Explorer II Design and Technology
The Explorer-II is the most Non Rolex looking watch of the Rolex Professional series. I wore one for a year, but just couldnt get used to it. It's a functional watch, but failed to impress me.
The Dial: The White dial made time reading a pain, because the hands are also white.I had to "read" time as opposed to "Glance" at the time.
The Hands: The white hands with a white dial are a bit of a pain.
The Bezel: The fixed bezel is what makes it different from other Professional Rolexes. What I did notice was that after a while, the paint from the Bezel starts to fade away. Even though it is easily redone ( When Serviced) I did not find that very convenient.
The Bracelet: Comfortable Bracelet. No problems here.
Comfort: The Watch is comfortable to wear and fits snugly on the wrist
Pricing: Reasonably priced at $4400 and some great deals can be had in the pre-owned market. In some asian countries the Explorer-II is very sought after and therefore enjoys good resale.
Movement: The 3185 movement is reliable. +4 sec a week for me
Overall impression: A watch for someone who likes a Rolex that is pure function. Some people call it the stealth Rolex. To each their own, I say.
Who should wear the Explorer II
Score : 8/10
Final word: Functional.
The original model created by Rolex in 1953 for the ascent of Mt Everest that may appeal to purists and history buffs, is just a plain steel watch with a 36 mm black dial, a polished bezel, and an Oysterlock bracelet.
The functional models in the current Explorer II line have a 40 mm steel dial in black or white, an engraved 24-hour bezel, and a red hand which, used in conjunction with the bezel, helps the wearer differentiate day from night. It also features a 12-hour hand that can be adjusted to allow for changes in time zones.
The Explorer-II is the most Non Rolex looking watch of the Rolex Professional series. I wore one for a year, but just couldnt get used to it. It's a functional watch, but failed to impress me.The Dial: The White dial made time reading a pain, because the hands are also white.I had to "read" time as opposed to "Glance" at the time.
The Hands: The white hands with a white dial are a bit of a pain.
The Bezel: The fixed bezel is what makes it different from other Professional Rolexes. What I did notice was that after a while, the paint from the Bezel starts to fade away. Even though it is easily redone ( When Serviced) I did not find that very convenient.
The Bracelet: Comfortable Bracelet. No problems here.
Comfort: The Watch is comfortable to wear and fits snugly on the wrist
Pricing: Reasonably priced at $4400 and some great deals can be had in the pre-owned market. In some asian countries the Explorer-II is very sought after and therefore enjoys good resale.
Movement: The 3185 movement is reliable. +4 sec a week for me
Overall impression: A watch for someone who likes a Rolex that is pure function. Some people call it the stealth Rolex. To each their own, I say.
Who should wear the Explorer II
All three current models have the same basic minimalist design - uncluttered, clean, and simple. Outdoor adventure seekers do not need - or want, for that matter - dressy or showy wristwatches that would distract them from their exploits. They need - forgive the pun - a truly hands-on watch.
If you are an underwater rather than a terrestrial explorer, keep in mind that, as robust as this watch is, it is waterproof only up to 330 feet (100 metres), so more submersible watches, such as Rolex's Submariner or Sea-Dweller, would be a better choice. And, if you just like the "time zone" feature, and not the overall look of the Explorer, check out Rolex's GMT-Master II instead.
However, for sports enthusiasts who value precision, sturdiness, and a simple design, the watch created for the conquest of the world's highest mountain is still coming up tops.
Score : 8/10
Final word: Functional.