GMTIIC vs ExplorerII

[Watchdog]

GMT for me all day long.

[jedinite]

Explorer II

[Turbo23dog]

I'm still searching for my first Rolex and am leaning toward a GMT. I always loved the looks of a sub. The way I figure it, I'm never going diving with my Rolex but I will travel with it so the GMT becomes the practical choice.

[Apocalypse]

thank you guys for the awesome advice and help. i really appreciate it. it helped me alot to decide on my first rolex. im planning to get a gmt. thanks alot

[yld2rob]

I think the GMT can work in both casual and dressy attire. I think the EXP II looks too casual to use a "dress watch" I would get the GMT. Just my 2 cents.

[subtona]

Congratulations!

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Originally Posted by Apocalypse

hey woody youre from HB? thats great. im from gg and was planning to go to bobs watches to get my first rolex and im tending to get the GMT since the explorers bezel might easily scratch. the only reason why im considering the expII is because of the nice blue lumes. thats what caught my eyes. do you happen to know if the lumes on the expII last longer than the GMT?

Hey...just saw your post...I've been busy using my GMT hand on my EXP II 42!

I have no idea on the lume, but I would base a decision on lume.

Regarding Bob's Watches...I would pick up a Rolex from one of our local SoCal "trusted" sellers -- that's how I ended up with a SeaDweller.

For me, I went with the Polar Exp II and I'm toying with picking up a Pepsi. The new GMT IIc is a beautiful watch, but I love the classic Pepsi.

from 40,000ft!

Edit: stinking Gogo wifi...posting my pics sideways!

[KMdad44]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I have this watch and it is the most beautiful watch Rolex makes. It is what all other watch strive to be. AWESOME!

[T. Ferguson]

If you need and will use the GMT function then the GMT2C is the way to go. The rotating bezel makes it a more powerful GMT tool since you can track any number of time zones instead of just two with the EXII. It is the ultimate GMT watch.

If you don't need more than two time zones then it really comes down to personal preference. The GMT probably is more versatile with different attire. Many think the EXII is more casual but the white dial on the polar does dress it up a bit imho.

If I didn't have a preference looks-wise, for the few extra dollars I'd go for the GMT but that's me. If you are hard on your watches and couldn't stand a few scratches on the PCLs of the GMT then the EXII is the better choice.

I guess what I'm saying is you have to decide for yourself. Just trying to give you some things to consider.

Good luck with your decision.

[ROGERWILCO357]

GMT2 for me love the green hand..

[SALTY]

Same movement, yet differences are important.

PCLs or brushed (though PCLs can be brushed.)

Rotating bezel or not; third time zone and quick timing of things ios easy with the rotating bezel.

Ceramic or stainless steel bezel. Much discussion has been devoted to this. Supposedly, the ceramic bezel insert is very resistant to scratching but can crack, and is expensive to replace. OTOH, the SS bezel of the Explorer certainly will not crack, never require replacement while worn, unless your arm needs replacing as well, but it can receive and hold scratches/dings.

Lastly, there is "the heritage" of the watch. If you are a pilot of aviation afficianado, then it's a no-brainer but if crawling around in caves, or somply "exploring" life, then there is a connection with the Explorer as well.

Happy Hunting.

[warrior]

DONT overanalyze it. They're Rolexes and that's why you're choosing between them. Not because of the time zones or utility.

Ask yourself this question. Are you more of a flashy guy or more understated? Get the one that more suits your personality, the one you prefer in terms of aesthetics. Really simple.

[benlee]

Given the very similar functionality, it is down to which looks you prefer. Either one is a keeper.

[boywondergq1]

GMTIIc does it all. I love the Explorers, but for a true 'do it all' piece, I went with the GMT.

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

I like everything about the ExpII better other than the finely brushed SS bezel, which is a scratch magnet on a sports watch that's meant to be used in all situations. If you aren't anal about scratches like that, go ExpII, otherwise, the GMTIIc is a very fine watch (just not the hugest fan of the bezel font).

The SS bezel is why I prefer the the EXPII. The poorly designed Rolex ceramic bezels are susceptible to scratches and chipping requiring replacement if damaged.

Any scratches of the SS bezel can be brushed out or if need be, the entire bezel can be replaced for much less $$ than the ceramic.

I owned a GMTIIC and an older Master II and found that I never used the rotatable bezel. The fixed bezel and dial of the EXPII are much more legible.

[expat1]

Explorer II - much more interesting.

[kymwatchlog]

i hav both but tend to wear the ExpII more.

not sure if the GMT is a keeper but i love the looks of it

[GTS Dean]

I really like them both.

With the GMT, I like having the 3rd timezone function when I'm traveling intercontinental - but that isn't very often. The rotating bezel is handy for ET reminders when something's in the oven, calling up for takeout, or coarse cycle times. The ceramic bezel pretty much makes the watch, IMO. If I can find one fault with the II-C, it is the green GMT hand. Red (or orange) just makes it much easier to find the triangle at a quick glance.

That said, the EX II only lacks the two aforementioned features. The fixed bezel is very similar to the Daytona - low and unobtrusive. With the brushed finish, it is much easier to read and not so blingy. Also like the Daytona, it wears very thin and comfortably under cuffed shirts or sweaters. (that is a serious hangup I have with my Breitling) It is a rugged and unflashy tool watch that I still find myself very drawn to. My next watch purchase will likely be either the Polar Explorer or an Omega Great White GMT. All of my watches have blue or black dials. I feel the need for something "lighter".


PS - one truly great feature of the GMT-IIC is the Easy Link extension!
_____________________
TT OysterQuartz
SS/Black "U" Daytona
TT GMT II-C
DD OysterQuartz
Breitling Aero
Omega Speedmaster Pro

[Solo118]

To me, its gotta be the 42mm EXP II (black dial)

Im a big fan of both but really prefer the color scheme and brushed links on the EXP II

[zion_rasta]

GMT Is The new sub... For all The desk divers out there..

[zion_rasta]

There is no way that this:
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1361735123.460021.jpg

Looks better than this:
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1361735163.255234.jpg

To me the explorer II is the watch that starts moving outside the "rolex" realm.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mrallen13]

Originally Posted by warrior

Ask yourself this question. Are you more of a flashy guy or more understated? Get the one that more suits your personality, the one you prefer in terms of aesthetics. Really simple.

I think this is the best way I've heard describe to make a decision between these two models.

[SeaDweller50]

Originally Posted by zion_rasta

There is no way that this:
Attachment 362011

Looks better than this:
Attachment 362012

To me the explorer II is the watch that starts moving outside the "rolex" realm.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Compare it to a black dial Explorer and you'll see that it's much better. Don't forget the improved movement. Caliber 3187. Paraflex shock system plus the whole movement has been re-sized to fit the larger case of 42mm. Oh and the gorgeous blue lume.

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by zion_rasta

There is no way that this:
Attachment 362011

Looks better than this:
Attachment 362012

To me the explorer II is the watch that starts moving outside the "rolex" realm.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I respectfully disagree. A persons taste is a matter of personal preference. If the GMT sings to you, then get the GMT. If the EXP sings to you, get the EXP. My opinion, try both of them on before making a decision.

Both watches are fantastic. The EXP is also a fantastic watch and definitely not "outside of the Rolex realm".

Also, comparing the GMT to the white dial EXP doesn't make sense, let me help:

[andyol1966]

Nice pic George! Love that brushed steel bezel

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by andyol1966

Nice pic George! Love that brushed steel bezel

Thank you sir.

No mention of what I said here on my last thread OK? :)

[Piloto]

This is the one that gets me... If the EX II was 40mm, it would be a slam dunk.

The more I see the black faced explorer, the more it grows on me. Please keep the debate going. Just when I think I lean towards one, I flip. Too bad I cant afford both. My local AD is going to get tired of me coming in and trying these things on.

IMHO, the best thing the EX II has going for it, is it does NOT look like a common black faced sub from a distance. All though there is nothing wrong with a black faced sub. There's just a LOT of them out there.

Now... About the 42mm...

They are BOTH great watches!!!

Originally Posted by xxthe_remedyxx

Also, comparing the GMT to the white dial EXP doesn't make sense, let me help:

[andyol1966]

Your secret is safe with me George....looking forward to Monday are we?

[zion_rasta]

Originally Posted by xxthe_remedyxx

I respectfully disagree. A persons taste is a matter of personal preference. If the GMT sings to you, then get the GMT. If the EXP sings to you, get the EXP. My opinion, try both of them on before making a decision.

Both watches are fantastic. The EXP is also a fantastic watch and definitely not "outside of the Rolex realm".

Also, comparing the GMT to the white dial EXP doesn't make sense, let me help:

The black dial is more like it.

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by andyol1966

Your secret is safe with me George....looking forward to Monday are we?

Shhhhhhhhhh.... Hahahahha!!!