"Best" 40mm Explorer II year to purchase?

[Glpstandard]

Im looking at getting my first Rolex, and want to make sure I get the best deal for my money, because there is a chance it will be my only Rolex purchase.

That being said, I know I want the Explorer II with a black dial, and I want the 40mm version. They made the watch for 40 years, so I am sure there were some improvements over time. I prefer at least a year 2000 or newer, but would consider a 90's model if the price was right. So, between early 1990's and late 2000's, what is the best year to get? My purchase has to be no more than $4500.00, but I prefer to stay between $3500 and $4000.

Did they change the movement to a better one during a certain year? Any other major changes between 1990 and 2010? Basically, I want someone to say "In year _____ they changed _____, _____ and _____, which was an improvement over the older _____, _____ and ______, so get a year ______ or newer."

[Silvio Mosiello]

Go for a mid 2000 model. Should be around 4 tops.

[Psmith]

Don't go too early otherwise the watch may have a tritium lume dial, which will no longer glow in the dark. Later 16570s had the 3186 movement, which was a (slight) improvement over the previous 3185 movement

Great source of info here... www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=30810

[ally]

They are basically the same sometime mid 2000's they dropped the lug holes in the case and gave the braclet solid end links (not sure what year this was sure someone will know a bit more than me !)
Then you had the engraved rehault late 2000's (I think) and finally the 3186 movment took over from the 3185. I have the 3185 and is the most accurate Rolex I have.
Try George Ab he is the man and knows a lot about the models

Happy hunting

[Cru Jones]

i'm partial to SELs, so, anything post-2000ish would work. if you want lug holes with your SELs, i think it's roughly pre-2003, but, not 100% sure. personally, i wouldn't pay extra for 3186 vs. 3185.

[masterserg]

Rehaut engraving is another consideration. My ideal combination is no engraving/no lugholes/SEL ...I figure this would be around 03/04? This is just personal taste.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

i'm partial to SELs, so, anything post-2000ish would work. if you want lug holes with your SELs, i think it's roughly pre-2003, but, not 100% sure. personally, i wouldn't pay extra for 3186 vs. 3185.

I agree with Cru - at the time (when the previous Exp II and GMT II were 'running out') there was a lot of hype about the 3186 movement appearing in these models. Not worth paying any extra $$$ for imho

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by masterserg

Rehaut engraving is another consideration. My ideal combination is no engraving/no lugholes/SEL ...I figure this would be around 03/04? This is just personal taste.

An F-series should do that for you, so 2003 seems like a good guess.

[dpkong]

I think you would want a model with solid endlnks (SEL) and a Luminova dial which still glows.

I had a F series (around 2004) and traded that for a M series with engraved rehaut and 3186 movement (around 2008). I'd say there isn't much difference between the 3185 and 3186 other than the older one is more due for a service if neither has been serviced before. Movement wise, they both seem to keep good time and reliable.

If you want the best deal and are going to wear the watch, then forget the box and papers and you could get a bit of savings. You'll get new papers with warranty when you send the watch for a Rolex service with the money saved.

[Glpstandard]

After reading a bit of that thread that someone linked to, and the replies here, I definitely want the solid end links, and the Luminova dial. I really prefer the Rehaut engraving as well, but since those models are so new, if its a difference between $3500 or $4500 for a watch I would live without it.

What year did they start putting the Rolex crown on the Crystal at the 6 O'clock position? This is another feature I am interested in. Does that correspond with the Rehaut engraving?

As for the 3185 vs 3186 movements, I dont realy care enough to spend the extra money, so the 3185 is fine for me.

Anyone know which years would support all these features? Im thinking 2005 and newer from what everyone seems to be telling me?

[bondtoys]

I smell "internet hype".......

[tomchicago]

3186 movement M, V or random serial. if not 3186, i say SEL with lugholes is one to own then. i think there is a nice M 3186 for sale from a trusted seller.

[ally]

Originally Posted by Glpstandard

After reading a bit of that thread that someone linked to, and the replies here, I definitely want the solid end links, and the Luminova dial. I really prefer the Rehaut engraving as well, but since those models are so new, if its a difference between $3500 or $4500 for a watch I would live without it.

What year did they start putting the Rolex crown on the Crystal at the 6 O'clock position? This is another feature I am interested in. Does that correspond with the Rehaut engraving?

As for the 3185 vs 3186 movements, I dont realy care enough to spend the extra money, so the 3185 is fine for me.

Anyone know which years would support all these features? Im thinking 2005 and newer from what everyone seems to be telling me?

[B]I have a F serial with SEL no holes case that had the etched crystal (I wouldn't worry about that, you'll never see it )

[B]

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

I smell "internet hype".......

What is hype about the SEL, Luminova dials, etc.?

[strafer_kid]

Why not go the extra mile and get the new 216570 Explorer 42mm maxi dial? Just picked one up - awesome!

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Glpstandard

After reading a bit of that thread that someone linked to, and the replies here, I definitely want the solid end links, and the Luminova dial. I really prefer the Rehaut engraving as well, but since those models are so new, if its a difference between $3500 or $4500 for a watch I would live without it.

What year did they start putting the Rolex crown on the Crystal at the 6 O'clock position? This is another feature I am interested in. Does that correspond with the Rehaut engraving?

As for the 3185 vs 3186 movements, I dont realy care enough to spend the extra money, so the 3185 is fine for me.

Anyone know which years would support all these features? Im thinking 2005 and newer from what everyone seems to be telling me?

It does not correspond with the engraving (thankfully). My F-series GMT has the etched crown without the rolexrolexrolex.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Why not go the extra mile and get the new 216570 Explorer 42mm maxi dial? Just picked one up - awesome!

Because some people can't wear a 42mm watch and don't like the maxi-dial?

[joe100]

The mid-90s Explorer 2 is probably the best deal in Rolex right now. I'm thinking I may have to have one soon myself.

[christiano83]

I think Explorer 40mm white, will be my first Rolex. Amazing watch.

[versatile1]

The newest for the best price. Doesn't get much simpler then that

[Cebuano1]

Late 2000's. I like the engraved 'ROLEX" in the inner side of the case

[dpkong]

Originally Posted by Glpstandard

What year did they start putting the Rolex crown on the Crystal at the 6 O'clock position? This is another feature I am interested in. Does that correspond with the Rehaut engraving?

The F series I had before did not have the ROLEXROLEXROLEX engraving but it did have the laser etched crown. Not sure when the crystals started having them.