Decision: Exp II or Sub long

[fccecc]

After all the reading from this forum I finally convinced myself and my gf to check out the Rolex AD @ a NJ mall.

Saw the new GMTII, sub series, and Daytona series, I also checked out other Rolex series too, but all looked a bit mature for me.

Personally GMTII and Daytona didn’t catch me (I was going to buy the SS white daytona, but after I walked by ads from other brands brxxxxg & txx that "borrowed" the Rolex design and sell for cheaper $, I got turn off immediatlely). So I just tried out the sub, Exp I & II.

First, I put on the 16610, em….the watch looked nice in the showcase, when I put it on, didn’t sing or whisper at all. Not to mention that the customer next to me also wearing a sub…… In summary - much like talking to the girl whom has no interest on me, plus my gf said: "The Sub is nice, it looks like the Seiko you have at home...." "
P.S - she knows nothing bout Rolex & Seiko except the $$ difference.

Second, Exp II…..oh no…..the connection started right away. The white face & dial stand out from the plain and simple bush steel bezel, the red needle seemed just right, not too sharp but certainly made its point. The Exp II didn’t look upscale nor downgrade on me, My gf said it looked much matter than the sub on me.

Finally, Exp I - it’s smaller that I through, a bit too small/simple/plain on me. A mild whisper……

Now the problem is my brain tells me that the sub is a best buy because of the re-sell value, history, traditional timeless Rolex look, and more ppl recognize it as a Rolex compare to the Explorer (I guess it’s because so many famous ppl worn it b4).

But my heart goes to Exp II…….

I can only buy 1 Rolex at this point. Please help me to decide…………..

P.S: The sales offer 5% discount on Sub/ExpII, is that OK? Or should I push for 10%+??

[GerardoG]

It is really up to you, whatever YOU like....but I would go with EXP II white dial!!!!

[JJ Irani]

Hi and welcome to TRF!!

BTW, what's a Sub long?

BOTH are excellent timepieces. While the Exp-II would naturally be the more practical of the two, if I were to buy my very FIRST and ONLY Rolex, it would have to be the Sub-date 16610 - still considered by many to be the ULTIMATE Rolex out there.

While discounts on the Sub-date may not be very hot, the white Exp-II is not that much of a "hot" seller, and you could easily push the AD for 10~15% discount on the Exp-II.

Good luck in your final decision.

Cheers - JJ

[mc1010]

the sub and the explorer ii are both beautiful watches. you can never go wrong with choosing either one. but i would advice you not to buy a rolex for re-sale value considerations. follow your heart.

[triton]

for big wrist, i suggest submariner. for smaller wrist - explorer II.

however, most important is which one you like better.

the watch will be on your wrist. not anyone else. so most important is that wearer is HAPPY

[leopardprey]

IMHO, go for the Explorer II black face (and the White is very nice as well!). Very functional, comfortable, rugged and a true tool watch. Also not a real fast seller, so probably can get a good deal on one.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Well, if the Explorer II "smiled" at ya, go for it!

Don't bother about what the resale value of it would be. You buy it to WEAR it, not to sell it, don't you?

[baxta69]

sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub listen to the voices sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub sub listen to the voices

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by fccecc

…… In summary - much like talking to the girl whom has no interest on me,

Thats funny


I may be still in the honeymoon period of being a newbie white dial Exp II owner but I have to say that its a hell of a watch, so stylish (the red 24 hr hand really sets the white dial off), stealthy, & functional. As well as being very comfortable to wear.

The 11610 has to be the archetypal Rolex but if it isn't singing to you, and you're not going to use the watch for serious diving, the Explorer may be the route to take, I promise you won't regret it.

Good luck with you choice, let us know how it goes

[BiG JeEzY]

My vote would go to the Explorer II.

Your girlfriend said that it looked better on your wrist than the Submariner. That alone pretty much decides my vote.

Plus, the Explorer II is not nearly as common as the Submariner and it also has a white dial watch which is not a common dial for the professional (sports) models as well.

I own the Explorer II white dial myself and can never run out of good things to say about it.

Good luck on your decision. You cannot go wrong with either.

[Solar]

Always choose based on your gut feeling, not on re-sale or somesuch. There are 850,000+ Rolexes made each year, with a big chunk of those being Subs. I agree a Sub would be easier to sell if you needed to, but you'll take a depreciation hit on just about any new watch you try to re-sell, with rare exceptions.

So, if the Exp II speaks to you, then go with what appeals to you.

Best of luck with your choice,

Chris

[Henry T]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi and welcome to TRF!!

BTW, what's a Sub long?

Cheers - JJ

It's the Sub worn by Long John Silver, JJ. Don't you know that?

As to which one to get, hmm, if you read the poll on the other thread you would know that the Sub is the one chosen by most forumers here.

But you don't need to run with the crowd. My advice is to go for your first love, whichever one of the two it may be.

[Geoff]

I've got both and you can't go wrong with either. I would probably opt for the sub as a first time Rolex purchase, but go for the one that you like.

I think the AD should give you a bigger discount for the Exp as it is not as a fast a seller as others have said.

[Chad M]

You should go for the EXP II as you said it appealed to you most!
Don't worry about re-sale etc just get the watch that you will enjoy wearing most today as tomorrow may never come!

Regarding the discount, I would say any discount is great but I would push for 10% or more and really push hard if you choose the EXPII. Remember the worst thing that can happen is they say no. If you paying via cash or debit card then really push hard.
I got 17% off my sub-date for paying cash.
Good luck.

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by Henry T

It's the Sub worn by Long John Silver, JJ. Don't you know that?

As to which one to get, hmm, if you read the poll on the other thread you would know that the Sub is the one chosen by most forumers here.

But you don't need to run with the crowd. My advice is to go for your first love, whichever one of the two it may be.

Who is Long Dong Silver ??

[Blue Bull]

.

[SSD]

For me, the Sub is the ultimate Rolex. I'm one of the ones JJ spoke of. BUT- if the ExpII is the one that "smiled" at you, grab it! Only buy a Rolex for YOU!!! As for my .02, I like the EXPII with the black dial after comparing the two. Enjoy!

[kcmo]

Go with your instinct! The one that 'sings' is the one you should get. Or you'll regret it later! Good luck!

[Ronnie Rolex]

Hey if the Exp II sings to you then go with her. Damn the resell market. You're only looking at a $500 difference in resale, if you ever do, and you won't have any buyer's remorse later on.

You'd feel terrible having the Sub on while your thought were on by th Exp. II.

[Tools]

.
You've answered your own question...

GET THAT EXP II.....get it now !

[Mr. K]

Sounds like you want the exp II. So go for that one.

I like the sub much better, but I am not the one buying the watch.

Plus if you get the Exp II you have a better chance of getting a good discount. Better discount on the front end means you will not take as big of a hit whenyou sell it. (if you ever do sell it)

"much like talking to the girl whom has no interest on me"- that says it all

[CPTL]

I've been thinking the exact same things. Here's a twist:

Sub-date is the quintessential Rolex. Timeless, classic, a daily-wearer for decades to come.

The Exp-II (white, of course) is a little dressier, a little different, but simple, classic, and all Rolex, with a fair bit of history of it's own.

I've decided I simply must have them both. The only question is which one to buy first. I'm not the kind of guy who can drop $9k and not think to myself: "What in the hell did you just do??"

Exp-II will be more of an occasional wear watch. Exp-II isn't is popular, so you get better discounts both new and pre-owned. I can't figure out if these factors cut towards buying new or used.

Sub-date will be the daily-wearer for decades. This makes me think I should buy new, so I've got a timepiece that only I have worn (and 50 years from now only my sons and I have worn). However, there are tons of them out there, so I can sit back for a while and wait for that great deal on a barely-worn watch to come along.

Decisions, decisions. I might have to pay someone just to make the decision for me!!

[frostie]

go for the explorer with the white dial. ther too many subs out there.

[finance21]

Does this help?

I work and live in Boston however, I do go to NYC often for work. I must say everyone I walk by in NYC seem to wear a Sub!! If everyone has one I don't want one, well thats not true because the Sub is an amazing watch. However, if you want an original, clean, classic watch that can be worn in all occasions AND you heart tells you to buy the Exp II, GO WITH IT!

Either watch, you can't go wrong.

[Rubenonfire]

I'm with the crowd on this one...and it sounds like you've pretty much discovered the answer on your own. Explorer-II all the way.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Rubenonfire

I'm with the crowd on this one...and it sounds like you've pretty much discovered the answer on your own. Explorer-II all the way.

I hope you get yours soon, Ruben!!

[Rubenonfire]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I hope you get yours soon, Ruben!!

Thanks, JJ! Christmas or birthday next year. I'm looking forward to it!