(New) Rolex explorer 2 review

Cyrus

Someone made the point recently that we should start reviewing some of the watches that we are buying, and it was a good point.

To that end, here is my poor attempt at a short review of the new rolex explorer 2 (216570) and some comparison with the newest version of Rolexes submariner, the sub-c. Excuse the pics and the prose

Beside the sub-c



On its own


I immediately like the look of the explorer 2 when it was released at Basel, I also was looking for a non black dialled rolex to add to my small collection and this seemed to tick a lot of boxes. So after a lot of thought and pondering my beautiful IWC 3227 and Breitling Navitimer were both sold to fund the purchase.

I bought my watch unworn, but with a nice discount on RRP (circa 15%) from a Dutch dealer (http://www.juwelierburger.com/NL/index.asp) I would highly recommend them.

The first thing to note, this is a large watch in the context of rolex. Aside from the DSSD this is the biggest watch they sell. Its 42mm in diameter and 12mm thick. However compared to the IWC Ingy and some panerai I have owned it isn’t massive.

The dial:
There are 2 reasons I chose the white dial, one I already have a black sub so a change is nice and two, I dislike matte dials. The white dial is a pure white, not the off white most white dialled watches are and it really ‘pops’. It also contrasts beautifully with the orange text and GMT hand. The dial is a maxi dial and as such has larger markers with plenty of lume which glows a lovely blue colour. Unusually, the rolex crown and the marker surrounds are black which takes a little getting used to, but IMO works well.

Close up of the dial


The case:
The case is beautifully proportioned to my eyes, and a required upgrade on the original 39mm exp 2. The tops of the lugs are brushed and the sides of the case are polished to a mirror finish. The bezel is brushed and the case is fitted with a 7mm double lock crown (not the more substantial triplock crown of the sub-c but again bigger than the old exp 2)

Sub-c left Exp2 right


Crown sides Sub-c left Exp 2 right


Crown side of exp2 case


The bracelet:
The bracelet is 21mm at the lugs tapering to 18mm at the clasp. It has screwed links and is fitted with the upgraded clasp from the GMT2-C (not the glide lock clasp from the sub c). The difference is in how micro adjustment is handled, this clasp is smaller and includes and easy link whereas the sub clasp offers much more micro adjustment. The clasp isn’t as good as the sub clasp, nor is it as substantial, giving the bracelelt a lighter feel to the submariner bracelet. I would have preferred the new sub clasp, altho this clasp is a vast upgrade on older rolex clasps.

Exp 2 Clasp


Sub-C clasp glidelock clasp (see the size difference)


Overall impressions:
I really like this watch, the purists don’t like the larger case size or the black accents on the dial, but for me it’s a modern twist on a classic rolex, its also a little less ubiquitous than the submariner so despite it loud looks it flys under the radar a little. One thing id change is the clasp to the submariner clasp but that aside im happy with my purchase.

A wristy and an arty one

fishguy

Hi,

Damn U!!! Now I want on of those explorers

Nice review! Thx

G.

Cyrus

Cheers, i know its not wonderful but hopefully of some interest to the good folk on here,

Hasnt been off my wrist since it arrived

Sunster

Great review Niall. You'll have seen pics of mine already but for those who haven't...well I've taken the same plunge for the Explorer 2, this time in black. I have a weakness for black face watches and I thought the black dial on this would be more subtle than the white. Loving it. Don't want to hijack your thread but here's my pics and a side by side with the Sub C

Deep Thought

Sunster wrote: »

Great review Niall. You'll have seen pics of mine already but for those who haven't...well I've taken the same plunge for the Explorer 2, this time in black. I have a weakness for black face watches and I thought the black dial on this would be more subtle than the white. Loving it. Don't want to hijack your thread but here's my pics and a side by side with the Sub C

Strange how the black face makes it look alot bigger wheras the white face looks the same size

MiCr0

[troll] does the explorer II come with a free sub-c?

fishguy

Which dial is easier to read especially in low light condition?

G.

Sunster

The lume is the same on both although I've seen pictures where the lume on the white dial brings about a lighting up the dial effect...therefore maybe the white shades it

Cyrus

fishguy wrote: »

Which dial is easier to read especially in low light condition?

G.

both are 'maxi' dials so lume is excellent on both

the white dial should be easier read in theory tho

Marcusm

I think you should be ashamed that you didn't plump for the patriotic Sub-C, ie the Incredible Hulk!

Cyrus

Marcusm wrote: »

I think you should be ashamed that you didn't plump for the patriotic Sub-C, ie the Incredible Hulk!

i like the old LV, too much green in the new one tho :P

also i have enough rolex for now (not that id kick a nice DJ2 or Daytona out of bed) but this thing of having 5 subs isnt me (not that i could even afford it :rolleyes:)

Marcusm

Cyrus wrote: »

i like the old LV, too much green in the new one tho :P

also i have enough rolex for now (not that id kick a nice DJ2 or Daytona out of bed) but this thing of having 5 subs isnt me (not that i could even afford it :rolleyes:)

The problem I have with the old LV (and Subs of that generation) is that they wear a little small on me but more importantly, the bracelet (to me) seems flimsy. Maybe I should think about a new ExpII but it doesn't excite me. I thought a DSSD would be perfect for me but it sits high rather than being a substantial watch.

I really like the DJ, fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet (might even think two tone, horror to many) but it's simply too small. Have looked at some DJII but the problem is I don't think the Oysterlock bracelet suits that watch - has to be Jubilee. Also the proportions of the bezel and dial don't seem quite right.

A DDII (with President) would be a compromise but as it's precious metal only, I'll pass.

Fundamentally, I guess I'll end up sticking with Omega (SMP, AT2500, Speedy Alaska Project, POXL, 1961 vintage piece) or IWC (Big Pilot, Port Auto Chrono) with the odd sideline (Panerai). HAven't bought a new watch in 18 months (even 8 months late on buying a 40th birthday watch). Have seen a Railmaster XXL but no papers, no box puts me off.

Need to find something....