Explorer II 16570 vs Speedy Pro & small brief review

[jdlc1406]

So, I just got my first Rolex, the Explorer II. Here is a little bit of commentary after owning it for a few days.

I only have one watch to compare it to, the Speedy Pro (hesalite, latest model with the big goodie box).

I had to sell the Speedy to get rid of a little debt, and also help fund the EXPII. I took a hit on it, of course, which I can get past, but I can't help but to keep comparing the two and how vastly different they are. Not better, but different. For example:

EXPII: Date feature! I like this over the Speedy Pro. I like the GMT hand. I like the band. But the Sapphire glass is really reflective. Why isn't it coated with an anti-reflective treatment? Manually winding the watch feels... Weird and gritty, almost. Very much unlike the Speedy pro which is nice and smooth. I love the fact that this watch has the screw down crown, though and is actually water tight, unlike the Speedy.

Also, the EXPII seems to be a little more difficult to read at a glance. For only four hands it does seem a little bit cluttered. It could just be the smaller size compared to the Speedy. The speedy had a SUPER clean dial that was so easy to read. However, the lume on this EXPII is AMAZING. I can read it throughout the night. All night long. In the dark. I couldn't ever do that with the Speedy. I did like the larger presence of the Speedy, but I am getting used to the smaller EXP quite nicely. This doesn't bother me anymore.

All-in-all, If I had the Speedy back, I don't see myself wearing it over the EXPII on very many ocassions. But for some reason, I do still find myself missing it. I miss hand winding. And I miss the pushers. But other than that, I am adjusting and very happy with my EXPII purchase :)

Picture since no one wants to read all that without a little visual reward.