Help: Going to be purchasing my first Rolex

[209Wrist]

I will be pulling the trigger on my first Rolex on the end of October. I have an in with an AD that has said I could purchase a black fantom dial EXP 2 from them. It has been the watch I want more than any other current production Rolex model. After seeing a video of the Sub on wrist on YouTube, I’ve been tempted to go grey to acquire one instead as I know my AD saves those for Customers with purchasing history which I do not have.

I’ve never had the chance to see either watch in person and wanted to know if the EXP 2 has as much of a nice wrist presence in person as the sub. I’m sure it won’t be have as much as a sub with a ceramic bezel but was curious if it has some eye catching appeal in person.

I will most likely get the fantom dial EXP 2 but would appreciate an experienced collectors’ take on the differences of the two watches to help me settle on a decision.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by 209Wrist

I will be pulling the trigger on my first Rolex on the end of October. I have an in with an AD that has said I could purchase a black fantom dial EXP 2 from them. It has been the watch I want more than any other current production Rolex model. After seeing a video of the Sub on wrist on YouTube, I’ve been tempted to go grey to acquire one instead as I know my AD saves those for Customers with purchasing history which I do not have.

I’ve never had the chance to see either watch in person and wanted to know if the EXP 2 has as much of a nice wrist presence in person as the sub. I’m sure it won’t be have as much as a sub with a ceramic bezel but was curious if it has some eye catching appeal in person.

I will most likely get the fantom dial EXP 2 but would appreciate an experienced collectors’ take on the differences of the two watches to help me settle on a decision.

The Explorer 2 is a much bigger watch. And I wouldn't buy anything without trying it on.

[BT1985]

Both have similar wrist presence but in different ways. Explorer 2 is longer lug to lug and bigger dial and the sub wears thicker. Wrist size matters here. I, for example, have a 6.75 in wrist and find the new explorer 2 too long from a lug to lug standpoint but the sub works great. This is just my personal preference and you should go find a local grey that has both and try them on. Hope this helps. Cheers.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by othertbone

The Explorer 2 is a much bigger watch. And I wouldn't buy anything without trying it on.

I’m sure he can try it on when it comes in

[1SG MTB]

I had an Explorer II a long time ago and have a SubC now and I would say the Sub has more wrist presence I think because of the thickness of the case and glossy black ceramic bezel and black dial. Another consideration may be the handiness if the GMT hand on the Explorer II, which for someone who travels across time zones often can be quite useful. I think they are both awesome watches so it will just come down to which you love more once they’re on your wrist. I would agree with above comment, if you have access to a grey dealer, try them on side by side.

[kauffee]

Don’t buy the Explorer II if the Sub is the one you really want. As many have learned, you lose a lot more money by not buying what you really want the first time around.

[209Wrist]

Thanks all for the sound advice. I’ll be looking around Northern California for a grey dealer to look at these two models before I commit to one with my AD

[209Wrist]

Thanks all for the sound advice. I’ll be looking around Northern California for a grey dealer to look at these two models before I commit to one with my AD

[Nikrnic]

Expll has a great wrist presence and the black dial will not appear to have as big of a plate (dial) as the white. The Expll has slender tapered lugs and smaller twin lock crown guards and crown. Weight wise the Expll is 155gm. with 11 links and the SubC is 153.5 gm. with 10 links. The Expll may feel like it sits slightly lower on the wrist do to its thinner case back. Expll also has a shorter clasp due to being an easy link compared to the Subs glidelock. There are some differences of course but to me they wear pretty close. The Expll might fool you a little bit. Definitely try them both on.. Happy Choosing....

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[ddubb]

The Sub is going to be more eye-catching with the black ceramic insert. It will reflect more light and will be more “blingy” than the black exp ii with its brushed bezel

[AJMarcus]

The Explorer II is quite thicker and with a wider dial than the Submariner. So although the Sub has wider lugs they each fit totally differently on the wrist. Frankly, it depends not just on your wrist size but also the shape of your wrist. You must try them all on before buying. You want to avoid buyers remorse. Have fun! Congrats on whatever you decide

[GGGMT]

You should try them both on. Easy enough to do. I will tell you, I find most of the six digit models overly large and chunky. You might also consider five digit subs or five digit explorer twos.


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[209Wrist]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

Expll has a great wrist presence and the black dial will not appear to have as big of a plate (dial) as the white. The Expll has slender tapered lugs and smaller twin lock crown guards and crown. Weight wise the Expll is 155gm. with 11 links and the SubC is 153.5 gm. with 10 links. The Expll may feel like it sits slightly lower on the wrist do to its thinner case back. Expll also has a shorter clasp due to being an easy link compared to the Subs glidelock. There are some differences of course but to me they wear pretty close. The Expll might fool you a little bit. Definitely try them both on.. Happy Choosing....

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Thank you for the side by side comparison! I do favor the smaller size case/lugs. Pending seeing them I person, it looks like i’ll Be going with the Exp 2 for my first Rolex. Thanks again!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 209Wrist

Thanks all for the sound advice. I’ll be looking around Northern California for a grey dealer to look at these two models before I commit to one with my AD

Welcome to the forum, good luck in your hunt

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by kauffee

Don’t buy the Explorer II if the Sub is the one you really want. As many have learned, you lose a lot more money by not buying what you really want the first time around.

I always advise to to buy the first one, then the second one, and keep both.