Baselworld 2021 prediction - Year Explorer II gets ceramic (50th Anniversary) and fin

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by Sg6067

I realize this won’t be a popular comment in this thread but I don’t think many people look at the Explorer as an exciting watch. I always assumed that Explorer was just the watch people settled for after they got tired of waiting for a sub or gmt. My wish for Basel 2020 and 2021 is that Rolex stop releasing “updated” watches and start focusing on producing enough of their in-demand references so that people don’t have to wait years to purchase the watch they want.

In order to do this, they have to continue to consolidate movements between models.

[Highlatitude]

The Exp2 is unique because it has a steel bezel. With a ceramic bezel it would not be an Exp2 anymore. Any colour other than a black ceramic bezel would look dreadful. A New GMT2 LN with a rotating bezel would be much more desirable than a similar looking Exp2. Therefore a steel bezel is likely the only sensible choice. Also Ceramic without a metal bezel surround has obvious durability issues for a watch like the Exp2.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Sg6067

I always assumed that Explorer was just the watch people settled for after they got tired of waiting for a sub or gmt.

On the law of averages alone, you must be partly right. But a total miss in my case.

I've loved the 42mm Explorer since it first appeared. And the Polar in particular, although they both have plenty going for them. My Polar was supposed to be my last quality watch. The one to replace them all and wear for ever. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, it actually turned out to be my first Rolex, and not my last watch at all. Oops.

They can do what they like to the Explorer. I've got mine already.

[Roli4life]

I do not know when it will happen, but I believe Rolex discontinued the black GMT to make way for a ceramic Explorer II.

Surely the new ceramic Explorer will come with a price increase, and think how similar it would be to a black GMT 2 if both of them were in the Rolex lineup simultaneously.

[MTdweller]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

I do not know when it will happen, but I believe Rolex discontinued the black GMT to make way for a ceramic Explorer II.

Surely the new ceramic Explorer will come with a price increase, and think how similar it would be to a black GMT 2 if both of them were in the Rolex lineup simultaneously.

I think this looks pretty sharp!

[watchwatcher]

I would be very surprised if any of that happens...especially the oyster flex. Rolex has shown very clearly that is going to be a PM only option.

It doesn't matter, though, to me, anyway. It's pretty much the perfect watch as is.

[Spartacus]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why in general Rolex Basel releases over the past 15-20 years have been very disappointing, with no real new watches only cosmetically changed old ones.

Really? Not even the DSSD(clasp), or movements in the Skydweller, YM-II impressed you?

At least the Skydweller and and YM-II have to get some sort of a hat tip. These are quite innovative movements.....IMHO....

Tough crowd!

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

I do not know when it will happen, but I believe Rolex discontinued the black GMT to make way for a ceramic Explorer II.

Surely the new ceramic Explorer will come with a price increase, and think how similar it would be to a black GMT 2 if both of them were in the Rolex lineup simultaneously.

But why? The GMT looks much better and has a rotating bezel so extra functionality. Also the all steel bezel is what makes current and previous Exp2s different. It is their ‘look’. In two ill conceived moves, Rolex will then have alienated many GMT fans and many Exp2 fans and abandoned one of the few styles that is a bit different in the Professional range. That would be foolish.

[1Zach1]

A bezel more similar to the 1655 would make sense to me. Not a huge fan of the ceramic mock up, but I also don’t hate it.

[pepsiretail]

Originally Posted by padi56

Why in general Rolex Basel releases over the past 15-20 years have been very disappointing, with no real new watches only cosmetically changed old ones.

Rolex has introduced completely new watches during that time frame:

Yacht Master 2

Sky Dweller

Both have completely new complications for the brand.

Rolex, in my view, have done remarkable things to increase their quality and desirability over the time frame you cite. One might even say this period has been a Renaissance for them

[ras47]

I've given up on making predictions. I know enough to know I don't know anything about what Rolex has up it's sleeve. But the Cerachrome Explorer II is my most fervent wish.

[Roli4life]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

But why? The GMT looks much better and has a rotating bezel so extra functionality. Also the all steel bezel is what makes current and previous Exp2s different. It is their ‘look’. In two ill conceived moves, Rolex will then have alienated many GMT fans and many Exp2 fans and abandoned one of the few styles that is a bit different in the Professional range. That would be foolish.

I guess for those who want a larger, and more robust looking watch. It would be 42mm, brushed, and have an oyster bracelet instead of jubilee, to name a few key differences.

[djgallo]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

But why? The GMT looks much better and has a rotating bezel so extra functionality. Also the all steel bezel is what makes current and previous Exp2s different. It is their ‘look’. In two ill conceived moves, Rolex will then have alienated many GMT fans and many Exp2 fans and abandoned one of the few styles that is a bit different in the Professional range. That would be foolish.

Don’t think the bezel will go ceramic....but, if does go to ceramic I think the font has to be different...it’s way to much like the GMT.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

In of itself, that's a very nice looking watch.

Viewed from a wider angle, it looks like everything else.

A two colour black and white ceramic bezel would help IMO. Or something like that. Not any of the GMT Master liveries.

[MilesB]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

The Exp2 is unique because it has a steel bezel. With a ceramic bezel it would not be an Exp2 anymore. Any colour other than a black ceramic bezel would look dreadful. A New GMT2 LN with a rotating bezel would be much more desirable than a similar looking Exp2. Therefore a steel bezel is likely the only sensible choice. Also Ceramic without a metal bezel surround has obvious durability issues for a watch like the Exp2.

You could have said the same thing about the Daytona a few years ago, but Rolex replaced its steel bezel with black ceramic.

[HORNBLOWER]

I predict more great references will be created that nobody can access at realistic prices.

[Hotrod297]

-Sub get's new movement, lugs slimmed down.
-Full Gold SD43
-GMT full YG new movement & Case.
-GMT TT on Jubilee

[Singslinger]

I'd be much happier if they equip the Exp II with a Triplock crown.

IMHO, for a tool watch, the current Twinlock isn't good enough.

[grimps]

A ceramic bezel wouldn't work on a watch designed to be worn for activities such as climbing mountains .
I know from my own experience of dropping my Pepsi on the floor that it takes very little to smash the bezel , It wouldn't last ten minutes with a guy doing more vigorous activities than I do

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by MilesB

You could have said the same thing about the Daytona a few years ago, but Rolex replaced its steel bezel with black ceramic.

Not really because the Daytona is a Chronograph. Giving it a ceramic bezel does not make it look like any other model. The Exp2 does not have enough other distinguishing features.

[186%]

Give me a full YG Explorer II with a white dial and I'll be first in the line at my boutique

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I'd be much happier if they equip the Exp II with a Triplock crown.

IMHO, for a tool watch, the current Twinlock isn't good enough.

No kidding, and it looks silly on a 42mm watch. That alone has pushed me away from the Exp2 many times. I know the twin lock functions the same and a trip lock wouldn't add any benefit, but the aesthetics would take a huge leap forward, like the modern GMTs.

[Roli4life]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

In of itself, that's a very nice looking watch.



Viewed from a wider angle, it looks like everything else.



A two colour black and white ceramic bezel would help IMO. Or something like that. Not any of the GMT Master liveries.

But imagine what the white dial would look like.

[marcr92]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Bezel markers will have lume.

Based on Rolex’s description of the model (using bezel to decipher AM / PM in complete darkness) makes no sense to me to not have bezel lume.

I like...

[RTG]

Originally Posted by glamorama

To put a black ceramic bezel on Explorer II would be too lazy, too predictable and not in line with the spirit of the watch. I think Rolex will surprise us. Or why not keep this one in steel?

I'm pretty certain I will be buying next gen Explorer II whatever it is.. my 16570 polar needs a black companion.

Count me as another who hopes they DON'T do a ceramic EXPII. Love the watch as is. Not every model needs ceramic.

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

But imagine what the white dial would look like.

Last year, I started communicated with my AD regarding a ceramic white dial .

Hoping if it happens, I'd be considered for allocation.

[904VT]

If Rolex did update the watch with the new gen movement, the calibre would be 3285 not 3287. 3285 already has parachrom, paraflex, and chronergy escapement so it wouldn't be a different calibre this round.

I like the SS bezel. Too much ceramic in the Rolex line imo right now

[OrangeKenny]

Those renders with a green 24hr hand and text would be nice. I’d buy the white one.
What would the nicknames be? Oreo for the white face black bezel?

[RHIII]

If Basel 2021 even happens....

[dwjez14]

What did I miss ? What happened to 2020 ??