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Old 21 May 2008, 01:19 AM   #1
DSJ
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The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

I know this has been discussed before, but I thought it might be interesting to revisit.

Of all the SS Sport Rollies out there, the Explorer II (and Explorer, but the focus of this thread is on the II), particularly the black dial, seems to be the least desirable, and hence has the lowest resale value. I bought my slightly used one from my AD at a significant discount from MSRP, and it's fairly common to get TT like discounts on these, which differs from all the other SS Sporties. We see Explorer II's languish in AD's cases and on our For Sale page, often being discounted several times before they sell or are pulled.

The watch is essentially the same as the legacy GMT II's, minus the rotating bezel. It has a sleek and unique profile not seen on other non-Rolex watches, except the Invicta's Rolex-inspired models. It's comfort is among the best of Sports Rollies, and it has the added complication of the 24H hand.

I'd like to see a discussion about TRFers thoughts on why the Explorer II's desirability and resale is lower than that of other Sports models. The longer I own mine, the more I like it, and I can't figure out why it's not more popular
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Old 21 May 2008, 01:40 AM   #2
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i know what you mean about he resale value.i have a nib z serial that i bought 2 months ago from my il ad that i want to sell.every time i see one here for sale it just hangs around for quite a while,and the price drops over and over again.i might just post it on craigslist and see what happens.it is a cool watch but i want to use the funds for the new deep sea.
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:04 AM   #3
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David,

I do not own an Explorer, however I do like the 24hr hand.

If I were to buy one I would buy the white face because I like the look of it better and because I already have a black dial watch with my Sea Dweller.

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Old 21 May 2008, 02:10 AM   #4
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I don't understand this either..

My feeling is that most Rolex owners and buyers of today spend most of their time indoors in front of the computer, so the durability and 'ruggedness' of the watch is irrelevent, only the image..

I live in the desert, so when I go for a mountain climb, bike ride, the drag-races, or out to a off-road event..The EXP II is the right watch for the event. It doesn't have the fragile rotating bezel to get sand and grit into, and bangin' it against the rocks and dragging through the brush has little affect.

Hey....if you spend your time clubbin' and posen', then strap on that blingy GMT or your Beach Daytona.

But if you have a serious TT event, or your climbing the dunes in your modified VW1800, or rock climbing in the Jeep....The EXP II is the ultimate workhorse:

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Old 21 May 2008, 02:17 AM   #5
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I work in an office, in a factory and on construction sites. I also drive a lot, here there and everywhere, and I cross timezones now and then. Apart from jumping +2secs/day after taking a whack on a table, my Explorer II Blanc is still with spec at +3.2secs/day overall, a little scratched up, but looking damn good on my wrist for it. People can't believe I wear it to sites, factories etc and I just tell them, it's what it's been made for.
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:40 AM   #6
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Well said, Larry and Lee. It's a great watch for Desk Diving AND REAL outdoors adventures! Of all the Rollies, I think there is no better for a soldier in the field.
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:46 AM   #7
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Love my Exp II
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:50 AM   #8
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I would say the Explorer II (and regular Explorer for that matter) are both more watches that WIS would choose. And most Rolex wearers aren't necessarily WIS.
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:56 AM   #9
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The EXP II is at the top of my list... It has always been one of my favorites, it's the only one with a functional non moving bezel.
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Old 21 May 2008, 02:57 AM   #10
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For true down and get dirty work or play, I wear either my 14060 or Explorer II. Never thought about grit and sand with the Sub. Great point. I have to admit that it does look less like a Rolex than my other watches. Mind you, I don't care, but I just wanted to point that out.
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Old 21 May 2008, 03:00 AM   #11
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I think they're gorgeous to be honest. Just prefer the look of the sub and I think most people do.
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Old 21 May 2008, 03:02 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DSJ View Post
the Explorer II (and Explorer, but the focus of this thread is on the II), particularly the black dial, seems to be the least desirable, and hence has the lowest resale value.
I find it beautiful ... especially the black dial
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Old 21 May 2008, 03:08 AM   #13
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The white face Exp II has always been my favorite Rolex sport watch. I like the white dial (vs. black on most Rolex sport models), and the general look of the watch. It also appeals to me that it's more subtle and nuanced - it doesn't make a statement in the way that, e.g., the Sub does - non-enthusiasts don't immediately make assumptions when they see it on your wrist; they typically don't even know it's a Rolex. When I decided to get into Rolexes not long ago, other watches came my way first for various reasons, but I'm finally picking up a white Explorer II - I've been traveling for a week, and it should be waiting for me when I get home later today. I bought it here (and yes, the price had been lowered a few times). I have a feeling I'll be wearing it as much as my other watches combined. Just a great watch. For similar reasons, an Explorer I will probably be my next Rolex (and last one for a while, this is getting expensive..).
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Old 21 May 2008, 03:46 AM   #14
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Most have to agree with of what's been said.
The Exp.II is definately my favourite sports Rolex. I like both dials but will get a white face as I've a blue one on my oyster date.
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Old 21 May 2008, 03:56 AM   #15
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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.

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Old 21 May 2008, 04:14 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
But if you have a serious TT event, or your climbing the dunes in your modified VW1800, or rock climbing in the Jeep....The EXP II is the ultimate workhorse:
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER View Post
I would say the Explorer II (and regular Explorer for that matter) are both more watches that WIS would choose. And most Rolex wearers aren't necessarily WIS.
Totally agree with what has been said in the above posts
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Old 21 May 2008, 04:16 AM   #17
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Are case and movement the same as in GMT?
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Old 21 May 2008, 04:17 AM   #18
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Are case and movement the same as in GMT?
Movement is the same 3185 with the same time zone function. Exp case is 1 mm smaller.

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Old 21 May 2008, 05:50 AM   #19
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The reason I bought the Exp II was the fact that it was not instantly recognisable as a Rollie.
The white face, slightly different.
The Red 24 hr hand, functional.
The fixed bezel, practical.
All in all an awesonme watch, that for the last 2 odd years has been everything I hoped for.
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Old 21 May 2008, 06:36 AM   #20
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Gutted that I got rid of mine


Oh well.Maybe I 'll have Her back one day.

Also agree that it doesn't scream "I'm a Rolex" which I liked.
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Old 21 May 2008, 07:38 AM   #21
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Why did you get rid of it Hammer?
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Old 21 May 2008, 08:16 AM   #22
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I think the Expy II is a great looking and well fitting watch but IMO it has an ill-defined role and less of a mystique about it than other models in the sports line-up. Perhaps public opinion largely defines its market value in terms of resale?
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Old 21 May 2008, 08:30 AM   #23
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Quote:
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The reason I bought the Exp II was the fact that it was not instantly recognisable as a Rollie.
The white face, slightly different.
The Red 24 hr hand, functional.
The fixed bezel, practical.
+1 I totally agree with everything you said. I also like the fact that it is uncommon; all my friends that have a Rolex have a Sub in their collection. I am the only one that has an Expy II. Sometimes it is nice to be different. And the white dial is CLEAN looking. Its a great substitue to a White dial S/S Daytona as far as having a white dial in your Rolex collection.
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Old 21 May 2008, 08:33 AM   #24
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I love my Expy II not only for the looks but for the comfort. I will sometimes slip it on for a moment after taking off my SD that I've been wearing all day...just to feel the difference. Without a doubt the most comfortable of the sport models. I love the slope of the bezel and although I'm not a fan of the magnifier, It looks better IMO over a white dial.
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Old 21 May 2008, 09:26 AM   #25
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I think the Explorer II is a very handsome watch, but not quite on my list of other watches I want to get first. Although I already have the GMT, I may consider the Expy one day for it's cleaner look and profile.
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Old 21 May 2008, 09:50 AM   #26
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I miss mine.


The most comfortable Rolex I have ever worn.
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Old 21 May 2008, 01:10 PM   #27
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I just don't understand why it has such a limited (albeit loyal) following... I've got Bluesy on now, and while I love it, it's a lot heftier and less comfortable, at the end of the day...
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Old 21 May 2008, 01:21 PM   #28
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Mine has settled down to +3.2/day after the table whacking incident, and it's performing admirably. Been shifting marble slabs and tiles the last two days and it's been dinged but not a single scratch or gouge.

Limited means more time and space for us Expy II afficionados.
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Old 21 May 2008, 01:47 PM   #29
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I'm contemplating the purchase of one.
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Old 21 May 2008, 01:55 PM   #30
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thanks for david, i pulled my explorer 2 black from the market. it s a good watch. and just gonna keep it.

by the way, which part of minnesota are u?

my hometown is saint cloud, mn.
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