The GMT Choice Dilemma!

[Ginseng]

Okay, you guys didn't do a very good job of talking me out of the Tudor Pelagos LHD. Let's see what happens when I ask the following!

I'm looking at purchasing my first Rolex and I'm certain I want a GMT/second time zone. I own two other GMT watches and I wear them when I travel overseas. Before today, I was pretty certain I was headed toward the GMT-Master II BLNR. It is a classic and the 40mm case suited my small wrist well the few times I've tried on it on at AD.

But then JoeJoe posts a thread on the Explorer II Polar and now I can't take my eyes off of it. Its design is timeless and pure. Nothing extraneous, all will and resolve. Gorgeous. Would I miss the rotating bezel? I can count on two fingers all the times I've ever used that feature. My only concern is with the additional 2mm in diameter.

Almost any 40mm watch will fit well because of the generally smaller lug-lug distance. Some 42mm don't fit well because of the larger L2L. So, my question is this.

What do you gentlemen with smaller wrists (6.5" flat) say? How's the lug overhang on the Explorer II? Would anyone be able to post their GMT and also their Explorer II on wrist?

[Benjo74]

Why not just try one on?


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[jason042779]

I have an Exp2 Polar and love it. I don't understand the hype on the Batman. Not worth the extra cash IMO. Rotating bezel is unnecessary.

[lhawli]

I have a similar size wrist as you at 6.75”. I did try both on and as you can see, went for the BLNR. Even if they were the same size, I would still pick the GMT Master over an Explorer.

Interestingly, I own a Speedy Pro and a SM PO that are both @ 42mm. But the Explorer wears bigger for some reason.


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[ras47]

7 3/4" wrists for me, so I'm no help. But I do highly recommend the GMTs. I'm a BLRO guy, sporting a just serviced 16710 (P-Serial from 2000). Especially with your smaller wrists, the older cases are smaller and might be a much better fit for you. The newer models with the maxi case wears like a completely different model.

[PLNYC]

6.75 here. Can't help with the explorer 2 though



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[Ginseng]

Dang it, those GMT's are sharp. Just no getting around it.
I will probably head out to an AD in the next week or so...if not, I'll hit a shop or two when I'm in Tokyo in a week.
Will definitely try on the Explorer II.

[JP(Canada)]

The thing with the EXP2 is the large dial makes it appear large on your wrist, but it's very thin and a joy to wear. If it sings to you, try one on. You'll know then.

[sensui]

6.375" puny wrist, BLNR and EXPII......Although I agree the Exp II is designed decently well proportion wise for a large watch...if I didn't love the legibility (I think it's the most legible modern Rolex) and design (throwback to the 1655), I probably would have sold it already due to the size....but it is comfortable and thin compared to another watch I have closer to this size (Grey Side of the Moon from Omega):





Hope this helps.

[Ginseng]

Originally Posted by sensui

6.375" puny wrist, BLNR and EXPII......Although I agree the Exp II is designed decently well proportion wise for a large watch...if I didn't love the legibility (I think it's the most legible modern Rolex) and design (throwback to the 1655), I probably would have sold it already due to the size....but it is comfortable and thin compared to another watch I have this size (Grey Side of the Moon from Omega):
Hope this helps.

Very much so. Thank you!

[JBoone]

Got to try it on. Pics always look larger.
Watches generally look smaller in real life in proportion. What’s the saying, a camera adds 10 lbs? I think there is some truth in this with wrist shots.

Also - not trying rationalize watches that are too big for my wrist. I have a 8 inch wrist and my watches average 40.

[JR16]

6.75 incher here... have the BLNR and wanted to add a 42 mm exp2 but just wears too big . Recc going w BLNR and when you catch the Rolex bug , later add a 40mm pre owned exp 2 polar (as I did).


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[Rsubnodate]

Get the BLNR. The explorer 2 is nice but not in the same class as a BLNR. I too almost got tricked by the looks of the exp2 but I am glad I didn’t go with it.


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[Wcdhtwn]

They are all great. I prefer the GMT LN, based on my purchase history, but the Explorer II is outstanding. Difference is GMT works both dressy and casual better than the Explorer II. So choose based on your needs.


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[watchwatcher]

I do love my GMT's, but...the EXP2 is my go to watch when traveling.

As far as size, it's the only 42mm watch that I've ever had that fits and wears as comfortably as my 40mm watches.

[mailman]

I have 8" wrists and the EXPII is more comfortable on me than the BLNR. I prefer the legibility, always legible 24hr hand and comfort to the BLNR. Not to mention it's design is tips it's hat to the 1655.

[Jklfafa]

I had a Pelagos, sold it for speedmaster, sold it and seamster for 16750 explorer ii. I love it. Got a 6.5" wrist and not my sub gets no wrist time anymore. I do not like the 216750, too big for me.

[abbassmaki]

Exp lII is hard to be seen/catched as a Rolex watch. I do believe because of the steel bezel which is identical with many other brands. GMT II design and shape is a unique Rolex. So I would go for GMT definitely.


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[Ginseng]

Thank you for all your input gentlemen. This choice is truly sweet agony.
I think I'm going to have to try on the Explorer. Flattish lugs on a 42mm tend to create a gap on the pinky side of my wrist. Still, it's compelling enough to go lay hands on before I make a decision.

[faz]

I am puzzled. Exp 2 and BLNR have more differences than have in common. Shouldn’t be cross shopped against one another IMHO.


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[Ginseng]

Originally Posted by faz

I am puzzled. Exp 2 and BLNR have more differences than have in common. Shouldn’t be cross shopped against one another IMHO.

I'm just your garden variety irrational consumer. ;) The heart wants.

[cassin907]

I have wrists that could belong to an 11-year-old girl. My 38mm Seiko is just on the cusp of being too big (I would prefer it to be 36mm). I'm going to the AD in a few days hoping without much expectation that the 214270 Explorer (39mm) will somehow suit my skinny subwrists.

Not much to add here other than commiseration. That Explorer II with the polar white dial is exquisite. I only wish I could wear one.

[Ginseng]

Originally Posted by cassin907

I have wrists that could belong to an 11-year-old girl. My 38mm Seiko is just on the cusp of being too big (I would prefer it to be 36mm). I'm going to the AD in a few days hoping without much expectation that the 214270 Explorer (39mm) will somehow suit my skinny subwrists.

Not much to add here other than commiseration. That Explorer II with the polar white dial is exquisite. I only wish I could wear one.

Commiseration accepted! It is indeed exquisite.

[Agoloz]

I am drawn to the Explorer II by its paraflex absorber ����

[ap1]

Exp2 too large for you. I took the bait and it's simply too large so it had to go. Pass, gmt2 so much better fitting

[Old Expat Beast]

Consider a 40mm 16570 Polar Explorer II.

[faz]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Consider a 40mm 16570 Polar Explorer II.

The 5 digit Explorer IIs are really nice with a really well balanced dial.


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[Ginseng]

Five-digit. So, vintage? I'm quite ill informed about the vintage market but I will take a look at the Classifieds for a start.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Ginseng

Five-digit. So, vintage? I'm quite ill informed about the vintage market but I will take a look at the Classifieds for a start.

They were only discontinued in 2011, so not vintage at all. The most recent version of the 16570 had a 3186 movement and engraved "rolexrolexrolex" rehaut. They began in about 1991, and the older models are much cheaper. Quite a bargain really.

My M-serial...

[Rocket_Man]

I too like the 40mm Exp II. I saw a NOS for sale on WatchRecon a few days ago. Probably gone by now. They have the more familiar triangle GMT hand and better proportions for me.

What I would LOVE to see is for Rolex to bring back the 40mm size with a fixed ceramic bezel and a white dial. SOLD!

I use my GMT when I travel. When I travel overseas I set the dial to local time and the GMT to home time. If I'm traveling for a short trip in CONUS I'll use the rotating bezel, but normally if I'm in CONUS I don't need the help of a 2nd time zone to know what time it is back home.