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sheldonsmith · 4 March 2012, 04:26 PM

I just finished comparing the new Explorer II and the GMT II - C

The Explorer II debuted at the Basel 2011 show and the buzz about the watch has not died down. The increased size to a 42mm case, the updated luminescence, Paraflex shock mechanism for the balance wheel, and of course the orange hand, make the Explorer II stand out from the rest of the Rolex line.

On the left is the GMT-C and on the right is the Explorer II. The case thickness between both watches is very similar with the GMT-C being 12mm and the Explorer II being 12.45mm. The Explorer II case is slightly longer as it is wider being 48.70 long versus 46.38mm on the GMT-C. The image does not adequately capture how the Explorer II case has more of a curvature than the flatter GMT-C case. The weight of both watches is very similar with the GMT-C being 145g versus the Explorer II being 150g (weighed with two links removed from the watch strap).

One of the chief complaints on the traditional GMT and Explorer II models was that the Twinloc crown was too small to operate. Rolex answered that criticism by adding the larger Triploc winding crown found on the Submariners.

Rolex answered the small crown criticism on the new Explorer II by fitting it with a larger Twinloc crown, the same one that is found on the Milgauss. Although not as water resistant as the Triploc, it is still plenty water proof and easier to operate.

There is more to the review and more images posted here. All errors and omissions are mine, so feel free to point them out.

Cheers,

Sheldon

ktam · 4 March 2012, 08:39 PM

thanks for the info, both are stunning watch and I'm still deciding either one to be my 2012 watch...

Ristretto · 4 March 2012, 08:52 PM

Love the Exp2 (white dial for me)

Ridly · 6 March 2012, 02:26 AM

This is my EXACT problem! Its killing me, I love them both. Im just hanging on for basel to see if anything new is coming out. after that, its decision time '12!

agfebres · 22 March 2012, 03:59 PM

NICE REVIEW...IM LOVIN MY EXP42

boogiebot · 23 March 2012, 02:30 PM

i love that GMT 2C

spuds · 24 March 2012, 09:39 AM

216570 every time......

Rollie2011 · 24 March 2012, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

216570 every time......

Tudor66 · 25 March 2012, 12:10 AM

Thanks to the Original Poster for the great writeup, your website is a great reference as well...

Al

beshannon · 27 March 2012, 10:08 PM

Thanks for the review and comparison, these are my two choices at the moment!

Rodrigo F · 18 April 2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

216570 every time......

Your collection is just AMAZING !

I own a GMT Master IIC and I'm now looking for a Explorer II just like yours !

Wear them in great heath

psv · 18 April 2012, 02:27 PM

Great reviews as always!

Psmith · 18 April 2012, 03:56 PM

Another great review/comparison - thanks

Rolex have really scored with the new Exp II. Imho a Triplock crown would make it perfect, but I can live with 99%

Psmith · 18 April 2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

216570 every time......

Great collection Dan

Monte Cristo · 18 April 2012, 11:34 PM

Great review indeed. I had my heart set on the new Exp II based on the photos i had seen from baselworld, but when I saw it in real life I was disappointed. The GMT IIc is absolutely stunning IMO.

spuds · 19 April 2012, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

I just finished comparing the new Explorer II and the GMT II - C

I never get tired of reading that excellent review: Thank you Sheldon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

Great collection Dan

Thanks Clive.

(It's gonna be a looooong while 'til I add another!!

)

ktam · 19 April 2012, 10:22 AM

I finally made my decision to choose the 116713LN TT GMT. I love the new exp II but the rotatable ceramic bezel talked to me more and I do need three time zones for work, especially helpful when dealing with various daylight saving time zones in northern and southern hemispheres.

Island Dreamer · 22 April 2012, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agfebres

NICE REVIEW...IM LOVIN MY EXP42

Beautiful watch. Just picked one up from OCROLEXGUY and so glad I did. Sporty and sophisticated. Thanks for sharing.

Island Dreamer

agfebres · 23 April 2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Dreamer

Beautiful watch. Just picked one up from OCROLEXGUY and so glad I did. Sporty and sophisticated. Thanks for sharing.

Island Dreamer

E42 Club Welcomes you

sea-dweller · 10 May 2012, 02:05 PM

Nice comparison.

Island Dreamer · 18 June 2012, 10:05 AM

Glad to be a part of the E42 Club. Thanks agfebres

4 March 2012, 04:26 PM	#1
sheldonsmith 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Member 202♛ Posts: 1,810	New Explorer II & GMT II - C Comparison I just finished comparing the new Explorer II and the GMT II - C The Explorer II debuted at the Basel 2011 show and the buzz about the watch has not died down. The increased size to a 42mm case, the updated luminescence, Paraflex shock mechanism for the balance wheel, and of course the orange hand, make the Explorer II stand out from the rest of the Rolex line. On the left is the GMT-C and on the right is the Explorer II. The case thickness between both watches is very similar with the GMT-C being 12mm and the Explorer II being 12.45mm. The Explorer II case is slightly longer as it is wider being 48.70 long versus 46.38mm on the GMT-C. The image does not adequately capture how the Explorer II case has more of a curvature than the flatter GMT-C case. The weight of both watches is very similar with the GMT-C being 145g versus the Explorer II being 150g (weighed with two links removed from the watch strap). One of the chief complaints on the traditional GMT and Explorer II models was that the Twinloc crown was too small to operate. Rolex answered that criticism by adding the larger Triploc winding crown found on the Submariners. Rolex answered the small crown criticism on the new Explorer II by fitting it with a larger Twinloc crown, the same one that is found on the Milgauss. Although not as water resistant as the Triploc, it is still plenty water proof and easier to operate. There is more to the review and more images posted here. All errors and omissions are mine, so feel free to point them out. Cheers, Sheldon __________________

4 March 2012, 08:52 PM	#3
Ristretto "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: GMT + 3 Watch: Platinum Daytona Posts: 1,319	Love the Exp2 (white dial for me) __________________ “What the mind can conceive, it can achieve.” – Napoleon Hill

24 March 2012, 09:39 AM	#7
spuds "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Dan Location: Essex, UK Watch: West Ham! COYI!! Posts: 7,941	216570 every time...... __________________ Onwards & Upwards Rodders...... Onwards & Upwards. Life is not about how fast you can run or how high you can climb........... It's about how well you can bounce!! TRF HALL OF FAME JANUARY 2010

25 March 2012, 12:10 AM	#9
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	Thanks to the Original Poster for the great writeup, your website is a great reference as well... Al __________________ -NAWCC Member

27 March 2012, 10:08 PM	#10
beshannon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Brian Location: Northern Virginia Watch: One of Not Many Posts: 17,895	Thanks for the review and comparison, these are my two choices at the moment! __________________ Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Glashutte Senator Exellence, Rolex 116710 GMT Master II BLNR, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent

4 March 2012, 08:39 PM	#2
ktam "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: GMTIIc 116713LN Posts: 198	thanks for the info, both are stunning watch and I'm still deciding either one to be my 2012 watch...

6 March 2012, 02:26 AM	#4
Ridly "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: Andrew Location: Ny Watch: Explorer ii 42mm Posts: 219	This is my EXACT problem! Its killing me, I love them both. Im just hanging on for basel to see if anything new is coming out. after that, its decision time '12!

23 March 2012, 02:30 PM	#6
boogiebot "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: canada Watch: me post! Posts: 3,804	i love that GMT 2C

18 April 2012, 02:27 PM	#12
psv "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North America Posts: 11,062	Great reviews as always!

18 April 2012, 03:56 PM	#13
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Another great review/comparison - thanks Rolex have really scored with the new Exp II. Imho a Triplock crown would make it perfect, but I can live with 99% __________________

18 April 2012, 11:34 PM	#15
Monte Cristo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sydney Watch: ing you... Posts: 3,775	Great review indeed. I had my heart set on the new Exp II based on the photos i had seen from baselworld, but when I saw it in real life I was disappointed. The GMT IIc is absolutely stunning IMO.

19 April 2012, 10:22 AM	#17
ktam "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Watch: GMTIIc 116713LN Posts: 198	I finally made my decision to choose the 116713LN TT GMT. I love the new exp II but the rotatable ceramic bezel talked to me more and I do need three time zones for work, especially helpful when dealing with various daylight saving time zones in northern and southern hemispheres. __________________ Life is short, just enjoy it or be slaved it. _____________________________________________

10 May 2012, 02:05 PM	#20
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Nice comparison.

18 June 2012, 10:05 AM	#21
Island Dreamer "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: DC Metro Watch: PAM 299 Posts: 64	Glad to be a part of the E42 Club. Thanks agfebres

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