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StuartM1970 · 2 August 2018, 08:10 PM

Explorer II, white dial

I can’t tell you how good it feels to write these words. Like the headline says, it has been a while: five years.

There has been much mulling and a number of you have chipped in with thoughts and observations along the way. Thanks.

I started with a Milgauss v Explorer I, took a look at the upsized DJs (classy) and scoped out other possibilities on the second hand market.

While I almost got sucked in by a two-tone Submariner with a serti dial (genuinely surprised at how much I dug that diamond-encrusted look) it was never going to go with my more minimalist vibe. Let’s face it, my wardrobe consists of four identical black polo shirts and two identical pairs of jeans. I am not a diamond dog.

Today, however, I walked into the Rolex boutique at Mall of the Emirates and put my money down for a white-dialled Explorer II. After months of inaction it was nearly falling for a second hand and sharply priced white-dialled Milgauss that tipped me over the edge.

It turns out it was a touch of orange I was after. I came close to spending two-thirds of the Explorer money on a watch that was not the one I really wanted. Daft. But the orange seconds hand, dial markers and decent price nearly got me.

A rare attack of common sense led me to the reasonable decision to spend a load more money instead. So here we are, incoming at last. My orange crush fulfilled.

Some dealer intel: the local AD is a monopoly, with all the boutiques owned by the same outfit. In SS stock was my Explorer II, a blue Milgauss (tried it on again to be sure), a couple of Yachtmasters and a small selection of DJs and OPs. Not enough for one full case. The rest of the place is filled with the bling models, including a dazzling array of precious and gem-encrusted DJs in the smaller sizes favoured by many of the local ladies.

I asked for a discount. Have always managed 10% in the past, but not this time. While nothing was available on the SS sports models, 10% wiggle room was there for the DJs.

While I was there – about 45mins in the middle of the day – two walk-ins asked if they had a submariner. They did not. I quizzed the super-professional sales lady about stock. She has yet to see the new GMT. She has seen one, count it slowly, one … SS Daytona. This is wasta (loosely Arabic for influence) in action. I doubt much stock gets anywhere near regular customers, going straight to a favoured few instead.

Enough talking; here are the pics, including my Mark XV as wing man. Thanks again to those who have offered ideas and observations in this very friendly corner of the internet.

rmlovett1 · 2 August 2018, 08:13 PM

Excellent choice! Great watch, congratulations!!

tyler1980 · 2 August 2018, 08:14 PM

congrats

dan993 · 2 August 2018, 08:16 PM

Good choice love the explorer for that orange GMT hand also!

zaratsu · 2 August 2018, 08:19 PM

Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing the intel on your buying experience, I get some comfort knowing the shortages are pretty much the same all over the world. Cheers

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

scarlet knight · 2 August 2018, 08:23 PM

I’ve had my polar for 5-6 years and I’ve enjoyed it very much.

JayHantz · 2 August 2018, 08:46 PM

Welcome back to Rolex! The Explorer is a wonderful watch, wear it in great health!

brandrea · 2 August 2018, 08:48 PM

Congratulations, enjoy it

Onequik135i · 2 August 2018, 08:48 PM

Congrats, I’m really digging the Explorer’s these days too. White dial looks great on the newer 42’s.

ashokleyland · 2 August 2018, 08:55 PM

Congrats mate...

KeithP · 2 August 2018, 08:58 PM

Congrats! My favorite reference of all- you’ve got great taste! Love that IWC as well. Perfect pair.

FinWatch · 2 August 2018, 09:28 PM

Congrats, great watch!!

I couldn’t see the pics for some reason...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pw92676 · 2 August 2018, 09:30 PM

Congrats!

cop414 · 2 August 2018, 09:46 PM

Congratulations!

joli160 · 2 August 2018, 09:57 PM

Well done showing restraint, huge congrats

soran · 2 August 2018, 09:57 PM

Very nice comeback!

Chadridv · 2 August 2018, 10:06 PM

Great choice!

Chester01 · 2 August 2018, 10:13 PM

Excellent 2 watch collection, very versatile between both of them. Congrats.

Maiden · 2 August 2018, 10:54 PM

Its a beauty, enjoy!

1William · 2 August 2018, 11:22 PM

Congratulations. Good choice. Enjoy.

ap1 · 3 August 2018, 12:40 AM

Always liked that one, enjoy

SG56 · 3 August 2018, 12:45 AM

Congratulations and welcome back :)

T01 · 3 August 2018, 12:49 AM

Congrats!

Vivalas · 3 August 2018, 01:23 AM

5 year wow

It’s over though so big congrats

Nikrnic · 3 August 2018, 02:00 AM

Congrats! Great choice. I loving my Polar as well.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Chris B · 3 August 2018, 02:05 AM

Many congratulations

uniqueMR · 3 August 2018, 02:39 AM

Congrats :)

jstan9 · 3 August 2018, 02:49 AM

Great watch...I love the polar. Congratulations!!

CoveWatch · 3 August 2018, 02:52 AM

I'm digging your pair there, Congratulations!

datejustrms · 3 August 2018, 02:54 AM

Congratulations! Great choice.

2 August 2018, 08:10 PM	#1
StuartM1970 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Stuart Location: Dubai Watch: IWC Mark XV Posts: 280	Incoming: after five years without a Rolex I’m back in the game Explorer II, white dial I can’t tell you how good it feels to write these words. Like the headline says, it has been a while: five years. There has been much mulling and a number of you have chipped in with thoughts and observations along the way. Thanks. I started with a Milgauss v Explorer I, took a look at the upsized DJs (classy) and scoped out other possibilities on the second hand market. While I almost got sucked in by a two-tone Submariner with a serti dial (genuinely surprised at how much I dug that diamond-encrusted look) it was never going to go with my more minimalist vibe. Let’s face it, my wardrobe consists of four identical black polo shirts and two identical pairs of jeans. I am not a diamond dog. Today, however, I walked into the Rolex boutique at Mall of the Emirates and put my money down for a white-dialled Explorer II. After months of inaction it was nearly falling for a second hand and sharply priced white-dialled Milgauss that tipped me over the edge. It turns out it was a touch of orange I was after. I came close to spending two-thirds of the Explorer money on a watch that was not the one I really wanted. Daft. But the orange seconds hand, dial markers and decent price nearly got me. A rare attack of common sense led me to the reasonable decision to spend a load more money instead. So here we are, incoming at last. My orange crush fulfilled. Some dealer intel: the local AD is a monopoly, with all the boutiques owned by the same outfit. In SS stock was my Explorer II, a blue Milgauss (tried it on again to be sure), a couple of Yachtmasters and a small selection of DJs and OPs. Not enough for one full case. The rest of the place is filled with the bling models, including a dazzling array of precious and gem-encrusted DJs in the smaller sizes favoured by many of the local ladies. I asked for a discount. Have always managed 10% in the past, but not this time. While nothing was available on the SS sports models, 10% wiggle room was there for the DJs. While I was there – about 45mins in the middle of the day – two walk-ins asked if they had a submariner. They did not. I quizzed the super-professional sales lady about stock. She has yet to see the new GMT. She has seen one, count it slowly, one … SS Daytona. This is wasta (loosely Arabic for influence) in action. I doubt much stock gets anywhere near regular customers, going straight to a favoured few instead. Enough talking; here are the pics, including my Mark XV as wing man. Thanks again to those who have offered ideas and observations in this very friendly corner of the internet. Attached Images

2 August 2018, 08:14 PM	#3
tyler1980 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston Posts: 17,622	congrats __________________ Instagram: tyler.watches current collection: Patek 5164A, Patek 5524G, Rolex Platinum Daytona 116506, Rolex Sea Dweller 43 126600, Rolex GMT II 116710LN, AP 15400ST (silver), Panerai 913, Omega Speedmaster moonwatch, Tudor Black Bay (Harrods Edition)

2 August 2018, 08:48 PM	#9
Onequik135i "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa, Florida Watch: 116610LV Posts: 2,574	Congrats, I’m really digging the Explorer’s these days too. White dial looks great on the newer 42’s. __________________ 16750 / 116610LV / 116613LB / Ed White 321 / PAM111 / PAM170

2 August 2018, 08:55 PM	#10
ashokleyland "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Real Name: Juan Dela Cruz Location: Quebec Watch: 114060,PAM,DJ Posts: 434	Congrats mate... __________________

2 August 2018, 09:46 PM	#14
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,242	Congratulations! __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

2 August 2018, 08:13 PM	#2
rmlovett1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Real Name: Richard Location: GA Watch: YTBD Posts: 23,509	Excellent choice! Great watch, congratulations!!

2 August 2018, 08:16 PM	#4
dan993 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Kings Bromley Posts: 444	Good choice love the explorer for that orange GMT hand also!

2 August 2018, 08:19 PM	#5
zaratsu "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: AU Posts: 123	Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the intel on your buying experience, I get some comfort knowing the shortages are pretty much the same all over the world. Cheers Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

2 August 2018, 08:23 PM	#6
scarlet knight "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Watch: Good ones Posts: 8,468	I’ve had my polar for 5-6 years and I’ve enjoyed it very much.

2 August 2018, 08:46 PM	#7
JayHantz 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Real Name: Jonathan Location: Texas Watch: @Escapementt Posts: 9,844	Welcome back to Rolex! The Explorer is a wonderful watch, wear it in great health!

2 August 2018, 08:48 PM	#8
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,103	Congratulations, enjoy it

2 August 2018, 08:58 PM	#11
KeithP "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Real Name: Keith Location: NYC Watch: AK 126900/SM 300M Posts: 1,664	Congrats! My favorite reference of all- you’ve got great taste! Love that IWC as well. Perfect pair.

2 August 2018, 09:28 PM	#12
FinWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Finland Posts: 2,777	Congrats, great watch!! I couldn’t see the pics for some reason... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2 August 2018, 09:30 PM	#13
Pw92676 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 6,309	Congrats!

2 August 2018, 09:57 PM	#15
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,759	Well done showing restraint, huge congrats __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

2 August 2018, 09:57 PM	#16
soran "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: wait list Watch: Daytona Posts: 551	Very nice comeback!

2 August 2018, 10:06 PM	#17
Chadridv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Real Name: Chadri Location: LI, NY Watch: 116610LV Posts: 11,357	Great choice! __________________ - i͞n͟s͞t͟a͞g͞r͟a͞m͞ @ⓒⓄⓁⒹⓒⒶⓈⒺⓦⒶⒶⓉⒸⒽⒺⓈ

2 August 2018, 10:13 PM	#18
Chester01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: East Coast Watch: 16610 Posts: 4,933	Excellent 2 watch collection, very versatile between both of them. Congrats.

2 August 2018, 10:54 PM	#19
Maiden "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 3,652	Its a beauty, enjoy! __________________ Rolex 116613LN Rolex 16610LN Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 41mm Omega Geneve Tag Heuer Aquaracer WAY2112 Orient Ray 2

2 August 2018, 11:22 PM	#20
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,776	Congratulations. Good choice. Enjoy.

3 August 2018, 12:40 AM	#21
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,537	Always liked that one, enjoy

3 August 2018, 12:45 AM	#22
SG56 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Tampa Watch: SD4K Posts: 2,674	Congratulations and welcome back :) __________________ Sea-Dweller 116600 - the manly one GMT II 16710 - the manly one Daytona 116500 - the manly-womanly one Yacht-Master 268622 - the chick version Speedy Mitsukoshi <3 Tag Heuer Aquaracer WAF141C.BA0824 - the chick version Thank you logan5tx!!! Have to link it. Too long for the signature. https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...0&postcount=14

3 August 2018, 12:49 AM	#23
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,490	Congrats!

3 August 2018, 01:23 AM	#24
Vivalas "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Stephen Location: UK Watch: AP Posts: 2,646	5 year wow It’s over though so big congrats

3 August 2018, 02:00 AM	#25
Nikrnic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: Louis Nick Ric Location: Michigan, USA Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs, Posts: 10,172	Congrats! Great choice. I loving my Polar as well. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

3 August 2018, 02:05 AM	#26
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	Many congratulations

3 August 2018, 02:39 AM	#27
uniqueMR 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: USA Watch: P A T E K Posts: 4,706	Congrats :) __________________ A. Lange & Sohne \| Audemars Piguet \| F.P.Journe \| Omega \| Patek Philippe \| Rolex \| Tudor \| ...and Othersss

3 August 2018, 02:49 AM	#28
jstan9 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Real Name: Jon Location: Bay Area Watch: Rolex GMT BLNR Posts: 1,342	Great watch...I love the polar. Congratulations!!

3 August 2018, 02:52 AM	#29
CoveWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: SoCal Watch: Rolex & AP Posts: 4,535	I'm digging your pair there, Congratulations!

3 August 2018, 02:54 AM	#30
datejustrms "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,799	Congratulations! Great choice.

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