Explorer II thoughts and pic request... please!

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by Jolu

The crystal is a dirt and fingerprint magnet, but no more than other sapphire watches (perhaps a little less visible with the white dial).

Absolutely wonderful pictures (as usual)! Very inspirational. I regret not picking up my black ExII today...

When it comes to dirt and fingerprints there is a dramatic difference between the white and black dials. I have both. The white can take MUCH more than the black, and still look good.

Best,

A

[wgs]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I have decided that the Explorer II is my next Rolex purchase. Unfortunately this thread has confused me even more than I already was before opening up this thread. My problem is I cannot decide if I want the Polar dial or the black dial. I really like both. At one point I will see a photo of the Explorer II with a black dial and convince myself that is indeed the one I want. Then I will see an incredible photo of an Explorer II with a polar dial and I second guess myself and think I like that dial better. I wish I could buy both but at this point buying one is the only option. Any input?

I am in the exact same boat as you, man. I love the Explorer II but have been undecided on dial color for quite some time. The black dial was the first Rolex to ever catch my attention but that white dial sure is stunning.

Good luck with your decision!

[Family Man]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I have decided that the Explorer II is my next Rolex purchase. Unfortunately this thread has confused me even more than I already was before opening up this thread. My problem is I cannot decide if I want the Polar dial or the black dial. I really like both. At one point I will see a photo of the Explorer II with a black dial and convince myself that is indeed the one I want. Then I will see an incredible photo of an Explorer II with a polar dial and I second guess myself and think I like that dial better. I wish I could buy both but at this point buying one is the only option. Any input?

I thought I would prefer the black dial until I tried them on at an AD. Now I prefer the white dial. Have you tried them on?

I thought I had it sorted out, then Rolex go and plan a revision of the ExpII! I've got to wait another year or two before I buy.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I have decided that the Explorer II is my next Rolex purchase. Unfortunately this thread has confused me even more than I already was before opening up this thread. My problem is I cannot decide if I want the Polar dial or the black dial. I really like both. At one point I will see a photo of the Explorer II with a black dial and convince myself that is indeed the one I want. Then I will see an incredible photo of an Explorer II with a polar dial and I second guess myself and think I like that dial better. I wish I could buy both but at this point buying one is the only option. Any input?

Get the WHITE dial - it will grab you much more than the black one!!

[DOUBLE 0 SE7EN]

It is my first Rolex and I will keep it forever..Day by day I love it much more..Today it got its first small scratch..But it is really beautiful..It will be a classic someday..

[yackety yak]

The white face really does it for me it's got a great look about it.

[ersnyder]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Get the WHITE dial - it will grab you much more than the black one!!

I'm with JJ on this one for sure, white all the way!

[kingblackbolt]

Can I just say one word for all these reponses?

WOW

Thanks a million guys I am really torn between the colours as well like "mtrunner" but since this will be my one and only for the forseeable future I will go with the black. If I had a Sub or SD then white for sure but since this will be my lone watch for a while I will go black all the way... just arrived from my AD where I tried them both on (and some very nice Glashutte's as well)

Now I recall why there is no place on the net like TRF just looking at all these fantastic pics has me doing this to my computer:



Thanks for the welcome back JJ and those beyooteeful pics as well you have amassed quite the collection since I last saw your tagline!


I'll keep you guys updated on when and what I wind up getting...

[kingblackbolt]

Double post sorry!

[therolexguy]

[JUSTROLEXES]

Here you go Ren... it's a Beauty

[therolexguy]

[NightOwl]

In terms of the 3185 vs 3186, for those people who are going to eventually pass their watch on as a family heirloom, the 3186 might have the advantage since the 30 year countdown will not start for the 3186 for a while ... or is the 30 year service interval based on model and not movement?? Just a thought

[kingblackbolt]

Keep those gorgeous shots coming guys!

[kingblackbolt]

Can I ask another fave?

Please PM me if you know what an 1 year old M serial Explorer II w/3186 movement in 98% condition should be selling for in the used market.

Thanks again guys,
Ren

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by kingblackbolt

Can I ask another fave?

Please PM me if you know what an 1 year old M serial Explorer II w/3186 movement in 98% condition should be selling for in the used market.

Thanks again guys,
Ren

If you search Explorer on the sales forum, you'll find a few M's sold here over the last few months. Best case $4K for a daily wearer in new condition; as much as $4800 for BNIB.

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by CPTL

If you search Explorer on the sales forum, you'll find a few M's sold here over the last few months. Best case $4K for a daily wearer in new condition; as much as $4800 for BNIB.

Kevin,

Thanks I did that here on TRF and elsewhere earlier this evening and it seems like the prices are really all over the place?



That is why I want a little more insight from the experts...

[CPTL]

I've seen that as well. I think the reason is that the M's are as old as Jan 08 (when I got mine) and as new as...well...the two in my AD's case right now.

The BNIB ones are commanding near $5K, while the others range down from there (I think $3900 is the lowest I've seen). Mine has been worn 750ish days X 85%, so it's got some marks on it. It's in perfect condition, but would probably be at the low end without a polish.

Not that I'd ever sell it.

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by CPTL

I've seen that as well. I think the reason is that the M's are as old as Jan 08 (when I got mine) and as new as...well...the two in my AD's case right now.

The BNIB ones are commanding near $5K, while the others range down from there (I think $3900 is the lowest I've seen). Mine has been worn 750ish days X 85%, so it's got some marks on it. It's in perfect condition, but would probably be at the low end without a polish.

Not that I'd ever sell it.

I didn't realize the date of production range was so large... of the two I tried on today the black was in fact an M and the white a V.

Thanks for the good info! So how much you looking to get for yours then?

[Warnsboy]

Ren:

The Positive----I love this one!!

pIMG_0157.JPG


The Negative----I want a white one too!!!!

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by kingblackbolt

I didn't realize the date of production range was so large... of the two I tried on today the black was in fact an M and the white a V.

Thanks for the good info! So how much you looking to get for yours then?

I don't think it's about production range, I just don't think they sell as fast as the others, which means they're likely to languish either in Geneva, at distribution, or in the jewler's case.

[Poom]

I hv all sport model except YM and I can tell you EX II is one of my favorite in Top 3 to wear, it's very comfortable and versatile to go as everyday watch.

[ayres]

Originally Posted by NightOwl

In terms of the 3185 vs 3186, for those people who are going to eventually pass their watch on as a family heirloom, the 3186 might have the advantage since the 30 year countdown will not start for the 3186 for a while ... or is the 30 year service interval based on model and not movement?? Just a thought

??????????

i think you might be confused.

[Colnago]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

just to follow up, i just got off the phone with the store and they confirmed the 3186 movement. so, it looks like the crown test lives to see another day!! and, despite the salesperson's statements to the contrary, the advice on this forum is not "bogus"! well done. thanks.

Hate to say it but.....I told you so......the crown revolution test is 200% accurate.....congrats anyway they are both great movements anyway....here's a recent one (yesterday) of mine with Exup's Tudor DD in the background (we work next to each other in Baku, Azerbaijan)....you can only imagine what it's like sitting next to another WIS!!!!

[Faide]

All these PICS ROCK!!!

_Faide

[NightOwl]

Originally Posted by NightOwl View Post
In terms of the 3185 vs 3186, for those people who are going to eventually pass their watch on as a family heirloom, the 3186 might have the advantage since the 30 year countdown will not start for the 3186 for a while ... or is the 30 year service interval based on model and not movement?? Just a thought

Originally Posted by ayres

??????????

i think you might be confused.

haha yes I can see I wrote that a bit hastily. I was just trying to make the point that if the 3185 was discontinued soon (not sure if it already is) then those watches with that movement would then have 30 years of guaranteed parts availability (and service) before Rolex cuts them off whereas I would expect the 3186 will continue on for a good deal longer before being totally discontinued thereby extending its service range.

[kingblackbolt]

Reason #465 why TRF is the best: Try even mentioning watch prices on some other sites and see how quickly your post and/or thread is deleted...TRF rocks!

[chrislkb]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

As always JJ, I LOVE to gaze on your Exp II shots!! I did forget to mention how cool the "touch of red" on the face is too!

Yeah, nice! Even better without the protective stickers!

[chrislkb]

[QUOTE=Jolu;1738372]I went black by coincidence - I wanted a Y-series with lugholes, and the black happened to be the first I found. If I could justify buying the exact same watch in white also, I would...

The crystal is a dirt and fingerprint magnet, but no more than other sapphire watches (perhaps a little less visible with the white dial). Scratches on the brushed bezel is not easy to polish out. I can live with that.

Here's a few wristshots:

QUOTE]

Explorer II is snug and warm in winter. Great pixs!

[Jolu]

The White also happens to be the choice of Norwegian climbers in Antarctica...


(pic from the book "Antarktis Rondespiret" by Ivar Erik Tollefsen, 1997)