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Old 22 May 2008, 09:53 AM   #61
veefour
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Originally Posted by whiskyguy View Post

IMO the most underappreciated sport model out there.

With the thimmer profile it fits nicely beneath the shirt cuff

Well, that's a different look for Exp II! Amazing how it can change with a band.
Left me thinking.....
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Old 22 May 2008, 11:36 AM   #62
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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?
Well, actually while the GMT is associated with General Yeager, he did not wear a GMT-MASTER during his record sound breaking flight. That occurred before the debut of the GMT. The only sources I've seen refer to the General wearing an Oyster Perpetual--the same he wore during the war.
Certainly in later years Gen. Yeager is seen wearing various GMTs in ADs.

Col. Swiggert wore a 1675 during the ill fated Appolo 13 mission. That watch went to the Rolex museum.
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Old 22 May 2008, 02:23 PM   #63
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When my wife bought me my GMT Master II in 1986, neither of us knew the Explorer II existed.

If I had it to do over again, I would choose either a white or a black face Explorer II over the GMT Master II, with a slight preference for the white face.

I think the public prefers the GMT Master II because the bezel seems more purposeful (although almost no one uses it for its intended purposes), and because of the GMT Master II's association with professional aviation and international travel.

Also, the name Explorer seems a little hokey and pretentious, whereas the name GMT Master suggests a mastery over time, which a watch should provide.
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Old 22 May 2008, 11:27 PM   #64
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Also, the name Explorer seems a little hokey and pretentious, whereas the name GMT Master suggests a mastery over time, which a watch should provide.
Yeah, they should just call it the Rolex GMT. I like the black dial version.
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Old 23 May 2008, 07:55 AM   #65
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Hi, I have been lurking around this forum for months but when I stumbled on this thread about my favorite Rolex model the Explorer II I just had to join in. I also think it is way under apreciated but on the other side that's why I probably love it even more, I've seen loads of people with GMT's and Subs( and of course look a like's of these watches by other companies) but I've never spotted the Explorer II on anyone else in the wild. Nice to see other members are puting Nato or similar straps on there Explorer II's as well. I'm now wearing it on a black Yaffle strap( looks like Nato but a bit different) and also have one in the Bond color scheme. Pictures aren't very good but just to give you an idea. Hope more people keep posting pics of theire Explorer II's.


And here a slightly better picture on the steel Oyster bracelet:
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Old 23 May 2008, 07:59 AM   #66
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Hey Skippy - glad you came out of lurking! Nice watch, and great first post! Feel free to join the fray more often! I use exclamation points a lot sometimes!
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Old 23 May 2008, 08:08 AM   #67
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Skippy, welcome along. Good on you for owning the best Rollie available.
Stealth says it all.
In life most things are over rated not understated.
The Exp II bucks this trend.
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Old 23 May 2008, 08:11 AM   #68
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I can only add that I chose my EXP II over the GMT and SUB because I love useable functionality. Not only is the EXP II more subtle than it's brothers, it's a genuine SS working watch. I don't need a third time zone, triplock, precious metal or bling.....

It's purity and style set it apart....
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Old 23 May 2008, 08:13 AM   #69
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I can only add that I chose my EXP II over the GMT and SUB because I love useable functionality. Not only is the EXP II more subtle than it's brothers, it's a genuine SS working watch. I don't need a third time zone, triplock, precious metal or bling.....

It's purity and style set it apart....
Simon nails it in one. WHO IS THE DADDY?
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Old 23 May 2008, 08:27 AM   #70
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Simon nails it in one. WHO IS THE DADDY?
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Old 23 May 2008, 11:23 AM   #71
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IMO the most underappreciated sport model out there.

With the thimmer profile it fits nicely beneath the shirt cuff

Where can you get a band like that?

Getting my EXP II tomorrow!
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Old 23 May 2008, 12:45 PM   #72
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I can only add that I chose my EXP II over the GMT and SUB because I love useable functionality. Not only is the EXP II more subtle than it's brothers, it's a genuine SS working watch. I don't need a third time zone, triplock, precious metal or bling.....

It's purity and style set it apart....
Well said Simon! I like my Expy2 more each day! I can't believe I will have to give it to my son in less than 20 years!!!
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Old 25 May 2008, 03:22 AM   #73
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Where can you get a band like that?

Getting my EXP II tomorrow!
Anyone?
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Old 25 May 2008, 04:00 AM   #74
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Anyone?
Try these guys. I got my NATO straps from them. http://www.gnomonwatches.com/
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Old 25 May 2008, 04:06 AM   #75
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Here's one source
http://www.countycomm.com/bond.htm
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Old 25 May 2008, 05:00 AM   #76
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Anyone?
Congrats on getting the Explorer II. Can't help you with adresses for straps as I buy them over here in the Netherlands. Please post pics when you get your Explorer II. The more Explorer fans the better.

Just another NATO shot:
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Old 25 May 2008, 06:33 AM   #77
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Thanks guys-unfortunately it still didn't arrive yet. Hopefully soon!
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Old 25 May 2008, 06:34 AM   #78
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Try these guys. I got my NATO straps from them. http://www.gnomonwatches.com/
Which MM is the correct one to get?
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Old 25 May 2008, 07:03 AM   #79
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Sorry for the delay

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Anyone?
I have been away

Bought the Bond strap at broadarrow.net

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Old 25 May 2008, 07:04 AM   #80
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20 mm is the size

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Which MM is the correct one to get?
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Old 25 May 2008, 12:38 PM   #81
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I initially recommended that the watch be renamed GMT (to improve it marketing). After seeing all the pictures of Explorer II's on NATO straps, I am really getting to like the look of this watch on a NATO strap. It think it looks even better than a Sub on the same strap.

Maybe, instead Rolex should just bundle a NATO strap with the Explorer II's. This will really make them more suitable for real explorer work.
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Old 25 May 2008, 12:46 PM   #82
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Have to agree with you, David.

While the Exp-II is by far the most comfortable Rolex of the lot, it's lack of popularity is probably 'cause of the FIXED bezel. Most guys would prefer to fork out the few extra $$$ and get the GMT-II so they can have a bezel to fiddle with!!

And, of course, the WHITE dial is more popular than the BLACK; but then that again is due to the fact that there aren't too many WHITE dial sports Rollies around.

JJ
Totally agree with you JJ. I have a 2 GMTs, a DJ, my first Rolex circa early 70's and the white dial Exp II. It is indeed comfortable to wear very close to the DJ. I opted for the white dial as I have the SS GMT II all black.

Again, I do not care about resale......as long as it smiles back at me.
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Old 25 May 2008, 08:42 PM   #83
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We'll keep posting some more then Shedlock 2000 untill you also catch the bug.
Here an unusual picture shot in the light of a Philips Living color light at night(no photoshop).
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Old 25 May 2008, 08:57 PM   #84
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Its a definate for me.
Just got to find the right price!!
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Old 25 May 2008, 10:14 PM   #85
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There are a few around on Chrono24 in the UK Martin, for what seem to be desent prices compared to the market over here in the Netherlands.
Also threw grey dealers I've seen amazing bargains on brand new european delivered ones. I don't know if I like the latest models with the RolexRolex ring though but in real live it's probably less obvious then in pictures.
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Old 25 May 2008, 10:24 PM   #86
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We'll keep posting some more then Shedlock 2000 untill you also catch the bug.
Here an unusual picture shot in the light of a Philips Living color light at night(no photoshop).
Nice pic!!!
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Old 25 May 2008, 11:11 PM   #87
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Thanks TR!
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Old 25 May 2008, 11:40 PM   #88
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Well, I hate to be the curmudgeon here but... I've never cared for the Exp II. The primary reason is the bezel. The course brushed finish has always stuck me as crude and unbecoming for such an expensive watch. Being fixed causes me pause as well. Overall, the balance of having the bezel the same color as the case and bracelet, especially with the white face, leaves me wanting for more contrasting style points. The overall look of the white faced version is just a bit too bland for me. I prefer the black faced version better for the reasons cited but that still leaves the bezel.

As in the original Exp II, if you truly want to track mil-time, there are much more discreet ways of doing so, like the chapter ring or additional scale on the dial. Having those large numbers and devoting the entire bezel to just that purpose seems like a poor use of resources. With the advent of the 3185 and the 'jump hour' hand, to track a second time zone requires resetting your watch on the Exp II. If traveling, especially for short durations, a quick turn of the bezel is much more convenient.

In the end, were I contemplating buying another Rolex, the Exp II just wouldn't be on my wish list. It's just me and my warped sensibilities. I certainly don't pass judgement on those who do. Different strokes after all.
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Old 26 May 2008, 12:39 AM   #89
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We'll keep posting some more then Shedlock 2000 untill you also catch the bug.
Here an unusual picture shot in the light of a Philips Living color light at night(no photoshop).

Very cool!!!!!
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Old 26 May 2008, 04:30 AM   #90
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I'd argue that the Turn-O-graph by far gets the least attention from TRFers. I love my Expy II and it's the watch that turned me on to Rolex.
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