Explorer II questions. anyone?

[Ricky Rolex]

Hi guys. I'm thinking of getting an Explorer 2 white dial as I'm currently wearing a DJ but fancy something more sporty for the summer. I've had Subs etc in the past with closed lugs & crown etching at 6 o clock & would like something similar. What I'd like to know is.

What year did Explorer 2 start producing closed lugs?

Do they have inner rehaut engraving?

Same for crown etching.

Would love the new orange hand but bit out of my price range.

Seen a few nice ones online but most have exposed lugs & older style clasp. Something I'm trying to avoid on both counts.

Thanks in advance.

[Gaijin]

Well I would get the red 24 hour hand version. I have one and it is the most comfortable Rolex I have ever worn. Also they are super reasonably priced right now. They have been discontinued so their value should stay stable.

Closed lugs. I am not sure. I believe the rehaut started with the late Z serial numbers. Yes they have crown etching. My Z also has the 3186 movement which started sometime during the Z run. Nothing wrong with the 3185 movememt. Just a slight difference when changing the time on it.

Great Rolex to own and cherish. Good luck. Check the for sale section here. You should be able to get a mint one for around $5000.

[Presa canary]

If you can hold out, the prices seem to be dropping on the 42mm. If not grab a 40mm, as they seem to be rising

[Ricky Rolex]

Thanks guys appreciate that.

What's the difference model wise between 40 & 42mm? Red hand 40 orange hand 42mm?

[scarlet knight]

yes on hands, I have the orange and I really like it.

[HogwldFLTR]

Some find the 42 mm too large and bulky reporting issues with getting shirt sleeves over the watch. I've experienced that personally with other watches and it's a pain. I'm looking at a 40mm myself in black.

Also from what I gathered 2003 was the year the lugs lost the holes.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=128780

[Cabinetman]

Originally Posted by Ricky Rolex

Thanks guys appreciate that.

What's the difference model wise between 40 & 42mm? Red hand 40 orange hand 42mm?

The 42mm has the orange hand, updated 3187 movement with Paraflex shock protection, upgrade solid link bracelet with new style clasp and blue lume. I'm sure there are other differences as well that i'm forgetting.

[Ricky Rolex]

Ah ok. Thanks for that guys.

[chloebear]

Ricky,

I was going to make an identical post this morning, then I read yours. I am having the exact debate. I'd really like the new 42 mm (polar), but it's a bit out of my price range. It seems like the old style 40 mm are really a bargain right now. If money was no object I would definitely get the 42 mm one. But I will most likely get a slightly used 40 mm. Still not sure if I'll get polar or black. I'm in the same boat as you in that I'd like to get one with the 3186 movement and the rehaut engraving. Best of luck!

[subtona]

"exposed" vs "closed" lugs?

Y serial was transitional some with lugholes and some without lugholes., engraved rehaut came along sometime later.

the Exp II had a 3185/3186/3187 movement depending on the year and version.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by subtona

"exposed" vs "closed" lugs?

Y serial was transitional some with lugholes and some without lugholes., engraved rehaut came along sometime later.

the Exp II had a 3185/3186/3187 movement depending on the year and version.

Do you know what years the movements changed? That would be some good information. Right now I'm waiting on an '02 black one.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Do you know what years the movements changed? That would be some good information. Right now I'm waiting on an '02 black one.

i am definitely not certain but M serial comes to mind?

[jonnyz1245]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Some find the 42 mm too large and bulky reporting issues with getting shirt sleeves over the watch. I've experienced that personally with other watches and it's a pain. I'm looking at a 40mm myself in black.

Also from what I gathered 2003 was the year the lugs lost the holes.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=128780

While it is true it is 42mm, I wouldn't call it bulky. I don't believe its any thicker than the Sub or GMTII. The case sits pretty flat on the wrist and is the most comfortable SS Sports watch I have ever tried.

YMMV!

[AF_Rob]

I wouldn't say it is bulky, but it does wear bulky. If that makes sense.

[venom43]

I was going through this when the orange gmt hand was being introduced a few years back....had a great chance to get the red hand but waited to see what the orange looked like....and was not displeased. They also changed the case size to 42mm and made it stand out even more. I wasn't too scared about the size, because I had the great white. Plus that one had a red hand....which is probably why I never pulled the trigger on the ex2(red). Turned out for the best. It fits great on my wrist and I'm very glad I own it.

As for the inner rehaut, yes there is and also crown etching.

[HogwldFLTR]

Found a thread to add more information.

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...47#post1737747

[slim4511]

Mine is the older version 16570 with a V serial and does have the etching and rehaut engraving and 3186 movement. Absolutely love mine.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by subtona

i am definitely not certain but M serial comes to mind?

I think some of the M's had it and some didn't, but it's been a while since I looked into it.

[springbar]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I wouldn't say it is bulky, but it does wear bulky. If that makes sense.

The white dial 42mm Explorer II "wears larger" (visually) than the black dial 42mm Explorer II.

When I first tried on the white one I ruled it out as definitely too large. Then I tried the black one and was surprised at how much more compact it looks.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by springbar

The white dial 42mm Explorer II "wears larger" (visually) than the black dial 42mm Explorer II.

When I first tried on the white one I ruled it out as definitely too large. Then I tried the black one and was surprised at how much more compact it looks.

My exact observation when I tried the two on.

[jolonghorn]

I recently bought the polar 42mm Exp and also own a SubC. Even though the Sub is advertised at 40mm, visually, they are the same. Also, the Exp does seem to feel a little thinner and I have less trouble getting it under my dress shirts. I have big arms so the bigger watch is not a problem for me. Never tried on the older 40mm Exp so not sure how it would look but I really do like the newer Exp.


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