Sub or Explorer

[jhupp]

Hey guys, need your help on this one. I am planning in the next couple months to add another Rolex to my collection. I was never really a watch guy until I recieved an Air King as a gift last year and I have fallen in love with Rolexes ever since. So my question...

I really want a sport watch, something I can wear when just hanging out or when I'm out adventuring. I love the Sub, classic and a real tool watch, but I'm not sure its all that appropriate as I don't dive. I do ride dual sport bikes and do a ton of hiking, rafting, just in general adventuring. I am thinking the Explorer 2 is the watch I should be buying. Only problem is I don't like the white face and my good friend has the black face. I really really don't want to wear the same watch as him.

So I guess my question is, do you guys think it's appropriate to wear a Sub even if you don't dive? I know plenty of people do, but what are your thoughts? My buddy has already said only pilots wear GMTs. I know this isn't true but I guess I'm a little worried about wearing a watch for other than it's intended purpose. Your thoughts?

[capote]

You could alway wait until the new EXP2 arrives later this year, then you could have a black dial that looks different from your buddy's. I have the white dial current EXP2 and its a great looking watch in my opinion and very comfortable. The new model will be larger so it also depends if you are into bigger watches. Good luck deciding

[jamesbondOO7]

GMT is your choice.

[Z-Sub]

absolutely. subs are made not just for diving and tough enough for any adventures. the only thing is dirt and sand which may get under the rotating bezel and explorer does not have that problem.

[landroverking]

Most Sub wearers never dive.

[malnik]

Very few GMT owners buys GMT as aviation equipment.

[jamesbondOO7]

But most watch owners travel, hence the GMT.

[Johny]

i bought a sub because the surface of the earth is 9/10th covered in water so if i trip and fall i am more likely to get my watch wet than otherwise ...your welcome. and i hope that this helps with your decision.

[JJL]

I'd go GMT all the way over the Sub because in my case, I don't dive. At least the GMT functionality I'd get some use out of when I traveled or went on vacation... plus I actually prefer the look of the GMT over the Sub between the bezel and the colored writing/hand.

[ManUtd]

I agree with the rest, looks like the GMT is a good "compromise" in terms of design for you.

[jhupp]

Thanks guys, I have a small wrist at about 6", I love the AK, and am a little afraid to go to a larger watch but decided 40~41mm would be big but fine. The price on the new Explorers is steep and that puts me off a little, I'd definietly be looking at used for now otherwise I would love to go with a new Exp 2.

I'm not crazy about the GMTs, I like the new one and it's nice but I'm not a fan of the supercase or the ceramic bezel. I know the older ones look really similar to the sub but unfortunately they just aren't my taste.

I guess I'm really looking for a sub but don't want it to feel out of place since I'm not a diver.

[HPY]

I think most people who wears sub do not dive at all, i must agree with the rest, GMT will be a good choice for you awesome watch

[jhupp]

Wow, just saw the new Explorer 2, what an awesome watch. I think I may be waiting/saving for this. Anybody have any ideas on what MSRP is going to be?

[Dan2010]

Take it from someone who has owned 4 Subs and Sub Dates, get the GMTIIC.

Or just get what you like.

[Nalk7]

Heres my 2 cents. You dont really need another watch for going out on adventures, the air-king is tough as nails and wont let you down. However if you still want another watch I'd get the Sub 14060M a true tool watch

[Megalobyte]

Can you imagine if, in addition to the same watch, you and your buddy show up at a party wearing the same shirt! Awwwwwwwkward... :)

Seriously though, nobody will ever notice you have the same watch, nor would they care if they did. Also, while technically the Sub is a diver, it just looks like a regular old watch to 99.99% of the population. It's actually almost as much of a casual to dressy watch as it is a diver, people wear them to all sorts of business meetings in a suit, and I don't mean a wet suit, unless they spill their martini. :)

The concerns you have are really just figments of your imagination. If you like the Sub, then get it, not a soul will look at you expecting you to jump into the water, or look down on you because instead, you just picked your movie at blockbuster and went home. :)

[Art 1]

With the Ex 2 you get a date function and the GMT function if either of those are important to you. Sub has no date but has the time elapse bezel. I wouldn't worry about having the same watch as your friend. Get the one that you like best. I would go with the blk ex2.

[derekloimer]

Explorer 1 is my recommendation.

[jhupp]

Originally Posted by Z-Sub

the only thing is dirt and sand which may get under the rotating bezel and explorer does not have that problem.

I think that's what is going to sell me on the Explorer 2.

I tend to get pretty dirty on some of the dual sport rides and I think the Explorer 2 on a NATO would be the perfect replacement for my G Shock. I'm guessing I'll have to stick with the appropriate tool watch for me, the Explorer. It's too bad really because I really like the sub, oh well, maybe next year.

[guyrolex]

I know a lot of people who wear Subs and Deepseas in the financial district and I can tell you none of them are divers- almost all people wear Rolex sports watches simply because they like them

[calibre1]

The Sub looks great and a real tool watch. Get the date version (16610) if you need the date. Tools have made a side by side comparison of the the no date Sub (14060) and 16610. Both are very different watches.....check his review in the "review" section.

The bezel can be used for timing stuff during day to day activities like timing a parking meter/ or the duration of any activity not necessarily related to diving. My

[globalmedia33]

I travel oversea all the time so the GMT is my choice.

[jhupp]

Sale pending on a BNIB Explorer 2 in the classifieds section. I really hope this is the watch for me! Will post pics this week.

I'm already wondering where I can get a good brown leather strap, one with the stitiching on either side. I doubt that this watch will spend much time on the oyster bracelet, I need something I can use and abuse!!

[rolio]

"Only problem is I don't like the white face and my good friend has the black face. I really really don't want to wear the same watch as him"
So don't go hiking with him.
"So I guess my question is, do you guys think it's appropriate to wear a Sub even if you don't dive? I know plenty of people do, but what are your thoughts? My buddy has already said only pilots wear GMTs. I know this isn't true but I guess I'm a little worried about wearing a watch for other than it's intended purpose. Your thoughts?" I'm not a pilot, but I wear a GMT. What do you like? Do that!

[SilverSun]

Wow, just saw the new Explorer 2, what an awesome watch. I think I may be waiting/saving for this. Anybody have any ideas on what MSRP is going to be?

in UK the new explorer 2 will be £5150 I think and available from mid september. There maybe waiting lists at AD's though and premiums to pay if purchased on grey market - all that aside it looks a sharp looking piece though i guess alot depends on how the 42mm size feels on the wrist

[R.G]

Choose the one you like the look and feel of the best! Too many people take the design of the watch far too literally.

As many have said before, most people who buy Subs don't dive, and those who buy Explorer's don't climb mountains either. In addition i'm sure that the community out there who buy IWC's and Breitlings don't fly planes...