Why is the New Explorer II 42mm not more popular?

[rohardi]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I don't think the Explorer has ever been as popular as the Sub, GMT, and some others.

I don't think anyone would argue that the Explorer would be more popular than the Sub or GMT.... But it has its place.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by rohardi

I don't think anyone would argue that the Explorer would be more popular than the Sub or GMT.... But it has its place.

I'm not saying it's not a great watch, and it doesn't belong, or it's not worthwhile. I'm just saying I don't believe and I think others would agree, it's just never been as popular as some others.

[ra's ag]

I love mine as well. You really have wear one for a day to appreciate the quality. I had a sub and GMT and sold both and never looked back. I don't think I can part with this guy though.

[mrallen13]

Originally Posted by benlee

Thank you! Yes I did. With my Nikon D5100 DSLR.

Here's another one :

That is a fantastic pic. Rolex should use it. I feel like their pics don't do the watch justice. It's just so much more appealing when you see it in person.

[mikkolopez]

I like the Explorer 2 line and got myself a Polar. The older and sexier reference is something I can wear vs. new upsized reference.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

DJ, Subs, and GMT IIc are a dime a dozen around here. It's almost standard issue. I have yet to see an Exp II 42 in the wild.

I appreciate the Exp II 42 is overlooked. When I spend that much money on a watch, I don't care if people don't recognize it as a Rolex. In fact, that's the same reason I love my Sea Dweller. Neither of my Rolex tool watches are ever noticed. I love it.

Most importantly, I use my GMT function daily when I fly. I can't do that as easily with my Sea Dweller.

[reebok]

My eyes arent what they used to be.
The 216570 is a watch I can read the time without putting on my glasses.

even at night.

Ever woken up in a strange city, and been disoriented? Not with the expII grinning beside you!

[Singslinger]

Does a watch's popularity really matter?

Personally, I rather the watch not be popular since I might then be able to get it at a discount to MRSP.

[SeaDweller50]

Great photo Woody. The Explorer fits my needs just right. The 3187 movement is incredibly accurate, I'm not having to set the time twice a month like I did on all of my previous Subs. The blue lume is outstanding. The Explorer has never been blinged up, big plus for me. My hobbies include Exploring, never diving. My non WIS friends all think its an awesome watch. The case and strap is in perfect proportion, unlike many newer Rolex's. I could never be without it and will never flip it.

[rolepam312]

The problem is the explorer is too " unrolex" .. As stated, it is the least Rolex like and it does fly under the radar.. Most people who wear a Rolex, wants others to " know " it's a Rolex! Hence it defeats the point for most who's considering buying a Rolex.

[rohardi]

Originally Posted by rolepam312

The problem is the explorer is too " unrolex" .. As stated, it is the least Rolex like and it does fly under the radar.. Most people who wear a Rolex, wants others to " know " it's a Rolex! Hence it defeats the point for most who's considering buying a Rolex.

Well to an extent, I'll give you that point. It does fly under the radar and people won't recognize it right off the bat as a rolex. But on the same note, not everyone is looking to get complements on their watches because they have a rolex. My next watch will be an AP and where I live virtually NO ONE will know what I have on.

[Aspirin]

orange hand make it look like a japanese watch.

[SeaDweller50]

Nothing wrong with Japanese watches.

[capote]

Originally Posted by Spunga

I'm a big Exp II fan.









Regarding popularity....I couldn't give a stuff about popularity. I LOVE my Exp II's.

Wow! Quite the Exp2 dedication

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by rolepam312

The problem is the explorer is too " unrolex" .. As stated, it is the least Rolex like and it does fly under the radar.. Most people who wear a Rolex, wants others to " know " it's a Rolex! Hence it defeats the point for most who's considering buying a Rolex.

Be carefull how you generalize things, more than not you will not be correct.

I for one would rather not be recognized for this, and it rarely happens anyway.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Spunga

I'm a big Exp II fan.









Regarding popularity....I couldn't give a stuff about popularity. I LOVE my Exp II's.

Awesome,just sompluy awesome!!!

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

Great photo Woody. The Explorer fits my needs just right. The 3187 movement is incredibly accurate, I'm not having to set the time twice a month like I did on all of my previous Subs. The blue lume is outstanding. The Explorer has never been blinged up, big plus for me. My hobbies include Exploring, never diving. My non WIS friends all think its an awesome watch. The case and strap is in perfect proportion, unlike many newer Rolex's. I could never be without it and will never flip it.

Thank you Keith. I used to be a ski mountaineer guide in the Rocky Mountains in the 90s and also dive, but nowhere near a dive master. The Explorer and Sea Dweller were natural choices for my true to life hobbies.

[Boopie]

I think the Submariner's bezel is more suited for everyday use, such as timing parking meters, cooking, etc. When I was growing up I knew Rolex from the Datejust and Day Date, then the Submariner. The Explorer seemed more like a niche watch, due largely to Rolex advertising. Years ago, I read Rolex ad from years ago regarding the whole Rolex line, and I think it described the Explorer as a spelunking watch. 

I can't recall ever seeing an Explorer "in the wild." Subs and DJ/DD, yes. I've seen many, many Daytonas (SS and WG). I've seen far fewer GMTs, etc. My own Yachtmaster is pretty obscure (I've seen maybe 2 in the 12 years since I've owned mine, a mid-size and a full-size). I've never seen a Milgauss, either.

[rolepam312]

Originally Posted by rohardi

Well to an extent, I'll give you that point. It does fly under the radar and people won't recognize it right off the bat as a rolex. But on the same note, not everyone is looking to get complements on their watches because they have a rolex. My next watch will be an AP and where I live virtually NO ONE will know what I have on.

I too don't want or need any compliments on my watch.. I wear a JLC and I assure you, no one notices... I like it that way...

[rolepam312]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Be carefull how you generalize things, more than not you will not be correct.

I for one would rather not be recognized for this, and it rarely happens anyway.

I'm not trying to be correct.. Rather just make a general assumption about Rolex and those who wear it... If I'm wrong ? Good.. I own one and the last thing I want is any recognition.. I wear what I like.. No other reason than that..

[spuds]

It's popular!!

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by Aspirin

orange hand make it look like a japanese watch.

Please elaborate.

[Aspirin]

Originally Posted by xxthe_remedyxx

Please elaborate.

The orange hand makes it look like a Citizen, Seiko or even Casio sport watch..., and also the minute hand too fat, just my opinion.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by spuds

It's popular!!

I believe YOU Dan!!!

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by Aspirin

The orange hand makes it look like a Citizen, Seiko or even Casio sport watch..., and also the minute hand too fat, just my opinion.

Hey I totally respect your opinion. Besides, that's what a forum is all about right? If we didn't have our own opinions on things, it would be a pretty boring place.

Which model Citizen, Seiko or Casio does the Explorer II resemble? I'd like to get my hands on one of them...

[DJJon]

I find the older smaller Explorer II Ref. 116XXX's look better balanced, while the newer larger 216XXX's are more striking.

I like them both a lot, but what I can't figure out is seeing how it basically competes with the GMT and not an Explorer I, why does it carry the Explorer name?

[Guybrush Threepwood]

I just love my Explorer II 42! First time i saw it in Watch Time i had many of the negative thoughts i've read in this thread, but the second I tried it on the wrist I was sold. One of the only watches i've tried in a long time that have spoken to me this way, and i've tried way too many watches at different ADs around Europe. For me this is a big keeper so I bought it brand new with no regrets :D :D :D

[JED POLAND]

I just do not feel that NATO strap with this watch...

[JED POLAND]

Originally Posted by yld2rob

I think the problem is what someone else stated. For the same money as a sub c almost (even though you could get a bigger discount on the exp II) it doesn't look as high end.

Do you really think Sub is "high end" or, at least, looks like it?
Besides the personal taste (last Rolex watch I would ever buy), since I bought mine 216570 (six months ago) I visited ten different countries and I saw about 100 Subs, 5 GMTs and 0* 216570 on people's wrists.
High end?
Hmmm...
And if I am not mistaken, the new movement is considered to be one of the best Rolex movements.
And regarding the price, I think it should be actually priced higher than Sub.

*that is what make people think it is unpopular.

[submariner123]

I tried on a polar 216570 the other week and absolutely loved it. It is gorgeous in the flesh. Will definitely be my next purchase