GMTIIC is a modern masterpiece. I flip watches a lot, but I see myself with the GMTIIC forever (full disclosure: I sold my ExpII after less than 4 months). Goodluck with your decision!

[Colnago]

I am lucky enough to own both, to be honest if pushed it would still be a very very difficult decision to have to make.....the sensible option would be the GMTIIc, more to do with the value factor....but that would be it.....the rotating bezel even though a work of art is really not that necessary and I seldom use it other than for the pure fun of playing with it....I also cannot really find a difference in the accuracy in the movements, 3185 in my Explorer, 3186 in the GMTIIc......so without the bezel they have identical functions....so the only big difference is the packaging.....I love the super case and the maxi dial of the GMTIIc....but I love the light weight and slimness of the Explorer II....I love both colour schemes Green/Red........as I said it would be a very very tough choice for me....they are simply both quite brilliant.....I also have to say I am more comfortable slipping the Explorer II on for just about anything....I tend to think for a little longer about what I plan to do that day before slipping on the GMTIIc....sure they can both take the same bashing but with a fixed bezel there's just one less thing to "worry" about......my GMTIIc has been offshore with me twice.......since owning the Explorer II I have never been offshore wearing anything else....I work on the drilling side of things and it's not for shrinking violets......the Explorer II takes it all in its stride and half the time I forget I am wearing it......

Sorry...I have been a bit of an idiot here...it is the Polar Explorer II you wanted to know about....sorry....mine is the black dial.....sorry once again.......but you get my feelings anyway!!!

[ahmadashmawy]

Gmt ii c hands down

[Dylan Wade]

Have owned both and even sold both and now you can see on my signature below where my final decision rests......

Both are great watches but for me it came down to Lifestyle; I’m very active with young boisterous kids and Style; looks 100% right when worn with any attire.

There is nothing wrong in choosing either as you can always trade-in or purchase the other later and then make a more long term decision…that’s an often overlooked key benefit of Rolex resale/trade-in value.

[ral]

I personally like the Exp II more. The GMT IIC is far by more popular. The GMT IIC is one of Rolex's most popular watches. I would not be surprised if it came in third in sales behind the DJ and the Sub.

[andrew79]

If you are talking about popularity, gmt iic will be it.