The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

I feel like a "repentant sinner" who realized the error of his ways. It is good to be back - again.

Fr. John†

Welcome back to the flock.

[aardvarkbark]

Just got mine, my first Rolex. Not a fan of the new design so very happy to find one in the classifieds here NIB random serial. I prefer straps so put it on a Hirsch shark...

[hdrazor251]

Originally Posted by aardvarkbark

Just got mine, my first Rolex. Not a fan of the new design so very happy to find one in the classifieds here NIB random serial. I prefer straps so put it on a Hirsch shark...

Looks great.

[Cru Jones]

like others have said, SUPERB side-by-side, Fr. John. thank you and welcome back.

Originally Posted by Puffy

Pierre, bloody awesome shot - really shows the stealthness and class of the 16570

x2!

[COBill]

I really love the new face and hands; this would definitely be my next watch if I want one with a SS bezel, especially given how much more visible the 24 hour hand is as compared to the GMT IIc.

[gjsmt]

Bought an Explorer II 216570 w/ blk dial, w/o serial numbers engraved between lugs at 6 o'clock position.
Is this something I have to worry or it is he latest from Rolex w/2011 watches?

Please help me on this subject.

[guyrolex]

From people I talk to, it seems the biggest problem is the underwhelming bezel- which has been made worse in comparison to the new spectacular ceramic bezels

[improviz]

Originally Posted by guyrolex

From people I talk to, it seems the biggest problem is the underwhelming bezel- which has been made worse in comparison to the new spectacular ceramic bezels

There are two things imo: the first is that these things develop a natural patina, and you've gotta get rid of that for them (imo) to look their best. When I got mine I gave them a nice bath with light soap and a washcloth, being careful not to get it into the crown area (soap kills gaskets by drying them out), and the difference was stunning.

The other is that, as with many premium watches, you really need to get them on the wrist and move them around to see how the light plays off of them. On the EXP IIs, the satin finish on the bezel (and bracelet) gives an effect which is really quite striking when the light hits it "just so", but you'd really need a video to see it, a still won't get you there and sitting in a display case it won't be visible.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Great score. Love those twins.

Thanks! I'm definitely a proud papa! :)

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by guyrolex

From people I talk to, it seems the biggest problem is the underwhelming bezel- which has been made worse in comparison to the new spectacular ceramic bezels

You have it reversed. It's the Rolex ceramic bezels that are underwhelming. They are poorly designed and quite fragile compared to the EXPII SS bezel. Try polishing out a scratched number/marker on a Rolex ceramic or repairing a cracked ceramic.

I've owned a GMTIIc ( ceramic) and a GMT Master II (aluminum insert) and I'll take the ss EXPII bezel any day.

Originally Posted by improviz

The other is that, as with many premium watches, you really need to get them on the wrist and move them around to see how the light plays off of them. On the EXP IIs, the satin finish on the bezel (and bracelet) gives an effect which is really quite striking when the light hits it "just so", but you'd really need a video to see it, a still won't get you there and sitting in a display case it won't be visible.

You make a great point that I never noticed until a couple of weeks ago. We were having dinner in a well lighted restaurant with lots of mirrors. The lights and reflections dancing on the bezel and bracelet of my EXPII were mesmerizing - something never experienced with my GMTs.

Fr. John†

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

You have it reversed. It's the Rolex ceramic bezels that are underwhelming. They are poorly designed and quite fragile compared to the EXPII SS bezel. Try polishing out a scratched number/marker on a Rolex ceramic or repairing a cracked ceramic.

I've owned a GMTIIc ( ceramic) and a GMT Master II (aluminum insert) and I'll take the ss EXPII bezel any day.



You make a great point that I never noticed until a couple of weeks ago. We were having dinner in a well lighted restaurant with lots of mirrors. The lights and reflections dancing on the bezel and bracelet of my EXPII were mesmerizing - something never experienced with my GMTs.

Fr. John†

Agreed. When you see a ExplorerII across the room...you know its something special. If your a TRF member you know it's an ExplorerII

[improviz]

Originally Posted by jmsrolls

You make a great point that I never noticed until a couple of weeks ago. We were having dinner in a well lighted restaurant with lots of mirrors. The lights and reflections dancing on the bezel and bracelet of my EXPII were mesmerizing - something never experienced with my GMTs.

Fr. John†

Thanks! Yeah, it's a very interesting effect, more subtle than the polished SS stuff, but still, it definitely catches your attention. We went to a place with the kids over the weekend that had lots of flourescent and colored neon lights, and it was quite the little light show on my wrist!

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Nice shot.

I see you bought a new ski jacket this year as well.

thanks!

but, no, sadly, no new ski jacket for me (the orange one from the mont blanc shot is a spring jacket).....here's a pic from last season at avoriaz (looking into switzerland) you might have missed:

img

[jim251]

This watch has really grown on me over time and there may be one in my future. IMO the bezel looks great - under the radar with really no bling at all.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

The Explorer II works just as well at the bottom as at the top though.

[hdrazor251]

ArticMoose, those pictures look great together.

[COBill]

I'm convinced if I get a watch with a second hour hand it will be a white Exp II, not a GMT IIc.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by gjsmt

Bought an Explorer II 216570 w/ blk dial, w/o serial numbers engraved between lugs at 6 o'clock position.
Is this something I have to worry or it is he latest from Rolex w/2011 watches?

Please help me on this subject.

enjoy your watch, no worries.... the rehaut engraving is the only # that will be on the case moving forward. some transitional models had it in both places but it was redundant as both places were a part of the same one piece case frame.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by COBill

I'm convinced if I get a watch with a second hour hand it will be a white Exp II, not a GMT IIc.

I have been waiting on word of the results of your search

[jamesbondOO7]

Nope, No. Wrong.

[Linzjnr]

Long live this thread

Saving for a white Exp 2 16570 and this thread just keeps adding to my excitement

Thanks to all the fans out there who have contributed their experiences and photo's, been a fun ride

[superdog]

picked up a new expie two days ago. i was concerned about the size difference from my sub c. i am now starting to think tho that it is the perfect watch. in fact, if it had a glidelock clasp, it really would be.

in my humble opinion, it is a far better looking watch than the sub series. i also like the fact that it flies under the radar because not everyone has one.

[haggis]

Just joined forum from Scotland. I too have a 16550 Explorer 2 (Black) and it has been on my wrist since 1988 when I bought it new. As a retired engineer I have long admired those products that are inherently attractive from the standpoint of superb engineering, often with a simplicity that makes them look “just right”. Rolex watches, Leica Cameras, Well made pocket knives, and hand tools etc etc.
I am not a watch collector - I wear my Rolex every single day - this one has seen me on mountain tops in the Alps, in the Arctic, Kuwait desert, Australian outback, Andes, Arizona desert and even a hogmanay in Scotland!!
Regards from Scotland

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by haggis

Just joined forum from Scotland. I too have a 16550 Explorer 2 (Black) and it has been on my wrist since 1988 when I bought it new. As a retired engineer I have long admired those products that are inherently attractive from the standpoint of superb engineering, often with a simplicity that makes them look “just right”. Rolex watches, Leica Cameras, Well made pocket knives, and hand tools etc etc.
I am not a watch collector - I wear my Rolex every single day - this one has seen me on mountain tops in the Alps, in the Arctic, Kuwait desert, Australian outback, Andes, Arizona desert and even a hogmanay in Scotland!!
Regards from Scotland

very nice intro. welcome!

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by haggis

Just joined forum from Scotland. I too have a 16550 Explorer 2 (Black) and it has been on my wrist since 1988 when I bought it new. As a retired engineer I have long admired those products that are inherently attractive from the standpoint of superb engineering, often with a simplicity that makes them look “just right”. Rolex watches, Leica Cameras, Well made pocket knives, and hand tools etc etc.
I am not a watch collector - I wear my Rolex every single day - this one has seen me on mountain tops in the Alps, in the Arctic, Kuwait desert, Australian outback, Andes, Arizona desert and even a hogmanay in Scotland!!
Regards from Scotland

welcome aboard mate

great second post here!

would love to see some pictures of your 16550

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by improviz

There are two things imo: the first is that these things develop a natural patina, and you've gotta get rid of that for them (imo) to look their best.

On the EXP IIs, the satin finish on the bezel (and bracelet) gives an effect which is really quite striking when the light hits it "just so", but you'd really need a video to see it, a still won't get you there and sitting in a display case it won't be visible.

I totally agree with you. I keep my Explorer II spotless. I don't mind scratches (and after a year it has plenty with the abuse it takes), but the bezel in particular has to be kept very clean to look its best. As soon as the digits fade a bit, I'll do something.

[Hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by superdog

picked up a new expie two days ago. i was concerned about the size difference from my sub c. i am now starting to think tho that it is the perfect watch. in fact, if it had a glidelock clasp, it really would be.

in my humble opinion, it is a far better looking watch than the sub series. i also like the fact that it flies under the radar because not everyone has one.

I agree, if the Exp 42 had the Glidelock clasp, it would be perfect. We need to find one of the members in the UK to order those Glidelock clasps for forum members in the USA......

[FNFZ4]

i love mine but im contemplating on a GMT II C... i kind of need the rotating 24 hour bezel. faster to set different time zones and i do travel alot.

[subkrawler]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Whilst I like the image, in those situations above, I think a Gshock will be better suited....Just saying....

Maybe, but some of us don't like throw away watches.

[masterserg]

Hey Pierre, mine says hello. OD Green with the black dial is a killer combo!