Rolex Explorer II Noir - 2 and a half years later

[heresiarh]

I have worn this watch five times a week for the past two and a half years. The only time I take it off is before going to bed. Yes, I shower with it too. On the weekends I tend to sport other watches in my collection.

Choosing the Explorer II Noir over the other popular Rolex pieces was a tough choice but a choice I don't regret. I have worn this watch with pride and loved every minute of it.

I have no complaints at all. This watch has held up extremely well. The only exception are the scratches due to desk diving and regular wear and tear. It has seen many foreign lands including middle eastern deserts. It is keeping time within cosc standard. The bracelet still feels like brand new and the crystal is in 100% condition. Overall the watch has maintained its incredible look and I haven't gotten tired of it. I still smile everytime I wear it.
Even today I would pick the Explorer II over any other Rolex models (with the exception of a vintage no date submariner, one day I will get my hands on it).

Explorer II is the most expensive watch in my collection but it has become my daily beater since I just can't seem to take it off. How can I, its just too perfect, not to mention extremely comfortable and light.

The watch holds sentimental value because it was a wedding gift to myself, and its also the watch I wore when my son was born. Surprisingly enough the doctor allowed me to announce the time of birth and she later verified it as accurate. It will also be the watch that I will hand over to my son once he graduates from college (hopefully from medical or law school).

Here are some pics. I apologize for iPhone pics. I will take some professional pictures once I get the time.

[sea-dweller]

Nice Explorer !!!

[ally]

Great review heresiarh

I have had mine for a couple of months now and it has only left my wrist when I go to bed


Looks like your has the "engraved rehaut" must be one of the 1st to have that ??

[heresiarh]

Originally Posted by ally

Great review heresiarh

I have had mine for a couple of months now and it has only left my wrist when I go to bed


Looks like your has the "engraved rehaut" must be one of the 1st to have that ??

I know its an M serial and I got it when it was initially released. I believe now they're not doing engraved rehauts?

[ally]

Originally Posted by heresiarh

I know its an M serial and I got it when it was initially released. I believe now they're not doing engraved rehauts?

Still doing the engrave rehauts as far as I know..


Mine is a M serial as well .............Only with the engraving

[heresiarh]

Originally Posted by ally

Still doing the engrave rehauts as far as I know..


Mine is a M serial as well .............Only with the engraving

what do u mean only with the engraving? Doesn't it also have the 3186 movement?

[spuds]

Great post.

My first & most memorable Rolex.

[Art 1]

Nice.

[ally]

Originally Posted by heresiarh

what do u mean only with the engraving? Doesn't it also have the 3186 movement?

Sorry I meant mine is without the engraved rehault


Mine has the 3185 movment

[Cru Jones]

Nice post! My white dial Explorer II smiles back to you. Just a perfect watch.

[albertgo]

Still look so pretty (watch) and new after two year and a half years.

Your post makes me want to get one too. Soon.....

[bbqBiker]

Love my noir Exp ii too. Recently found an Exp ii white dial/hands set on fleabay and will have my watchmaker-guy swap out those every few years just to keep things interesting.

[Atomant]

Exp's are very understated IMO. I love my White Exp II.

[macpaolo70]

I love this watch really

[tudorlex]

Blk Exp 2, my first rolex purchase nearly 20 yrs ago & after several other rolex and tudor buys, its still my all time favourite. love the fact that you just dont see the black exp as often as you see the subs & even the white exp. love the low profile & 24 hr red hand. its a fantastic watch

[TARDIS]

Not bad photo's with a phone camera either.

I am always torn between this model and the 'Polar' version.

[tudorlex]

one of the classiest models ever. Understated. A true classic.

[COOLSWEEP]

Very nice wording in your post. I would like to hear your opinion on the Explorer 1 which I consider to be the tougher brother of the two watches. Not the father!

[mho94]

Awesome post and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I bought this same watch 18 months ago for myself when my DS was born. I've had a ladies oyster perpetual datejust roman that my parents bought for me when I graduated MBA school so my plan was to pass it onto my daughter (now 4yo) when she grows up. Well, when #2 kid popped out (my DS) 18 months ago and I wanted to buy him something that I could pass onto him when he got older. DH is NOT a Rolex fan and could never understand why I was into them. Anyway, I searched long and hard and decided on the explorer cause it looked decent on my wrist (while big watches are in at the moment for women) and came to the EXPII black. Anyway, when I brought it home, DH just wasnt into it. Well, one day he couldnt find his watch and he reached for mine and well....put it this way, I'm now shopping for another "unisex" Rolex (maybe oyster datejust roman white dial or rhodium dial or Exp 1 ?) I miss my Exp 2 but am glad that DH has been coverted!!!! :-)

So, if you have any ideas on which Rolex to get next such that DH and I can share as well as be a good pass down to son watch, please let me know....

[drahthaar]

Your watch looks like it is in great shape, I cant see any scratches from the pictures. I want to get the new Explorer 42 but had some reservations due to the bezel being SS and thus being potentially less scratch resistant then the new Ceramic bezels. What is your experience with living with the SS bezel on the Explorer.

[Pilot518]

ive had my exp2, V serial only a few months. bought new at local AD, i love it! i choose the black face

[Osbong]

I acquired by EX II white dial two months ago and it has 3186. Great watch..

[psv]

Love that watch, even in both dial colors. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[Ultraman]

I can hear the Exp II Blanc calling my name!

[airball7]

Not sure how the Explorer II is generally regarded as the weakest in the Rolex line as it's a very elegant watch and easy to maintain. Glad you've worn it in good health and hope you continue. I bought a Sub the day I started law school in August of '91 and I know exactly what you mean about sentimental value; any piece in my collection is technically "for sale" except the Sub. I'll never forget the feeling of walking out of the AD with that watch on and going home to crack open my property law book (then dozing off). Every time I put that watch on I think of that day, and like you, when my kid is old enough it'll be passed down to him. The only problem I have with your review is . . . . now I want an EXPII.

[eric23]

Great Photos and a good Review!

[Puffy]

Great post indeed

[calibre1]

Great write up!!

Any update on this review Zidane?