The Breitling Watch Source Forums

The new Rolex Explorer II. 42mm case, new movement new clasp and just awesome

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

I've always wanted an EXP2 and now that it is 42mm with an upgraded bracelet & clasp it is a must have for me.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

It's beautiful, isn't it? Perfect size and the new the case is just... wow! I'll even disregard the cyclops for this one!

I might think about that. But I'm finding Rolex kinda boring lately. Any idea on the MSRP?

No confirmed price yet, only rumors, I've heard $7500. I spoke with my AD and he doesn't expect to have pricing or availability until a week or so after Basel.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

New movement to boot! 42mm, flat black dial, auto-zero seconds, rapid bracelet adjustment... I'm sold.

http://baselworldpresskit.rolex.com/en/ ... l=%2Fen%2F

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Steelfish GMT LE (white)

Looks pretty nice, now if they would just get rid of the cyclops and 'bird beak' hour hand, they would have it all! Clean and functional.

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Damn! I stop checking TRF for a few months, and this sneaks past me.

Looks like they've given the Exp2 the 'maxi-case' treatment too, but I like the way they've mostly kept the classic look. Love the orange 24-hr hand. I am intrigued, will have to check this out.

I thought the maxi case treatment had wider lugs while the size remains at 40mm.. This one looks like the same proportion as the 40mm except increased 2mm.

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Regards,

Peter

BREITLING for Bentley Motors T & Mark VI, Aerospace
ROLEX Submariner Ceramic116610LN
OMEGA Plantet Ocean 8500 42mm Orange arabics
OCEAN7 LM-3

Might be my eyes deceiving me, but those lugs look proportionally wider and squarer to me.

I don't think it is a maxi-case, it looks like a completely different style. Just my observation. I cant wait to see it. I cant believe how many haters there are that are annoyed that Rolex increased it to 42mm....are they nuts?? They should try being a Breitling fan and seeing the classic Chronomat increase to a ridiculous 47mm.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

You guys might be right. Having looked a bit longer, the lugs aren't quite like the GMT-C/Sub-C lugs. But they are way squarer than those on the SeaDweller that's on my wrist today.

Anyway, I like the look of it. Waiting for Rolex to show us pics of the black version.

There was a pic of the black dial on the Basel/SIHH 2011 forum on TZ. I believe it said it has a satin black dial, so I wonder if its a similar color to the Milgauss black dial?

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Justin
Please contact me via PM for the contact details for Govberg Jewelers
Govberg is an AD for over 50 fine Swiss and German watch brands.
Visit them on the web at http://www.govbergwatches.com or call 800-528-8463

I have fallen pretty hard for the current Explorer II. I am truly "this close." Heck, I'm on the verge of putting 3 Lings on the FS board for that reason.

While I can't fault the bracelet/clasp improvements (awesome if fact - they got me to Rolex on the GMT Master and Sub), the added case size is irrelevant to me. But I really, really dislike that orange GMT hand. It just ruins it for me. And with the minimal discounting on the new one versus the better I can get on the current Explorer II, the actual cost difference is about $2,000. I know, i shopped discounts on the Explorer II at several 4 ADs today knowing the new one was coming and already know the minimal discounts available on the SS Sub C and GMT Master IIc. It was ready to go and supposed to be released last year, but Rolex held it back after intitially releasing a video.

No arguments or debates - it's but a matter of personal taste. Now who wants a 3 Ling package? I'm ready to go!!

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SHARKMAN

Thanks Justin, found that pic.

Shark, as you say, personal taste on the orange hand. However, I expect those of us (like me) who have a hankering for a vintage 1655 Exp 2 are going to love it. The pic on TZ brings the 1655 immediately to mind - sweet!

They don't seem to have the same mistake they made with the hands of the new Exp 1 (larger case but they didn't make the hands longer).

EDIT - here's some 1655 historical stuff, to demonstrate the "bloodline":
http://doubleredseadweller.com/oh_e2.htm