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Basel 2017 rumor: new Explorer 2 with ceramic bezel

Bushido
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Having looked through their list of predictions a couple of times now, if correct, my reactions are pretty mixed. The explorer with the ceramic bezel looks interesting but I agree with others that it puts its aesthetics too close to the black GMT and Sub. As a 114060 owner, I would have no compulsions to add this one.

The one photo shop which has had me stop and stare every time is their YM rendering:
RPR_New_yachtmaster_steel_blue_cerammic_oysterflex.jpg
While not to everyone's taste, this would have me immediately calling up my AD!
 
micampe
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Traveler Traveler
Still prefer the size, shape and colors from my 90s version ... at 2-3k I think these are a good value prop

IMG_5814.JPG
That's my favorite too, lug holes and all. Where do you find them for $2-3k? I see $4k and up.
 
cicindela
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alam alam
I'm holding final judgement until I get to see these on the flesh...the black dial does not look that bad.. ☕
I think that is an excellent idea, I think it looks good but this cries out for a wrist look (shot)
 
Foo2rama
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Bushido Bushido
Having looked through their list of predictions a couple of times now, if correct, my reactions are pretty mixed. The explorer with the ceramic bezel looks interesting but I agree with others that it puts its aesthetics too close to the black GMT and Sub. As a 114060 owner, I would have no compulsions to add this one.

The one photo shop which has had me stop and stare every time is their YM rendering:
RPR_New_yachtmaster_steel_blue_cerammic_oysterflex.jpg
While not to everyone's taste, this would have me immediately calling up my AD!
Interesting idea since the watch already exists, it just doesn't have the black bezel like the everose models do. I'd be more of a fan if they did the black bezel on the grey rhodium face. The blue face looks better with the current bezel imho. The problem is the big deal with the steel yachtmasters is the platinum bezel, and you basically loose the entire look of the platinum bezel when you do the black bezel. The everose models need the black bezel as they would look really offbalance with a full everose bezel.
https://www.rolex.com/watches/yacht-master/m116622-0001.html blue
https://www.rolex.com/watches/yacht-master/m116622-0003.html grey
 
Riviera Paradise
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
Interesting idea since the watch already exists, it just doesn't have the black bezel like the everose models do. I'd be more of a fan if they did the black bezel on the grey rhodium face. The blue face looks better with the current bezel imho. The problem is the big deal with the steel yachtmasters is the platinum bezel, and you basically loose the entire look of the platinum bezel when you do the black bezel. The everose models need the black bezel as they would look really offbalance with a full everose bezel.

Do you mean this?
RPR_Rolex_yachtmaster_rubber_ceramic_new2016.jpg


It's also being predicted by the RolexPassionReport for Basel 2017.

Ref. the platinum bezel on the blue dial...I hesitated between that and the BLNR, ended up with the BLNR. I just found the platinum bezel a bit too "tin" like and a bit tacky live on the wrist. I think both the grey and blue dials will look better with the black bezel, but again live wrist testing, as always, will be the true day of reckoning😀
 
Foo2rama
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
Do you mean this?
RPR_Rolex_yachtmaster_rubber_ceramic_new2016.jpg


It's also being predicted by the RolexPassionReport for Basel 2017.

Ref. the platinum bezel on the blue dial...I hesitated between that and the BLNR, ended up with the BLNR. I just found the platinum bezel a bit too "tin" like and a bit tacky live on the wrist. I think both the grey and blue dials will look better with the black bezel, but again live wrist testing, as always, will be the true day of reckoning😀
yup, needs the blue hand and dial script from the current one though.
 
alohatime
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What are your guys thoughts on using ceramic for bezel? Older Rolex w/ steel bezel inserts have faded quite nicely with age whereas the new ceramic ones won't fade. Sure it might have less scratches but there's something beautiful about the fade of time.
 
Traveler
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micampe micampe
That's my favorite too, lug holes and all. Where do you find them for $2-3k? I see $4k and up.
Didn't look too hard but immediately found 2 or 3 for $3,500 with bracelet ... I paid $3,000 with bracelet about a year ago ...

IMG_6783.PNG
 
Riviera Paradise
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alohatime alohatime
What are your guys thoughts on using ceramic for bezel? Older Rolex w/ steel bezel inserts have faded quite nicely with age whereas the new ceramic ones won't fade. Sure it might have less scratches but there's something beautiful about the fade of time.

Of the ceramic models the only one I liked was the BLNR. Selfishly wishing that they discontinue the BLNR if they do launch the new coke ceramic at Basel 2017.😁

For the Pepsi, Coke and Sub I prefer the non-ceramic bezels.

Photo below shows a good comparison of the ceramic bezel of my BLNR with the brushed finishing on the Polar 42mm steel bezel.

20161125_090143_2.jpg


Yes I would miss that steel bezel🥰 on the Polar 42mm.
Edited:
 
adam78
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They need to go back to this design and make it smaller...sorry, just stirring the pot. But the 1655 was 38-39mm. 42 is just too big. And it does look too much like a GMT without the versatility.
 
IMG_3206.JPG
Riviera Paradise
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adam78 adam78
They need to go back to this design and make it smaller...sorry, just stirring the pot. But the 1655 was 38-39mm. 42 is just too big. And it does look too much like a GMT without the versatility.
A 40mm Exp 2 with Orange GMT and and steel bezel would indeed be the sweet spot. As is, I still prefer the Polar 42mm over the previous Polar 16570 gen. as a casual sports watch. The black dial 16570 is too close to a 16710 Coke GMT for me in terms of look and I would prefer the 16710.
 
A
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Couldn't agree more with Traveler! I think the Exp II is one of the best values for the sport Rolex model line up. I also think this ceramic bezel looks pretty sharp. I am still a fan of this newer generation of Explorers.
 
Davidt
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Similarity to other models etc aside, I actually like it. Especially on the White dial.

I've never got on with the Ex2 previously (apart from the 1655), but this gives it a nice lift IMO.
 
GBTRIUMPH
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
Rolex passion report updated info. Explorer 2 will get a new ceramic black bezel at Basel 2017.
http://rolexpassionreport.com/20205/rolex-news-for-baselworld-2017/

Black dial looks quite cool. I do not like it on the white dial at all. I much prefer the steel bezel on the Polar. I think with this version there might be an inverse in sales between the two versions, with the black dial taking a significant percentage of future sales. I think for both, especially the black dial, the black bezel outline will make the watch wear larger. Of course with live pics and on the wrist we will have a better idea.

What do you guys and gals think?

RPR_2017_explorerII_ceramic_rolex.jpg

OH COOL! A Rolex that looks good...like a Christopher Ward !
 
Riviera Paradise
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GBTRIUMPH GBTRIUMPH
OH COOL! A Rolex that looks good...like a Christopher Ward !
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁LOL
 
StreetTuff
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
A 40mm Exp 2 with Orange GMT and and steel bezel would indeed be the sweet spot. As is, I still prefer the Polar 42mm over the previous Polar 16570 gen. as a casual sports watch. The black dial 16570 is too close to a 16710 Coke GMT for me in terms of look and I would prefer the 16710.
What about the green hand from the GMT master?
 
semper_shells
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Traveler Traveler
Didn't look too hard but immediately found 2 or 3 for $3,500 with bracelet ... I paid $3,000 with bracelet about a year ago ...

IMG_6783.PNG
After my speedytuesday I think I am going to pull the trigger on one of those.
 
PSV
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
Rolex passion report updated info. Explorer 2 will get a new ceramic black bezel at Basel 2017.
http://rolexpassionreport.com/20205/rolex-news-for-baselworld-2017/

Black dial looks quite cool. I do not like it on the white dial at all. I much prefer the steel bezel on the Polar. I think with this version there might be an inverse in sales between the two versions, with the black dial taking a significant percentage of future sales. I think for both, especially the black dial, the black bezel outline will make the watch wear larger. Of course with live pics and on the wrist we will have a better idea.

What do you guys and gals think?

RPR_2017_explorerII_ceramic_rolex.jpg

Just speculation
 
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