I'm looking to step up a bit with a nice watch for my 40th.
When I joined TZ a year ago, I had negative feelings towards Rolex. The 2 words I'd have probably used back then if someone mentioned Rolex to me would have been "bling" and (probably) "fake". However I didn't have any real appreciation for the sports models and over the last year they've grown on me a lot.
The two that have particularly taken my eye are the GMT Master (or Master II) with a Pepsi bezel and the Explorer II. I thought I'd settled on the white dial, but a lovely picture of a black dialled Explorer II on a black strap on TZ might have changed my thoughts on that.
Anyway, I'm happy to confess that my choice of these 2 is based purely on aesthetics - I really like the looks of both of them.
If you were to get just one of these, which would it be and why? Particularly interested to hear from those who have enjoyed the ownership of both of these.
The GMT gives you the option of swaping the bezel insert fairly easily and cheaply (IRO £30) so you could buy sepparate Coke and black insert so you get three different looks from one watch.
Explorer gives you the option of a white dial which only this and the Daytona offer in the sports range. Disadvatage is if the bezel gets damaged then you have to replace the whole bezel rather than just the insert.
Personally I would chose the Explorer
The advantage of the GMTII is the choice of the three bezels that are interchangeable (black, pepsi,coke). Adds variety and you can also alternate between oyster and jubillee bracelets as well. The bezel also alllows the tracking of an extra time zone if you're much of a traveller.
The Explorer II appears to be a more rugged tool watch with the fixed ss bezel. The GMT's are more popular with their higher prices but that does make the Explorer II the bargain of the two. I struggle to understand why the Explorer II's used price is so low compared with it's stable mates.
I would go for the white-faced explorer II, old model. I am biased as I have one (haven't owned a GMT and so my view is inevitably a tad one-sided). It's, IMO, the subtlest of the Rolex sports models and goes equally well with casual and business attire. I can't help but feel that some of this subtleness has been lost with the latest version.
Great watches.
I've owned both & must confess that I never bothered swapping out the insert on my Coke GMT, handy option
to have though.
At a push I'd choose the white Exp II, oh so stealthy & the sharp red 24 hr hand contrasting against the crisp white
dial is just perfect.
I had the same choice to make back in March. I tried both and for some reason went for the Explorer II black dial, despite having wanted a GMT Master for longer, and it has been a joy to own. Not sure what drew me to the Explorer, and the GMT Master is still near the top of the to be purchased list. Whichever one you choose you'll be happy with.
I had exactly the same thoughts you did when it came to Rolex then suddenly one day I thought I would pop in and try and submariner on and from that point I grew to like them and originally I wanted a GMTII Pepsi dial due to the functionality of the watch and eventually I settled on a Sea-Dweller 16600 as I liked the fact that there isn't a cyclops, smaller dial (as I've got a small wrist) and that I don't travel much so wouldn't really make use of the GMT.
But out of the Explorer and GMTII I would go GMTII as you have the option of another time zone using the bezel and also the fact you can change the bezel insert too 8)
PS
Gratuitous pics :wink:
Since the photos of the new Explorer came out I've been wondering why I don't like it as much as the last version, and I think you've hit the nail on the head. It was probably the subtleness of the watch that drew me to it in the first place and replacing it with a larger "look at me" version just doesn't appeal.Originally Posted by Dast
Are both an option?
The current Exp II 16570 is IMO the best value Rolex out there.
A 16710 GMT can still be found for reasonble money.
Purchased a GMT II, coke dial earlier this year from aroma and I am fortunate to already own a DSSD, 2003 Sub and 2011 Daytona, (Black face).
However the GMT II is a beautiful watch and really stands out whether your in the local pub or nice restuarant.
Go for it you'll not be dissapointed and as already been said you can change the bezel inserts to create a different look should you wish.
Keith.
Both are just stunning. I would choose either one in black though.
The explorer II looks a bit sportier to me, especially since they updated it. It is also probably due to seing more GMT master II or Subs on the wrists of people being able to afford them.
If price is an issue, you might be able to find the Explorer II for a bit cheaper than the GMT master II, because it is usually more sought for.
But the money invested would be recovered if you ever wanted to sell it afterwards, which you probably won't do if it is for your 40th bday.
So in the end I'd go for whichever makes your heart goes "boom"; they are both excellent watches, and they come on the SC from time to time. :wink:
Good choice/s in my opinion and i own both ,i thought a white dial explorer but when i saw the black dial that did it for me and i really think Explorers are sleepers in terms of value at the moment and in years to come ,really nice piece .
The GMT II is again a really nice piece and will wear for all occasions as you have the opion with the insets for a completely different look for very minimal expense .The Gmts are fetching strong money at the moment and are a good watch to own investment wise as well i reckon ,but lets get down to the nitty gritty i d go for the GMT II but do what i once was told buy what makes yer smile :) and you ll never go far wrong
I struggle with this too - apart from the bezel and the dial they are the same watch.
I've had a fair few of both. As someone else said, the bezel on the Explorer is fixed, and it is prone to getting scuffed. If you can't live with the scuffs, you need to buy a new one, and they are expensive compared to an insert on a GMT. I say they need to be replaced: I once had one re-finished by Bexley and they made a real pig's ear of it. I complained so much they eventually gave me a new one!
panerai ... :-)
I ve got to agree regards the prices of explorers at the moment in comparison to others and in what i think they might be worth in years to come (speculation i know ) but really nice watches and thats why when i could nt seem to agree a price for the one i had traded for one of ine i was just happy enough to keep it.
Get the Explorer II - believe it or not you can even put a GMT bezel on it if you like - this looks great on a white EXPII and gives a fairly unique look - I've been quite tempted to try it myself and the beauty is - you use all genuine Rolex parts.
It's just a matter of time...
How on earth do you do that? Any pics?
I'd be quite interested in how it looks like.
Exactly what I was going to post.How on earth do you do that? Any pics?
I'd be quite interested in how it looks like.
(And, in fact, still did in a 'post boosting' kind of way)
Explorer 2 all the way, though I've never really been a fan of the GMT. The prices of ExpII's at the moment only confirms it for me
I'd choose the Ecplorer II As well. Price is fair, and I think it will increase in value, As the new model isn't the hit in my opinion...
EXP II for me, I would be interested to see the pics with the GMT mod.
Had this dilema myself not 6 months ago - and yes, images of NATO'd ExpII on this forum made me consider both of them for a long time.
I went for the GMTII... but both great watches. Two things that perhap need considering, IMO.....
1. You need to try one on, ideally both if you can find somewhere that has them.
You'll struggle for a GMTII from an AD, but plenty are still stocking the Explorer II - so you may need a vintage place (Burlington Arcade if you're near London, etc).
The difference is striking - with the ExpII looking like a considerably smaller watch in comparison because of that steel and chamfered bezel blending in with the case.
2. The options you get with the GMTII for bezel swaps - doesn't sound like much, but has really made a difference to me. I learnt how to change the inserts myself (thanks to TZ-UK Mods and Wreckers) and can flick between a vintage Pepsi look, to sleek Black look etc, and replace the inserts or even bezel if they pick up any damage (which mine really do as my "wear all day every day" watch)
Go with what you really like, that's it. Let us know how you go! Oh, and some piccies in case you want an idea of GMTII options
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=164822&hilit=+bezel
This may be a dial swap but the polar dial and gmtII bezel does look very nice.
Plenty of pics of explorer with black and pepsi dial here
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com/2008/0...ts-by-pcs.html
Interesting that Rolex may have produced a white dialled GMT in 1959
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com/2008/0...rare-gmts.html
Lots of input, which I really appreciate, although I'm none the wiser as to which way to go. I keep swinging from one way and then the next.
I guess I need to see, handle and wear each watch to form my opinion properly, although that may prove difficult, particularly with the GMT for obvious reasons.
If you state your location someone may know a local AD with stock.
8) Those are very nice.This may be a dial swap but the polar dial and gmtII bezel does look very nice.
Plenty of pics of explorer with black and pepsi dial here
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com/2008/0...ts-by-pcs.html
Interesting that Rolex may have produced a white dialled GMT in 1959
http://rolexblog.blogspot.com/2008/0...rare-gmts.html
If it's your only Rolex I would go black face. The GMT is more versatile in that it works well on it's 3 bezels and both the oyster and jubilee bracelets, ie 6 watches in one. The pics above are great but it's a little franks watch for many people's tastes (not that it'd stop me!)
The exp 2 with a White face is the obvious choice for the second Rolex....
I agree they look great with the pepsi
The Exp II looks really cool with black and pepsi inserts! :D
I would go for the GMT every time, but it is one of my Grails
Buy both like me :lol:
You will probably pay £500 more for the GMT, for me it is the better watch though, not by a whole lot but slightly.
Where are you based Bozza?
As much as I'd like to the 'both' option isn't possible right now.
I'm a long way from you, based on your stated location. I'm in Zummerset, but not too far from Bristol.
I was after a GMT watch earlier in the year and ended up going for the Explorer II. I preferred the white dial since everything else I have is black or brown so it's a nice change. I also preferred the SS bezel of the Explorer which sets it apart fron the other sports Rolexes for me, and it works as well with a shirt as it does with jeans & t-shirt. On a purely subjective point I felt the GMT looked too much like a sub, which I already had. Those white Explorer dials with the black / pepsi bezels really don't work for me though.
I'm lucky enough to own both at the same time, the GMT had the most wristime.
It's hard to put into words, the GMT is just right as far as watches go. The weight, presence and styling can't be beaten.
Tried them both on earlier, the GMT is twice the weight of the explorer. There is a new larger explorer on the way though.
If the decision is between the black dialled Explorer II and GMT-Master II, go for the GMT-Master II as it has greater functionality and flexibility in its looks.
If the decision is between the white dialled Explorer II and GMT-Master II, then the decision is harder because the white dialled Explorer II has the better aesthetics in my opinion. The deciding factor is whether you can you live with the bezel on the Explorer II which shows scratches more easily due to the graining and are difficult to cover up.
Really a pity rolex didn't make a white Explorer II with turnable bezel and changeable insert. Then I'd instantly know what to go for. Modding it would be an option, but since such a model was never made people would think it's a fake and a possible resale might also be more difficult. Unfortunately I can't help you with deciding since I found this thread searcher for help in deciding which would be a better choice.
Ex II, then take the money you save and take a nice holiday.
Can't go wrong either way, I suppose. Have fun.
Myron
GMT!
I love my GMTII, and have just taken advantage of the bezel change (originally had it on coke zero, has anyone coined that description yet??)
Agree with some of the posts here, if you go for an Explorer go white dial as it's a bit different from the other Sport Rolex range.
Pop along to good watch specialist and try both on to see which you prefer before committing but don't think you'll be disappointed either way :)
Don't under-estimate the usefulness of the GMT's rotating bezel. That's the decider for me.
I've had both of those and I would personally go for the GMT Master 2 (16710 not the new ceramic insert one).
I think that the look of the GMT Master is more versatile, it can be worn casual or in a more dressy way whereas the Explorer II is too sporty to be worn with a suit for example.
More over, insert can be changed easily therefore give in a few clicks a new look to your watch.
Last but not least, GMT Master II resell really quick and a better value than the Explorer II.
For whats it worth I own both a 1985 16550 Exp2 and a 1979 16750 GMT.
Both are great watches however today I am favouring the 16550 purely on the basis that the cream 16550 is about the rarest Rolex I own especially with its non-hyphen dial.
However saying that in 30 years of Rolex ownership I have owned a 16750 for about 28 of them.
The GMT is in my view one of the most complete watches you can get. Robust, accurate, has it own signature (especially with the Pepsi) and is very useful especiall when travelling overseas.
The Exp2 is all of the same however setting the 24 hours can be a bit of the pain and not as easy to use as the GMT.
Both have quick set dates (unlike the earlier 1655 and 1675).
The Exp2 - with all 3 dial options.
The GMT - pepsi
Whichever one you buy you will love it.
ANdy
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
GMT 2 would be my choice although there are quite a few Explorer IIs going for sale these days.
Now if you were taklking about the new models, I'd go for the explorer II
Never seen that before, but I think I've discovered my new grail, the black bezel one is stunning.
Would be interested to see White explorer dial and coke bezel as well.
I have owned a GMT2 in the past, lovely watch but an EX 11 is now on my radar, seem good value still relatively speaking
Explorer 11 for me, great watch
I think my mind changes on which I prefer every time I wear one :lol:
Last week I was loving the Exp II but now I think the GMT is just such a classic look, especially with a faded pepsi bezel 8)
I personally prefer the Explorer II but the GMT does feel a bit more versatile.
As someone approaching 40 myself it also feels more like a watch I'd still be wearing when I was 50 or 60.
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