Rolex explorer 2

[Speedfreek28]

Greetings new member here! I apologize in advance if there is already a discussion on this topic but I wanted to get your opinions on the explorer 2 42mm, mainly the white face. I want to get one but was wondering how it is percieved in the eyes of rolex fans like yourselves (like if it's worth getting and is collectable) and in terms of whether or not it holds its value. Thanks!

[Heff]

Ugh. You’re gonna get crap for asking a question like that here. Forget about the value. Think about what it’s value is to you.

The Exp II isn’t traditionally as popular as the Submariner, Daytona, or GMT II, but it’s a fantastic watch. I have the black dial and I would never part with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Britus]

Buy the watch that makes you smile...

[Locust]

Worth getting: yes. Holds value: ok not great. Collectible: who knows
Great watch in general

[Gotham777]

I have the black dial 42mm EX2 and I love it. I think the only reason its not as popular is because its not instantly recognisable as a Rolex. I like the under the radar aspect of it and its one of the few true tool watches that Rolex still makes. Black or white dial, its a great watch. I also have the “popular” GMT II BLNR and I like my Explorer II just as much.

[importstunna]

It hasn't had the price impact as some of the other SS models, but for reasons mentioned by others above, it's one of my favorites in the lineup. I have the prior model 16570 Polar, and love its under the radar + metal bezel tool watch look and feel. Buy what you want vs. what others think!

[Justindo]

I like the Polar Explorer II a lot and it holds its value very well compared to watches in general but not as much as the other sport Rolexes. Regardless, buy the watch you like and you shouldn't have to worry about resale.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by Gotham777

I have the black dial 42mm EX2 and I love it. I think the only reason its not as popular is because its not instantly recognisable as a Rolex. I like the under the radar aspect of it and its one of the few true tool watches that Rolex still makes. Black or white dial, its a great watch. I also have the “popular” GMT II BLNR and I like my Explorer II just as much.

Are you me? Our collections are similar. Do you have a Speedmaster Pro also?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[askdanny]

If it’s good enough for Prince Harry...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chloebear]

The Explorer II will never be as popular as the big 3 (Submariner, GMT Master II or Daytona), however there are very few watches from any brand as popular as the big 3 from Rolex. Having said that, it a very well loved watch on here. I own the black dial and it is by far my favorite watch. I'm considering picking up the white dial version too.

I love that it is just slightly bigger than most of the other sports model Rolexes. It's 42mm, where as most are 40mm. I think 42mm is the perfect modern size for a sports watch.

laki maikaʻi

[Speedfreek28]

Thanks for tips and info guys! I want the explorer 2 for my self and based off your opinions, it's a real "worker", down and dirty kind of watch which is what I'm looking for. I think the preconceived notion of "value" and "image" that I was fearful about with the explorer 2 came from the ADs that I've visited. They basically boast about the seadwellers and Daytonas so when I ask about the explorer 2 they make it seem as like junk.

[tyler1980]

its a great watch. On paper and in pics i prefer the white but on my wrist i prefer the black. Large white dialed watches usually dont look that good on me... i wish they did though

[penguin78]

Explorer II also has the 3187 movement, as opposed to the 3186 movement found in GMTIIC LN / BLNR watches:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=330761

[watchmework]

Buy it if you enjoy it.

[bund]

Originally Posted by askdanny

If it’s good enough for Prince Harry...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is that the 40 or the 42.

[MikeConnolly]

Earlier this year I bought my first Rolex, the Explorer II Polar. The reason I chose this watch is because I think it's an extremely attractive watch. I have some watches that are more valuable than my Explorer II, but value & prestige doesn't enter my head. I enjoy wearing it so much. I'm saying this as a former anti Rolex person. The Rolex Explorer II Polar changed my opinion.

[Rocket_Man]

I like the Polar Exp II, but I prefer the older 40mm model. If they re-released the 40mm size it would be on my short list. The also refer the GMT hand style on that model.

I don't think it holds it's value and better or worse than the black dial model. That said it is not one of their more in-demand models. If you like it, buy it. Don't worry about value retention, especially if you are going to hold the watch.

[hambone1983]

bottom line, if you like it nothing else said here is ultimately gonna matter much.

I had the polar explorer at the top of my list for a while, ended up going a different way on my last purchase, but I still like it. 42mm is cool, I find it much easier to read. For some reason my eyes get older every year. I also think the fixed bezel is really cool, and I love the look of the polar dial when it begins to lume up.

[Speedfreek28]

Call it awkward, but that pic of prince harry with an explorer 2 kind of has me sold on it now haha. By the way, how does it wear for those of you with one? I currently wear a tag carrera 01 and as much as I like it, I feel the case is a little too tall on my wrist which makes it uncomfortable at work. Also, the buckle on the 01 digs into my wrist after a while but I have to have it that way in order to prevent it from moving around due to the large case. Will I have that issue with the explorer 2? I want it to be my every day work, out door, be a bad ass like price harry watch.

[cajerseyboy]

I have a few R models and the EXII is the most comfortable of the bunch. I think the larger case size makes the watch more stable and less prone to case roll. It has a very low profile to boot but still feels solid. Rolex hit a home run with this one. And you can actually BUY THEM from an AD right out of the display case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Manstrom]

Got mine, the polar, a month ago, absolutely love it.
Was my best decision to buy it!

Already posted lots of pics in TRF.

[toneafficianado]

I am the right guy to comment here because i just sold my 42mm Polar after 4 years.
Regretting it incredibly much. Made money on afte four years but didn't get current market value.
i just miss it! it fitted really well due to the longer case size and short crown plus it sat flat on the wrist , more so than my 5 digit sub actually.
it kept incredibly accurate time too!
And was SO legible in day and dark. Huge lumed hands.
I am hoping to find another one day is all I can say.
Buy one now if you can!

[1William]

I like the Polar Explorer II and the orange hand. It wears well at 42 mm but it is not oversized. I think that it is a sleeper in the Rolex line-up.

[Onequik135i]

At first the Explorer II didn’t appeal to me as much but now it does, such as all mentioned above I went ahead and reserved an early model 40mm Polar with the 3186 movement. I have to admit it was a tough decision between the 40/42. Def go for it !

[Manu77]

16570 is the perfect watch for me!

[KeithP]

It’s my favorite reference in the lineup by miles.

[Frits1980]

I have one (white dial) and its one of my favorites. I love the steal bezel and the 42mm size. As mentioned in this thread its very accurate. Gaining about 0.25/0.5 seconds on the wrist and loosing the same if layed down at night crown up. So after one month ,without letting it run down, its dead on.

It's a bit of an odd Rolex (same goes for the Milgauss blue) which for me makes it such a fun watch.

[watchwatcher]

It doesn't get a lot of love on TRF, but there are definitely fans of the reference here. And rightfully so, it's a great watch.

It's a very comfortable 42mm, striking good looks, tough as nails, and about as functional and legible as a watch can be.

[Friar]

I have one and love it. It's not too tall (or thick). The white dial dazzles, the lume glows blue in the bright sunlight, and it's incredibly legible. Mine gains about 1 s/d and is 4 years old. I have it on a nylon strap now for summer and occasionally use a leather band during the winter instead of the ss bracelet --which BTW, is very comfortable with the EasyLink extension.

[datejustrms]

It's a great watch!