A Brief, Solely Aesthetic Review of the Rolex Explorer II

[Psmith]

Very nice review, thanks

The only thing I really don't like about the Exp II is the Twinlock crown - a Triplock would make it near-perfect

Nit-picking, I would prefer the black dial to either be a true matt (rather than a satin black, which looks brownish in certain light), and for the base of the hands to be better resolved i.e. match the dial. Obviously the white dial avoids both these issues. A Glidelock clasp would also be welcome, but I am happy enough with the Easylink

[Jack T]

A very interesting review, a personal perspective, but one I can appreciate. After all, in the world of high end watches, it pretty much all personal perspective, but you make very good points about design and materials. Enjoy it!

[Jat]

Agree. Indeed. Particularly, I neither like shinny nor gold watches. I love the air king series, but they are too small for my personal taste. The explorer ii fits all my needs. I also have the black dial and couldn't be happier. It's a great watch.


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[Eddie1]

Thank you everyone!

[BA211]

Nice review. I just picked up a Polar Explorer II a couple of weeks ago. It is a wonderful watch.

[Eddie1]

It really is Sir! I'm going to write more. Would anyone like to know anything more? I'm eager to help anyone with any questions. BA211, maybe you could help those with polar questions and I'll help with whatever black dial (nickname?) questions may arise. I know how people agonize and would love to help.

[Eddie1]

Here are some more pictures!

[rts9364]

Nice review. I am fairly new to Rolex (and TRF), having recently added a SubC to my collection. It's a great watch, but I was having trouble fitting the SubC into my rotation for several reasons. I agonized for a while about what to do, and the more that happened, the more I was drawn to the 216570 (black). Other than the 42mm size, it seems to be everything I want in a modern Rolex. I remain a little unsure about the size, but I have now sent off my 114060 and my new black Explorer II should arrive tomorrow. I wish I could keep both, but I think (hope) the ExpII will be a better fit for me. I've all but decided that I will go vintage to get a Sub into my rotation in the future.

Thanks again for the thoughtful review!

[DCgator]

I bought the polar because of the clean look.

[Eddie1]

Cool share some thoughts when you get it!

Polar also very beautiful.

[ericf4]

Great take on a review! I feel very much the same about my white dial I got this weekend! Bracelet is so comfortable!


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[avusblue]

To Eddie1: a great review! I applaud your descriptiveness. In particular, regarding the brushed sun-ray finish on the bezel, you really did a great job conveying that effect, which really must be seen in the light of day to fully appreciate. And, your comments on the markers and hands looking different in differing light scenarios is very good, and applies to any sports Rolex. Kudos and thanks.

[Eddie1]

Thank you kindly! Must say I'm loving the watch. Very comfortable. Will write more when work isn't killing me!

[gppm]

Great review. I agonised for months over the choice between the Milguass and the REII. Eventually went for the REII white because I was looking for a watch I could ware all the time and was reasonably accurate.

This is the only automatic watch I own and I won't be building a collection. I needed one watch to ware with suits during the day and jeans on the weekend. The REII is a real all rounder. I bought it in Jan 2013 and have worn it every day since then. Comes off only when I sleep.


Apart from looking great - classy but not overstated - it also is really rugged. I ware it in the gym, doing the chores around the house, in the pool and everywhere else. Has had plenty of knocks and scraps but so far not a scratch to be seen.

To put icing on the cake, it is also amazingly accurate. I have to admit to being a bit anally retentive and check the accuracy pretty regularly. The watch took a few months to settle in, during which time it gained about a second or two a week. But mostly the accuracy is redo illusory good. I reset the watch four weeks ago and have had it in the sauna, chilly outdoors and air conditioned offices. Temperature doesn't seem to affect it and it is currently running one second fast over the last month. Better than the quartz watch it replaced.

Love it and will probably die with it on my wrist.

[Northbound]

It is a fantastic watch. I have 6 3/4 inch wrists, and I generally despise big watches. This watch works in every way though. Mainly because it is very thin at 12mm. The bracelet is easily adjustable for a comfortable fit, and it wears well without being top heavy. The matte black dial, creamy markers with the orange highlights....just a thing of beauty......

[oldblock]

Great review - really appreciated - I went white and love it

[Random]

Great review Eddie1 - thanks so much and just as helpful as the data-driven ones. Seriously considering one of these.
Just interested to learn a couple of things. How does it sit under shirt cuffs. Does it slip under them easily or tend to get caught?
Do the phantom hands stand out in contrast to the matte dial in natural light?
I have tried one on and it seems to be not too massive and it seems to conform to the top of my wrist pretty well - i have 6 3/4 wrists. Thanks very much again: cheers:

[chivuluxury]

Good review sir.

[Prism]

Great review, received mine about a week ago and couldn't be happier.
I noticed on mine that the Rolex crown engraving on the rehaut at 12 o'clock is not perfectly aligned with the 12'oclock minute marker on the dial. It is very slight but I guess I pay attention to details. Also I noticed that the watch serial number is not engraved on the case at 6 o'clock (need to remove bracelet to see). It is marked on the rehaut. I thought Rolex had them on both the case and rehaut. Could others with the new Exp2 confirm?

TIA.

[Eddie1]

Slips right under my cuff!

[Eddie1]

Prism: can't see any bad alignments. Don't know anything about the serial numbers.

Random: works really well with cuffs and suits. It's not flat, the bezel slopes which really helps as it never gets stuck under my cuffs.
Ed.

[Bugsy]

Wow. Thanks. J am just seeing this now and really appreciate the format and content of your review. I went polar to compliment my Sub ND.


Bugsy

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[ra's ag]

Eddie:
You have given me second thought to selling my Polar explorer. Maybe I'll hold it for my Son after all.

[Eddie1]

hey Ra's ag. I think that's wise. It's pretty much a future proof watch and I'm certain your son will very much enjoy receiving such a nice gift from his Father.

[Eddie1]

Thank you Bugsy! I'm loving the watch every day. Versatile, comfortable, classic.

[Ed Man]

Very nice review. I don't own an ExpII as I fell in love with the SubC ND. If I was considering another watch, your review would certainly have me looking at an Explorer. I feel the same way about my Sub. Hard to go wrong with any Rolex TBH!!!

[Eddie1]

I agree Ed Man.

I have to say, where this watch has really excelled is comfort.

[Random]

Eddie1,
Sorry for the delay getting back, thanks for the helpful info

[Eddie1]

Nice cuff shot.

[Eddie1]

The hands - phantom or otherwise - are very legible. I'm not really sure of the fuss. Some people don't like them. Me? I'm pretty sure Mr Rolex knows more about his exceedingly good wrist watches than I do, so I'm sold. The watch is marvelous. Completely robust, perfectly comfortable. Can't recommend it enough.