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Old 21 May 2008, 10:38 PM   #50
acce1999
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Quote:
Originally Posted by speicher1 View Post
My main point about the Explorer II was that it occupies a vacuum in the line of Rolex tool watches. The Submariner is indisputed as "the" Rolex tool watch because it's been used by Comex, crossed the Channel, issued to SBS Commandos, etc. Likewise, the GMT I was used by Chuck Yeager. The GMT II was worn into space by Jack Swigert and to the North Pole by Ranulph Fiennes (before he endorsed Kobold). And of course, the Explorer I went to Everest.

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?
Some clarifying info is needed here...

The GMT II (16760) was introduced in 1983. Swigert died in 1982. He owned a GMT 1675. The Explorer was during the fifties available with special oil for large differencies in temperature. The Explorer 1016 was water resistant to 100 m, whilst in the same time the GMT, and standard oysters where proof to 50 m. The 1655 was delivered with a thicker case and a larger crown compared to the GMT 1675 at the time.

If you check the Rolex website you get a couple of examples of Rolex sponsored Explorers... using the Explorer or Explorer II. One of them is Chuck Yeager.

This is info you can get by googling for about five minutes.

Best,

A
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