Basel '11 Explorer II - In Depth (caution-Hi Rez)

[Tools]

explorer.jpg

EXPLORER_II_04.jpg

EXPLORER_II_03.jpg

EXPLORER_II_05.jpg

ExpBlack.jpg

ExpLume.jpg

OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER II CASE

Type: OYSTER (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back
and winding crown)

Diameter: 42 mm

Material: 904L stainless steel superalloy, polished and satin finished
Case back Screw-down with Rolex fluting

Bezel: Fixed, 24-hour graduated, sun satin finished, polished bevelled edge

Winding crown: Screw-down, TWINLOCK double waterproofness system
Shoulders to protect the crown

Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
CYCLOPS lens (2.5 ×) over the date, double anti-reflective coating Waterproofness 100 metres (330 feet)

MOVEMENT
Calibre 3187, Manufacture RolexPrecision Officially certified Swiss chronometer

Functions:
. 24-hour hand GMT with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand
. Instantaneous date at 3 o’clock
. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
. Oscillator Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
. Non-magnetic blue PARACHROM hairspring
. Breguet overcoil
. Large balance wheel with variable inertia
. High-precision regulating via four gold MICROSTELL A nuts
. Traversing (full) balance bridge
. High-performance PARAFLEX shock absorbers
. Jewelling 31 rubies
. Winding Bidirectional self-winding via PERPETUAL rotor
. Power reserve Approximately 48 hours

DIALS
- White lacquered
CHROMALIGHT display with long-lasting luminescence
Hands White gold, wide, hollowed, black lacquered
Orange 24-hour hand

- Black, satin finished
CHROMALIGHT display with long-lasting luminescence
Hands White gold, wide, hollowed, “phantom effect” (black base on black dial)
Orange 24-hour hand, “phantom effect” (black base on black dial)
Hour markers Highly legible white gold appliques

BRACELET
Type OYSTER, three-piece solid links
Material 904L steel superalloy, satin finished, polished edge
Clasp OYSTERLOCK folding clasp with safety catch
EASYLINK 5 mm comfort extension link
REFERENCE (CASE – BRACELET): 216570 – 77210

[Explorer 2011]

Wow !

Wheres the black version too?

[Rags]

Beautiful Larry..

[TheVTCGuy]

"LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" """"


Hear that? It's the new EXP II singing to me

[Frogman4me]

What the heck?!? 42mm?

[Foxglove]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

What the heck?!? 42mm?

+1

I wish they kept this at 40mm. With my wrist size (6.75"), 40mm is perfect, but 42mm is a bit too big. It will really depend on the lug-to-lug size at this point -- if that's under about 48-49mm then it should fit fine despite the large 42mm size.

Other than the size -- Obviously a stunner.

~Ross

[14060man]

Originally Posted by Foxglove

+1

I wish they kept this at 40mm. With my wrist size (6.75"), 40mm is perfect, but 42mm is a bit too big. It will really depend on the lug-to-lug size at this point -- if that's under about 48-49mm then it should fit fine despite the large 42mm size.

Other than the size -- Obviously a stunner.

~Ross

Great question. What is the lug to lug length? Is it 49mm or longer (which would be too long IMO)? Is there a spec sheet with the dimensions?

[Foxglove]

Originally Posted by 14060man

Great question. What is the lug to lug length? Is it 49mm or longer (which would be too long IMO)? Is there a spec sheet with the dimensions?

Yeah, I still haven't been able to find an answer to this... Sounds like the lug to lug won't be known until someone actually measures it. Nothing on the Rolex spec sheet about that dimension.

~Ross

[Foxglove]

Originally Posted by Foxglove

Yeah, I still haven't been able to find an answer to this... Sounds like the lug to lug won't be known until someone actually measures it. Nothing on the Rolex spec sheet about that dimension.

~Ross

Ok, I put the closest thing to a "straight on" image I have into photoshop and measured the diameter of the watch, then measured the lug to lug and knowing that the diameter is 42mm I solved for the lug to lug distance. I came up with 49.1mm.

Of course the image was no exactly straight dead-center on, and it was measurements on an image, which is not precise, but this is the best estimate I can come up with.

approximately 49.1mm lug to lug.

[[[EDIT]]] I just re-did the calc on another picture and got 50.0mm for the lug to lug. So I'm saying somewhere between 49 and 50mm lug to lug most likely.

~Ross

[Grissom]

Thanks, Larry!

[Chipmunk]

My next purchase.

[Sponon]

Originally Posted by Chipmunk

My next purchase.

+1

[Grumpy Badger]

Why, oh why, oh why did they have to go and make it a bloody 42mm?!?

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Why, oh why, oh why did they have to go and make it a bloody 42mm?!?

Why?!?!?!?!?

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by Frogman4me

Why?!?!?!?!?

I want a true tool watch to use in the field... I know it's only an extra 2mm but it's unnecessary and just seem like Rolex have let the side down and jumped on the Big Bandwagon.

I was thinking of getting one but now I might just go all out big and get the Breitling Emergency instead... At least that thing has a reason to be too big!

[ral]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

I want a true tool watch to use in the field... I know it's only an extra 2mm but it's unnecessary and just seem like Rolex have let the side down and jumped on the Big Bandwagon.

Well with a 41mm Day-Date II and Datejust, it make sense for pure sports watches like this to be a bit bigger. I like the proportions of this case too...

That being said, it is to big for me.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by ral

Well with a 41mm Day-Date II and Datejust, it make sense for pure sports watches like this to be a bit bigger. I like the proportions of this case too...

That being said, it is to big for me.

unless one thinks the DJII and DDII, as "dress watches", are too large....

anyway, 40mm or 42mm, i don't think the difference will be huge, and, if anything, it gives the Explorer II a "selling point" over the Sub and GMTII...

do i NEED the black one? no. would the milgauss black dial or a PAM 111 make more "sense" for my limited means and collection? yes. but, wow, the new black dial is niiiiiiiiice.....

[phil_519]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

I want a true tool watch to use in the field... I know it's only an extra 2mm but it's unnecessary and just seem like Rolex have let the side down and jumped on the Big Bandwagon.

I was thinking of getting one but now I might just go all out big and get the Breitling Emergency instead... At least that thing has a reason to be too big!

Its honestly not too big, I have a big wrist and it looks great, you really get used to it, they really havn't jumped on the bandwagon with this one, not when Omega has made there Planet Ocean a 45mm now! haha

My father has a deepsea, and that one I find much too big. i borrow it from time to time but I have to take it off to type and write.

[Watch Professor]

Originally Posted by grumpy badger

why, oh why, oh why did they have to go and make it a bloody 42mm?!?

+1

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Why, oh why, oh why did they have to go and make it a bloody 42mm?!?

It was perfect at 40mm.

[Dr. Robert]

Anyone know the case length, thickness & lug width??????????

[zocsos]

Very pretty!

[B. Doggy]

I really like the black dial on this one. Man, might be a reason to add a GMT to my collection!!

[karmatp]

I can't wait to get my hands on one to see all the improvements up close. Sounds like a pretty nice watch, but I definitely prefer the black dial.



Guys, it's only 2mm's. The women's line is now 36 so there needs to be some difference in size. 42 mm is a very comfortable for a man's watch, and with the amazing clasp, it will probably be very comfy on the wrist.

[Ste_J]

+1
This is my first Rolex and the man-size 42mm was a big factor in me making this purchase. My only other watch is a Pam177 44mm so it still seems quite small!!

[Hay Ewe]

Working towards this with a black face. I also like the black rubber B strap as well. Not sure why though. anyway, its a while away yet.

Hay Ewe

[00pumpkin]

Yes, wish they had detailed pics in black!

[onryo]

Originally Posted by B. Doggy

I really like the black dial on this one. Man, might be a reason to add a GMT to my collection!!

Everyone needs a GMT in their collection!

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

Why, oh why, oh why did they have to go and make it a bloody 42mm?!?

Agreed! 40mm was perfect!

[cornerstore]

Love the look not the size.Old one the Polar this one the Bi-Polar I was manic to get one but now I'm depressed it is 42mm

[tfduff723]

Does everyone really like the orange that much?

I think I prefer the red on my current 16570 Exp II.

However, I am all for the new movement & upgraded bracelet.

Not sure yet about 42 mm and no triplock crown.

I wish Rolex would talk to me first before redesigning their watches