Rolex Explorer II
Discussion
At first I wasn't so keen (the bezel if I'm honest) but as time has gone on I'm starting to see the appeal in an early to mid 00s Explorer II. For the complication involved they do seem undervalued at present with plenty available on line sites for high £2ks to low £3ks.
Thoughts from fellow horologists (or anyone with an opinion for that matter)?
Thoughts from fellow horologists (or anyone with an opinion for that matter)?
As per usual with these things, I quite like that the watch has it's detractors 
It does have some history and it does have a point, although somewhat less than the original Explorer. It could be argued that it was simply a case of Rolex getting some more use out of the GMT movement but it has it's differences and is certainly a more rugged watch than the GMT, if in only in appearance.
The comment about the TAG influence may have some merit, it was TAGs in the 80s that first got me into watches...
It does have some history and it does have a point, although somewhat less than the original Explorer. It could be argued that it was simply a case of Rolex getting some more use out of the GMT movement but it has it's differences and is certainly a more rugged watch than the GMT, if in only in appearance.
The comment about the TAG influence may have some merit, it was TAGs in the 80s that first got me into watches...
Easily the best second-hand value of modern sports Rolex, though prices are creeping up.
Compared to the GMT Master II, it's a hell of a lot cheaper used, considering it's basically the same watch without a rotating bezel.
Also has a cool back-story of its own - developed for cave explorers with no ability to discern day or night underground, hence the fixed bezel.
A lot more practical for banging off stuff if the bezel is metal - it'll dent & scratch, but not fall off or stop working. A proper tool watch.
It's an acquired taste, but still has every bit that Rolex quality movement etc. Destined to be a bit of a cult classic I reckon.
Also, it's 40mm diameter - less than a Sub, and lies comfortably flatter on wrist - and the only white-dialled sports model outside of the Daytona, so it has a definite niche appeal within the Rolex line-up.
Compared to the GMT Master II, it's a hell of a lot cheaper used, considering it's basically the same watch without a rotating bezel.
Also has a cool back-story of its own - developed for cave explorers with no ability to discern day or night underground, hence the fixed bezel.
A lot more practical for banging off stuff if the bezel is metal - it'll dent & scratch, but not fall off or stop working. A proper tool watch.
It's an acquired taste, but still has every bit that Rolex quality movement etc. Destined to be a bit of a cult classic I reckon.
Also, it's 40mm diameter - less than a Sub, and lies comfortably flatter on wrist - and the only white-dialled sports model outside of the Daytona, so it has a definite niche appeal within the Rolex line-up.
UnclePat said:
Easily the best second-hand value of modern sports Rolex, though prices are creeping up.
Compared to the GMT Master II, it's a hell of a lot cheaper used, considering it's basically the same watch without a rotating bezel.
Also has a cool back-story of its own - developed for cave explorers with no ability to discern day or night underground, hence the fixed bezel.
A lot more practical for banging off stuff if the bezel is metal - it'll dent & scratch, but not fall off or stop working. A proper tool watch.
It's an acquired taste, but still has every bit that Rolex quality movement etc. Destined to be a bit of a cult classic I reckon.
Also, it's 40mm diameter - less than a Sub, and lies comfortably flatter on wrist - and the only white-dialled sports model outside of the Daytona, so it has a definite niche appeal within the Rolex line-up.
Compared to the GMT Master II, it's a hell of a lot cheaper used, considering it's basically the same watch without a rotating bezel.
Also has a cool back-story of its own - developed for cave explorers with no ability to discern day or night underground, hence the fixed bezel.
A lot more practical for banging off stuff if the bezel is metal - it'll dent & scratch, but not fall off or stop working. A proper tool watch.
It's an acquired taste, but still has every bit that Rolex quality movement etc. Destined to be a bit of a cult classic I reckon.
Also, it's 40mm diameter - less than a Sub, and lies comfortably flatter on wrist - and the only white-dialled sports model outside of the Daytona, so it has a definite niche appeal within the Rolex line-up.
Submariners are 40mm.CardShark said:
ou sont les biscuits said:
Submariners are 40mm.randlemarcus said:
It's a No from me. Illegitimate child of an 80s TAG, and a posh Swatch.
Might be a fun piece at a few hundred, but surely its only the Rolex name keeping prices that high?
Eh? Might be a fun piece at a few hundred, but surely its only the Rolex name keeping prices that high?
I've had one since 2000, white dial - looks good smart or casual, second time zone is good to have if you travel. Bit more unusual that the normal black dialled Rolex. The original II is brilliant, my generation is cool and the new generation not so much, I feel personally - it got a bit pumped up for me, but nice to see the original orange back though.
andy_s said:
Eh?
I've had one since 2000, white dial - looks good smart or casual, second time zone is good to have if you travel. Bit more unusual that the normal black dialled Rolex. The original II is brilliant, my generation is cool and the new generation not so much, I feel personally - it got a bit pumped up for me, but nice to see the original orange back though.
Pumped? Moi?I've had one since 2000, white dial - looks good smart or casual, second time zone is good to have if you travel. Bit more unusual that the normal black dialled Rolex. The original II is brilliant, my generation is cool and the new generation not so much, I feel personally - it got a bit pumped up for me, but nice to see the original orange back though.
andy_s said:
don logan said:
As Andy_s pointed out, usually less love around for the 42mm, this is mine
No offence - just skinny wrists on my part!What I will say is that it did get 2mm bigger but I don't think it got "chunky", feels fairly flat on the wrist, actually feels much more natural than an SD4000 which is 40mm but thick
ou sont les biscuits said:
confused: Submariners are 40mm.
Aye, I know (and I have a Sub!) - that's my mistake, sorry. Hurriedly typed that out whilst waiting for a film to start in the cinema, then realised my mistake during, and hoped to edit it after before anyone noticed (too late!).
What I meant to say - and what others said later - was that at 40mm, the old Exp2 is smaller than the newer model 42mm Exp2, and as it doesn't have the maxi-case/thick lugs of the newer Submariners, it wears a great deal neater than both. Allied to the flatter case back & older, hollow link bracelet & stamped clasp, the whole package is lighter & smaller, which is maybe more comfortable for some.
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