Explorer II ceramic - the next generation.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by mailman

Looks great Rich Congratulations. I'm a big fan of the 42mm EXPII

I thank you Sir.

[rominvicta]

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.

When you say it is a slow mover what do you mean? Demand and supply. Just for sake of info an AD usually gets 10 EII to each Daytona. Reliable source within AD told me that. So you may buy EII at any given time, but does it mean it is a slow mover?

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by rominvicta

When you say it is a slow mover what do you mean? Demand and supply. Just for sake of info an AD usually gets 10 EII to each Daytona. Reliable source within AD told me that. So you may buy EII at any given time, but does it mean it is a slow mover?

I can not believe this sorry.. No offence but i seen quite a few daytona's out in the wild and just 1 explorer 2...……………..

[jlovda]

Here's a question. If the Exp II was reintroduced with nothing but a movement change, how would your life be improved?

[jason10mm]

Originally Posted by samson66

My wallet can't handle the release of this particular model. I'm not sure I could resist. This looks amazing!

It looks sharp, no doubt. But I don't see the point of a non rotating ceramic bezel.

But a white dial GMT master....now THERE is a hot watch!

[RTG]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Nooooooooo not a pm version of this watch please!

LOL. If you don't buy one then it really can't hurt you...

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by a-tabby

I have owned the 40mm version for over ten years, the bezel is absolutely not an attracter of dents or dings in my experience.

There are two types of Rolex owners; those who would rather lose a couple of fingers than getting their watch scratched and those who would do an auto engine overhaul while wearing their Pt DD. Income level probably has a significant impact as to which side you're on.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by jlovda

Here's a question. If the Exp II was reintroduced with nothing but a movement change, how would your life be improved?

It would be improved because I would finally buy the Polar EXPII. I have the black, want the white, but don't want two of the same reference.

[travisb]

It's one of the models I prefer be left alone. It's got a more rugged appeal in all SS as it should. I could see a new movement but I would hope that's it if anything.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by rominvicta

When you say it is a slow mover what do you mean? Demand and supply. Just for sake of info an AD usually gets 10 EII to each Daytona. Reliable source within AD told me that. So you may buy EII at any given time, but does it mean it is a slow mover?

I simply mean you can find them more easily at ADs, and can actually get them at or below retail at gray sellers. This indicates lower demand relative to hotter models like the Sub and GMT. (I won't even bother comparing it to a Daytona, which has always occupied its own airspace.) Whether this is due to greater production/supply from Rolex, or whether it's because they sell in lower numbers, I don't know.

For the record, I made the comment you quoted over a year ago, but I still stand by it.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by georgekart

But would 3187 vs 3186 matter? If they switch to new generation of movements it will likely be 3285 anyway, so if it can fit in 40mm GMT it can fit in a 40mm Explorer II.

If they go with a new 40mm Explorer II, yes. However, the current one is 42mm, which is why it uses the larger 3187. If Rolex wishes to keep a new Exp. 2 the same size, they would need to create a larger 32xx movement to go inside.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Counting nervous days to see what baselworld brings in any reference

The irony here is that there is no reason to think Rolex will switch to a ceramic-bezel Exp. 2 other than the fact some bloggers who are good at Photoshop keep putting out the same mock-ups year after year, and people start anticipating it. Anything could happen, but it's not like Rolex is dropping hints about it. I wouldn't hold my breath.

I stick with something I've said for a while, which is that the 50th anniversary of the Exp. 2 is in 2021. I suspect we'll see a new version of the model then, and until then, the current versions will continue unchanged.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by Onikage

In the guy's defence I believe he meant the Orange hand was never intended to be set independently as a function of the watch. That it shares a movement with the GMTII just means you can. The 24hr hand was indeed fixed to show the time on the hands in the past and the rotating bezel was the only way to track timezones solely on the GMT. I'm sure this is what he was referring to and bombarding the chap with how to set a 3185/6/7 movement isn't going to teach him anything.

Technically he was not that far off. The Explorer II (16570) booklet states that it's intent is for speleologists to keep track of day and night since it is very easy to get confused when inside a cave for a long period of time .. or something to that effect.

You can of course move the hour hand independently, in hour increments but I don't think this was the original purpose.

Dang, this thread makes me wish I would not have sold mine! I had it for 11 years. Never been inside a cave with it ... but did track multiple time zones several times

[brandrea]

I hope not. Maybe new fonts on tne bezel, but leave it as is please

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by RRP

Wow thanks. Those are awesome renders. To be honest the current Explorer II does nothing for me, it’s probably at the bottom of my list, a ceramic version however would be at the top of my list. Weird huh.

Where would it rack up if Rolex offered a white dial GMT Master II like they did back in the day for Pan Am?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sweetswisssteel]

Why bother? Already got GMT Master 2, just discontinue the explorer 2. It's a dog. Woof,woof.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Cru Jones]

Grey brushed ceramic in the color of steel would be perfect, IMHO.

[Singslinger]

IMHO what the Exp II really needs is the Triplock crown instead of the current Twinlock.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by Sweetswisssteel

Why bother? Already got GMT Master 2, just discontinue the explorer 2. It's a dog. Woof,woof.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

It is a cool dog i love the ex11.

[Majin Buu]

It’s a sports watch, for extreme conditions ...
A ceramic bezel wil compromise the case and that second time zone.

J.

[DP63]

The 'problem' with the explorer II in my, and a few of my watch friends, opinion is that it looks like a poorly looked after watch in no time at all due to the scratches etc that inevitably build up through normal use on that bezel. One's that are poorly polished make the watch look very shoddy as well, and there are plenty of examples around in that condition, which was one of the reasons we found ourselves discussing it one evening when I mentioned I was contemplating adding one to my collection.

Its not a cheap watch in the over all scheme of things, and for it to age the way it does through normal use detracts from how good a time piece it actually is. As one of my friends said, he wouldnt pay £6,000 for a watch that looks like £600 after a couple of years use.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by jason10mm

It looks sharp, no doubt. But I don't see the point of a non rotating ceramic bezel.

But a white dial GMT master....now THERE is a hot watch!

I've owned two GMT watches and literally NEVER rotated the bezel for its intended purpose. The only time I ever rotate it is to use as a timer.

I would prefer this watch have a rotating bezel but it certainly wouldn't prevent me from buying one

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Grey brushed ceramic in the color of steel would be perfect, IMHO.

Ok, that I’d like to see

[Chrislec]

Wouldn't that be the first time Rolex won't have any steel bezel sport model in its entire history?
Looks like they would loose market shares to other brands for those looking for full steel models...
just my thoughts.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Chrislec

Wouldn't that be the first time Rolex won't have any steel bezel sport model in its entire history?
Looks like they would loose market shares to other brands for those looking for full steel models...
just my thoughts.

There's still the Milgauss and Exp 1 etc, plus DJs, but as for Rolex losing customers to other brands, well we all wish they would and quick!

I think there is an argument for the Exp2 to be offered in both CE and SS variants.

[Chrislec]

Originally Posted by AK797

There's still the Milgauss and Exp 1 etc, plus DJs, but as for Rolex losing customers to other brands, well we all wish they would and quick!

I think there is an argument for the Exp2 to be offered in both CE and SS variants.

Right. I meant actually sport models with engraved bezels used for the purpose of the tool (chronometer, gmt, timer)

[vtsnowplow]

Not going to happen!

[Ssunnylee24]

Dear Rolex,
Please see pictures made by Rolex Passion Report and never make Explorer with ceramic bezel.
Thank you.

[jsausley]

I'd trade my Explorer 1 (plus cash, obviously) for a polar dial Explorer II ceramic, I think.

[jsausley]

Originally Posted by Jerrocop

If I were Rolex I'd say screw it and make a ceramic bezel for every watch in the line . . . I'd even make a fluted one for the Day-Date . . .

A rose gold Daydate with a meteorite dial and a ceramic fluted bezel would be SO hot.