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.