Reply With QuoteI think the EXPII 42mm case is just about perfect for a sports watch - I love it.
I have an Explorer 2 polar and a Sub 16610. I really like the Sub, but I also like the size of the Explorer case. I don't like the 'Sue Ellen' shoulders on the Sub C particularly though.
My question to the experts on here is do they use the case from the Explorer 2 on any other models?
I think a new model Sub, with the Explorer 2 case, would be an ideal size and also look a lot nicer than the Sub C.
Any ideas?
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I think the EXPII 42mm case is just about perfect for a sports watch - I love it.
It's just a matter of time...
AFAIK, the 216570 case is a unique Rolex case (no other 42mm watches in the catalogue) which gives it an equally unique USP, for better or worse.
For me, the 216570 would have been perfect at 40mm but Rolex, in their wisdom, thought differently.
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I know a lot of people prefer the earlier Exp 2 for that reason. I just cant help thinking it's a nicer shape than the Sub C.Originally Posted by Gomers
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100% agree, it's a far more preferable case profile IMO than the maxi-case Subs, just wears too big for me, why upsize a traditionally 40mm design to 42 ??? I believe it was to keep distance between the Subs / GMTs and protect those watches integrity as the flagship models. As the previous 5 digit Sports watches used roughly the same case design, I always wonder why Rolex decided to go off in all directions with the 6 digit case designs and provide too many variations in size and profile.
The 214270 Explorer is another one, great case profile, just wears too big for me.
I must admit I don't mind the Explorer 2 being 42mm, for what should be a tool watch I think it carries it off well. It's the 'shape' of the lugs and case design which I think is better than the Sub C.
Last edited by oldoakknives; 8th April 2020 at 11:07.
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Perhaps someone kind who is good with photo editing could show the result of having a Sub in that case? Might give us more idea of how it might look.
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Well I had a go and came up with a comparison.
The new maxi case sub.....
And the Sub dial and bezel on the Explorer 2 case.....
Given my poor editing skills, I think it still shows the difference. I think the sub would look better with the slightly slimmer lugs.
Any ideas?
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My perfect watch would be a ceramic Sub date with a 40mm SD43-shaped case (lugs) and red ‘submariner’ lettering and a slightly smaller glidelock clasp. I think the lug shape of the 216570 and SD43 are relatively similar...
Seadweller 116600 is the non sue-ellen sub with some extra bits :-)
I think the exp2 case would put a few sub buyers off because its quite long.
Thats an interesting thought. Is the Seadweller thicker though? Haven't had one to compare how they wear, just know the Exp2 feels pretty good for size and shape.
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Wouldn’t the Explorer II case end up quite a bit thicker with a rotating bezel and perhaps a deeper case back? Added to the longer case it could still end up quite a big watch.
GMT-Master II case would have slightly thinner lugs without adding length.
To be honest if the bezel was similar to the 16610 bezel I don't think it would. Would it need a deeper case back? I like the size of the Explorer II, just prefer the slimmer lugs.
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The old case was perfect. The new case is fat and ugly. End of story.
The sub is great and always will be. But I find the SD43 case and lugs to be a better more in proportion look, which solves the maxi-case appearance of the sub.
Agree..The old case was perfect. The new case is fat and ugly. End of story.
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Thanks, thats a very good comparison shot.The old case was perfect. The new case is fat and ugly. End of story.
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That's why l love my sd. That and the lack of a cyclops.
Some people have a minor crisis about how the bracelet meets the case, but it's hardly unique in rolex history...
It wears slightly higher too but l have a fairly slim wrist and can honestly say it wears just as comfortably as my planet ocean and looks nicer on my wrist than the no date sub it replaced.
All my opinion of course.
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Thanks for your opinion... l actually feel the old case lugs were just a little too thin...and let's not start on the bracelet...Again, just an opinion, not a fact.The old case was perfect. The new case is fat and ugly. End of story.
Beginning of story...
Last edited by Umbongo; 16th May 2020 at 11:10.
Conveniently forgetting the 44mm gold yachtmaster II.
Ah, once again TZ UK proves to be the home of opinion stated as fact...
As Verv has said, that yachtmaster II is,surely, bigger and more ungainly.
If the Explorer 2 is as commonly seen as you suggest then people must like it. You see a lot more submariner though...
I’m an old case fan.
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There’s a certain elegance with the five figure Rolexes which just isn’t there with their successors.The old case was perfect. The new case is fat and ugly. End of story.
Some people can wear bigger watches, without them looking oversized, others can't. C'est la vie.
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You forgot to switch user name.
I must be a heathen then, by preferring the later models. Good that we are not all the same hey
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Me too then! I prefer the 216570 Exp II over the 16570.I must be a heathen then, by preferring the later models. Good that we are not all the same hey
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Henk you need to wake up. You're on your phone logged in from Tapatalk and the TZ-UK with two different accounts and keep forgetting which is which. This must be the 5th time you've outed yourself.
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Classic honk!!!!
5 digit case for comfort for me. And more subtle,
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AgreedSome people can wear bigger watches, without them looking oversized, others can't. C'est la vie.
If only you were so upbeat and jovial when selling old shoes on SC with both of your usernames.You must lead a sad life to be counting! Oh there goes that brush again
Can you please take it elsewhere, we're just talking about watches here. Thanks.You must lead a sad life to be counting! Oh there goes that brush again
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Congratulations on working out how to turn off your signature. Be sure to share the secret with Henk.
Apparently it's a thread about the case size and shape on the current Submariner, when compared to the case on the six digit Explorer II and five digit Submariner. Perhaps you would be better served in another thread if you have nothing to add.
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When you see them side by side like that you realise how bloated they have become. I think it looks even worse on the two tone Subs.
Even the 6 digit SDs don't taper anywhere near as beautifully as their digit predecessors which is why I ended up with a 16600. I'm 6'3" & 15 stone and the old shape doesn't wear even a little bit too small IMO.
Much prefer the slimmer case.Well I had a go and came up with a comparison.
The new maxi case sub.....
And the Sub dial and bezel on the Explorer 2 case.....
Given my poor editing skills, I think it still shows the difference. I think the sub would look better with the slightly slimmer lugs.
Any ideas?
Anything after the five digits seems like a badly worked attempt at following fashion - the problem Rolex have is that they "nailed the case dimensions" early on. Just my opinion obviously.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
The five digit cases are pretty iconic. However the later larger cases did follow the trend for larger watches overall you are correct. In proportion I think they can work, it’s the blocky oversized lugs of the Sub which are an exception.
There can be no ‘right’ answer and everyone has their own opinion on it.
My opinion is quite limited as it's based upon a 16800 and a 16520, over the years I've tried on a number of subsequent Rolex sports models but always been somewhat underwhelmed, latterly I've arrived at the conclusion that only "beer goggles" could induce me to find them attractive.
Last edited by number2; 19th May 2020 at 10:15.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
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