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The GMT Master
·Hey all,
Just thought I'd contribute a few words on the new models released at Basel in my review-type format, exclusively on this forum. I haven't tried any on yet (unfortunately, I was unable to go in person), but I have a fair idea of what to expect from the information available. For me, the Explorer II was Rolex's star of the show, a really refreshing take on a design that had been beginning to look a little tired. A slight increase in size, the resurrection of some vintage design cues, as well as some modern interpretations, I think this is really going to capture people's imaginations
Tech Specs:
Ref. 216570
Case Size: 42mm
Movement: Cal. 3187
Unique features: Fixed engraved steel 24 hour bezel, ability to display two time zones simultaneously
Bracelet: Solid link Oyster, all brushed finish, Oysterlock sports clasp with locking mechanism and Easy-Link
Dial and Hands: Rolex 'maxi' sports layout, black or white dial, oversized minute hand, blue Chromalight luminous material on hands and dial indices, orange "freccione" 24 hour hand. Unique to the black dial: painted portion on hands to create a "ghost" effect.
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective paint applied to the underside of cyclops date magnification
First Impression
I have to admit, I've never been much of a fan of the previous incarnation of the Explorer II: it felt too much like a diluted GMT-Master II 16710, and lacked a truly distinctive personality. I think this revision has addressed this well: the orange hand was originally featured on the ref. 1655 'Steve McQueen' Explorer II, and is is clear Rolex have been looking to the past for inspiration. They've stopped short of reverting to the 1655's unusual dial markers and straight hands for a more conventional sports dial and hands set up. Still, it is good to see Rolex nodding to their past and acknowledging their heritage whilst creating a new, fresh, and distinctive design. In terms of the movement, it remains to be seen whether it is anything more than the integration of the in-house Paraflex shock absorbers, but I doubt it would be a radical departure from the extremely highly rated cal. 3186, found in the GMT Master II 116710 and later models of the 16570 Explorer II.
The other big change is to the bracelet and clasp. The old model, whilst time tested and reliable, had a bracelet that didn't feel right on such an expensive watch. Whilst that might have been acceptable 20 years ago when it was first launched, in 2010, it was seriously lagging behind its competition: I feel this was reflected in the watch's rather poor sales performance. The new bracelet, whilst I believe the end links will probably be slightly bigger to fit the larger lug width, is essentially identical to the one found on the 214270, which feels wonderful on the wrist. A much welcomed change, in my opinion. The addition of Chromalight luminous paint is also welcome, as it appears to have greater longevity throughout the night compared to the Super-Luminova compound Rolex has been using in the past.
Success or Failure?
Of course it is very early to be making such calls, but I think it will be a good seller: if Rolex keep the price right (around the same as a GMT IIc), I think it'll cater well to those who want something a little bit more unusual than the relatively conservative Submariner or GMT-Master. The size could be an important factor as well - larger than the regular sports models, but easier to wear than a Deepsea. Like the Explorer I, the Explorer II has been given its own niche within the range, and this will only do it favours. Expect availability issues well into 2012
Hope you enjoyed reading this,
Chris
Just thought I'd contribute a few words on the new models released at Basel in my review-type format, exclusively on this forum. I haven't tried any on yet (unfortunately, I was unable to go in person), but I have a fair idea of what to expect from the information available. For me, the Explorer II was Rolex's star of the show, a really refreshing take on a design that had been beginning to look a little tired. A slight increase in size, the resurrection of some vintage design cues, as well as some modern interpretations, I think this is really going to capture people's imaginations
Tech Specs:
Ref. 216570
Case Size: 42mm
Movement: Cal. 3187
- Independent hour hand
- 24 hour hand
- 28.8k beats per hour (4Hz)
- In-House Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers
- 48 hour (approx.) power reserve
- Automatic
- Chronometer Rated
Unique features: Fixed engraved steel 24 hour bezel, ability to display two time zones simultaneously
Bracelet: Solid link Oyster, all brushed finish, Oysterlock sports clasp with locking mechanism and Easy-Link
Dial and Hands: Rolex 'maxi' sports layout, black or white dial, oversized minute hand, blue Chromalight luminous material on hands and dial indices, orange "freccione" 24 hour hand. Unique to the black dial: painted portion on hands to create a "ghost" effect.
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective paint applied to the underside of cyclops date magnification
First Impression
I have to admit, I've never been much of a fan of the previous incarnation of the Explorer II: it felt too much like a diluted GMT-Master II 16710, and lacked a truly distinctive personality. I think this revision has addressed this well: the orange hand was originally featured on the ref. 1655 'Steve McQueen' Explorer II, and is is clear Rolex have been looking to the past for inspiration. They've stopped short of reverting to the 1655's unusual dial markers and straight hands for a more conventional sports dial and hands set up. Still, it is good to see Rolex nodding to their past and acknowledging their heritage whilst creating a new, fresh, and distinctive design. In terms of the movement, it remains to be seen whether it is anything more than the integration of the in-house Paraflex shock absorbers, but I doubt it would be a radical departure from the extremely highly rated cal. 3186, found in the GMT Master II 116710 and later models of the 16570 Explorer II.
The other big change is to the bracelet and clasp. The old model, whilst time tested and reliable, had a bracelet that didn't feel right on such an expensive watch. Whilst that might have been acceptable 20 years ago when it was first launched, in 2010, it was seriously lagging behind its competition: I feel this was reflected in the watch's rather poor sales performance. The new bracelet, whilst I believe the end links will probably be slightly bigger to fit the larger lug width, is essentially identical to the one found on the 214270, which feels wonderful on the wrist. A much welcomed change, in my opinion. The addition of Chromalight luminous paint is also welcome, as it appears to have greater longevity throughout the night compared to the Super-Luminova compound Rolex has been using in the past.
Success or Failure?
Of course it is very early to be making such calls, but I think it will be a good seller: if Rolex keep the price right (around the same as a GMT IIc), I think it'll cater well to those who want something a little bit more unusual than the relatively conservative Submariner or GMT-Master. The size could be an important factor as well - larger than the regular sports models, but easier to wear than a Deepsea. Like the Explorer I, the Explorer II has been given its own niche within the range, and this will only do it favours. Expect availability issues well into 2012
Hope you enjoyed reading this,
Chris
