Rolex Explorer II

Is it not well liked? It's one of the only Rolex models I do like.

For me personally it has a bit of a personality crisis as it doesn’t know what it wants to be it’s like the love child of a drunken night where the Explorer sub and GMT had a threesome and that the results 🙈🤣and to me Rolex is more of a blingy brand now I know it wasn’t always that way but a Rolex of any kind should be able to look well in a suit and that it’s just to tooly but all that said if you really like it just tell me to piss off and get it because it’s for you 💪

Not saying is not well liked, just saying why it doesn't get as much love as the models I mentioned

I love this model and it's one of my favorites. The McQueen is probably one of my favorite watches of all time in fact. However the cost is a big detractor to me because for a lot less the CW Sealander GMT exist and captures the Explorer II vibes that I love without having for me to sell a kidney to buy

I have an Explorer II Polar dial and love it. Wears well have a nice on the fly micro adjustment and is a true tool watch. I tossed back and for the between black or white. Both are stunning. 100m water resistance GMT function and date. It’s a no brainer to me. Buy it!!!

I do have a soft spot for vintage white dial versions. Those often have a wonderful patina that cannot be replicated.

My dad wore that watch for a while, it was definitely cool!

Personally, the Explorer II is the only modern Rolex I care about. (I’m partial to the polar dial, myself). I think the Explorer I and II are the only true tool watches Rolex make anymore (possibly the Sea Dweller too). Everything else is just catering to the flex culture.

The Explorer II is not the typical Rolex Flex watch. It isn’t shiny and it’s a little big for the modest wrist. This is my favorite current Rolex. I would have to debate the black vs polar dial before purchasing myself, but both are great!

It’s not that easy to get this from AD so when people do try to ask AD they first try their luck with Subs and GMTs so this is pushed down in line and you never get it 🤓

Not popular by the average person but it's an iconic military watch!! It's famously worn by British Commandos and the SAS

My favorite Rolex by far. Currently plotting how I how buy it so the wife doesn’t lose her mind on me

I'm pretty sure the Explorer II gets a lot of love. It's a popular watch and in short supply. I think that every manufacturer has models that more popular than others. The F150 and Explorer are Ford's best selling models, but that doesn't mean the Bronco is flawed (4th most popular model).

Been considering the Explorer 2 as well lately!

Are you sure about that? The last time I went into an AD, they weren’t exactly swimming in Explorer II stock. In fact, both ADs I went to that day had exactly zero Explorer IIs in stock.

Same movement as the gmt master II and it is litterly the same dial as a sub but with a gmt hand. They are definitely popular but not as much so as the gmt and sub I agree. Explorers go for more on the secondary market but not as much as the sun or gmt. I think maybe just maybe because in popular culture more celebrities wear the sub or maybe it’s covered more in media.

The Explorer and Explorer ii are the pick of the entire Rolex range IMO

Probably because the original explorer is its own thing and it still exists. The explorer 2 is like a GMT with an orange hand

I had the RE 2 black dial and although I loved it I traded it for a Submariner no date and I haven't looked back. For me the Sub wears better and is more comfortable due to the glide lock which enables me to get the perfect fit. I'd suggest trying both on. But at the end of the day buy what you like and connect with. Good luck

If I were to choose the Sub it will be the no date for sure. Looks awesome

I love the look honestly

I’m just not a GMT type of guy so I’m going to stick to the sub no date. I know I’m boring 🤷🏾‍♂️what can I say. You like what you like.

Awesome post! 🤩

Thank you for sharing this with us

Keep up the good work 🙌🏾

🍻

I’ve had this piece on my want list for 30 years.

Don't forget that the current Explorer II has a 42mm case and is a slab-sided beast. The earlier 40mm reference is a lot more subtle.

The Sub is just more famous. Connery wore one in Dr No. It's an iconic dive watch. The Explorer II hasn't gotten the attention from the fanboys-who-love-to-flex crowd. That reason alone makes the Explorer II more appealing for me.

Sub is a bit more versatile and it’s amongst the first watch someone gets when they transition to buying a Rolex. It has hype behind it.

The explorer 2, air king are solid watches that have no hype. Get it if it’s the watch you want. It’s a solid watch.

I think there are watches for everyone’s taste, the Explorer it’s a great watch.

From the McQueen to the Polar, Explorer II is their best looking piece. IMO the Sub is iconic, but the E2 is class.

Despite a couple youtube video opinions, it is a very popular model.

It’s my favorite Rolex and one of my favorite watches. It does just about everything I ask.

The Submariner is an “iconic” watch and the quintessential Rolex. If you want people to know you’re wearing a Rolex, you get the Sub. GMT and Daytona are resale kings. Datejust is easier to get so that gets some love too. The Explorer II sits in a weird enthusiast only space where it’s not easy to get from an AD and yet it’s not super recognizable. Also the watch is 42mm with a lug to lug of 50mm which is large for a typical Rolex buyer.

Trust me, the Explorer II is a wonderful under the radar Rolex that you can daily if you want and wear without worries(something you can’t do with the sub due to how recognizable it is). I love this watch and own one so take the above statement with a grain of salt :P

I would love to get an EXP II 226570 sometime down the line. Perhaps for my 40th birthday or when I start my own business ❤