Choosing between a Pelagos or an Explorer

[ToXicXxX]

Hey guys,

Recently recieved had a pretty awesome career change, and a new certification, and want to reward myself for the hard work. I had to sell my first ever Sub that I bought for myself when I graduated college a few years after, and ever since then I have missed it. I am now considering getting another Rolex, as I can afford to go for it. Specifically a 42mm Polar Explorer. I love the white dial, the fixed bezel, it just really speaks to me. Couple that with the fact that I love to travel, and the GMT function seeks quite handy. But I am also considering a blue Pelagos. Blue is my favourite color, and I am quite impressed by the tutor in house movement and no frills finish of it, and of course the lesser price. I am cursed with the love of cars and firearms as well as watches, so there certainly has to be a balance in hobby spending. Or so the missus says.

I don't wear a watch at work as its a safety hazard to wear anything conductive, and I don't dress formally at all when I am in my free time, so both seem fairly inline, stylistically.

My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks.

Has anyone here had a similar dillema? Or perhaps owns both? Any insight would be awesome! Currently my only other watch is a PAM, which I love, but it is a bit massive. Even on my large 7.5" wrists. Would also be open to other watch suggestions!

[watchwatcher]

The Pelagos is a great watch...but it sounds like you want the EXP2 more. So get that. And add the Pelagos down the line.

And, as a bonus, the GMT function will come in handy when you travel.

[Etschell]

Get both. First the rolex though.

[nfld]

Hi....I agree get the Rolex first. From NL here, I will be out that way soon and thinking of getting a Sub or the Explorer. Let me know which one buy and if you got a good deal. As I may wait till I come to Alberta to buy my watch as it is 15% tax here in NL.

[Emoney11]

Get the Polar EXP2. Can't wait until I have enough saved to get one for myself

[MrInternational]

I like the Explorer 2 more and think it's a more versatile piece. I think the folks you mentioned will have more comments for you regardless of what you wear (sounds like typical ball busting if you will)... something like we must be paying you too much, have to keep up with the jones' or something like that. Take it in stride. Tudor is a fine watch. But I definitely would first go for the Explorer 2. Congrats on your good turn!


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[sickened1]

I couldn't decide. Oh wait.. you mean Explorer II. Well, I'll get that one back soon.

[MCO1]

Go Rolex first then Tudor!

[dave023]

Explorer.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by ToXicXxX

Hey guys,


My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks.

Wow that sucks.

So I'd be lying if I said these type of comments wouldn't affect me at all, but do I certainly live my life trying as hard as I can to not let stupid comments like that get to me.

That said I don't care much for the pelagos. It simply feels cheap to me. I know it's very popular and I mean no disrespect to those who love it.

Ironically, if we were talking about the black bay I'd be singing a different tune, it's one of my favorite watches.

However, IMO The Explorer 2 is superior to both watches in almost every way, with the exception of versatility vs the black bay. The Rolex would be my choice.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by ToXicXxX

Hey guys,

Recently recieved had a pretty awesome career change, and a new certification, and want to reward myself for the hard work. I had to sell my first ever Sub that I bought for myself when I graduated college a few years after, and ever since then I have missed it. I am now considering getting another Rolex, as I can afford to go for it. Specifically a 42mm Polar Explorer. I love the white dial, the fixed bezel, it just really speaks to me. Couple that with the fact that I love to travel, and the GMT function seeks quite handy. But I am also considering a blue Pelagos. Blue is my favourite color, and I am quite impressed by the tutor in house movement and no frills finish of it, and of course the lesser price. I am cursed with the love of cars and firearms as well as watches, so there certainly has to be a balance in hobby spending. Or so the missus says.

I don't wear a watch at work as its a safety hazard to wear anything conductive, and I don't dress formally at all when I am in my free time, so both seem fairly inline, stylistically.

My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks.

Has anyone here had a similar dillema? Or perhaps owns both? Any insight would be awesome! Currently my only other watch is a PAM, which I love, but it is a bit massive. Even on my large 7.5" wrists. Would also be open to other watch suggestions!

I've had a few comments on my Black Bay Red and all were positive. Actually I never mentioned it was a sister of Rolex. I love this watch on the bracelet although I have the leather as well and looked really nice it was uncomfortable.

I also had a Pelagos Black and wore it maybe 10 times and hated it. Looks good but it felt to light, flimsy and it had sharp edges on the bracelet. Worse buy of my life but no regrets getting rid of it.

Maybe you'll have a better experience

[RRGHOST1]

ExplorerII white dial for me.

[jaySL350]

blue pelagos,,,
really getting to like this watch,,
may be my next incoming,,,,
sounds like you really want the explorer,,,
best of luck,,,,,jay

[luvan12]

I would get the Rolex first.

[hitman23]

Not a fan of the Pelagos. It's got the face of a Seiko and the weight of a gshock. The polar exp is a much better watch. The older 5 digit polar is even better. Probably the most underated Rolex sports model.

[travisb]

Exp first and maybe add a preowned Pelages if that's doable.

[datejustrms]

Explorer II

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by ToXicXxX

Hey guys,

My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks.

Jeez. Better get an AP then. Let them google it when they don't know it, then leave them with the bar bill

I'd try both on, sleep on it and go with your gut. Good luck!

[Thuilln]

Based on pics at post #7, get the ExplorerII.

[lhanddds]

I like both but you should get the Rolex, you'll have it forever and you'll be glad you picked it.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by MCO1

Go Rolex first then Tudor!

I wonder how many times people say this without reading the OP. ;)

He has owned Rolex before.


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[Rolex fan 61]

Explorer all the way.

[ToXicXxX]

Originally Posted by Scholar

I wonder how many times people say this without reading the OP. ;)

He has owned Rolex before.


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Tudor too, haha.

[amh]

If I were considering this question in a total vacuum, I'd say get the Explorer. It's a great watch in every respect.

Now for some Irony:

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Wow that sucks.

So I'd be lying if I said these type of comments wouldn't affect me at all, but do I certainly live my life trying as hard as I can to not let stupid comments like that get to me.

That said I don't care much for the pelagos. It simply feels cheap to me. I know it's very popular and I mean no disrespect to those who love it.

Originally Posted by hitman23

Not a fan of the Pelagos. It's got the face of a Seiko and the weight of a gshock. The polar exp is a much better watch. The older 5 digit polar is even better. Probably the most underated Rolex sports model.

Eh, no. A Seiko will get beat up pretty fast, the Pelagos has excellent attention to detail and great materials. And as for weight, the Pelagos weighs 145g and the Exp II weighs 150g. You can tell the difference?

So even here you're going to get tarred & feathered if you pick the Pelagos. You must get one at some point, it builds character! (I love mine)

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by amh

Now for some Irony:

Are you implying that my comment was stupid?

I'll elaborate... When I hold the Pelagos in my hand, it feels like a cheap watch, especially when compared to the black bay, certain Omegas and other watches within the same price range. That's my opinion.

Do you care to elaborate on your comment?

Here is the comment (in bold) I called stupid btw...

"My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks. "

I find it ignorant that you would compare a comment like this, to my humble opinion on a watch. But again please feel free to explain.

[sager]

Explorer

[hallidc]

I previously owned both an explorer and Pegalos, I'd go with the explorer if I had to choose between the two.

[amh]

On one hand you sympathized with the OP for someone else's comment, then turned around and immediately slammed his watch. It may only be your opinion, but it's still a comment that isn't lending any credence to your sympathy.

Let's pretend there's a Colleague #2 at the bar visited by the OP:
Colleague #1: "Oh, couldn't afford a Rolex"
Colleague #2: "Yeah... I once held a Pelagos and it sure feels like a cheap watch"

In my opinion, the Pelagos doesn't feel cheap at all.

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Are you implying that my comment was stupid?

I'll elaborate... When I hold the Pelagos in my hand, it feels like a cheap watch, especially when compared to the black bay, certain Omegas and other watches within the same price range. That's my opinion.

Do you care to elaborate on your comment?

Here is the comment (in bold) I called stupid btw...

"My only concern is that when I had a Black Bay, I got a few "oh, couldn't afford a Rolex" type comments. Bit irritating. Mostly from my higher ups when we would go for drinks. "

I find it ignorant that you would compare a comment like this, to my humble opinion on a watch. But again please feel free to explain.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by amh

On one hand you sympathized with the OP for someone else's comment, then turned around and immediately slammed his watch. It may only be your opinion, but it's still a comment that isn't lending any credence to your sympathy.

Let's pretend there's a Colleague #2 at the bar visited by the OP:
Colleague #1: "Oh, couldn't afford a Rolex"
Colleague #2: "Yeah... I once held a Pelagos and it sure feels like a cheap watch"

In my opinion, the Pelagos doesn't feel cheap at all.

The OP owned a Black Bay, not a Pelagos. The story he told regarding the "you couldn't afford a rolex" comment was about a Black Bay. I then went on to say that the pelagos felt cheap to me and that ironically the Black Bay is one of my favorite watches. Get your story straight.

Your opinion regarding the pelagos is respected by me. In fact that's exactly why I originally said "I know it's very popular and I mean no disrespect to those who love it."

You really need to separate yourself from this watch. The fact that I think it feels like a cheap watch, is not attack on those who like it or those who own it and love it. It's a direct response to the question of which watch the OP should get next. The OP asked for opinions, I gave mine. It's not a personal attack or "slam" on anyone's watch. If you can't handle that this isn't the thread for you.

[encarter13]

I just really like the Exp II. Especially, the Polar.