Explorer 2 2021 update?

[Highlatitude]

If they make the bezel ceramic they will loose variety in their catalogue. It’s currently the only professional with it’s signature steel bezel. I think is would be too similar to other models and that would be boring.

There is also a come back taking place amongst 70’s designs like the AP ROO and the beautifully brushed radial steel bezel and brushed oyster fits into that genre very nicely.

I much prefer the current model to the first generation and although it has not been a hit so far it has a growing following that Rolex should allow to mature into being it’s own cult design. Too many radical changes have been damaging to other brands like Omega and IWC with everyone hankering after the previous look. It takes time for a model to gain a following.

I don’t have faith in Rolex to resist the temptation and did not want to miss one I have liked for a long time so recently bought a current model black dial. I think Rolex should put effort into marketing it better rather than changing it significantly. The Spelunker heritage is completely uninspiring but expeditions to mountains, deserts, polar regions is exciting to many people.

[khofman]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Here's another thing to consider.

The explorer 2 has never had a colored bezel, it's always been stainless.

The sub has always had a colored bezel, black, green, blue, etc.

They went to ceramic so they could retain making colored bezel. There is no such thing with an explorer, otherwise it would just be a GMT Master and take away from those sales.

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That didn’t stop Rolex from giving the Daytona a ceramic bezel


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[GreatScott]

Originally Posted by Psmith

How would it become a GMT-Master? The previous version (16570) was simply a 5-digit GMT with a fixed bezel. Very different from the original (1655). I've never bought the 'model X will take away model Y sales' argument - for years, all of the pro models were the same size and shared much more than they do today. The 216570 is much more unque, and consistent with how Rolex has given each model a more distinct identity. If Rolex give it a ceramic bezel (as they did the Daytona) it would be entirely consistent with their product development ...or of course they could just leave it as metal. Witness the Sea-Dweller... 43mm, TT version... a lot of change compared to the original.

It would look uncannily similar.

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[904VT]

I don't want to see a ceramic bezel. In my mind that is what is great about the Exp 2. If you want ceramic the GMT Master is always available

[watchmainspring]

Originally Posted by 904VT

I don't want to see a ceramic bezel. In my mind that is what is great about the Exp 2. If you want ceramic the GMT Master is always available

I wish the GMT master were always available


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[Dahh]

Seeing a 1655 dial would be great.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

It would look uncannily similar.

To which GMT-Master model? Every major component is a different size and shape, and you can't buy a GMT with a solid color bezel any more.
By this logic, many Rolex models would be uncannily similar - GMTs and divers certainly share much of the same design language.

If they decide to give the Exp II a ceramic bezel, I highly doubt that it would be bi-colored. It could be any solid color, and perhaps with a matt/brushed finish rather than polished. Personally I don't mind whether it stays as steel or changes to ceramic. After the TT SD, I wouldn't be surprised if the release a TT Exp II. Clearly the old rules of product design and release no longer apply.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by usawinston

I wish the GMT master were always available


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Any update to the SS Exp2 will probably be in very high demand as well and tough to get for a while.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Because everyone is on TRF, right?

Actually, less than .00005% of the watch wearing public I would wager.

I'll take that bet. How much?

[904VT]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Because everyone is on TRF, right?

Actually, less than .00005% of the watch wearing public I would wager.

I broke one and I never posted about it. Oh no, that will throw off your argument as well.

Here is the real issue, just one is to many for a watch that is for exploring. Rolex understands this. Rolex marketing understands this. It is meant to be indestructible so all components have to be. They never want to say the watch that went to the top of Everest, but don't do that now because it may break.

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I see your point and agree and prefer the more rugged SS bezel, but the argument is flawed imo with respect to durability. Similar to the argument always made against ceramic. The sapphire crystal is more important to the integrity of the watch and is just as vulnerable as the ceramic bezel. The bezel is not needed to use the GMT function on watches. It moves at 1/2 the rate of the hour hand. So in other words, if the GMT hand is pointing at 6 o'clock for example, we know that is 12:00. If it was pointing at 5:30, it would be 11:00. 5 would be 10:00 and so forth and so on.

But I still prefer the SS, since I think it is more congruent with the intended design of the Exp2.

[capote]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

It will have a green GMT hand

Or maybe a green ceramic bezel. Rolex is pretty colourful these days.

[Nikrnic]

Only Rolex knows, I'm not speculating on this one. I'm happy with my 42 Polar and love how it's different from all of the rest. I sincerely doubt they would put on a ceramic bezel. Thats not the answer for every new sports watch update. The finely brushed bezel is part of its character and beauty, practically indestructible and a big part of its DNA.

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