Explorer II or PO?

[TDH]

Went by the AD and he had some new watches in his lineup. The Explorer II white dial caught my eye as did the Omega Planet Ocean 42mm 2209.50.00.

If any of you had a chance to pick one of these fine watches which would you pick and why?

Comments appreciated.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by TDH

Went by the AD and he had some new watches in his lineup. The Explorer II white dial caught my eye as did the Omega Planet Ocean 42mm 2209.50.00.

If any of you had a chance to pick one of these fine watches which would you pick and why?

Comments appreciated.

Definitely the Exp-II....in the blink of an eye!!

[TARDIS]

I had a brief affair with the PO. Nice watch. Reason I sold it was I got an offer I couldn't refuse.






I am waiting for a white dial Exp II:worship:

[RAS]

Need me to say it?

Oh all right ! The Explorer II of course!

While not directly related to your Omega model, I got the Seamaster Professional Black (2264.50.00) about four or five years back because I couldn't afford the Explorer II at the time. It's a nice watch and I still wear it if I'm wearing clothing which doesn't really match my white face explorer II.

[supermarz]

yup....ditto!! exp II is the way to go...and the decision should be easier as well especially since you dont have an issue with the "black or white dial"

[Alex Stylianou]

PO For The Water Resistance !!

[colemanitis]

I'd go with the EXP II, but I'm a bit biased toward the Rolex brand.

[roadcarver]

I'd go with the PO.

(a) Glare proofed glass on both sides
(b) Super comfy bracelet
(c) Affordable esp if you are looking for an everyday watch
(d) Waterproof esp if you are going to go diving
(e) Uni directional bezel
(f) Co-axial movement


Are you looking more at larger dia watches? Do you need the 2nd time zone?

I had a PO before, sold it as it was the last watch purchased and I had to take care of a financial priority. If it wasn't for that, I'd would have kept it.

[Solar]

Tough choice; the PO has a manufacture movement, superior water resistance and has a better clasp. The Exp has a more aesthetically pleasing (to me) design, a better grade of steel in the bracelet and case, and a much richer history of exploration and field trials.

I'd take the Exp II in whiteface, since it is more exclusive and unusual, in addition to the fact it has a more proven movement but you might post a question for watchmaker Nick Hako to comment on the comparative quality of the movements. It also has the dual time zones and as such is very functional. If you really plan to dive, then PO, but if not, I'd definately go Exp II. It also looks much better in suits in my opinion than a pie-plate with orange bezel and strap. Just my opinion though.

C

[GerardoG]

EXP II!!! A true classic!

[Green Arrow]

I owned a PO and then a PO Chrono 45.5 mm. If you're going to keep the watch forever, get the PO. It has a co-axial escapement that is low on friction, and the watch keeps perfect time for a long time. The night time lume is better than the Explorer. The design of the hands is ingenious in that the second hand luminous section clears both the minute hand and the hour hand perfectly. The band is very comfortable, and the watch feels substantial.

I, however sold mine, and came back to Rolex. No logic here, just preference. And better retained value for resale if you flip watches, which I seem to do.

[Blue Bull]

The Expl II is a Rolex. No further comment.

[leopardprey]

Both are good watches. The PO has much better lum and many find the bracelet more comfortable.

Really depends on what you need the watch for. Both are different tools.

If you travel a lot, or conduct business overseas then go with the Explorer II. Or if you live in Alaska, do caving, etc.. where you need to distinguish between day and night, get the Explorer II.

If you need a watch with really good lumination, get the PO. If you do a lot of SCUBA diving, get the PO. If you want to save money around $2000 US get the PO.

Just to throw it out there, you can get a PO and a Omega SMP GMT both for the same price as an Explorer II.

Main thing is to get the one that fits you the best, wears the best on the wrsit and the one you like looking at all day long.

[Welshwatchman]

In favour of the Omega PO.

(a) Glare proofed glass on both sides
(b) Super comfy bracelet
(c) Affordable esp if you are looking for an everyday watch
(d) Waterproof esp if you are going to go diving
(e) Uni directional bezel
(f) Co-axial movement

I WOULD GO FOR THE EXPLORER II - IN A HEARTBEAT !!

[Solo118]

I have a soft spot for the orange bezel orange leather strap PO, But i the end I would be happier with an EXPII for everyday use

[leopardprey]

One thing is I notice, it seems many here are refering to the PO actually being a better watch, but they would still go for the Exp II.

Marketing? Name brand? Pride of having a Rolex? ??

[Chris B]

I'd have to go with the Explorer, as much as I like the PO the white dial on the Explorer isn't just white its PURE SNOW WHITE and for me that reason alone it'll eat the PO's dinner every time.

[leopardprey]

I actually like the Older Exp II's with the defective off white/cream colored dials!

[roadcarver]

Hehe... we are in a Rolex forum. Like I said my vote would be for the PO.

Originally Posted by leopardprey

I actually like the Older Exp II's with the defective off white/cream colored dials!

[oldman2005]

Here's my opinion:

If you have to have a Rolex than go Explorer, if you want a better but yet less expensive watch than go for the PO, the only thing against Omega is the brand name is less well known for non-WIS but is still a very good brand name. I Have a PO myself that I wear almost everyday, it's a solid watch.

This morning, I was choosing what to wear for the day, I looked at my RL polo shirt which cost $55 and my GAP polo shirt which cost $20, the styling of 2 shirts are basically the same but the GAP shirt seems to be more durable...Why the difference in price?...I think it's the brand name...Same with Rolex you'll pay $2000 more for Explorer because of the Rolex name.

My 2 cents.