I need a really tough watch.

[jay1988]

This post is for a friend.

My obsession with Rolex is rubbing of on him. He wants to know which watch would be best for someone who does extreme sports. He snowboards a lot and goes climbing. He dives but he has some special dive watch already otherwise the sub/DSSD would be the obvious recommendation. Not to mention the Sub would get a bit banged up climbing.

Personally I told him to get a G-shock for his rough activities but I guess he can afford to rough house in his Rolex.

So anyone got any advice on the best extreme sports watch ?

[bgbg13]

For rolex it's the explorer 2. It's what it was made for

[gwalker]

IMO climbing+any Rolex would do a number on the watch. I could see a busted crystal very easily. Personally a G-Shock is about all I would do that with. I dive 100 or so times a year and dive with one of my Rolexes maybe 2-3x a year. There are much better things to use now. Get a Sub or Sub ND and a G-Shock. ExpII would also be a good choice.

[Dr. Robert]

The Casio G-Shock is the way to go........I was never a fan of digital dials.....now G-Shocks come w/ analog dials........

[MY-WATCH]

I guess exp or exp.II

[eag310]

In terms of Rolex I would also suggest the Exp II is well built and has the stainless steel bezel that can take hits, scratches, scuffs etc... with out worrying about the insert or bezel ring falling off.

[Alcan]

Pretty hard to beat this for rough and tough, its standard issue for Canadian SAR teams. They're also now made under contract for the US government:

[Tools]

This is the one I use when out in the rocks and dirt...

[hoops10]

Explorer II, no moving parts, bezel, tough as nails.

[htc8p]

go with the sub no date on a nato. still that no way to treat a rolex.

[RBNY]

I agree with your advice for your friend to use G-Shocks. I have and use them when I know I will be going through rough stuff and they've never let me down. But since he insists on wanting a Rolex, I will add my vote to the EXPII. The more I think about it, the more I want one as a second/backup watch to my GMTIIC.

[kilyung]

14060M

[FNFZ4]

The Rolex Explorer II... Built for Everest...

[zeuloa]

Explorer if no date is needed. It's a bit smaller, and thinner than the Explorer II therefore it will get less in the way of a sharp rock.

If date is a must have I would go for Explorer II.

[77T]

Even an older Explorer is an option.

Go for a head-only deal on an acrylic crystal model and put it on a NATO. That way a cracked crystal doesn't get sapphire into the movement and is about $50-$70 to replace.

[slcbbrown]

I'd be amazed if your friend could handle anything more than a DJ can. I have two sons soldiering and gave them ExpII's, but I've used my father's late-50's TOG for hiking, climbing, and most outdoor activities. The worst thing that really happens to a watch is the scraping against rock, and I have never needed the time while rock climbing. If I'm in the mountains I just throw the TOG in my rucksack when I'm actually using my hands.

[apan]

Originally Posted by 77T

Even an older Explorer is an option.

Go for a head-only deal on an acrylic crystal model and put it on a NATO. That way a cracked crystal doesn't get sapphire into the movement and is about $50-$70 to replace.

I agree - the Explorer I or II (vintage or modern) would be very suitable. The lack of a rotating bezel allows them to handle abuse better than Subs/GMTs, especially for what he looks to use it for.

IMO the Explorer is the Rolex that best serves as both a beater and for dressier purposes.

[NYMike]

Metal bands suck for outdoor activities when compared to rubber. A G-shock can be tethered to your harness, or attached to your backpack. They are lightweight, have loads more features (like stopwatches, and countdown timers). Not to mention their crystal is below the surface of the rubber, so it's well protected. There is just no substitute for a rubber watch. Now, a rolex with a Rubber B bracelet could be interesting (but again, no tethering).

[Boothroyd]

http://www.reactorwatch.com/ The troops in Afghanistan are partial to the Trident ND. It's only survived multiple IED's (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks with multiple soldier testimonials to back it up. Sorry, but all the Rolex BS about Challenger Deep and Mt. Everest doesn't stack up to what this watch has successfully weathered.

[zhiunit]

milgauss if he works in a factory/around magnetic machinery
explorer I or II for the most ruggest watch in the whole ddarned lineup
submariner/deepsea seadweller if hes a diver

or honestly ANY rolex....the name itself is synonomous with tank

[77T]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

http://www.reactorwatch.com/ The troops in Afghanistan are partial to the Trident ND. It's only survived multiple IED's (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks with multiple soldier testimonials to back it up. Sorry, but all the Rolex BS about Challenger Deep and Mt. Everest doesn't stack up to what this watch has successfully weathered.

Isn't that a battery operated quartz movement? Or do they have a mechanical model of the Trident?

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by NYMike

Metal bands suck for outdoor activities when compared to rubber. A G-shock can be tethered to your harness, or attached to your backpack. They are lightweight, have loads more features (like stopwatches, and countdown timers). Not to mention their crystal is below the surface of the rubber, so it's well protected. There is just no substitute for a rubber watch. Now, a rolex with a Rubber B bracelet could be interesting (but again, no tethering).

X2

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by 77T

Isn't that a battery operated quartz movement? Or do they have a mechanical model of the Trident?

Battery...what does it matter under those conditions? I am a Rolex fan, no doubt, but let's give the brand adoration a break....there are tougher watches to be had. The question was "need a tough watch", not "need a mechanical movement".

[Boothroyd]

Besides, 77T, I just found out I won the Mega Millions! TTYL!

[WatchTimes]

Exp II

I have the White Exp II which is my go to, go anywhere do anything Rolex!

[springbar]

Originally Posted by hoops10

Explorer II, no moving parts, bezel, tough as nails.

No moving parts on the _outside_. And that's not even true - the bracelet is full of moving parts.

No mechanical watch can be relied upon to withstand a hard drop. A four-foot drop onto a rock could knock the movement inside any Rolex out of commission. A G-Shock, on the other hand, will take that in stride.

The Explorer II has a GMT complication AND a date to break. I would not nominate it as the toughest in the lineup.

That said, I think the variation in toughness across the Rolex range is pretty minor. They're more-or-less equally tough (or fragile, if you like).

[MoBe]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Pretty hard to beat this for rough and tough, its standard issue for Canadian SAR teams. They're also now made under contract for the US government:

Agree !!! `that`s Marathon with an M

[rickyslam]

I have a G-Shock MTG-910 that I wear whenever I'm working on commercial/movie sets when I know my watch is going to take a beating. It's been knocked around like crazy for about 2 years already and its still going. The best on set investment in my opinion. I also wear it whenever I'm working on my cars.

[gargamel647]

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is the one I use when out in the rocks and dirt...

+1

After 12 months of abuse my Explorer II still looks brand new.





The TT Sub-C, on the other hand, didn't fare as well climbing. It's due for a service in 3-4 years, after that I will probably choose opportunities to wear it with a bit more care.







(Too big, too much gold and too many shiny bits.)