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JJ Irani · 11 October 2008, 01:52 AM

When I first typed out this review, I had absolutely no idea that it would generate so many responses and sales.

Hey, Rolex.....where's my bloody commission!??

Magly · 11 October 2008, 04:27 PM

Convincing report! I thing I want to have for myself too.

BiG JeEzY · 12 October 2008, 08:18 AM

For those who are thinking about getting an Explorer II, I say get yours today. Since its not selling as well as other models, I have a strong hunch that it will be a highly collectible and sought after model one day...

jnewell · 13 October 2008, 10:25 AM

Just finished reading this and the "Enigma" thread. Great threads. Very tempting...but an almost complete overlap with my GMT Master...

On the point below, which is very true, there is a way to eliminate that problem. Buy used. Let the first owner take the hit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

OMEGAs are superb watches and excellent value for money. But resale on them sucks....big time.

steve44147 · 15 October 2008, 12:20 PM

I am looking at an Explorer II that a friend of a friend has for sale. It does not have the Rolex crown etched at the 6 position. When I pointed out to him, he said that the crystal had chipped and he had an "aftermaket" replacement put on it. How bad does this effect the value? Or does this just scream "FAKE?"

chriseskew24 · 15 October 2008, 01:48 PM

Probably a stupid question but what is the bezel for on the exp II? Dose it serve a purpose?

Military time?

steve44147 · 16 October 2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriseskew24

Probably a stupid question but what is the bezel for on the exp II? Dose it serve a purpose?

Military time?

The Explorer II was designed with spelunking (cave exploration) in mind. The bezel is marked for a 24 hour period and the third (red) hand is used when you are in total darkness to determine when it is day or night. If you can't see the sun, how would you know if the 1:00 you were looking at was one in the afternoon or one in the morning? Rolex's solution; just glance over at the red hand and see if it is pointing at the one or if it is pointing at the thirteen.

JJ Irani · 16 October 2008, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve44147

The Explorer II was designed with spelunking (cave exploration) in mind. The bezel is marked for a 24 hour period and the third (red) hand is used when you are in total darkness to determine when it is day or night. If you can't see the sun, how would you know if the 1:00 you were looking at was one in the afternoon or one in the morning? Rolex's solution; just glance over at the red hand and see if it is pointing at the one or if it is pointing at the thirteen.

Correct!!

steve44147 · 16 October 2008, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Correct!!

It was, believe it or not, very helpful when I was in the USMC and stuck on a ship for months on end! I sometimes went weeks without seeing the light of day. Not exactly spelunking, but a practical use of the 24 hour markings on the Exlporer II's bezel.

9166 · 10 November 2008, 03:31 AM

I have been thinking about getting a Rolex for myself. It will probably be the EXP II. Thank you for all the information.

hsung · 10 November 2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve44147

It was, believe it or not, very helpful when I was in the USMC and stuck on a ship for months on end! I sometimes went weeks without seeing the light of day. Not exactly spelunking, but a practical use of the 24 hour markings on the Exlporer II's bezel.

The main difference in function between the Exp II and GMT II is the latter has a movable bezel that allows the wearer to keep a third time zone.

IMO, the brushed bezel of the Exp II looks cool and durable

JJ Irani · 11 November 2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsung

The main difference in function between the Exp II and GMT II is the latter has a movable bezel that allows the wearer to keep a third time zone.

IMO, the brushed bezel of the Exp II looks cool and durable

The Exp-II bezel too can be a scratch-magnet. Unfortunately, if it gets scratched, it cannot be buffed to the same specs as the original Rolex finish. So it would have to be replaced.......at a cost, of course.

In this respect, the GMT-II and Sub bezel inserts are cheaper and easier to replace if scratched or damaged.

JJ

feudallordcult · 11 November 2008, 01:13 PM

I hv always been in love with a white exp-II. Juat wondering if i should get this or the sub LV for this festive season.

Dylan Wade · 16 November 2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feudallordcult

I hv always been in love with a white exp-II. Juat wondering if i should get this or the sub LV for this festive season.

Hi Henry, looks like you already own the classic Sub, so although the LV is another cool looking sub, I would recommend the EXP II (polar) for sure in such a case...........very different and yet another classic

takita787 · 16 November 2008, 05:55 AM

Just read the entire review :) Looks like a great watch, too bad i dont have a spare $5k as of now. Will keep in mind for in the future though.

spyroeast · 18 November 2008, 10:00 PM

Me and my partners just put a deposit for 4 pieces of the Explorer II !!! Two black and two white colours !!! It is at our local AD here in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Very good service by AD and also price is quite reasonable as we checked around all the other ADs. We were told that we can bring our Rolexes to them to clean every month.....which is a service done by them for Rolex purchasers !!!

We were contemplating taking four different models as the GMT Master II with the green dial and Cerachrom bezel was nice, one of my partners like the Sea Dweller, another like a Datejust......but in the end we all decided on the Explorer IIs !!! Hope we made the right choice !!

cwru32 · 19 November 2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve44147

The Explorer II was designed with spelunking (cave exploration) in mind. The bezel is marked for a 24 hour period and the third (red) hand is used when you are in total darkness to determine when it is day or night. If you can't see the sun, how would you know if the 1:00 you were looking at was one in the afternoon or one in the morning? Rolex's solution; just glance over at the red hand and see if it is pointing at the one or if it is pointing at the thirteen.

hi steve
used to live in c town. where in cle u live?

Jedi · 19 November 2008, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyroeast

Me and my partners just put a deposit for 4 pieces of the Explorer II !!! Two black and two white colours !!! It is at our local AD here in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Very good service by AD and also price is quite reasonable as we checked around all the other ADs. We were told that we can bring our Rolexes to them to clean every month.....which is a service done by them for Rolex purchasers !!!

We were contemplating taking four different models as the GMT Master II with the green dial and Cerachrom bezel was nice, one of my partners like the Sea Dweller, another like a Datejust......but in the end we all decided on the Explorer IIs !!! Hope we made the right choice !!

Did you order from Chung Fatt Kee or the Cortina in OneBorneo?

Chung Fatt Kee is THE place to order your Rolex and not some faceless chain like Cortina. There are only 2 ADs in KK anyway.

seodeveloping · 19 November 2008, 11:55 AM

JJ Irani - Excellent review! I am new here, but definitely not new to the Rolex lifestyle - excellent job.

Psmith · 20 November 2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beef

It was made for spelunkers in mind, but the original version (1970's), the "Orange Hand Explorer" only came with a black dial. The early "cream" white dial was introducer in the '80's and is very desirable among collectors. The current white dial is whiter than the "cream".

Here's a link to an '80s cream dial 16550 that sold for around £12,000

http://www.dream-watches.co.uk/watchsingle.asp?id=727

Great review JJ, something of a TRF classic

Cheers

vapalux · 18 December 2008, 02:08 AM

JJ you have done it again.

Was wondering what the next one was going to be. While there is a list the majority on it are way outside my price bracket I had never thought of the Expy II.

You have answered all my questions and its nearly at the top of the list. If one comes up, especially in cream ..........

I seem to be addicted to white face dials at the moment, but if you like it, and can warrant it, have it.

Great review and thanks

Si

onkyo · 18 December 2008, 02:59 AM

Absolutely fantastic review JJ

. What a superb watch the Exp II is. I have both black and white dials. The white is my daily wearer which I purchased from Springer here second hand. I love it!!!!!

hflee55 · 9 March 2009, 12:31 PM

this might just push me to get the explorer II

Psmith · 11 March 2009, 10:53 PM

I keep coming back to this review - always a great read

Cheers

JJ Irani · 12 March 2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psmith

I keep coming back to this review - always a great read

Cheers

Excellent pictures!! Bravo!!

Dr.B · 12 March 2009, 02:38 AM

Great review JJ, thank you!!

JJ Irani · 12 March 2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.B

Great review JJ, thank you!!

Thanks, Fernando......how have you been?

chicken · 13 March 2009, 07:43 PM

I never noticed before but just seen that the "10" to "16" numbers are inverted to aid readability on a fixed bezel. I guess the "8" is as well but that looks the same upside-down.

I guess it will be true for all watches that have a fixed bezel then.

You all probably know this already but I was tickled because I realised this all by myself without anyone telling me.

Psmith · 13 March 2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Excellent pictures!! Bravo!!

A great review deserves great pics

So here's a few more...

sql · 18 March 2009, 05:27 AM

I am still on the fence when it comes to EXP II.... this might have just helped to push me :)

11 October 2008, 01:52 AM	#181
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	When I first typed out this review, I had absolutely no idea that it would generate so many responses and sales. Hey, Rolex.....where's my bloody commission!?? __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

12 October 2008, 08:18 AM	#183
BiG JeEzY "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jerome Location: N. California Watch: GMT I/EXP II/DJ Posts: 3,350	For those who are thinking about getting an Explorer II, I say get yours today. Since its not selling as well as other models, I have a strong hunch that it will be a highly collectible and sought after model one day... __________________ -Rolex Explorer II Black dial 16570 (circa 2001) -Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978) -Rolex Datejust TT Champagne 16233 (circa 1991) -Vintage Longines Automatic La Grande Classique -Vintage Seiko 6138 Automatic Chronograph with "Kakume" Dial

11 October 2008, 04:27 PM	#182
Magly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jakarta Posts: 9	Convincing report! I thing I want to have for myself too.

15 October 2008, 12:20 PM	#185
steve44147 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 9	I am looking at an Explorer II that a friend of a friend has for sale. It does not have the Rolex crown etched at the 6 position. When I pointed out to him, he said that the crystal had chipped and he had an "aftermaket" replacement put on it. How bad does this effect the value? Or does this just scream "FAKE?"

15 October 2008, 01:48 PM	#186
chriseskew24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Christopher Location: fort lauderdale Watch: Bunches Posts: 1,860	Probably a stupid question but what is the bezel for on the exp II? Dose it serve a purpose? Military time?

10 November 2008, 03:31 AM	#190
9166 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Malaysia Watch: SD,EXPY2, TT SUB Posts: 23	I have been thinking about getting a Rolex for myself. It will probably be the EXP II. Thank you for all the information.

11 November 2008, 01:13 PM	#193
feudallordcult "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Henry Location: Singapore Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 138	I hv always been in love with a white exp-II. Juat wondering if i should get this or the sub LV for this festive season.

16 November 2008, 05:55 AM	#195
takita787 Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: az Posts: 27	Just read the entire review :) Looks like a great watch, too bad i dont have a spare $5k as of now. Will keep in mind for in the future though.

18 November 2008, 10:00 PM	#196
spyroeast "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kota Kinabalu Posts: 2	Me and my partners just put a deposit for 4 pieces of the Explorer II !!! Two black and two white colours !!! It is at our local AD here in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Very good service by AD and also price is quite reasonable as we checked around all the other ADs. We were told that we can bring our Rolexes to them to clean every month.....which is a service done by them for Rolex purchasers !!! We were contemplating taking four different models as the GMT Master II with the green dial and Cerachrom bezel was nice, one of my partners like the Sea Dweller, another like a Datejust......but in the end we all decided on the Explorer IIs !!! Hope we made the right choice !!

19 November 2008, 11:55 AM	#199
seodeveloping Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York Posts: 18	JJ Irani - Excellent review! I am new here, but definitely not new to the Rolex lifestyle - excellent job.

18 December 2008, 02:08 AM	#201
vapalux "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Si Location: united kingdom Posts: 1,655	JJ you have done it again. Was wondering what the next one was going to be. While there is a list the majority on it are way outside my price bracket I had never thought of the Expy II. You have answered all my questions and its nearly at the top of the list. If one comes up, especially in cream .......... I seem to be addicted to white face dials at the moment, but if you like it, and can warrant it, have it. Great review and thanks Si

18 December 2008, 02:59 AM	#202
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Absolutely fantastic review JJ . What a superb watch the Exp II is. I have both black and white dials. The white is my daily wearer which I purchased from Springer here second hand. I love it!!!!!

9 March 2009, 12:31 PM	#203
hflee55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Andy Location: Kuala Lumpur, MY Watch: Me Watching You!! Posts: 3,260	this might just push me to get the explorer II

12 March 2009, 02:38 AM	#206
Dr.B "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Fernando Location: North Carolina Watch: SS White Daytona Posts: 1,944	Great review JJ, thank you!!

13 March 2009, 07:43 PM	#208
chicken "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London + New York Watch: Eterna KonTiki Posts: 43	I never noticed before but just seen that the "10" to "16" numbers are inverted to aid readability on a fixed bezel. I guess the "8" is as well but that looks the same upside-down. I guess it will be true for all watches that have a fixed bezel then. You all probably know this already but I was tickled because I realised this all by myself without anyone telling me.

18 March 2009, 05:27 AM	#210
sql "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Poland Posts: 26	I am still on the fence when it comes to EXP II.... this might have just helped to push me :)

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