Black Hole

[Wehtiko]

Well today I went to Gemoro Goldsmiths in West Edmonton Mall and they had a new Rolex Explorer II (black dial). I really wanted to see the Explorer for myself.

I was really surprised at how much I was disappointed. The watch was WAY smaller than I expected and the hands virtually disappeared into the black dial making them almost disappear. And it appears to badly need some anti-reflective coating. The watch was almost illegible. The hands were too small and the hour dots almost seemed to melt into the face itself. I could tell on the Internet that the white face Explorer was more legible, but I was not prepared for how illegible it really is.

For a professional or tool watch I really thought that it would be better. Honestly I wouldn't pay $100 for that watch, certainly not the $8000 plus they were charging. I'm still willing to give the white dial a shot. But frankly, my old $150 Swiss watch is, I think, superior in terms of simply using it to tell time. Certainly the Rolex is way better made.

Form, function, and design is a three-way affair that has to work. Form and function are great: the design blows. And I don't think that the black Explorer works. With the black dial Explorer... I'm sorry I thought it was a total fail.

Depending on what the white dial Explorer looks like, I may have to look at something other than a Rolex. Sigh.

[martin_blank]

You lost me when you compared it to a 100 dollar watch...doesn't seem to be a very reasonable review the explorer.

[Wehtiko]

In the end, you still have to use it as a watch, and if you can't read it... what's the point?
I really hope that the white dial is better.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

Well today I went to Gemoro Goldsmiths in West Edmonton Mall and they had a new Rolex Explorer II (black dial). I really wanted to see the Explorer for myself.

I was really surprised at how much I was disappointed. The watch was WAY smaller than I expected and the hands virtually disappeared into the black dial making them almost disappear. And it appears to badly need some anti-reflective coating. The watch was almost illegible. The hands were too small and the hour dots almost seemed to melt into the face itself. I could tell on the Internet that the white face Explorer was more legible, but I was not prepared for how illegible it really is.

For a professional or tool watch I really thought that it would be better. Honestly I wouldn't pay $100 for that watch, certainly not the $8000 plus they were charging. I'm still willing to give the white dial a shot. But frankly, my old $150 Swiss watch is, I think, superior in terms of simply using it to tell time. Certainly the Rolex is way better made.

Form, function, and design is a three-way affair that has to work. Form and function are great: the design blows. And I don't think that the black Explorer works. With the black dial Explorer... I'm sorry I thought it was a total fail.

Depending on what the white dial Explorer looks like, I may have to look at something other than a Rolex. Sigh.

You wouldn't pay 100 bucks for the black dial but you'd pay 8000 for the white?:thi nking:

[FeelingTheBlues]

I've never been a fan of the Explorer-II neither but I think you shouldn't feel so bad about Rolex for one of their models. May I ask what would make this watch the possibly ultimate tool piece for you? As far as I'm concerned I believe there is a great collection besides it of sport watches and perhaps you'd like to look at the other Oysters to make a better choice that you will enjoy and, very possibly, at a better price!

[Wehtiko]

I didn't say that I'd pay $8000 for the white, just that I would look at it and consider it.

[Wehtiko]

Yeah, looking at other Rolex possibilities is probably a good idea. I just liked the idea of the Explorer and that it didn't have the 'bling', if you will, of the other Rolexes. Just my personality and preferences.

[Solomander]

Each model has a somewhat different personality. One of them may sing to you. That's the one to buy. If none of them does, then that's something too.

[Wehtiko]

It could be just the lack of legibility of the black dial that gets me, and maybe it's just me. I think the black looks classier (personal preference), but I won't buy it if I can't use it.

Interestingly, the lady at the store commented that almost everyone was far more interested in the white dial over the black: I neglected to ask her why. Perhaps more people feel the same as I do.

I really hope that the white dial is more to my liking.

[esm]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

I just liked the idea of the Explorer and that it didn't have the 'bling', if you will, of the other Rolexes. Just my personality and preferences.

If that's the case, you may has well forget the white 216570. IMO - it is a more bling piece than the black one......

[sleddog]

I'm wondering here if the OP is talking about the new EXPII 42mm, or the old EXPII 40.?!?!

No way the newer 42 is illegible with those newer & fatter hands + maxi dial markers.....Maybe the Ghost hands actually work??

I have been wrong before however....so who knows!

[castroses]

Originally Posted by sleddog

I'm wondering here if the OP is talking about the new EXPII 42mm, or the old EXPII 40.?!?!

No way the newer 42 is illegible with those newer & fatter hands + maxi dial markers.....Maybe the Ghost hands actually work??

I have been wrong before however....so who knows!

GOOD POINT - sounds like a good description of the 40. No way the 42 can be called small.

OP did it have the orange hand??

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by sleddog

I'm wondering here if the OP is talking about the new EXPII 42mm, or the old EXPII 40.?!?!

No way the newer 42 is illegible with those newer & fatter hands + maxi dial markers.....Maybe the Ghost hands actually work??

I have been wrong before however....so who knows!

Boss, I think the OP may have been referencing the 40mm model as well? I guess we'll need to wait for him to clarify. In any event sorry it did not work out for you OP...

[Wehtiko]

Unfortunately I am talking about the new Explorer II, 42 mm with the fatter hands.
Obviously you CAN read it, but it's not a watch you can glance at and see the time easily. I very nearly had to use my reading glass just to see the time, and that in a store where I'm just sitting down doing nothing except trying on watches. So when I'm in the gym, riding my bike, canoeing, skiing... living an active life with the sweat and the dirt and the rain and the sun and the snow in my eyes I expect to be able to glance at my watch (of whatever brand) and be able to see the time without having to completely stop whatever I'm doing (maybe even put on my reading glasses) just to tell the time.
IMHO the Explorer II 42mm with the black face fails. It fails as a basic watch... for what I want to do. Maybe it doesn't for others, but it's an epic fail for me. No way would I pay $8000 plus for it.
As soon as I get a chance to see the white face in the flesh, I'll make my determination about that one. Actually, I really hope that it works for me- because I really like the Explorer and really want to: so if it works I'll buy the white Explorer, even if the white face is more 'blingy'.
I'm sorry guys if I'm so harsh.

[eric23]

I don't think the new Exp. II 42mm Black is that hard to read.

Maybe look at the Sub-C, Might be a better option.

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

Well today I went to Gemoro Goldsmiths in West Edmonton Mall and they had a new Rolex Explorer II (black dial). I really wanted to see the Explorer for myself.

I was really surprised at how much I was disappointed. The watch was WAY smaller than I expected and the hands virtually disappeared into the black dial making them almost disappear. And it appears to badly need some anti-reflective coating. The watch was almost illegible. The hands were too small and the hour dots almost seemed to melt into the face itself. I could tell on the Internet that the white face Explorer was more legible, but I was not prepared for how illegible it really is.

For a professional or tool watch I really thought that it would be better. Honestly I wouldn't pay $100 for that watch, certainly not the $8000 plus they were charging. I'm still willing to give the white dial a shot. But frankly, my old $150 Swiss watch is, I think, superior in terms of simply using it to tell time. Certainly the Rolex is way better made.

Form, function, and design is a three-way affair that has to work. Form and function are great: the design blows. And I don't think that the black Explorer works. With the black dial Explorer... I'm sorry I thought it was a total fail.

Depending on what the white dial Explorer looks like, I may have to look at something other than a Rolex. Sigh.

First time I have come across THAT as a complaint!

Haw large is your wrist?

[Rolex Junky]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

I very nearly had to use my reading glass just to see the time, and that in a store where I'm just sitting down doing nothing.

Perhaps this will suit you better:

[Dob]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

Well today I went to Gemoro Goldsmiths in West Edmonton Mall and they had a new Rolex Explorer II (black dial). I really wanted to see the Explorer for myself.

I was really surprised at how much I was disappointed. The watch was WAY smaller than I expected and the hands virtually disappeared into the black dial making them almost disappear. And it appears to badly need some anti-reflective coating. The watch was almost illegible. The hands were too small and the hour dots almost seemed to melt into the face itself. I could tell on the Internet that the white face Explorer was more legible, but I was not prepared for how illegible it really is.

For a professional or tool watch I really thought that it would be better. Honestly I wouldn't pay $100 for that watch, certainly not the $8000 plus they were charging. I'm still willing to give the white dial a shot. But frankly, my old $150 Swiss watch is, I think, superior in terms of simply using it to tell time. Certainly the Rolex is way better made.

Form, function, and design is a three-way affair that has to work. Form and function are great: the design blows. And I don't think that the black Explorer works. With the black dial Explorer... I'm sorry I thought it was a total fail.

Depending on what the white dial Explorer looks like, I may have to look at something other than a Rolex. Sigh.

...that you have a wide range of watches to choose from and don't have to buy one. Personally, having owned every modern sport model made by Rolex at one time or another, I find it the most legible of any I have owned. To each his own, I suppose.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by sleddog

I'm wondering here if the OP is talking about the new EXPII 42mm, or the old EXPII 40.?!?!

No way the newer 42 is illegible with those newer & fatter hands + maxi dial markers.....Maybe the Ghost hands actually work??

I have been wrong before however....so who knows!

X2! Watch is very legible....

[Wehtiko]

OK, so I'm curious. For the sake of argument, if I find the white face Explorer II to have the same problems (actually, partly my problems), does anyone have any suggestions? There are a lot of really good people here with good ideas and I'd like to tap into that.

Some people have already made suggestions, and thank you.

I would like my new watch to be a Rolex, only because I've wanted one since I was a kid, but couldn't justify the cost and just put it out of my mind: I can afford and justify it now. But buying a Rolex isn't engraved in stone.

So here are my specifications. I fully intend to wear my watch every day and it will likely be my only watch; nice enough for work, recreation, and a suit. Waterproof (or resistant to about 300ft), shock proof, and easily legible. And I'm quite willing to pay for it.

Any suggestions? I'd prefer my new watch to be a Rolex, but I'm flexible.

I've wondered if the Explorer II with the plain bezel and no orange hand, but with the size of the new Explorer II and the white face and the Easylink band and the updated movement wouldn't be perfect for me. That would seem to me to be the perfect watch... but, of course, compromise is almost always necessary in life.

Any suggestions?

[Wehtiko]

No doubt about it, your watch is very nice Dob!

[HL65]

Get a Submariner- great daily watch and can be worn with a suit, jeans or whatever you want!!

[Wehtiko]

ROFL Rolex Junky! Pretty cool!

[ersnyder]

You either like 'em or you don't!

[impalass]

Originally Posted by Rolex Junky

Perhaps this will suit you better:

[ersnyder]

Reserve your final decision for the white dial. I believe it is more legible.

[MAWhite]

Last Sat I was fortunate enough to try on both the new black & white 42mm EXP2's at the Rolex boutique in Chicago. I had every intention of buying the black and ended up walking out with neither.

The black was nearly perfect but that "floating hands" thing makes the hour hand look really stubby and that was kind of the deal breaker for me that day.

The white was also nearly perfect but I thought the orange Explorer II text on the white dial was a little over the top.

Size, case, bracelet, and legibility were all spot on Rolex perfect but I would have liked to have the glide lock clasp (I know it's not a divers watch but that glide locK is just so damned COOL!).

The perfect 42mm EXP2 for me would be the black dial with everything offered today but with the 1655 style straight hand and glide lock clasp

I didn't dislike either enough to say NEVER but I also didn't like either enough to pull the trigger at full boat retail after my wife had just melted the plastic shopping on Mich. Ave! Eventually one will find me under the right circumstances and until then I've still got a couple decent pieces to wear.

Best,
Mike

[capote]

The hands are too small? I have never seen a watch with fatter hands.

[ChuckFinlay]

You couldn't read this?

[subtona]

ughh