ExplorerII 42mm - available but rare?

[SS Oyster]

Tim at WatchBox says far fewer EXP2s sold, so it is set to start increasing in price?

https://youtu.be/B8zRdZ1oFSw

Great watch that seems to get very little attention, yet the SS only gems are generally available at ADs, cost less and are incredibly designed.

Thoughts?


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[t65tampa]

I agree. It's a great watch. I think with the difficulty in getting the ceramic bezel stainless steel sports watches lately, we're going to see the Explorer II 42 mm watches follow suit.

[SearChart]

Not a super popular model, available at AD if you search hard enough.

[SS Oyster]

With far fewer of them being purchased, even at $8,100, and with many available, they can be had at $7k US full set unworn. Seems like an absolute great deal to me.

What’s not to like?

42mm
Robust 3186 movement
Solid 21mm brushed bracelet with Easylink
Terrific readability
Maxi dial with huge hands
White gloss dual with white date wheel

Comfortable
Great height to width ratio
Nice tapered lugs
Radially brushes bezel

Only thing I wish it had triplpck crown just for proportionality to case size.




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[SS Oyster]

Thinking of getting one to go along with my SD43.

Anyone have both to show them side by side or both shots on same wrist?




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[ferrissteve11]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

With far fewer of them being purchased, even at $8,100, and with many available, they can be had at $7k US full set unworn. Seems like an absolute great deal to me.

What’s not to like?

42mm
Robust 3186 movement
Solid 21mm brushed bracelet with Easylink
Terrific readability
Maxi dial with huge hands
White gloss dual with white date wheel

Comfortable
Great height to width ratio
Nice tapered lugs
Radially brushes bezel

Only thing I wish it had triplpck crown just for proportionality to case size.




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Would have looked a LOT better with the Triplock...and if they narrowed the hands just a little. On the black model, they look somewhat 'fat'.
I'd say overall if they made the white variant with a triplock crown and throw in a ceramic bezel....I'd think its popularity would increase significantly.

[037]

Tim at WatchBox says that because they're in the business of selling watches. Saying they're rare and about to increase in price is simply playing off of the current market climate. Explorer IIs tend to sit around, even at secondhand dealers.

If you want one new with your name on the card, it shouldn't be too hard to find at an AD or too long of a wait if you get on a list. Or, plenty of secondhand resellers have them if you want one used.

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

What’s not to like?

42mm
Robust 3186 movement

3187 in the 42mm, not 3186. Even better.

[R!$]

Originally Posted by 037

Tim at WatchBox says that because they're in the business of selling watches. Saying they're rare and about to increase in price is simply playing off of the current market climate. Explorer IIs tend to sit around, even at secondhand dealers.

[81sforlife]

Love mine but not rare. Hell my local AD has a Polar & Black in his case for a couple months now. I didn't buy his since he wouldn't give me a discount even after I bought my Sub from there though. I wound up paying $6675 all in for a brand new one 3 months ago from a trusted seller.

[SS Oyster]

Rare in this instance meaning fewer of them out there in the wild, not meaning hard to get.

I believe the EXP2 has the LARGEST dial (not case) in the Rolex lineup?


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[blackbard]

Originally Posted by ferrissteve11

Would have looked a LOT better with the Triplock...and if they narrowed the hands just a little. On the black model, they look somewhat 'fat'.

I'd say overall if they made the white variant with a triplock crown and throw in a ceramic bezel....I'd think its popularity would increase significantly.

Agree completely.


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[Nikrnic]

One of my favorites, l got mine last June with an 8% discount tax incl. Sits low and comfy, keeper for sure.

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[037]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I believe the EXP2 has the LARGEST dial (not case) in the Rolex lineup?

I suspect the current Cellini dials are larger. DJ41 might be as well.

[watchwatcher]

It's a great watch...but not rare.

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by blackbard

Agree completely.


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I'm thinking a trip lock, which comes with larger crown guards might be too big for the Expll 's diameter

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[TheFuture]

EXP2 isn't rare great watch its my daily I have the black dial and love it!

[Old Expat Beast]

Tim is probably the smartest, coolest, most watchable, most easy-listening watch guy on Youtube, but he's also a salesman.

[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Tim is probably the smartest, coolest, most watchable, most easy-listening watch guy on Youtube, but he's also a salesman.

Yup!! I’ve watched so many of his videos. They are excellent enablers, when no one is around to talk with me about a “watch of my dreams”.


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[rolexgiants]

Originally Posted by 037

I suspect the current Cellini dials are larger. DJ41 might be as well.

Is the dial on the datejust 41 that large?

[Rilz]

The Explorer II is not rare IMO

[angerbot]

Originally Posted by ferrissteve11

Would have looked a LOT better with the Triplock...and if they narrowed the hands just a little. On the black model, they look somewhat 'fat'.
I'd say overall if they made the white variant with a triplock crown and throw in a ceramic bezel....I'd think its popularity would increase significantly.

Triplock and hands maybe but please please please no ceramic bezel. If you want a ceramic bezel GMT watch the GMT Master II is there, leave the Exp II alone as the last tool watch Rolex makes.

Ceramic is too flashy, and the lack of any wear on it over the years removes a lot of the charm that people find so appealing about vintage watches.

[GMT Aviator]

I have a black dial Exp 2 42mm and it’s a great watch. Next to my DJ2 it has a larger dial so it has to have a larger dial than a DJ41.
It is the only Rolex in production sporting the ‘Super Maxi’ Dial, which perplexes me that Rolex don’t use this dial on their divers, which it would be best suited to.

[bradyb]

One of the best.

[jlovda]

I love my black Exp II but I have to admit I naively walked into an AD in Norway looking for a GMT or Sub. My watch and a Milgauss were the only two sports watches (if you call a Milgauss sporty) on display or available. I took the Exp II and have no regrets. I will have to say it was a little depressing joining TRF after I returned from my trip and reading so many posts that considered it the black sheep and unloved member of the family (and especially black).

[Spam16v]

What rubber strap is that??

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Anyone have both to show them side by side or both shots on same wrist?
[

Not side by side on same wrist but you get the gist of it. The polar dial is a great pairing with the 126600!
I’ll try to get a pic of just the two.

[myporsche]

I don't care if its rare not rare, people notice it or not, like it or not, or if there is a price increase or decrease or what Tim or Mark or Mike or Antonio say on youtube. I bought my EXPII because I LOVE it. It's the most tool watch Rolex makes and properly serves and embodies the adventurous spirit Rolex is known for. Most EXPII owners I imagine have the same passion for this watch as I do with caring for anything else. I guess now there is a second type of EXPII owners or would be buyers and that is those who simply can't obtain the other pieces. I am obviously in the first camp.

[fishingbear]

Here you go. The Explorer II is and always has been one of my favorite references; since the original 1971 reference it has been unique in the Rolex lineup.

[Marcjvr]

I think they look deadly on the rubber B straps. Sadly I think they are too big for my wrist at 42mm though

[10klakes]

I bought the 216570 (polar) last week. With a 7.25” wrist, it’s a perfect fit and feel. The white dial is large and a nice contrast from so many other black dial or black bezel variants I have in the collection. The profile of the case make this one sleek on the wrist and unobstructing to a cuff or sleeve. It’s a home run and a fun addition to my first Rolex, the black dial 16570 which was my daily driver for 12 years.



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