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RolexExplor · 15 June 2014, 11:04 AM

i own both but im glad i didnt TRADE UP and kept 40mm which was a gift

grizwold225 · 16 June 2014, 04:36 AM

I have a 16550 ivory face rail with WG hands and hour markers, Swiss-T<25. It's a 9****** serial number. I used to phone round for current prices from AD's as it's on the house contents insurance. It wasn't until, by chance, I was Googling and saw this and other forums going on about this model. I've still got all the boxes, booklets, certificates, etc. etc. so checked these and discovered exactly what is was I had. So upped the insurance cover significantly! It's been worn every day since I bought it, with no problems. Definitely an under the radar watch. Go to the gym three times a week and it goes in the pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Jacuzzi is really good it acts a bit like an ultrasonic cleaner! I also have a Rodania Chronometer my parents bought for my 21st and a Seiko 5 Actus day/date I picked up in the Middle East in 1976. But the Exp II is the only one I wear now. A brilliant piece of craftsmanship as far as I'm concerned.

VictorHDH · 22 June 2014, 01:43 AM

Hi guys, what do you think about this 16570.
S: X783xxx

bearone2 · 22 June 2014, 04:31 AM

i've had it 40+ years.

MrSimba · 22 June 2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearone2

i've had it 40+ years.

Absolutly stunning!

And I'm sure some equally amazing stories & memories from the last 40 years with it!

Wear it in good health for many more years my friend

lonelyboy · 22 June 2014, 05:57 PM

My EXII

bearone2 · 22 June 2014, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSimba

Absolutly stunning!

And I'm sure some equally amazing stories & memories from the last 40 years with it!

Wear it in good health for many more years my friend

thank you

it replaced a stainless gmt master, with the red/blue bezel, that i brought back from vietnam in aug 1971.

the gmt needed to be replaced after being taken in a robbery while i was driving a cab in denver.

the explorer2 would travel to iran for 2 years, with travel to germany, england, italy & greece.

it would come out of service in nov '83, when it was replaced by the gmt rootbeer.

the rootbeer's been worn daily & no plans to change that.

yong5 · 25 June 2014, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VictorHDH

Hi guys, what do you think about this 16570.
S: X783xxx

Hey Victor, Mine is the same range too!
X783XXX

Hay Ewe · 25 June 2014, 09:26 PM

I HAVE to have one of these, with the black face.
have looked at many others, the Pelagos as well, the GMT but it comes down to the EXP2.

One day

Hay Ewe

VictorHDH · 26 June 2014, 10:49 AM

[QUOTE=yong5;5053607]Hey Victor, Mine is the same range too!
X783XXX
Is that weird yong05? They are far away ..... Cheers nice watch by the way.

yong5 · 26 June 2014, 02:13 PM

[QUOTE=VictorHDH;5055284]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yong5

Hey Victor, Mine is the same range too!
X783XXX
Is that weird yong05? They are far away ..... Cheers nice watch by the way.

Geographically yes. Very far away. But series number we are quite close. To give you a better idea. X7835XX

ToniH. · 26 June 2014, 07:29 PM

I love this watch. It flies under the radar and is bit more personal than the subs and gmts. True wis choice. Heres mine.

VictorHDH · 26 June 2014, 11:11 PM

[QUOTE=yong5;5055708]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VictorHDH

Geographically yes. Very far away. But series number we are quite close. To give you a better idea. X7835XX

There starts the diference, mine is 6.

strafer_kid · 21 July 2014, 04:35 AM

Must say, the 16570 on black NATO or Zulu looks very nice!

De Sisti · 10 August 2014, 07:13 PM

My Explorer II. 1994: Sxxxxxx. Recently back from Rolex after a service and new dial/hands.
(Bracelet is in box).

Bruse Wayne · 18 August 2014, 12:29 AM

Love this EXP!!!....Looking for a white face to throw on a Nato Strap

jasper · 18 August 2014, 03:18 PM

I have decided to collect watches with plastic crystals only. I really like the Expo II and a white dial would be great since everything I own has a black dial now. I can not however justify having a watch with two hour hands which only move together. If I was cave exploring ok maybe - but that's not my thing. Travelling to other time zones is my thing however and having an independently adjustable 24 hour hand sounds like the bomb.

After reading through this thread it sounds as though the adjustable 24 hour hand started with the 16570. If so, then that begs the question did the 16570 ever come with a plastic crystal?

Thanks guys - nice stuff.

Nsx_23 · 19 August 2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by De Sisti

Interesting strap combo. How well does it fit?

colin59 · 19 August 2014, 08:44 PM

Really interesting strap. RAF style nylon with deployant clasp. Where did it come from?

jrwilkes81 · 20 August 2014, 01:38 AM

After debating a sub or the Exp II, & finally tried them on side by side. I decided on the Exp II polar. I'm pricing with 3 AD & should be pulling the trigger within the next week.

De Sisti · 20 August 2014, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin59

Really interesting strap. RAF style nylon with deployant clasp. Where did it come from?

I bought the nato strap from : watchobsession.co.uk

The deployment clasp came from: thestrapshop.co.uk

playmore009 · 20 August 2014, 09:27 PM

I am would definitely be in the market for a nato strap when I am able to grab an explorer II. Thanks for sharing the pics.

Prism · 22 August 2014, 12:55 AM

My grail watch with the zulu strap...

EvilGilligan · 22 August 2014, 01:14 PM

Thank you all for this thread!! I was in the local Rolex shop and fell in love with the EXP 2, and like the new/larger 42mm size (I have Fred Flinstone arms). I thought my mind was made up, however I'm leaning now back toward the 40mm white face. This will be worn almost daily since I collaborate frequently with folks in the field and the second timezone feature will actually get used.

Any strong opinions on what to be careful of / avoid? Can't bring myself to do ebay, but the forum here seems impressive.

Thanks again for the great info, both past and future ...

De Sisti · 22 August 2014, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nsx_23

Interesting strap combo. How well does it fit?

There is adjustment on the deployment clasp.

De Sisti · 28 August 2014, 06:48 AM

Today's watch:

G-Web · 28 August 2014, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by De Sisti

My Explorer II. 1994: Sxxxxxx. Recently back from Rolex after a service and new dial/hands.
(Bracelet is in box).

Good to know that Rolex is using the newer style dial (thinner index markers) for service. I'm actually a fan of that dial, and it's good to know it's an option down the road for an older watch.

Great watch, great strap combo too.
Enjoy.
-GW

Tri-National-Man · 6 September 2014, 05:15 PM

The Explorer's Rolex

G-Web · 7 September 2014, 08:06 AM

This is fast becoming my favorite thread.
Big fan of the Explorer II, and I occasionally even like to dress them up a bit.
Many folks like to poo-poo sport models on Jubilee, but I think it it's a great way to switch it up from time to time.

-GW

toomuchtalk · 7 September 2014, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-National-Man

The Explorer's Rolex

16 June 2014, 04:36 AM	#92
grizwold225 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Graham Location: Sandy, England Watch: 16550 Exp II Ivory Posts: 35	I have a 16550 ivory face rail with WG hands and hour markers, Swiss-T<25. It's a 9****** serial number. I used to phone round for current prices from AD's as it's on the house contents insurance. It wasn't until, by chance, I was Googling and saw this and other forums going on about this model. I've still got all the boxes, booklets, certificates, etc. etc. so checked these and discovered exactly what is was I had. So upped the insurance cover significantly! It's been worn every day since I bought it, with no problems. Definitely an under the radar watch. Go to the gym three times a week and it goes in the pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Jacuzzi is really good it acts a bit like an ultrasonic cleaner! I also have a Rodania Chronometer my parents bought for my 21st and a Seiko 5 Actus day/date I picked up in the Middle East in 1976. But the Exp II is the only one I wear now. A brilliant piece of craftsmanship as far as I'm concerned. __________________ [B]If it's got four wheels or a skirt - you can't afford it! And everything I like is illegal. immoral or fattening!

18 August 2014, 03:18 PM	#107
jasper "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: north vancouver Watch: 1680 / speedy pro Posts: 474	I have decided to collect watches with plastic crystals only. I really like the Expo II and a white dial would be great since everything I own has a black dial now. I can not however justify having a watch with two hour hands which only move together. If I was cave exploring ok maybe - but that's not my thing. Travelling to other time zones is my thing however and having an independently adjustable 24 hour hand sounds like the bomb. After reading through this thread it sounds as though the adjustable 24 hour hand started with the 16570. If so, then that begs the question did the 16570 ever come with a plastic crystal? Thanks guys - nice stuff. __________________ 1997 Speedmaster Pro: Hesalite, steel back, three dials and manual wind. The classic. 1969 Submariner 1680: Very refreshed - The diver. 1950's Milus: 18k gold, manual wind, no date - the dinner watch. Seiko 6309 The perfect watch for a trip to Mexico.

22 August 2014, 01:14 PM	#114
EvilGilligan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Brad Location: Seattle Posts: 6	First Post! Thank you all for this thread!! I was in the local Rolex shop and fell in love with the EXP 2, and like the new/larger 42mm size (I have Fred Flinstone arms). I thought my mind was made up, however I'm leaning now back toward the 40mm white face. This will be worn almost daily since I collaborate frequently with folks in the field and the second timezone feature will actually get used. Any strong opinions on what to be careful of / avoid? Can't bring myself to do ebay, but the forum here seems impressive. Thanks again for the great info, both past and future ...

15 June 2014, 11:04 AM	#91
RolexExplor Banned Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: florida Posts: 346	i own both but im glad i didnt TRADE UP and kept 40mm which was a gift

25 June 2014, 09:26 PM	#99
Hay Ewe "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: FNQ AUS Watch: that squirrel Posts: 45	I HAVE to have one of these, with the black face. have looked at many others, the Pelagos as well, the GMT but it comes down to the EXP2. One day Hay Ewe

26 June 2014, 10:49 AM	#100
VictorHDH "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mexico Posts: 3	[QUOTE=yong5;5053607]Hey Victor, Mine is the same range too! X783XXX Is that weird yong05? They are far away ..... Cheers nice watch by the way.

26 June 2014, 07:29 PM	#102
ToniH. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Helsinki Posts: 103	I love this watch. It flies under the radar and is bit more personal than the subs and gmts. True wis choice. Heres mine.

21 July 2014, 04:35 AM	#104
strafer_kid "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Kenny Location: northern ireland Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs Posts: 5,134	Must say, the 16570 on black NATO or Zulu looks very nice!

10 August 2014, 07:13 PM	#105
De Sisti Banned Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Watch: Explorer II Posts: 70	My Explorer II. 1994: Sxxxxxx. Recently back from Rolex after a service and new dial/hands. (Bracelet is in box).

18 August 2014, 12:29 AM	#106
Bruse Wayne "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: PR - FL Watch: SD43/DJ41 Posts: 151	Love this EXP!!!....Looking for a white face to throw on a Nato Strap

19 August 2014, 08:44 PM	#109
colin59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Colin Location: London Watch: 14060 Posts: 25	Really interesting strap. RAF style nylon with deployant clasp. Where did it come from?

20 August 2014, 01:38 AM	#110
jrwilkes81 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Real Name: Josh Location: Camden SC Watch: Rolex Posts: 214	After debating a sub or the Exp II, & finally tried them on side by side. I decided on the Exp II polar. I'm pricing with 3 AD & should be pulling the trigger within the next week.

20 August 2014, 09:27 PM	#112
playmore009 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Real Name: Shawn Location: Boston, MA Watch: GMT IIc, LVc Posts: 737	I am would definitely be in the market for a nato strap when I am able to grab an explorer II. Thanks for sharing the pics.

22 August 2014, 12:55 AM	#113
Prism "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Geneva, CH Posts: 121	My grail watch with the zulu strap...

28 August 2014, 06:48 AM	#116
De Sisti Banned Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: UK Watch: Explorer II Posts: 70	Today's watch:

7 September 2014, 08:06 AM	#119
G-Web 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Grant Location: NZ Watch: Moon Posts: 1,719	This is fast becoming my favorite thread. Big fan of the Explorer II, and I occasionally even like to dress them up a bit. Many folks like to poo-poo sport models on Jubilee, but I think it it's a great way to switch it up from time to time. -GW

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