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colonelpurple · 22 June 2018, 01:29 AM

My Explorer II has arrived !!!

Its been on my to-do list for some time. It’s sleek lines and ability to combine the classic with the modern is very appealing.

One thing I find interesting about the Explorer ii is that it’s difficult to classify. It’s not an obvious diver, but can dive, it’s not an obvious racer but with its beautiful satin stainless steel bezel (all it takes in some brands) it can race, it’s not an obvious dress watch but looks great with a suit, it’s not an obvious aviator or world traveller, but with GMT it can travel ....

Note an apology from me - sorry the stickers are still on. I like to let them fall off on their own, normally after a few swims!

The first thing that struck me when I put it on is how svelte it is. Even on my small wrist it sits comfortably and slides under every shirt.

I chose the black one for a number of reasons, all my taste of course and the white one looks super as well. The black is a bit smarter and a bit more subtle. Somehow the white one looks bigger (an optical illusion), not that that’s bad in itself, but the black and the size are almost perfect to my eyes. The silver borders on the pips also look more luxurious then the black borders on the polar. I love the way colours can play with the black

I have a small wrist but like big watches. They are more easy to see but also I just like the presence. 42mm is smaller then the average 44mm of many of my other watches, but I think its just perfect here. The sapphire is raised about a millimetre above the bezel which both gives a classic look whilst providing a bit of extra protection for the bezel.

I have to say the lume is unexpectedly bright and is a nice cherry on the icing.

The bracelet is my favourite metal Matt bracelet in the watch world. In addition to taking out or putting in links, the buckle has 3 micro position settings and the genius of the easy link. My wrist can expand and contract during the day significantly, particularly with temperature differences and sweat, and this is sent from heaven.

I was always sceptical about the GMT function, but I am finding it surprisingly useful, mainly as one of my bosses is in a different time zone 5 hours away, and that is material enough to need an annoying double take if calculating it myself. Although I am probably just slow ....

Every collection should have one and for some, it’ll be a monogamous one

harvey · 22 June 2018, 01:40 AM

Congrats! I like this underrated reference. I have the polar.

Great pics...thanks for sharing.

ale70 · 22 June 2018, 03:24 AM

On my radar as well. I love the Orange hand on the black dial! Congrats!

Jizzie001 · 22 June 2018, 03:50 AM

Really nice, Congrats

Art 1 · 22 June 2018, 04:01 AM

Congrats.

T01 · 22 June 2018, 04:02 AM

Congrats!

Boaters · 22 June 2018, 04:07 AM

Very nice Big Congrats

SeaDweller50 · 22 June 2018, 04:20 AM

Many congrats. Love the black matte dial.

sager · 22 June 2018, 04:22 AM

Congrats! Excellent choice.

Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk

tyler1980 · 22 June 2018, 04:24 AM

congrats, love it

KeithP · 22 June 2018, 04:26 AM

My favorite reference by far (in black, too!) and you beautifully stated almost exactly why. Great post. Thanks and enjoy!

lindstd · 22 June 2018, 04:33 AM

Great pictures

Psijason · 22 June 2018, 04:43 AM

Excellent choice!!!! I went with the black dial as well and just love it. Enjoy and wear it in good health!!!!

watchmework · 22 June 2018, 04:51 AM

Congrats!

Chester01 · 22 June 2018, 04:52 AM

Awesome! If I had the wrist for it, I would have one. There is something about that dial, matte black-almost charcoal in nature. I can’t look away!

tsteph12 · 22 June 2018, 04:56 AM

A handsome watch to be sure. Congratulations and hope you enjoy for many years to come. Cheers!

SPMN · 22 June 2018, 05:08 AM

Great watch and the pics are some of the best I've seen!

Urosfan · 22 June 2018, 05:25 AM

Congrats

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Carrera997 · 22 June 2018, 01:15 PM

Awesome...Congrats!

Nikrnic · 22 June 2018, 01:24 PM

That's a beauty. I know what you mean about the matte black almost brownish tone dial, I had that color on a black Milgauss non gv. I just peeled the stickers off my new Polar after a couple of days, now I think why did it take me so long to get one of these.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

colonelpurple · 22 June 2018, 05:13 PM

Thanks

In a crowded market of “me to” watches following the standard genres, Rolex has made a genre that no one has. Yet again, since most of the other genres Rolex was key in making.

IMHO the closest that actually comes to the Explorer is the Casio G-shock series

Its hard as nails, it can accompany you all around the world, or down the street. In water, in cold, in heat, in the desert, in the jungle, in the boardroom, in the garden, on the beach and in the bedroom (did I say that !!) and with the queen for tea ;)

G'ed · 22 June 2018, 05:41 PM

I have the Polar but black dial always cross my mind.

Vapour_trails · 22 June 2018, 06:07 PM

Very versatile piece, would love to see this on a black Everest strap

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

crazymcmichael · 22 June 2018, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

My Explorer II has arrived !!!

Its been on my to-do list for some time. It’s sleek lines and ability to combine the classic with the modern is very appealing.

One thing I find interesting about the Explorer ii is that it’s difficult to classify. It’s not an obvious diver, but can dive, it’s not an obvious racer but with its beautiful satin stainless steel bezel (all it takes in some brands) it can race, it’s not an obvious dress watch but looks great with a suit, it’s not an obvious aviator or world traveller, but with GMT it can travel ....

Note an apology from me - sorry the stickers are still on. I like to let them fall off on their own, normally after a few swims!

The first thing that struck me when I put it on is how svelte it is. Even on my small wrist it sits comfortably and slides under every shirt.

I chose the black one for a number of reasons, all my taste of course and the white one looks super as well. The black is a bit smarter and a bit more subtle. Somehow the white one looks bigger (an optical illusion), not that that’s bad in itself, but the black and the size are almost perfect to my eyes. The silver borders on the pips also look more luxurious then the black borders on the polar. I love the way colours can play with the black

I have a small wrist but like big watches. They are more easy to see but also I just like the presence. 42mm is smaller then the average 44mm of many of my other watches, but I think its just perfect here. The sapphire is raised about a millimetre above the bezel which both gives a classic look whilst providing a bit of extra protection for the bezel.

I have to say the lume is unexpectedly bright and is a nice cherry on the icing.

The bracelet is my favourite metal Matt bracelet in the watch world. In addition to taking out or putting in links, the buckle has 3 micro position settings and the genius of the easy link. My wrist can expand and contract during the day significantly, particularly with temperature differences and sweat, and this is sent from heaven.

I was always sceptical about the GMT function, but I am finding it surprisingly useful, mainly as one of my bosses is in a different time zone 5 hours away, and that is material enough to need an annoying double take if calculating it myself. Although I am probably just slow ....

Every collection should have one and for some, it’ll be a monogamous one

It is so stupid, i bought the Polar and i really love it, it is the coolest of the 2 in my opinion on the other hand the black dial is cooler than the POLAR, for me the white won as i wanted a couple of watches and i had a 114060 allready, but can't go wrong with both! i love them! congratz super cool piece

turborolex · 22 June 2018, 10:05 PM

Great choice, congrats!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

BNABOD · 22 June 2018, 10:17 PM

Looks great congrats

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1William · 22 June 2018, 10:31 PM

Congratulations. Nice write up. I own the Polar but have always liked the black dial. I have owned multiple Submariners and Sea-Dwellers at the same time but some how get hung up on owning the Explorer II in the two dial options. I will add the black dial to the list.

Psijason · 23 June 2018, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vapour_trails

Very versatile piece, would love to see this on a black Everest strap

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Everest has said they will put out a line for the watch in the next few months!!! Can't wait!!!

c41006 · 23 June 2018, 12:43 AM

Congrats

173rdabn · 23 June 2018, 12:50 AM

I really liked my black Explorer II, but traded it for an Explorer II polar. Very legible for my old and fading eyesight.

22 June 2018, 01:29 AM	#1
colonelpurple 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: London Posts: 390	My svelte Magellan has arrived aka the Explorer ii My Explorer II has arrived !!! Its been on my to-do list for some time. It’s sleek lines and ability to combine the classic with the modern is very appealing. One thing I find interesting about the Explorer ii is that it’s difficult to classify. It’s not an obvious diver, but can dive, it’s not an obvious racer but with its beautiful satin stainless steel bezel (all it takes in some brands) it can race, it’s not an obvious dress watch but looks great with a suit, it’s not an obvious aviator or world traveller, but with GMT it can travel .... Note an apology from me - sorry the stickers are still on. I like to let them fall off on their own, normally after a few swims! The first thing that struck me when I put it on is how svelte it is. Even on my small wrist it sits comfortably and slides under every shirt. I chose the black one for a number of reasons, all my taste of course and the white one looks super as well. The black is a bit smarter and a bit more subtle. Somehow the white one looks bigger (an optical illusion), not that that’s bad in itself, but the black and the size are almost perfect to my eyes. The silver borders on the pips also look more luxurious then the black borders on the polar. I love the way colours can play with the black I have a small wrist but like big watches. They are more easy to see but also I just like the presence. 42mm is smaller then the average 44mm of many of my other watches, but I think its just perfect here. The sapphire is raised about a millimetre above the bezel which both gives a classic look whilst providing a bit of extra protection for the bezel. I have to say the lume is unexpectedly bright and is a nice cherry on the icing. The bracelet is my favourite metal Matt bracelet in the watch world. In addition to taking out or putting in links, the buckle has 3 micro position settings and the genius of the easy link. My wrist can expand and contract during the day significantly, particularly with temperature differences and sweat, and this is sent from heaven. I was always sceptical about the GMT function, but I am finding it surprisingly useful, mainly as one of my bosses is in a different time zone 5 hours away, and that is material enough to need an annoying double take if calculating it myself. Although I am probably just slow .... Every collection should have one and for some, it’ll be a monogamous one

22 June 2018, 03:24 AM	#3
ale70 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: NYC Posts: 332	On my radar as well. I love the Orange hand on the black dial! Congrats! __________________ THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE

22 June 2018, 04:24 AM	#10
tyler1980 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston Posts: 17,622	congrats, love it __________________ Instagram: tyler.watches current collection: Patek 5164A, Patek 5524G, Rolex Platinum Daytona 116506, Rolex Sea Dweller 43 126600, Rolex GMT II 116710LN, AP 15400ST (silver), Panerai 913, Omega Speedmaster moonwatch, Tudor Black Bay (Harrods Edition)

22 June 2018, 10:05 PM	#25
turborolex "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: H. Location: USA Posts: 564	Great choice, congrats! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ current collection: Patek 5712, Patek 5726 (white), Patek 5990, Patek 5524G, Rolex 116500 (white & black), AP 26331ST (Blue).

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22 June 2018, 01:40 AM	#2
harvey "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rolexforums.com Posts: 5,371	Congrats! I like this underrated reference. I have the polar. Great pics...thanks for sharing.

22 June 2018, 03:50 AM	#4
Jizzie001 Banned Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: United States Posts: 113	Really nice, Congrats

22 June 2018, 04:01 AM	#5
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Congrats.

22 June 2018, 04:02 AM	#6
T01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: T Location: AZ, NV, CA Posts: 6,481	Congrats!

22 June 2018, 04:07 AM	#7
Boaters 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: Pacific Northwest Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD Posts: 10,649	Very nice Big Congrats

22 June 2018, 04:20 AM	#8
SeaDweller50 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Sandy Location: England. Watch: 14060M 2 liner Posts: 3,204	Many congrats. Love the black matte dial.

22 June 2018, 04:22 AM	#9
sager "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Sage Location: MENA Posts: 1,562	Congrats! Excellent choice. Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk

22 June 2018, 04:26 AM	#11
KeithP "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Real Name: Keith Location: NYC Watch: AK 126900/SM 300M Posts: 1,664	My favorite reference by far (in black, too!) and you beautifully stated almost exactly why. Great post. Thanks and enjoy!

22 June 2018, 04:33 AM	#12
lindstd "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 233	Great pictures

22 June 2018, 04:51 AM	#14
watchmework "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: DC Watch: 126710BLRO, 116600 Posts: 7,869	Congrats!

22 June 2018, 04:52 AM	#15
Chester01 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: East Coast Watch: 16610 Posts: 4,933	Awesome! If I had the wrist for it, I would have one. There is something about that dial, matte black-almost charcoal in nature. I can’t look away!

22 June 2018, 04:56 AM	#16
tsteph12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: California Posts: 144	A handsome watch to be sure. Congratulations and hope you enjoy for many years to come. Cheers!

22 June 2018, 05:08 AM	#17
SPMN "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: St Paul, MN Watch: Tudor, Omega Posts: 1,218	Great watch and the pics are some of the best I've seen!

22 June 2018, 05:25 AM	#18
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,184	Congrats Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

22 June 2018, 01:15 PM	#19
Carrera997 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Real Name: Steve Location: Metro Atlanta Watch: aholic Posts: 379	Awesome...Congrats!

22 June 2018, 01:24 PM	#20
Nikrnic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: Louis Nick Ric Location: Michigan, USA Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs, Posts: 10,158	That's a beauty. I know what you mean about the matte black almost brownish tone dial, I had that color on a black Milgauss non gv. I just peeled the stickers off my new Polar after a couple of days, now I think why did it take me so long to get one of these. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

22 June 2018, 05:13 PM	#21
colonelpurple 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: London Posts: 390	Thanks In a crowded market of “me to” watches following the standard genres, Rolex has made a genre that no one has. Yet again, since most of the other genres Rolex was key in making. IMHO the closest that actually comes to the Explorer is the Casio G-shock series Its hard as nails, it can accompany you all around the world, or down the street. In water, in cold, in heat, in the desert, in the jungle, in the boardroom, in the garden, on the beach and in the bedroom (did I say that !!) and with the queen for tea ;)

22 June 2018, 05:41 PM	#22
G'ed "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: RolexHQ boardroom Posts: 1,232	I have the Polar but black dial always cross my mind.

22 June 2018, 06:07 PM	#23
Vapour_trails "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: UK Posts: 17	Very versatile piece, would love to see this on a black Everest strap Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

22 June 2018, 10:17 PM	#26
BNABOD "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: USA Posts: 663	Looks great congrats Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

22 June 2018, 10:31 PM	#27
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,652	Congratulations. Nice write up. I own the Polar but have always liked the black dial. I have owned multiple Submariners and Sea-Dwellers at the same time but some how get hung up on owning the Explorer II in the two dial options. I will add the black dial to the list.

23 June 2018, 12:43 AM	#29
c41006 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Joshua Location: Atlanta Watch: Pelagos Posts: 7,918	Congrats

23 June 2018, 12:50 AM	#30
173rdabn 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: George Location: Cape Cod Watch: 216570 Explorer II Posts: 2,317	I really liked my black Explorer II, but traded it for an Explorer II polar. Very legible for my old and fading eyesight.

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