The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[speicher1]

My main point about the Explorer II was that it occupies a vacuum in the line of Rolex tool watches. The Submariner is indisputed as "the" Rolex tool watch because it's been used by Comex, crossed the Channel, issued to SBS Commandos, etc. Likewise, the GMT I was used by Chuck Yeager. The GMT II was worn into space by Jack Swigert and to the North Pole by Ranulph Fiennes (before he endorsed Kobold). And of course, the Explorer I went to Everest.

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by speicher1

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?

Because I bought one!. Since I always keep my Explorer II and GMTs on zulu time I only rotate the bezel on the GMT Master. For me the GMT II and Explorer II serve the same purpose. The difference is looks and comfort and the GMT's can better be used as a timer.

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by speicher1

My main point about the Explorer II was that it occupies a vacuum in the line of Rolex tool watches. The Submariner is indisputed as "the" Rolex tool watch because it's been used by Comex, crossed the Channel, issued to SBS Commandos, etc. Likewise, the GMT I was used by Chuck Yeager. The GMT II was worn into space by Jack Swigert and to the North Pole by Ranulph Fiennes (before he endorsed Kobold). And of course, the Explorer I went to Everest.

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?

Some clarifying info is needed here...

The GMT II (16760) was introduced in 1983. Swigert died in 1982. He owned a GMT 1675. The Explorer was during the fifties available with special oil for large differencies in temperature. The Explorer 1016 was water resistant to 100 m, whilst in the same time the GMT, and standard oysters where proof to 50 m. The 1655 was delivered with a thicker case and a larger crown compared to the GMT 1675 at the time.

If you check the Rolex website you get a couple of examples of Rolex sponsored Explorers... using the Explorer or Explorer II. One of them is Chuck Yeager.

This is info you can get by googling for about five minutes.

Best,

A

[speicher1]

Originally Posted by acce1999

Some clarifying info is needed here...

The GMT II (16760) was introduced in 1983. Swigert died in 1982. He owned a GMT 1675. The Explorer was during the fifties available with special oil for large differencies in temperature. The Explorer 1016 was water resistant to 100 m, whilst in the same time the GMT, and standard oysters where proof to 50 m. The 1655 was delivered with a thicker case and a larger crown compared to the GMT 1675 at the time.

If you check the Rolex website you get a couple of examples of Rolex sponsored Explorers... using the Explorer or Explorer II. One of them is Chuck Yeager.

This is info you can get by googling for about five minutes.

Best,

A

I stand corrected.

[mike]

Originally Posted by speicher1

My main point about the Explorer II was that it occupies a vacuum in the line of Rolex tool watches. The Submariner is indisputed as "the" Rolex tool watch because it's been used by Comex, crossed the Channel, issued to SBS Commandos, etc. Likewise, the GMT I was used by Chuck Yeager. The GMT II was worn into space by Jack Swigert and to the North Pole by Ranulph Fiennes (before he endorsed Kobold). And of course, the Explorer I went to Everest.

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?

Well, actually while the GMT is associated with General Yeager, he did not wear a GMT-MASTER during his record sound breaking flight. That occurred before the debut of the GMT. The only sources I've seen refer to the General wearing an Oyster Perpetual--the same he wore during the war.
Certainly in later years Gen. Yeager is seen wearing various GMTs in ADs.

Col. Swiggert wore a 1675 during the ill fated Appolo 13 mission. That watch went to the Rolex museum.

[Ken Cox]

When my wife bought me my GMT Master II in 1986, neither of us knew the Explorer II existed.

If I had it to do over again, I would choose either a white or a black face Explorer II over the GMT Master II, with a slight preference for the white face.

I think the public prefers the GMT Master II because the bezel seems more purposeful (although almost no one uses it for its intended purposes), and because of the GMT Master II's association with professional aviation and international travel.

Also, the name Explorer seems a little hokey and pretentious, whereas the name GMT Master suggests a mastery over time, which a watch should provide.

[ral]

Originally Posted by Ken Cox

Also, the name Explorer seems a little hokey and pretentious, whereas the name GMT Master suggests a mastery over time, which a watch should provide.

Yeah, they should just call it the Rolex GMT. I like the black dial version.

[Aspirin]

Originally Posted by speicher1

My main point about the Explorer II was that it occupies a vacuum in the line of Rolex tool watches. The Submariner is indisputed as "the" Rolex tool watch because it's been used by Comex, crossed the Channel, issued to SBS Commandos, etc. Likewise, the GMT I was used by Chuck Yeager. The GMT II was worn into space by Jack Swigert and to the North Pole by Ranulph Fiennes (before he endorsed Kobold). And of course, the Explorer I went to Everest.

How is the Explorer II an icon? What is its distinction?

Totally agree!