First Rolex: Explorer II Black After Omega SMP 300

Let go of my 2018 Omega SMP 300 and got my first Rolex. For someone who doesn’t have the bankroll to have several luxury pieces, selling was required.

After waiting for a submariner from the AD and not getting the call I started to look at other pieces and was drawn to the explorer II black.

I know this watch is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it really spoke to me. It’s different, slightly under the radar, and the black dial is so deep.

I was able to get it after a few months from the AD. Loving it so far, admittedly I do still look at a no date sub and want one at some point, but I’m enjoying this explorer a lot and it might be enough.. for now


Attached some wrist shots. I am around 7.4 inch wrist for reference.

That's awesome, and congratulations on your new watch.

have 41 mm no date , 43 mm sea dweller and the black explorer 2 , the explorer is my favourite I love the Orange gmt hand . The other 2 get no wrist time . you have a great watch .

Beautiful watch, congratulations! I love the Explorer II. Kind of cool to be able to get it from the AD as well.

For a sub, may I humbly suggest an older no date sub with an aluminum bezel? Relatively "inexpensive", bomb proof, easy to find, and much more aligned with the watches' tool watch heritage compared to a modern ceramic "luxury" sub.