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Mendota · 2 October 2010, 01:21 PM

I'm torn. I love them both but I can only pick up one for my first Rollie. Which would be the better first watch? A pre-SEL Explorer II circa 1998 or 1999 OR a circa 2003 to 2004 Explorer 1? Prices seem to be comparable, give or take a little bit.

I really like the simplicity of the Explorer 1. It seems like it would be the perfect first watch and an all around gem. Goes well with dress occasions as well as a T-shirt and shorts.

Down the road, I'll up my budget and try to pick up a polar Explorer II with a 3186 if possible.

What do you think? Go for the Explorer 1?

niner niner seven · 2 October 2010, 01:23 PM

if you can get a II, i would get that over the I since its bigger and meatier. if you go I you'll regret it down the road. obviously you like the bigger watches from your GMTC aviator. just my 2 C-Notes.

Sixxgrand1 · 2 October 2010, 01:33 PM

Two totally different styles...presenting different features and such. I own one of each. Love them both. Tough call. Try them both. Should be an easy decision..

burger'n'fries · 2 October 2010, 01:35 PM

Explorer "one" for me.

Kanger · 2 October 2010, 01:37 PM

The Explorer I for me. I've owned both, two Explorer I's and a white face Explorer II. Now the only one I miss is the Explorer I and have been actively seeking another one.

Route 66 · 2 October 2010, 02:23 PM

My vote goes to the I. I love the classic look.

GradyPhilpott · 2 October 2010, 02:57 PM

They're both excellent watches. I bought the Explorer, because it was more affordable than Explorer II at the time I bought mine, but I've never regretted that I made the choice I made.

Frankly, I don't need a multiple time-zone watch, nor do I spend time in places where keeping up with the daylight and nighttime become difficult.

The Explorer II is a fine looking watch and every time I see one, I wish I had one, but not enough to have bought one yet.

Jon_V · 2 October 2010, 02:58 PM

I would go for the Explorer I

Tools · 2 October 2010, 03:08 PM

I kinda like the Explorer II.......

Al1969 · 2 October 2010, 04:35 PM

Explorer II!

Shade · 2 October 2010, 04:40 PM

I would go fr the explorer 2 my friend. The Edo 1 looks too small.

Tek · 2 October 2010, 05:14 PM

Really it's up to you, but for me ExpII as I like my watches with date and I love the red 24h hand

and if size matters to you

Gerardus · 2 October 2010, 05:41 PM

EX2 for the date function.

ibramr · 2 October 2010, 06:26 PM

Explorer II for me.

acce1999 · 2 October 2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mendota

I'm torn. I love them both but I can only pick up one for my first Rollie. Which would be the better first watch? A pre-SEL Explorer II circa 1998 or 1999 OR a circa 2003 to 2004 Explorer 1? Prices seem to be comparable, give or take a little bit.

I really like the simplicity of the Explorer 1. It seems like it would be the perfect first watch and an all around gem. Goes well with dress occasions as well as a T-shirt and shorts.

Down the road, I'll up my budget and try to pick up a polar Explorer II with a 3186 if possible.

What do you think? Go for the Explorer 1?

Difficult choice. In 1990 I dismissed the very last 1016 since it had a plastic crystal, and old looks... I still regret this, and am now looking for a mint late serial 1016. A couple of years later I got the 14270 (that I still have, love, and will never sell), but I really wanted the white 16570 at that time, but felt that it was too big for me (remember that during the 80's watches should be small and thin). When the 16570 came with the upgraded 3186 I got one (at last), and a year later I added a black 16570.

I am an Explorer fan, no doubt, and am currently looking at the 214270. I have even considered getting a 114270, and am obviously looking at vintage too (1016, 1655, 16550)

My 14270 and my white 16570 are watches that I will not sell. Since I have so many nice memories with my 14270 it is THE watch for me.

My advice for you: Try them on if you can, and then decide. Also,since the 16570 is still in production it could be an idea to get the 114270, and then later on add the 16570.

Good luck!

Best,

A

TARDIS · 2 October 2010, 07:07 PM

It all depends on your wrist size. I tried on an EX1 in the store and it looked more suitable on a small wrist.

My choice would be the EX2 with a white face.

PanosI · 2 October 2010, 08:21 PM

Beautiful watches both but the Explorer II would be my choice. Good luck deciding

buke45 · 2 October 2010, 10:00 PM

Exp II White Dial

Sixxgrand1 · 3 October 2010, 12:07 AM

see below..

Art 1 · 3 October 2010, 12:09 AM

I would rather have the ex2 over the 36mm Explorer.

joeycarlson38 · 3 October 2010, 12:14 AM

I have owned an Exp 2 for 3 years now and think it is a fantastic watch. The fit and comfort level are surpassed by none IMO and it is tough as nails... Although the same may be said of the Exp l, it is a bit too small for my tastes, and the NEW Exp l hands are to small so....Either way you go I am sure you will love it. Best of luck.

Joe C.

Route 66 · 3 October 2010, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TARDIS

It all depends on your wrist size. I tried on an EX1 in the store and it looked more suitable on a small wrist...

Don't forget that it comes in a 39mm version now!

mike · 3 October 2010, 12:19 AM

I gotta vote for the II as well. More versatility and I just like the look.

I tend to prefer the black dial (where's my flame suit

), but that's just me.

RRGHOST1 · 3 October 2010, 12:31 AM

The 36mm Explorer I is too small for me even though it is a lovely looking watch. So a white dial Explorer II would be my choice. The new 39mm Explorer is nice, but probably out of your budget and the issue of the small hands maybe a deal breaker for me, but i havn't seen one yet, so i have an open view on that one.

GEO_79 · 3 October 2010, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niner niner seven

if you can get a II, i would get that over the I since its bigger and meatier. if you go I you'll regret it down the road. obviously you like the bigger watches from your GMTC aviator. just my 2 C-Notes.

fc3s2k · 3 October 2010, 12:58 AM

Go with the explorer I since you have a GMT II

goldminer · 3 October 2010, 01:33 AM

I would go for the Explorer II and wait for the new larger Explorer I to arrive.

watch_guy · 3 October 2010, 02:47 AM

Ex2 Polar for me all the way its the only I wear My TT DJ is in the winder

BH13GMT · 3 October 2010, 02:55 AM

Dual timezone, a Date facility, WR to 100m and a bezel to take the knocks = an Explorer's watch. Explorer I is toughned Air King IMHO no use as tool watch and its too small. Sorry all you Exp I owners, no offence intended.

manhatan · 3 October 2010, 03:09 AM

The Explorer I 114270 is too small for my wrist. I'm hesitating between the new Explorer I 39mm and the Explorer II as well....

2 October 2010, 01:21 PM	#1
Mendota "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: MN Watch: OP36 Blue 3-6-9 Posts: 2,195	On the fence - Explorer 1 or Explorer II? I'm torn. I love them both but I can only pick up one for my first Rollie. Which would be the better first watch? A pre-SEL Explorer II circa 1998 or 1999 OR a circa 2003 to 2004 Explorer 1? Prices seem to be comparable, give or take a little bit. I really like the simplicity of the Explorer 1. It seems like it would be the perfect first watch and an all around gem. Goes well with dress occasions as well as a T-shirt and shorts. Down the road, I'll up my budget and try to pick up a polar Explorer II with a 3186 if possible. What do you think? Go for the Explorer 1?

2 October 2010, 01:23 PM	#2
niner niner seven "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Matthew Location: Rolex&911Nation Watch: GV Posts: 547	if you can get a II, i would get that over the I since its bigger and meatier. if you go I you'll regret it down the road. obviously you like the bigger watches from your GMTC aviator. just my 2 C-Notes. __________________ 16710 116400GV 116710LN 116500LN 116610LV

2 October 2010, 02:57 PM	#7
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK050 Posts: 34,449	They're both excellent watches. I bought the Explorer, because it was more affordable than Explorer II at the time I bought mine, but I've never regretted that I made the choice I made. Frankly, I don't need a multiple time-zone watch, nor do I spend time in places where keeping up with the daylight and nighttime become difficult. The Explorer II is a fine looking watch and every time I see one, I wish I had one, but not enough to have bought one yet. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

2 October 2010, 03:08 PM	#9
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,496	I kinda like the Explorer II....... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

2 October 2010, 04:35 PM	#10
Al1969 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,638	Explorer II! __________________ WG SUB-116719 GMT MASTER II 126719

2 October 2010, 01:33 PM	#3
Sixxgrand1 Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Watch: EXP I & II Posts: 825	Two totally different styles...presenting different features and such. I own one of each. Love them both. Tough call. Try them both. Should be an easy decision..

2 October 2010, 01:35 PM	#4
burger'n'fries Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Watch: 42mm Exp 2 Posts: 378	Explorer "one" for me.

2 October 2010, 01:37 PM	#5
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	The Explorer I for me. I've owned both, two Explorer I's and a white face Explorer II. Now the only one I miss is the Explorer I and have been actively seeking another one.

2 October 2010, 02:23 PM	#6
Route 66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Steve Location: Burbank, CA Watch: 214270 Mark II Posts: 4,121	My vote goes to the I. I love the classic look.

2 October 2010, 02:58 PM	#8
Jon_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Chicago Watch: Explorer I 114270 Posts: 11	I would go for the Explorer I

2 October 2010, 04:40 PM	#11
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	I would go fr the explorer 2 my friend. The Edo 1 looks too small. __________________ My collections.. Plus PAM 233, 232, 249 & PAM 417.

2 October 2010, 05:14 PM	#12
Tek Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Aus Watch: ALL Posts: 318	Really it's up to you, but for me ExpII as I like my watches with date and I love the red 24h hand and if size matters to you

2 October 2010, 05:41 PM	#13
Gerardus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Gerardus Location: often in the air Watch: ♕ Posts: 12,129	EX2 for the date function. __________________ ♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300

2 October 2010, 06:26 PM	#14
ibramr "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: usa Posts: 173	Explorer II for me.

2 October 2010, 07:07 PM	#16
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	It all depends on your wrist size. I tried on an EX1 in the store and it looked more suitable on a small wrist. My choice would be the EX2 with a white face.

2 October 2010, 08:21 PM	#17
PanosI 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Panos Location: Athens, Greece Watch: 16710 Posts: 8,704	Beautiful watches both but the Explorer II would be my choice. Good luck deciding

2 October 2010, 10:00 PM	#18
buke45 Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Juan Location: Ponce, PR Watch: Your Butt Posts: 1,464	Exp II White Dial

3 October 2010, 12:07 AM	#19
Sixxgrand1 Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Watch: EXP I & II Posts: 825	see below..

3 October 2010, 12:09 AM	#20
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	I would rather have the ex2 over the 36mm Explorer.

3 October 2010, 12:14 AM	#21
joeycarlson38 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MN Posts: 33	EXP ll... I have owned an Exp 2 for 3 years now and think it is a fantastic watch. The fit and comfort level are surpassed by none IMO and it is tough as nails... Although the same may be said of the Exp l, it is a bit too small for my tastes, and the NEW Exp l hands are to small so....Either way you go I am sure you will love it. Best of luck. Joe C.

3 October 2010, 12:19 AM	#23
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	I gotta vote for the II as well. More versatility and I just like the look. I tend to prefer the black dial (where's my flame suit), but that's just me.

3 October 2010, 12:31 AM	#24
RRGHOST1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: luke standing Location: england Watch: Rolex TT SubC Blue Posts: 3,993	The 36mm Explorer I is too small for me even though it is a lovely looking watch. So a white dial Explorer II would be my choice. The new 39mm Explorer is nice, but probably out of your budget and the issue of the small hands maybe a deal breaker for me, but i havn't seen one yet, so i have an open view on that one.

3 October 2010, 12:58 AM	#26
fc3s2k "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Barry Location: california Watch: OFFICINE PANERAI Posts: 1,289	Go with the explorer I since you have a GMT II

3 October 2010, 01:33 AM	#27
goldminer Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: John Location: London, England Watch: 5513 Posts: 278	I would go for the Explorer II and wait for the new larger Explorer I to arrive.

3 October 2010, 02:47 AM	#28
watch_guy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Martin Location: florida Watch: GMT 16710 Pepsi Posts: 40	Ex2 Ex2 Polar for me all the way its the only I wear My TT DJ is in the winder

3 October 2010, 02:55 AM	#29
BH13GMT "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Paul Location: UK, Dorset Watch: and learn Posts: 2,636	Dual timezone, a Date facility, WR to 100m and a bezel to take the knocks = an Explorer's watch. Explorer I is toughned Air King IMHO no use as tool watch and its too small. Sorry all you Exp I owners, no offence intended. __________________ Rolex Sub 1680, Rolex GMT 116710LN, Rolex Datejust 16220 Salmon Dial (the Mrs), Tudor BB58, Tudor Pelagos Blue and Several Seiko's ************************************************ *************** "last one in the chopper is a rotten egg" Jonathan Quayle Higgins III

3 October 2010, 03:09 AM	#30
manhatan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 36	The Explorer I 114270 is too small for my wrist. I'm hesitating between the new Explorer I 39mm and the Explorer II as well.... __________________ Rolex GMT Master II 16710 - Breitling Navitimer 401 - Breitling Chronomatic 1806 - Panerai Logo PAM 000 - Stowa Airman Original - Tag Heuer Link Chrono - Dodane Type 21 - CWC Diver

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