Considering my first Rolex

[46and2]

Hello everyone, this is my first thread started here on TRF. First, a bit about myself. I am 30, married, with an 18 month old daughter. I work in IT as a Senior Network Engineer for a Native American casino. For those of you who are into IT, I am a CCIE R/S.

I am looking for my first (pre-loved) Rolex, and the 2 at the top are the Explorer II and the GMT Master II (16710 black bezel, not the IIc). I like complications, and while a chronograph would be nice, the Daytona is out of my league (an Omega Speedmaster Pro will satisfy my chrono needs). Obviously the major differences between the 2 are the rotating bezel on the GMT Master and the choice of dial colors on the Explorer. My wrist is about 6 1/4" around and fairly flat. Being a network person, I am frequently out and about, working in server racks, lifting equipment, and crawling on floors. As such, I will need a watch that is capable of standing up to more than just "desk diving".

So with those requirements and desires in mind, do you think one or the other would be a better fit? Or should I just go with whichever one strikes my fancy more? Thank you for your time, and I look forward to spending more time here.

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum....

I applaud your decision to treat yourself to a Rolex........ Most people who get one fall in love with the brand, the mystique, and the go-anywhere, do-anything time-piece they embody..

Either the EXP II or the GMT will be a great choice... I have both and the workhorse for yard work, hiking, biking, and the occasional picnic is the EXP II. It's full stainless steel construction is bulletproof and my go-to watch if there is any risk at all in what I'm doing.... It's even made it to the Caribbean a couple of times and makes a great snorkel watch (in black)..

But to tell the truth, my first love is the GMT..Rolex looks, impact, versatility. it has it all, and still fits under a shirt sleeve for that time when a suit is needed......

[JF23]

Ultimately I would go with whichever one smiles at you more. Although you will be wearing it to work, you'll be wearing it outside of work as well and need to be happy with it in both settings. That said, I have a Sub and the Explorer II. Between the two, the Explorer II wears more comfortably and sits lower on my wrist. This may be a factor for you when reaching in tight spots and what not. As long as your careful or take it off if your getting really hands on, you can't go wrong with either...

Welcome

[B Square]

Welcome I know this doesn't help but either would be an excellent choice. Since I already have a Sub, I would opt for the Explorer II white dial. Which ever you choose you will not be disappointed

[BillA]

You will not be dissapointed with either, try them both on and see which one puts the bigger smile on your face, pre-owned is a good way to go, just "buy the seller".

[jdc]

The GMT is an exceptional watch, I have one myself. Larry has given some great advice and if you are active at work and the watch may take punishment maybe the Explorer is a more practical choice. Either way you cannot go wrong

[WatchSmith]

Congratulations on your decision to buy an Explorer II or GMT II. There's bad news and good news. The bad news is a tough decision! The good news is you win either way. I'm also partial to the GMT, my first one purchased in 1979, and wearing the IIc now. I prefer a bezel with color, be it black, pepsi, or coke as opposed to the Explorer all-stainless bezel. When I see closeup shots of Exp II's bezel, I tend not to like the brushed finish. If I owned one I think I'd smooth that out just a bit as it looks coarse to my eye. Just a matter of personal opinion of course. Like I said, you win either way. Keep us posted with your decision and take pics.

[chenx15]

i owned an explorer II it was one of the best! but if you're going for the kill and you think you'll only have one rolex in your life go for the GMT

[46and2]

Wow, I go to lunch, come back, and there are lots of replies already. This place is great.

I have not tried on an Explorer II yet. I tried on the new GMT Master IIc, and it just seems to wear bigger than the 40mm size would indicate. Perhaps it's the new case? In any case, I will be buying used. I suppose this forum and TZ would be the places to look for used ones. Although, the thought of buying a 3k+ watch over the internet is a bit scary to me. I'm sure we'd like to think everyone that visits here is on the up and up, but I know that can't be the case.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, buddy.

If you're not sure about ebay or the seller, this place is probably a much safer place to buy from. There are some great guys here and very reliable too. Just let us know the name of the guy you plan to buy from and we can confirm his credentials.

Good luck - JJ

[Nica64]

Welcome to the forum ,

If I was you I get the GMT Master IIc first.... and later you can get the Explorer believe me you're going to want another later, welcome to the madness.

[kcmo]

I don't think you will go wrong with either. I am partial to the GMT II 16710 myself and just got one a month ago. I prefer the bezel on the GMT vs. the Exp 2.

Let us know what you decide!

[emmagee]

Either one would be a great choice, my first was a Sub, which I have now had over 20 years and then I bought a white dial Explorer II about 10 years ago. I am kinda looking for another watch right now, either a GMT II or a black dial E2.

Buying on the internet can be scary, but there are many things you can do to protect yourself. The only Rolex I've ever bought new was my Sub, and it was a gift. I purchased the E2 from a well known individual without any issues and have purchased two additional pre-owned Rolex's for my wife without problems

I just bought a TT Yachtmaster yesterday, this will be a birthday gift for my dad. Before I consummated the deal I talked to a well known forum member here about a watch, I was completely comfortable with him, I just wasn't sure it was the right watch for Dad. I had placed WTB ad on TZ, had a guy try to run a complete scam on me, but a little bit or research combined with some common sense exposed him for the fraud that he was. The watch I bought yesterday is coming from a fellow from CA and I have no doubt it will be exactly as described, he is a long time and well known seller and from our phone conversation, a helluva nice guy to boot! Most guys buying and selling are completely legit and you'll never have a problem, just watch out for the few snakes.

[learnmore60]

Thats great news, your going to love Rolex.. I would say GMT II is one of the best watches Rolex have ever made!! if you can go for that one!