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NMS75 · 24 December 2010, 12:54 AM

Until recently I just didn't like the look of the Explorer II. I appreciate to some members this is a great watch but not one for me. However, I have strangely felt more and more drawn to the white dial version (don't like the black dial version at all). That said I'm not sure I'd actually buy one as I have a Sub and GMT. I find the Explorer II a slight enigma - its almost like it is a cheaper version of the GMT (no offence meant to Explorer fans).

Anyone else been in my position of not liking the Explorer II but finding it growing on you? Anyone originally not like it only to buy one and fall in love with it?

M

Bdel · 24 December 2010, 01:06 AM

Same thing happened to me. The last rolex I thought i would ever buy was the explorer ii. After seeing someones macro shots ( i dont remember the post) of a polar dial exp ii, I was hooked. I added one to my collection in April and love it.

darth95 · 24 December 2010, 01:08 AM

I recently bought a black explorer II and love it! Worn everyday since

Mogens · 24 December 2010, 01:09 AM

Nope, still dont like it..:-)

Maybe it has to grow in me too?...

slcbbrown · 24 December 2010, 01:10 AM

I've owned a Rolex since 1973 but wasn't very educated about the brand. When I started looking for a couple sport models for sons, I stumbled on two used EXP II's at great prices. Bought two black face and was very happy with them.

They wear smaller than my old rootbeer or ND-Sub and have fewer case parts to maintain. I really like the white face, and since I've owned or own black face Rolex, that's the one I would buy. Seems to me the EXP II has the same low profile as the Daytona.

tanndonn · 24 December 2010, 01:11 AM

I was in the opposite position. I loved the Explorer II from the start and made it my 1st Rolex purchase. My reasoning was that it suited an active lifestyle while being rarely seen. I love mine and in moments of weakness, where I consider trading it off, a few hours of wear bring my appreciation back for it. I bought an Omega Planet Ocean last year because I knew that I would enjoy it even though it never sang to me at the AD, the Explorer II is alot like that. In the store it gets moved to the middle of the pack with the Subs and GMT's distracting you, but once you get it alone it really is a unique watch. It seems that it is beginning to gain quite a bit of well deserved respect, instead of being a niche watch. Good Luck

CPTL · 24 December 2010, 01:38 AM

Nothing like an Exp-II...it's the one I wear about 28 days a month!

Jolu · 24 December 2010, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogens

Nope, still dont like it..:-)

You crazy!

tfduff723 · 24 December 2010, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMS75

Until recently I just didn't like the look of the Explorer II. I appreciate to some members this is a great watch but not one for me. However, I have strangely felt more and more drawn to the white dial version (don't like the black dial version at all). That said I'm not sure I'd actually buy one as I have a Sub and GMT. I find the Explorer II a slight enigma - its almost like it is a cheaper version of the GMT (no offence meant to Explorer fans).

Anyone else been in my position of not liking the Explorer II but finding it growing on you? Anyone originally not like it only to buy one and fall in love with it?

M

Nothing strange at all... let the appeal draw you in!

The Exp II polar is a GREAT watch!! I have a GMT II & IIC and love the Exp II equally.

Rebel · 24 December 2010, 02:23 AM

Owned one. Great watch. Often, I wish I had it back.

Slick69 · 24 December 2010, 02:24 AM

I was all about the GMT until I went to a few local AD's. As soon as I tried on the Exp II I knew it was right for me.

cjnesher · 24 December 2010, 02:39 AM

Very strange, I was looking at the white face Exp II yesterday. Really like it, must be a winter thing...

ddnyc77 · 24 December 2010, 02:40 AM

i really want a white face rolex myself. I never thought I would but I've been considering a polar. The only drawback for me is that the crown is small. I really like teh larger triplocks crowns on the subs. still I love that white dial.

cyglee · 24 December 2010, 02:43 AM

Here's my 2 cents...
I absolutely love the gmt ll, and have 2, pepsi and coke.
Originally, I thought like you that the explorer ll was sort of a gmt "distant cousin" or "second class citizen", but that clean, simple, understated elegance of the white dial grew on me and I got a great deal from davidsw.
I like the black dial too, but had to have the white!!
I guess one can never have too many Rolexes... except for the constantly increasing prices hampering the market.

Dweller of the Sea · 24 December 2010, 02:45 AM

Bought a black a few years back, sold it to get some $$$.
Bought a white dial last year, but didn´t like that, figured I just didn´t like the Explorer II anymore, so sold it.
After I sold it, I realised I should just have gotten a black dial installed. I decided to find a black dialed, but then the Basel fair came, and now I´m waiting to see what will happen next Basel fair. I really like the new retro orange looks.
Perhaps I should find an old style black dial with tritium and lugholes, and buy the new orange white dial, next year.

Chipmunk · 24 December 2010, 02:56 AM

Explorer II white dial is my next purchase.

malnik · 24 December 2010, 02:58 AM

I love the look of the Exp II. It's sporty and it's clean, especially the black dail. Frankly, I would only get a pre-owned one because they are so many available in the classified section.

TattooedGQ · 24 December 2010, 03:01 AM

Same exact thing happened to me.....I hated the enameled numbers on the bezel...but there's something about the Polar that just started to sing to me....Luckily i haven't bought one......yet.

sea-dweller · 24 December 2010, 03:03 AM

The Explorer II (black) has been on my wish list for a while!

Gerardus · 24 December 2010, 03:11 AM

I owned several pieces of the EX11 (black and white).
Love them both equally, currently I have the white one.
Personally i think it is a nicer watch then the SubDate because of the fact off
2 time zones and a small clasp (which wears awesome).
Just my 2 cents...

Gerardus · 24 December 2010, 03:11 AM

I owned several pieces of the EX11 (black and white).
Love them both equally, currently I have the white one.
Personally i think it is a nicer watch then the SubDate because of the fact off
2 time zones and a small clasp (which wears awesome).
Just my 2 cents...

NMS75 · 24 December 2010, 03:23 AM

Seems its not just me then. I have noticed the white dial Explorer II can be picked up pre-owned at some good prices.

M

cyglee · 24 December 2010, 03:46 AM

There were, maybe still available, great deals recently. I know some people are waiting for the anticipated new orange hand exp II, but I expect the pricing may be prohibitive for us mere mortals! Fyi...

ArcticMoose · 24 December 2010, 03:54 AM

Always the default choice, love everything about it.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cyglee

There were, maybe still available, great deals recently. I know some people are waiting for the anticipated new orange hand exp II, but I expect the pricing may be prohibitive for us mere mortals!

I don't like the orange hand, at least not as pictured in the leaked video. Also, I don't expect Rolex to update it without going supercase. Although I like the supercase on my Sub, I think it would be utterly wrong for the Explorer II.

JasoninDenver · 24 December 2010, 03:59 AM

I bought mine last month after looking at it slightly sceptically for a few years. I was never really sure of a white faced watch but had too many black faced watches. It took seeing a couple of wrist shots with casual clothes to really swing me around. This watch looks fantastic with shorts and jeans.

The comfort of this thing is incredible. I have only worn my SMP ti twice in the last month.

Warnsboy · 24 December 2010, 04:03 AM

Great watch, I've had mine for a year and of all I have it will be the last to go!!

Dr. Robert · 24 December 2010, 04:06 AM

explorer II....the "stealth" Rolex........

DJRE · 24 December 2010, 05:04 AM

I researched Rolex watches for three years before buying one. Although I fully appreciate and understand the class and heritage of the Rolex brand I was constantly fighting this feeling of Rolex being "bling" and ostentateous (which I still think many are including the GMT and new Sub-C). The only way I was going to buy one was if it could fit into the category of being understated - the true test being that although I would know it was a Rolex I didn't want anyone to realise that it was. Having weighed up many options I finally plumped for the black dial Explorer II and so far it has far exceeded my expectations and, to date, although many people have seen it not one has even asked what it is - and that is exactly why I bought it.

JBat · 24 December 2010, 05:25 AM

I've always loved the polar Expy. I don't have one yet, but it's on the list, and pre-loved prices are very appealing.

Mogens · 24 December 2010, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolu

You crazy!

You're probably right... But in my defence, your pictures makes everything look good

24 December 2010, 12:54 AM	#1
NMS75 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: United Kingdom Watch: 16610 & 116710LN Posts: 559	Strangely becoming drawn to the Explorer II Until recently I just didn't like the look of the Explorer II. I appreciate to some members this is a great watch but not one for me. However, I have strangely felt more and more drawn to the white dial version (don't like the black dial version at all). That said I'm not sure I'd actually buy one as I have a Sub and GMT. I find the Explorer II a slight enigma - its almost like it is a cheaper version of the GMT (no offence meant to Explorer fans). Anyone else been in my position of not liking the Explorer II but finding it growing on you? Anyone originally not like it only to buy one and fall in love with it? M

24 December 2010, 01:06 AM	#2
Bdel "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Bruce Location: New Hampshire Posts: 271	Same thing happened to me. The last rolex I thought i would ever buy was the explorer ii. After seeing someones macro shots ( i dont remember the post) of a polar dial exp ii, I was hooked. I added one to my collection in April and love it. __________________ Collection: Yachtmaster TT, Milgauss, Explorer II, SeaDweller, Air King, Lange #1, BR03-92, Panerai PAM 112, Omega Planet Ocean, Corum Admirals Cup, Ball Engineer, U-boat Flight Deck, Longines Silver Arrow, Hamilton Ventura,etc...

24 December 2010, 01:38 AM	#7
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	Nothing like an Exp-II...it's the one I wear about 28 days a month! __________________ 16610 Submariner Date; D Serial 16234 DateJust SS with WG Fluted Bezel & Jubillee, White Roman Dial; F Serial 16570 Explorer II White Dial; M Serial And Hers: 78240 Mid-Size DateJust SS with Domed Bezel & Oyster, White Roman; D Serial

24 December 2010, 02:23 AM	#10
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,254	Owned one. Great watch. Often, I wish I had it back. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

24 December 2010, 02:39 AM	#12
cjnesher "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Clearwater, FL Watch: 1675 Posts: 343	Very strange, I was looking at the white face Exp II yesterday. Really like it, must be a winter thing... __________________ "Alright, Alright, Alright"

24 December 2010, 01:08 AM	#3
darth95 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 18	I recently bought a black explorer II and love it! Worn everyday since

24 December 2010, 01:09 AM	#4
Mogens Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Norway Posts: 77	Nope, still dont like it..:-) Maybe it has to grow in me too?...

24 December 2010, 01:10 AM	#5
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	I've owned a Rolex since 1973 but wasn't very educated about the brand. When I started looking for a couple sport models for sons, I stumbled on two used EXP II's at great prices. Bought two black face and was very happy with them. They wear smaller than my old rootbeer or ND-Sub and have fewer case parts to maintain. I really like the white face, and since I've owned or own black face Rolex, that's the one I would buy. Seems to me the EXP II has the same low profile as the Daytona.

24 December 2010, 01:11 AM	#6
tanndonn "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: texas Watch: EXP II, 243, PO Posts: 131	I was in the opposite position. I loved the Explorer II from the start and made it my 1st Rolex purchase. My reasoning was that it suited an active lifestyle while being rarely seen. I love mine and in moments of weakness, where I consider trading it off, a few hours of wear bring my appreciation back for it. I bought an Omega Planet Ocean last year because I knew that I would enjoy it even though it never sang to me at the AD, the Explorer II is alot like that. In the store it gets moved to the middle of the pack with the Subs and GMT's distracting you, but once you get it alone it really is a unique watch. It seems that it is beginning to gain quite a bit of well deserved respect, instead of being a niche watch. Good Luck

24 December 2010, 02:24 AM	#11
Slick69 Banned Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: DFW Posts: 23	I was all about the GMT until I went to a few local AD's. As soon as I tried on the Exp II I knew it was right for me.

24 December 2010, 02:40 AM	#13
ddnyc77 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: nyc Posts: 425	i really want a white face rolex myself. I never thought I would but I've been considering a polar. The only drawback for me is that the crown is small. I really like teh larger triplocks crowns on the subs. still I love that white dial.

24 December 2010, 02:43 AM	#14
cyglee "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gordon Location: California Watch: Gmtll,LV,SD,GV,etc Posts: 627	Here's my 2 cents... I absolutely love the gmt ll, and have 2, pepsi and coke. Originally, I thought like you that the explorer ll was sort of a gmt "distant cousin" or "second class citizen", but that clean, simple, understated elegance of the white dial grew on me and I got a great deal from davidsw. I like the black dial too, but had to have the white!! I guess one can never have too many Rolexes... except for the constantly increasing prices hampering the market.

24 December 2010, 02:45 AM	#15
Dweller of the Sea "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: EU Watch: ing TRF Posts: 576	Bought a black a few years back, sold it to get some $$$. Bought a white dial last year, but didn´t like that, figured I just didn´t like the Explorer II anymore, so sold it. After I sold it, I realised I should just have gotten a black dial installed. I decided to find a black dialed, but then the Basel fair came, and now I´m waiting to see what will happen next Basel fair. I really like the new retro orange looks. Perhaps I should find an old style black dial with tritium and lugholes, and buy the new orange white dial, next year.

24 December 2010, 02:56 AM	#16
Chipmunk "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Alvin Location: So Cal Watch: ROLEXES Posts: 5,390	Explorer II white dial is my next purchase. __________________ "A thing of beauty is a joy forever"............John Keats

24 December 2010, 02:58 AM	#17
malnik "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles Watch: Sub-Date-C Posts: 240	I love the look of the Exp II. It's sporty and it's clean, especially the black dail. Frankly, I would only get a pre-owned one because they are so many available in the classified section.

24 December 2010, 03:01 AM	#18
TattooedGQ "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Justin Location: NY, USA Watch: yo self! Posts: 2,686	Same exact thing happened to me.....I hated the enameled numbers on the bezel...but there's something about the Polar that just started to sing to me....Luckily i haven't bought one......yet. __________________ That boy's got the Devil in him. Rolex: I think I'm up to 9?? Omega: Got a few of those too. Breitling: And some of these.

24 December 2010, 03:03 AM	#19
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	The Explorer II (black) has been on my wish list for a while! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

24 December 2010, 03:11 AM	#20
Gerardus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Gerardus Location: often in the air Watch: ♕ Posts: 12,142	I owned several pieces of the EX11 (black and white). Love them both equally, currently I have the white one. Personally i think it is a nicer watch then the SubDate because of the fact off 2 time zones and a small clasp (which wears awesome). Just my 2 cents... __________________ ♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300

24 December 2010, 03:23 AM	#22
NMS75 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: United Kingdom Watch: 16610 & 116710LN Posts: 559	Seems its not just me then. I have noticed the white dial Explorer II can be picked up pre-owned at some good prices. M

24 December 2010, 03:46 AM	#23
cyglee "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gordon Location: California Watch: Gmtll,LV,SD,GV,etc Posts: 627	There were, maybe still available, great deals recently. I know some people are waiting for the anticipated new orange hand exp II, but I expect the pricing may be prohibitive for us mere mortals! Fyi...

24 December 2010, 03:59 AM	#25
JasoninDenver 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Denver Posts: 4,284	I bought mine last month after looking at it slightly sceptically for a few years. I was never really sure of a white faced watch but had too many black faced watches. It took seeing a couple of wrist shots with casual clothes to really swing me around. This watch looks fantastic with shorts and jeans. The comfort of this thing is incredible. I have only worn my SMP ti twice in the last month.

24 December 2010, 04:03 AM	#26
Warnsboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Michael Location: Midwest-USA Watch: 5513 Posts: 1,942	Great watch, I've had mine for a year and of all I have it will be the last to go!!

24 December 2010, 04:06 AM	#27
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,277	explorer II....the "stealth" Rolex........ __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

24 December 2010, 05:04 AM	#28
DJRE Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UK Posts: 16	I researched Rolex watches for three years before buying one. Although I fully appreciate and understand the class and heritage of the Rolex brand I was constantly fighting this feeling of Rolex being "bling" and ostentateous (which I still think many are including the GMT and new Sub-C). The only way I was going to buy one was if it could fit into the category of being understated - the true test being that although I would know it was a Rolex I didn't want anyone to realise that it was. Having weighed up many options I finally plumped for the black dial Explorer II and so far it has far exceeded my expectations and, to date, although many people have seen it not one has even asked what it is - and that is exactly why I bought it.

24 December 2010, 05:25 AM	#29
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	I've always loved the polar Expy. I don't have one yet, but it's on the list, and pre-loved prices are very appealing.

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