Difference Between Explorer II and GMT Master II

[Rolex Freak]

Hello all, what's the difference between the above two watches? Thanks.

[Tools]

The only difference is visual, and the bezel rotates on the GMT II

[frostie]

The GMT master II has a rotatable bezel whereas the explorer II doesn't

And the explorer II is a much more beautiful watch

both of them are amazing

[tphan]

well...since my EXPII is white dial it's more laid back, less bling than the Pepsi GMTII Master. I like the EXPII on days with big bosses (CEO/VP) or racking Cisco routers/switches. Other than that...the GMT II pepsi rule (comparing to the EXPII).

[sherwin]

how about mechanical wise? is it the same. or would there be minor changes due to the bezel being fixed on the expyII.

im looking at an expyII if i can get a good price on my TT DJ

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by seiko.citizen

how about mechanical wise? is it the same. or would there be minor changes due to the bezel being fixed on the expyII.

im looking at an expyII if i can get a good price on my TT DJ

It has been said that the latest of the GMT II's got the new Cal. 3186 (with Parachrom Bleu hairspring) just before they GMT II's were discontinued. Sheldon has a pic of it on this site of his.

But before the change, both had the same movt. Cal. 3185.

Another difference is that the GMT II 16710 comes with a black dial only, but the Explorer II has a white dial option, too, as "tphan" suggests.

[Jedi]

You know, I always had this niggling feeling about the ExpyII.. it's supposed to be designed to take some pretty harsh treatment, yet the movement is the same as the GMTII... and the ExpI has the same movement as the AirKing right?

Is there some hidden difference in terms of case design or movement addition to make the Explorer series tougher??... apart from a brushed bezel on the ExpyII...

[CPTL]

Naw, all Rolex professional line references are tough. Some are designed to withstand specific hazards, like extreme water pressure, by increasing the thickness of the crystal and caseback. The Expy, however, is tough because of the typical Rolex manufacturing specs: 904L steel, robust 3185/3186 movement with kif shock protection, solid bracelet, etc.

[Incurable]

Originally Posted by JediSubExII

You know, I always had this niggling feeling about the ExpyII.. it's supposed to be designed to take some pretty harsh treatment, yet the movement is the same as the GMTII... and the ExpI has the same movement as the AirKing right?

Is there some hidden difference in terms of case design or movement addition to make the Explorer series tougher??... apart from a brushed bezel on the ExpyII...

The 3130 is also in the Sub No-Date... AFAIK, the ExpII and GMTII are the same watch with the exception of the dial and bezel.

Addendum: Possibly the link ends are brushed on the ExpII as well where the GMTII are polished.

[sherwin]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

It has been said that the latest of the GMT II's got the new Cal. 3186 (with Parachrom Bleu hairspring) just before they GMT II's were discontinued. Sheldon has a pic of it on this site of his.

But before the change, both had the same movt. Cal. 3185.

Another difference is that the GMT II 16710 comes with a black dial only, but the Explorer II has a white dial option, too, as "tphan" suggests.

ill take that as the new expyII having the 3186 movt

[Trurolexer]

Both Beautiful!!! I like my Expy II white face, and of course my beautiful 1675 Pepsi...

[Dan Pierce]

Love both but the edge goes to the GMT. I'm a bezel fiddler and often use it as a simple timer.
dP

[mcoccia]

I have a black EXP2 and recent aquired a Coke GMT just like in Larry's photo. There is no doubt that the EXP2 is a tough watch. I've had 12 yrs of use including some pretty tough industrial sites.

The EXP2 is a far more discrete watch than the GMT or sub. I also like to use the rotating bezel as a simple timer and am playing with the idea of changing the Coke insert for a black sub insert.

[Jedi]

The changeable bezel insert is a plus on the GMT-II but good luck finding one, an original Rolex insert that is. No AD or even Geneva RSC would sell me one during my recent visit to Europe, but a friend of mine has been able to source an original Rolex all-black insert for me through another connection for Euro50.00.

Basically I think it was because I'm Asian, therefore a potential counterfeiter. Didn't matter to them that I was wearing my Pepsi and my wife her ExpyII. Sorry if that was a bit harsh.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by JediSubExII

The changeable bezel insert is a plus on the GMT-II but good luck finding one, an original Rolex insert that is. No AD or even Geneva RSC would sell me one during my recent visit to Europe, but a friend of mine has been able to source an original Rolex all-black insert for me through another connection for Euro50.00.

Basically I think it was because I'm Asian, therefore a potential counterfeiter. Didn't matter to them that I was wearing my Pepsi and my wife her ExpyII. Sorry if that was a bit harsh.

It may be harsh, but if it's true, that's pathetic.

[Jedi]

I take the point about the professional series being just as tough as one another. I mean, the Sub is a tough piece, and if the same movement is used across the board as in the Explorer as well, so be it. Same with the ExpyII. Remove the timing/GMT bezel, and one ends up with a solid piece of steel just doing what it does best in a Rolex...

...Being Tough... protecting the movement, and the wrist! My ExpyII Polar is my daily now and really, I'm pretty pleased with it.

[Jedi]

Last post ( I hope ) about the counterfeiter thing...

We spoke to a few people in the business while in Europe about this, and they pretty much confirmed that as their stance. Upon hindsight, we also asked when in Paris and were met with either blank stares or sneers.

1+1=2

But we live and hope for a better tomorrow

[vukotab]

Originally Posted by frostie

The GMT master II has a rotatable bezel whereas the explorer II doesn't

And the explorer II is a much more beautiful watch

both of them are amazing

I agree!But,without Smilies!

[f16570]

Exp II is only dual zone GMT can track time in 3 zones.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by f16570

Exp II is only dual zone GMT can track time in 3 zones.

Yup!

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by f16570

Exp II is only dual zone GMT can track time in 3 zones.

That's true. If you already know the offset, you can waste your time turning the bezel to get a blinding flash of the obvious.

I like the GMT II as a great dual zone watch and use the bezel, as others have noted, as a simple timing tool while grilling etc.