New Explorer II

[jctrolex]

My AD called yesterday to tell me the much anticipated Explorer II has finally arrived. I got in my car and was there in 20 minutes. When he greeted me he told me he was a little disappointed when he saw the watch and when he pulled it out I was too. Nothing really stands out with this watch except for the larger size, the new bracelet and the 24 hour hand. To my surprise it is priced higher than the GMT IIC, which I own. I have to ask why; IMHO the GMT IIC is a much more substantial and better built watch. I then asked him to pull out the new Explorer I for comparision. It is a much more understated and elegant watch and at almost $3000 less it definitely is a better buy. What's with this craze with the Explorer II? I guess Rolex has, again, done a superb job in marketing and creating the hype.
Am I the only one saying the emperor has no clothes on?
In the last few years Rolex has been raising their prices without real new innovation to justify the cost. I am presently looking at a JLC or the new Omega PO as my next watch.

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

To my surprise it is priced higher than the GMT IIC, which I own.

Yeah, it shouldn't be, IMO. It never has been priced above the GMT before. The GMT simply has an additional feature, the bezel, which should IMO make it worth at least as much. Make sure the dealer isn't going above MSRP.

I then asked him to pull out the new Explorer I for comparision. It is a much more understated and elegant watch and at almost $3000 less it definitely is a better buy.

I recently flirted with a new Expy I for the first time. I liked the look of it but I'd never tried it on. It's awesome, and perfectly sized. And considering the other current prices on their models, the price is pretty good. I didn't want this watch until I saw it. The AD had to dig it out of a drawer, they don't even keep it in the case because people request it. It's a fine, fine watch. I've added it to my must-have list since I tried it on, in fact.

I haven't seen the new Expy II, so I can't say how the two relate. I'm hoping to love the new Expy II, but you have identified and excellent watch and if you like it more, then go with what you like. Where watches are concerned, the rule of thumb is go with what puts a smile on your face.

In the last few years Rolex has been raising their prices without real new innovation to justify the cost.

A few notes here.

First, AD's tell me they have had a very good year. Sales are up -- but note their profit margin doesn't jump with price hikes. Overall sales, by volume, are up. A few decades of wealth transitioning upwards to the have's and, go figure, all luxury goods sales are up. Simple economics 101.

Second, the prices have not gone up significantly in terms of Swiss Francs. But the Swiss Franc was kicking all other currencies' asses, so the prices in other currencies rose a lot over the last couple of years. Some price controls have been put in place on Swiss Francs that should slow or stop this trend. But if a watch went up in $2,000ish USD over the last couple of years, its price only rose a few hundred in terms of the Swiss Franc.

[esm]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

I am presently looking at a JLC or the new Omega PO as my next watch.

which JLC? The new PO is nice, but I think I will probably end up like the previous model - "I got a PO because I couldn't get a Sub"...
It is a nice watch though.

[jctrolex]

I know they are completely different watches but what can I say I am fickle when it comes to fine watches.
I am looking at he JLC 1931 reverso which is a very classy looking watch, something that grows with me everytime I look at it. It has a manual wind movement that makes a sound when I wind it that takes me back at least 40 years.
The new PO has the liquid metal ceramic bazel, the new 8500 coaxial movement, a display back that shows off the beautiful work they have done on the movement and very well constructed, it is rated to 600m even it has a saphire crystal back, an hour advance feature like the GMT IIC. I know the sub is a classic but I think, dare I say it in this forum? the new PO is technically superior and every bit as well made as the sub.
I would like to think I am a knowledgeable collector that appreciate fine mechanical watches and not just blindly loyal to a brand.

[esm]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

I know they are completely different watches but what can I say I am fickle when it comes to fine watches.
I am looking at he JLC 1931 reverso which is a very classy looking watch, something that grows with me everytime I look at it. It has a manual wind movement that makes a sound when I wind it that takes me back at least 40 years.
The new PO has the liquid metal ceramic bazel, the new 8500 coaxial movement, a display back that shows off the beautiful work they have done on the movement and very well constructed, it is rated to 600m even it has a saphire crystal back, an hour advance feature like the GMT IIC. I know the sub is a classic but I think, dare I say it in this forum? the new PO is technically superior and every bit as well made as the sub.
I would like to think I am a knowledgeable collector that appreciate fine mechanical watches and not just blindly loyal to a brand.

the JLC is at an different level. the Reverso is a nice piece also. you will love it.

as for the 8500 PO - yes, the new co-axial is supposed to be more technically advanced... but they are still quite new on the market, there are just not enough time/experience to come to a conclusion that it is technically superior than a Rolex 3135 movement.

the 316L and 904L materials used in both Omega and Rolex are just another fanboy debate.

even though this is a Rolex forum, but most people are NOT blindly loyal to the Rolex brand - in fact, most TRF WIS appreciate other brands and technologies. but it is you that need to be happy at the end of the day.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by esm

which JLC? The new PO is nice, but I think I will probably end up like the previous model - "I got a PO because I couldn't get a Sub"...
It is a nice watch though.

I disagree. The new PO LM is the next watch I have on my list. I think the technology that Omega uses has really taken huge leaps in the past few years. Roger Smith is one of if not the greatest watchmaker in the past 50 years. I know many on here still consider Omega a lesser watch (and I feel the fact this is a Rolex forum really shows a huge bias) but I think that is a mistake and I love Rolex. Rolex spends much more on marketing and has a little more storied history but I think the new Omegas are on par with the SS sport models. If I had to choose between a PO LM or Exp II 42mm I'd have the Omega on my wrist.

[dotcomakazee]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I disagree. The new PO LM is the next watch I have on my list. I think the technology that Omega uses has really taken huge leaps in the past few years. Roger Smith is one of if not the greatest watchmaker in the past 50 years. I know many on here still consider Omega a lesser watch (and I feel the fact this is a Rolex forum really shows a huge bias) but I think that is a mistake and I love Rolex. Rolex spends much more on marketing and has a little more storied history but I think the new Omegas are on par with the SS sport models. If I had to choose between a PO LM or Exp II 42mm I'd have the Omega on my wrist.

YEs...BUT it's still not a Rolex. You will wear it and be thinking "this isn't a Rolex"...

[drtooth73]

Whats the MSRP for the new EXP? Current one is $7750

[Rolex Junky]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

My AD called yesterday to tell me the much anticipated Explorer II has finally arrived. I got in my car and was there in 20 minutes. When he greeted me he told me he was a little disappointed when he saw the watch and when he pulled it out I was too. Nothing really stands out with this watch except for the larger size, the new bracelet and the 24 hour hand. To my surprise it is priced higher than the GMT IIC, which I own. I have to ask why; IMHO the GMT IIC is a much more substantial and better built watch. I then asked him to pull out the new Explorer I for comparision. It is a much more understated and elegant watch and at almost $3000 less it definitely is a better buy. What's with this craze with the Explorer II? I guess Rolex has, again, done a superb job in marketing and creating the hype.
Am I the only one saying the emperor has no clothes on?
In the last few years Rolex has been raising their prices without real new innovation to justify the cost. I am presently looking at a JLC or the new Omega PO as my next watch.

The Exp II 42 has a new movement; lager case with slim luggs; better lume; so the price is IMO justified. The new Exp I is a stunning watch but it lacks a date function and is therefore less complex. In the end it all boils down to taste and preference. Go with what you like. I find the Exp II black a stunning watch.

[Actsulb]

I am debating between the new Exp. II and the "old" Exp. II, waiting to see if the new 42mm Exp. II will be overbearing given that I am not a big guy. The higher price may put the new Exp. II out of range though.

I liked the earlier post "Where watches are concerned, the rule of thumb is go with what puts a smile on your face." that will be the determining factory in all of this.

[Speed]

I will reserve (most) judgement until I get to try one on. However, I am not crazy about the thick minute hand so disproportional to the stubby / thinner Mercedes hour hand.

[Puffy]

so, which one are you getting? exp 2?

[dotcomakazee]

It's more expensive because it's 42mm instead of 40mm...

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't think that Rolex has hyped the Explorer II that much.

I do think that a lot of WISes have been waiting for a larger copy with the retro 24 hour hand and we've been reading a lot about that.

I'll reserve my final opinion until I see one, but personally, the old model was perfect as it was.

[esm]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

It's more expensive because it's 42mm instead of 40mm...

Don't forget it has a new movement also. As well as SEL and Easylink clasp.