Old Explorer II Meets New Version

[w4rmk]

So I had been wanting to check out the new updated Explorer II for a while but none of my local ADs had them in stock. This afternoon we were walking by our local Ben Bridge and I spotted the new one in their case and stopped to check it out. Below is a shot of it next to my current ExpII. My impressions were that while the new one is nice, it's not "twice the price nice". Meaning the cost of the new one is double what I paid for my current one. I thought the case a little too thick and just a tad too big for my wrist. I like how the older version sits lower on my wrist. I did like the bigger hour markers and orange 24hr hand. Also the new band is great. I was struck by the price (which you can see in my picture). Oooch! It was pretty much the same price as the new ceramic GMT II they had in stock as well.

So a funny thing happened, I was all jazzed to see the new ExpII and end up falling for the new GMT IIc. For me it was much more of an eye catcher than the new ExpII. I came away thinking -- I'll keep my old ExpII and would love to find a good deal on the new GMT IIc. The polished center link band on the new GMT IIc was really sharp. Now I just need to wait for the aftermarket prices on the GMT IIc to come down a little bit more.

[z32turbo]

Great photo. I agree the GMTIIC is nicer than the Exp 42. Good luck finding the right GMTIIC deal!!!

[capote]

Seeing them side by side the 216570 really looks awkward.

[tomchicago]

That old EII truly rocks.

[Chipmunk]

I prefer the non-hybrid version..

[seand442]

Lose the orange off the new black face model and I would like it much more.

[superdog]

had both the white and black in the new explorer II. and i think they are both really pretty. that said, i sold them both. i wanted to like them, and thought that both looked great on other people. i just did not like it for me.

purchased the gmt II C and i am head over heals. find the right price and get the watch. got a good deal from davidsw and I could not be happier. go with your gut. if I did a long time ago, i would have saved a lot of loot. absolutely love my GMT. can't say it enough. love it.

[cdnwatchguy]

And try as i can, it doesn't work for me. Different strokes I guess.

[Wehtiko]

No, I still like the 42mm Explorer. Much easier to read to my mind when I checked them out.

[w4rmk]

I'd need to sell my DateJust before I could gather the funds for the GMT IIc or keep adding funds to the watch cookie jar. But it's on my list for the next acquisition, probably later this year. For now I am really enjoying my new (old) Explorer II. I've only had it for a week and now that it has met its updated big brother, the discontinued version is tops in my book. Also my bank account is loving the $4.5k that I saved buying the older model used.

[Goose]

Originally Posted by Wehtiko

No, I still like the 42mm Explorer. Much easier to read to my mind when I checked them out.

+1
w4rmk, you will be glad you opted for the GMTIIc.
Used to have an old EXPII from the day when the supplemental GMT hand wan't independent. It essentially work to let one know if it was AM or PM. That migh have helped me in a sub. But, I'm a land lover.

For me, I went o the AD to see how the Datejust II fit on me. Ended up stuck on the Explorer II 42mm.
But, if I didn't have a GMT, I'd go as you're planning to do. Good hunting :)

[FNFZ4]

Nay... joke... just came from a thread about nay sayers...

[Len S]

Wow, the Exp II is a beast in comparison.

[Atomant]

Hey I totally agree with you. Not very impressed with the new white explorer in 42mm. Very much prefer the GMT IIc over it anytime.

[p_mcgee]

I doubt that GMT2C prices are coming down.

I like both the old and new Exp II but strongly prefer the newer one. However, I'd keep the 16570 and grab the GMT2c rather than replacing the old Exp with the new.

[dysondiver]

handy to see them both side by side , even more convinced now , its the oldies that rock my world.

[mltworldwide]

I just sold my GMT IIc so I can get the new white ExpII. I had the Exp II and the GMT IIc and thought the GMT was nicer. Extra timezone, ceramic bezel. But it just didn't wow me. Got bored quickly. Now I'm looking for an Exp II. I like the bigger size and great lume. i'm pretty careful with my watches so I feel the Exp bezel will hold up fine. I don't need any more timezones than 2.

[w4rmk]

Originally Posted by p_mcgee

I doubt that GMT2C prices are coming down.

I like both the old and new Exp II but strongly prefer the newer one. However, I'd keep the 16570 and grab the GMT2c rather than replacing the old Exp with the new.

I agree that the price of a new GMT2c won't come down, but I think the used market still has some softening to do.. For example used GMTc are bottom priced around $6,200, while the retail price is $7900, a discount of $1,700. The retail price of the new EXPII is $7700, while the used priced are bottomed out around $6900, a discount of only $800. Of course this is because inventory on the new EXPII is very tight and the GMT2c has been out for quite a bit longer.

[tkc324]

GMT2C over the new EXP2 for me as well. Good luck finding a good deal. Patience is the key.

[Explorertwo]

Thank for the side by side.
Keep on loving my old polar expy: comfy, low profile, beautifull, sporty, etc etc, no need to take jump on the big one!
As for GMT: perfect everyday watch, just like a sub. Black is never out of fashion!

[w4rmk]

Yup, GMT IIc, Explorer II and Datejust seems like a great trio to cover any occasion...

[JGX]

Originally Posted by tkc324

gmt2c over the new exp2 for me as well. Good luck finding a good deal. Patience is the key.

x2

[TSW]

Great side by side comparison pic!

[drockadam]

Very nice! I went to an AD yesterday and in the display case the classic EXPII was sitting next to the new one! I still like the older one better!

[jmsrolls]

Started in 2008 with a black 16570 that I flipped for a TT GMTIIc and quickly unflipped. Swapped the reaquired 16570 for a coke GMT 16710. Then last November I went with the white 216570 to go with my DJ.

These two can just about cover all the bases:



But it is a shame that the 16570 had to be discontinued. Some wrists just cannot do the 42.

73,

Fr. John†

[snowpea]

Let's not kid ourselves if they were the same price I would bet more people would purchase the the new Exp 42

[w4rmk]

I would certainly buy the newer version if prices were the same, but right now you cannot find a better Rolex under $3,500 than a used Explorer II, except maybe a used Explorer (non-II), if you don't mind being without a date.

Check out how much I got mine for, could almost buy 3 of these for one of the new versions!
http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...e&goto=6107156

[gaopa]

Fr. John, that is a beautiful Rolex pair! Cheers, Bill P.

[SaddleSC]

I would choose the new 42mm Exp II, but I will take mine in black please:)

[Speed]

Would love an Orange hand Expy II...at 40mm!