The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[81sforlife]

Investment piece...ha! How about a memory piece?! I absolutely love my Exp II.




























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[mineral]

Originally Posted by kzm40

Well the four digit EXP 2, were also relatively unloved, compared with Subs and gmts, but now there rarity has enhanced their value!

Hi buddy, do you mean this? :)

1655 is great watch.




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[Pauln]

Originally Posted by mineral

Hi buddy, do you mean this? :)

1655 is great watch.




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Great looking watch!

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by 81sforlife

Investment piece...ha! How about a memory piece?! I absolutely love my Exp II.

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EXACTLY!!! My Sub has been with me everywhere since I bought it nearly 7 years ago.

You have some of the best shots on the forum!

[81sforlife]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

EXACTLY!!! My Sub has been with me everywhere since I bought it nearly 7 years ago.



You have some of the best shots on the forum!

Thank you I appreciate that!


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[myporsche]

Originally Posted by 81sforlife

Investment piece...ha! How about a memory piece?! I absolutely love my Exp II.

[Manu77]

I think that a lot of people want to show “hey I have a Rolex” and for that purpose ExpII is not the best option...

My fauvorite Rolex!

[Bobby83]

With my birthday coming up in April looking at the polar 216570, no date sub or the Batman.

Have a two tone sub (black face) and looking for a daily wearer. As much as I like the Batman I think for me personally and what I do for a living the polar or no date sub would be a better everyday piece.

My only concern withe the polar is the all SS bezel and it getting torn up. With the sub the ceramic bezel is more scratch resistant and if it takes a really hard hit and breaks I could just buy a new insert. From looking at pictures and reading through the forum the polar seems to be one of the most if not the most legible Rolex in the lineup. The 216570 polar that is.

On the other hand I already have a sub and want something different. I also want something more under the radar.

Haven’t seen the polar in person yet so that’ll be my first step and with the lack of inventory it might be a while before I can find one to try on. The only positive I see from that is it’ll give me time to see what comes out in March.

Thoughts on my concern about the all SS bezel vs sub no date bezel. I want to hear from explorer owners who wear it everyday.

Thanks in advance


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[mailman]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

With my birthday coming up in April looking at the polar 216570, no date sub or the Batman.

Have a two tone sub (black face) and looking for a daily wearer. As much as I like the Batman I think for me personally and what I do for a living the polar or no date sub would be a better everyday piece.

My only concern withe the polar is the all SS bezel and it getting torn up. With the sub the ceramic bezel is more scratch resistant and if it takes a really hard hit and breaks I could just buy a new insert.

On the other hand I already have a sub and want something different. I also want something more under the radar.

Haven’t seen the polar in person yet so that’ll be my first step and with the lack of inventory it might be a while before I can find one to try on. The only positive I see from that is it’ll give me time to see what comes out in March.

Thoughts on my concern about the all SS bezel vs sub no date bezel. I want to hear from explorer owners who wear it everyday.

Thanks in advance


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I've had all three of the watches you're considering, except the 216570 in black not Polar. The 216570 is by far the most comfortable, at least on my wrist. The Glidelock doesn't matter. It has an Easylink which works just fine.

As far as the bezel goes, sure it can scratch. So can the bracelet and sides of the case on it or any other watch. I believe it's cheaper to replace than a ceramic insert in a Submariner or GMT.

[Icehockeyboy]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

With my birthday coming up in April looking at the polar 216570, no date sub or the Batman.

Have a two tone sub (black face) and looking for a daily wearer. As much as I like the Batman I think for me personally and what I do for a living the polar or no date sub would be a better everyday piece.

My only concern withe the polar is the all SS bezel and it getting torn up. With the sub the ceramic bezel is more scratch resistant and if it takes a really hard hit and breaks I could just buy a new insert. From looking at pictures and reading through the forum the polar seems to be one of the most if not the most legible Rolex in the lineup. The 216570 polar that is.

On the other hand I already have a sub and want something different. I also want something more under the radar.

Haven’t seen the polar in person yet so that’ll be my first step and with the lack of inventory it might be a while before I can find one to try on. The only positive I see from that is it’ll give me time to see what comes out in March.

Thoughts on my concern about the all SS bezel vs sub no date bezel. I want to hear from explorer owners who wear it everyday.

Thanks in advance


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I’ve had Subs, DJ’s, Daytona, GMT Master, and yet I’m loving my Explorer 11 more than any of the others, and yes, I wear it everyday.


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[mailman]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

With my birthday coming up in April looking at the polar 216570, no date sub or the Batman.



Thanks in advance


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Here's a pic from a few years back to help enable you a bit

[jestrada]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

With my birthday coming up in April looking at the polar 216570, no date sub or the Batman.

Have a two tone sub (black face) and looking for a daily wearer. As much as I like the Batman I think for me personally and what I do for a living the polar or no date sub would be a better everyday piece.

My only concern withe the polar is the all SS bezel and it getting torn up. With the sub the ceramic bezel is more scratch resistant and if it takes a really hard hit and breaks I could just buy a new insert. From looking at pictures and reading through the forum the polar seems to be one of the most if not the most legible Rolex in the lineup. The 216570 polar that is.

On the other hand I already have a sub and want something different. I also want something more under the radar.

Haven’t seen the polar in person yet so that’ll be my first step and with the lack of inventory it might be a while before I can find one to try on. The only positive I see from that is it’ll give me time to see what comes out in March.

Thoughts on my concern about the all SS bezel vs sub no date bezel. I want to hear from explorer owners who wear it everyday.

Thanks in advance


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My collection consists exactly of the three watches you’re choosing from and I love them all!

If you’re the OC type when it comes to scratches, you might get irritated with the Exp2. The bezel does scratch up easily and it’s pretty tough to buff out. It’s a great watch though and one I like wearing more than the subc and the BLNR on a daily basis because it fits rather comfortably on my 7.2” wrist and the white dial and orange hand is a joy to look at. Among the three however, I find the Subc hides scratches best if that helps in your decision. Cheers!


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[Chrislec]

Originally Posted by 81sforlife

Investment piece...ha! How about a memory piece?! I absolutely love my Exp II.

Probably among the best shots I've seen on this forum.
That's exactly where an Exp2 should be!!
Thanks for sharing

[BigBoy17]

Looks like my watch. Cant decide between white or black face

[MariettaMike]

I didn't buy my Explorer II for resale value -- I bought it for its function for when I travel across timezones. Of all watches I own, the Explorer II would be one of my last, to sell, watches.

[NJpakman]

Polar Explorer II 42mm is perfect size for me or others who have big wrist

[Dubshack]

Was getting some alterations done at Nordstrom and the tailor had a black face exp II. First one I’ve seen outside of trying them on myself at an AD. Such a great looking watch in the flesh.


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[javert34]

I bought my Explorer II because it fits me, how I like to approach the world and what I like to do. I enjoy being outdoors and going places I have never been. Since buying it a couple of years ago, it has gone everywhere with me. It has been on my wrist while hiking in the Rockies, cruising in the Caribbean, fishing on the Yukon River and while sitting in a board meeting.

I love the brand and have a deep appreciation for all models that they make. There are some models that I personally wouldn’t buy, not because they are lesser timepieces, but simply because they don’t fit my personal style and what interests me. It is all about what speaks to you. If it speaks to you it is the right watch and what others think of it does not matter.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by javert34

I bought my Explorer II because it fits me, how I like to approach the world and what I like to do. I enjoy being outdoors and going places I have never been. Since buying it a couple of years ago, it has gone everywhere with me. It has been on my wrist while hiking in the Rockies, cruising in the Caribbean, fishing on the Yukon River and while sitting in a board meeting.

I love the brand and have a deep appreciation for all models that they make. There are some models that I personally wouldn’t buy, not because they are lesser timepieces, but simply because they don’t fit my personal style and what interests me. It is all about what speaks to you. If it speaks to you it is the right watch and what others think of it does not matter.

Well said. As a Colorado outdoor person, I agree. It works great with whatever you’re doing.

[10klakes]

The Explorer 2 is always ready for an adventure...

[shakory]

I have the white 42mm version and love it. I have a 7” wrist and it looks just fine I don’t think 42mm is to big. The functionality and aesthetic of the 216570 is what initially got my attention. I can wear it on any occasion and and to me functions well as a tool. Made in 2011 and no service since, still running flawlessly.

Oh and very versatile too. Leather strap , bracelet , rubber seems to go well with anything.


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[81sforlife]

This pair is longing to get back to Colorado.




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[Pauln]

Originally Posted by 81sforlife

This pair is longing to get back to Colorado.




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I don’t blame you. Nice pic. I’m looking forward to spring. 60 degrees today and feeling like it’s right around the corner physically and mentally.

[inadeje]

I love mine too. Its so versatile, even my GF likes to wear it :)

[Vaxe]

One of the best

[Atlantic]

Few environments are too extreme for the Explorer II.

[Sublovin]

I am a big fan of the Explorer II and mine has been in many travels. Remember that the Air King and Yachtmaster are also considered professional/sport models so I think one of those retains less value.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by Atlantic

Few environments are too extreme for the Explorer II.

Cool ad. I hadn’t seen that one. Thanks for sharing.

[feb29]

I love ExpII especially on Rubber B with orange stripe for matching GMT hand.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I know this has been discussed before, but I thought it might be interesting to revisit.

Of all the SS Sport Rollies out there, the Explorer II (and Explorer, but the focus of this thread is on the II), particularly the black dial, seems to be the least desirable, and hence has the lowest resale value. I bought my slightly used one from my AD at a significant discount from MSRP, and it's fairly common to get TT like discounts on these, which differs from all the other SS Sporties. We see Explorer II's languish in AD's cases and on our For Sale page, often being discounted several times before they sell or are pulled.

The watch is essentially the same as the legacy GMT II's, minus the rotating bezel. It has a sleek and unique profile not seen on other non-Rolex watches, except the Invicta's Rolex-inspired models. It's comfort is among the best of Sports Rollies, and it has the added complication of the 24H hand.

I'd like to see a discussion about TRFers thoughts on why the Explorer II's desirability and resale is lower than that of other Sports models. The longer I own mine, the more I like it, and I can't figure out why it's not more popular

It lacks that the iconic look that most first time Rolex buyers want. Myself included. I thought I wanted a GMT Master II for my first Rolex. I visited the AD, tried on the GMT and Explorer II, and bought the Explorer II. On the wrist it blew the GMT away. For me it has better size, better contrast, bigger hands for faster reading. It became an easy decision.

Personally I love the fact it is less popular. They are not as common, which is a good thing!