Explorer II ceramic - the next generation.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by RRP

I would love them to make it 40mm and ceramic, but learning that it uses the same movement as the GMT i now completely agree with everyone on here who say that’s not going to happen

As was pointed out, it has a different movement. The 3187 is a physically larger movement than the 3186 (what's in the GMT), which allowed designers to keep an appropriate date-window placement on the larger dial. If anything, that shows even more commitment to keeping it 42mm. Nothing says Rolex couldn't just abandon it with the new movement, and revert to 40mm at some future time, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

[Any4xx]

Originally Posted by Livermoron

The 5 digit Ex2 reference is extremely affordable ( as far as Rolex sports watches go). I have a polar witha 3186 movement and I paid substantially less than even my sub that I bought 2nd hand. I’m considering picking up the black ex 2 as well. I think it’s the perfect watch. Date function, 2nd time zone function, and strong enough oyster case for skin diving which I do for abalone off the CAlifornia coast ( scuba not legal to use ). And of course it’s a Rolex so it’s nice enough by to wear to any function formal or not formal or at the office or traveling. Plus the Ex2 is pretty far off the Radar for any non -Rolex geek. I have never seen another in the wild. So for a guy that wants a very good watch and not something that everybody else has its ideal.

Nothing I can add to this. But I wanted to tell you that I LOVE your username! Made me laugh out loud.

[JacksonStone]

Some great wines come out of Livermore. Fantastic Petite Sirah.

[Any4xx]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Some great wines come out of Livermore. Fantastic Petite Sirah.

I’m always more interested in what comes out of Lawrence Lab there. But no one seems to want to talk about it much.

But back to the Exp II subject: I always thought they were rather boring until something switched in my head one day while fondling one at an AD. Now that I have one, it’s been my nearly-daily-wear ever since. Leave it alone, Rolex. I love it for what it is. I can wear it every day while piloting a Peterbilt dump truck or out to a nice dinner with my wife. It goes with everything.

[Robbyman]

Current version in 40mm and I would buy one for sure, not sure it looks right in ceramic.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by RRP

Apologies guys . I stand corrected. I thought the orange hand couldn’t move independently and track another time zone. I’ve never used or even held an Explorer II as it’s always been a watch that’s never appealed to me, yet. I would love them to make it 40mm and ceramic, but learning that it uses the same movement as the GMT i now completely agree with everyone on here who say that’s not going to happen

I hope you get a chance to try it on! Its really a great watch for a reasonable price! Although I would like to see a slimmed down version.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

As was pointed out, it has a different movement. The 3187 is a physically larger movement than the 3186 (what's in the GMT), which allowed designers to keep an appropriate date-window placement on the larger dial. If anything, that shows even more commitment to keeping it 42mm. Nothing says Rolex couldn't just abandon it with the new movement, and revert to 40mm at some future time, but I don't see that happening any time soon.

AH, good points on size.

[twitch54]

as an owner of a current Explorer II (Polar) I think the ceramic bezel takes up a notch for sure .........

[travisb]

I like the look of the black dial with ceramic but not the white.
The current white Exp 2 screams outdoor adventures.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by RRP

learning that it uses the same movement as the GMT

Until very recently. It was basically a GMT with fixed SS bezel. My apologies for the misinfo, and making quite a donkey's anus of this thread.

[OmegaManOnTheMoon]

Originally Posted by armybuck041

I love it. One of the things that keeps me from getting another Exp II is the way the Bezel collects and displays battle scars. A Ceramic Bezel would be brilliant.

And for that reason, I hope the Explorer II bezel remains SS. Cause those battle scars are beautiful mementos. A ceramic bezel would likely shatter under the hard use expected of the Explorer II. Yes, the ceramic would look nice, but then Rolex would not have the truly rugged tool watch anymore. For that matter, I wish Rolex still offered an acrylic crystal version. I'd hate for my sapphire to shatter on an excursion.

[doboy007]

If white dial came with ceramic I would definitely consider it.

[OmegaManOnTheMoon]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Some great wines come out of Livermore. Fantastic Petite Sirah.

I'd take a Willamette Valley Pinot first! Willamette, dammit.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by OmegaManOnTheMoon

I'd take a Willamette Valley Pinot first! Willamette, dammit.

Those are great, too. I'm lucky enough I can get to some of the major Willamette districts in about 20 minutes, so I do tastings a few times a year. I haven't toured Livermore in over a decade. I'd love a chance to taste some of the better Concannon offerings again.

[crazymcmichael]

who's hoping for a ceramic explorer2 this year?

[Lemonvr6]

Originally Posted by AK797

This might be the first year where at Basel Rolex want to issue watches that won't sell like hot cakes and make a waiting list, they have supply problems enough.

We have a supply problem. Rolex doesn’t.

[SkyJuice]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

who's hoping for a ceramic explorer2 this year?

I was hoping they would retain the same new design but go back to 40mm.

[Pauln]

I’m probably in the minority, but I wouldn’t change a thing on the Explorer 2. Size is perfect for the task at hand and ceramic would make it too blingy. Essentially the changes would make it a GMT without a rotating bezel. I think they would/should discontinue it before doing all that.

[Sublovin]

Maybe on a white dial

[Ljung]

The ring is too thin (= costly) to be made ceramic. Unless the dial are is reduced. But that will make it less 'explorer'-ness.

[crazymcmichael]

Yep it is true, if they change it the tool-watch idea of this reference would go away. Maybe a 40mm version with a red date window would be the max :P On the black one..

[H25B]

No desire to see it in a black dial but I’d love to see a ceramic bezel.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

I don't think it's weird. I like the metal version just fine, but there has to be some reason it continues to be one of Rolex's slower movers. I also think the ceramic version could look pretty sharp, especially the contrast on the Polar. I guess that means I'm in both camps. Either way, it's one of my favorite Rolex models. Every time this topic comes up, I keep wondering why Rolex would go to the trouble of putting the new bezel on a less popular model, but you make a good point that that could be a move to make it sell better. Still...I'll believe it when I see it.

I'd venture that is due to it not being a GMT Master or a Sub.

It was a watch designed for those who explore caves, or are subject to prolonged periods of darkness or daylight as I'm sure you know.

Activities which are far less glamorous than diving or flying commercial airliners.

It has also remained Rolex's proper tool watch, with every part of it still adhering to function over form.

Oversized hands, unbreakable bezel, supreme legibility, paraflex shock absorbers.

Seems quite ridiculous to think that Rolex would use what is an extremely brittle substance in comparison to steel for a key part of the watch.

24-HOUR BEZEL
The Explorer II is equipped with an additional 24-hour display; a dedicated hand circles the dial in 24 hours rather than the usual 12, pointing to a fixed bezel with 24 hour graduations. This function enables the wearer to distinguish the hours of the day from the hours of the night, an essential feature for those who venture into environments where darkness reigns supreme – such as in the depths of caves, or where the sun never sets – like the polar regions in summer.

[Vaxe]

I would keep the steel bezel but add lume to the plots, in the spirit of a tool watch

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Lemonvr6

We have a supply problem. Rolex doesn’t.

Technically very true as supply hasn't really changed to the ADs, but when supply then doesn't come thru to the end user you get antagonistic, hostile AD atmospheres from both sides, and that's never good for the brand or their professional reputation.

I wouldn't mind seeing a CE Exp2 now, but I imagine that too will become inundated instantly with long waits as well.

[crazymcmichael]

Whatever they are gonna do, i think they are gonna do something with it this year, i have the feeling that they are gonna do something considering the dissapearing from the AD's since summer(was Always there) Now it is nowhere…………...

[RichM]

Having owned a couple of steel bezeled Daytonas, I’m all for the look and durability of the ceramic. My three current watches are all ceramics.

Being in the market for an Explorer 2, I thought about waiting just to see what would happen. IMHO, I think it looks pretty cool with a ceramic bezel. Then I gave it some serious thought.

Here’s what came to mind, another hot watch in short supply from AD’s at RRP. Next, the inflated prices on the grey market.

So, last week I pulled the trigger on this one. I just don’t feel like getting caught up in all the hype. For the time being, I’m pretty sure, in my mind, I made the right decision. Only time will tell.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

Having owned a couple of steel bezeled Daytonas, I’m all for the look and durability of the ceramic. My three current watches are all ceramics.

Being in the market for an Explorer 2, I thought about waiting just to see what would happen. IMHO, I think it looks pretty cool with a ceramic bezel. Then I gave it some serious thought.

Here’s what came to mind, another hot watch in short supply from AD’s at RRP. Next, the inflated prices on the grey market.

So, last week I pulled the plug on this one. I just don’t feel like getting caught up in all the hype. For the time being, I’m pretty sure, in my mind, I made the right decision. Only time will tell.

I agree Richie

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

For the time being, I’m pretty sure, in my mind, I made the right decision. Only time will tell.

Congrats.. what a great pic!

My thoughts about this discussion 2 years back - Why Explorer II won't have Ceramic bezel.. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=521034

[RichM]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I agree Richie

Thanks Scott.

Originally Posted by Maxy

Congrats.. what a great pic!

My thoughts about this discussion 2 years back - Why Explorer II won't have Ceramic bezel.. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=521034

Thanks. I just took it this morning.