Explorer 2 - authentic?

[Explorer500]

Hi All, I’m looking at this Exp 2 from 1989. The pumpkin lume is fantastic and I like the watch. I’m wondering if it is authentic. The seller is a Rolex collector but I’ve discovered what may or may not be a discrepancy in the dial. I have circled two main areas of interest. When I’ve seen other Exp 2’s with the “Swiss-T < 25” mark, the II just below the word “DATE” is usually lined up. On this watch, it is offset. Many thanks for your help. :)

[MavericktheAce]

Something looks off. The print is very dull and the top of the "E' in Explorer looks blurred. I'd like to see pics of the back of the watch case. Some of the minute markers are long some are short. Magnification seems consistent. It looks as if the dial is aftermarket. Post more pics. I'd def open up that back and verify the movement before I shell out one red cent IMO.

[Tools]

There are dozens of variations in fonts and characters on dials.

You need a lot more than this to declare it is not authentic.

[antrolexsub]

It’s fine. Dial and hands are a relume.

[Explorer500]

Thank you!

[Explorer500]

Additional photos to assist. Sorry for the quality. It’s hard to post quality photos given the restrictions on file size. Thank you everyone.
Question also are we sure it is a relume? Thanks.

[GGGMT]

Sure looks relumed to me. Such a common watch, I would just find another, recognizing you like the pumpkin loom, which of looks somewhat faux-ish to me.


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[interestedwatcher]

Aside from the dial, a handy tip for GMTs is that the fakes, do not GENERALLY have a jumping hour hand function.

[antrolexsub]

Originally Posted by Explorer500

Additional photos to assist. Sorry for the quality. It’s hard to post quality photos given the restrictions on file size. Thank you everyone.
Question also are we sure it is a relume? Thanks.

Yes I’m sure

[CorradoBrit]

Originally Posted by Explorer500

Question also are we sure it is a relume? Thanks.

Looks too rough/inconsistent not to be refinished by hand

[77T]

The lume has been colored - that’s pretty obvious.

Here is a 1989 dial HQ Milton sold some time back. The question about spacing should be answered as you stare and compare. Note how the lume is slightly dim but not pumpkin.




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[Explorer500]

Grateful for everyone’s help. Thank you.

[Tools]

I don't know if this watch has been re-lumed.

It does appear that the lume has been artificially "aged", and looking closely, I would be concerned about it's stability. Most plots and the hands show deep cracks which could indicate that they are ready to fall apart.

If I wanted to preserve the lume I would want them to be backed and stabilized. Still, deep coloring on a watch only 30 years old would raise flags for me.

[101031-28]

My 1990 16570 and my 1986 16550.
That is one rich looking patina on the 16570 you are interested in buying. I can't say for sure but agree with other members, it looks as if the plots and hands were 'aged' to make the watch look more desirable. Also I personally have not seen other Explorer II dials with the II not aligned with the D.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Tools

I don't know if this watch has been re-lumed.

It does appear that the lume has been artificially "aged", and looking closely, I would be concerned about it's stability. Most plots and the hands show deep cracks which could indicate that they are ready to fall apart.

If I wanted to preserve the lume I would want them to be backed and stabilized. Still, deep coloring on a watch only 30 years old would raise flags for me.

I couldn't agree more

There are plenty of better examples out there and would be most inclined to look elsewhere.
Plenty of time to find the right one

[Rollied]

That’s faux-tina and it’s an atrocious one at that, someone went over the top with the coloring