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

• 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

Water Resistance: 100m
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

 

It seems Rolex are trying to give each of their watches a little bit more differentiation from each other, which is clever - not in a big shouty way, but subtly, enough to make it feel unique, certainly! Not entirely sure about the difference between the 3186 and 3187, I suspect it is purely down to the shock absorbers

 

Looking at the tech specs again, it would appear that it's still using the jewel and bushing system - there's certainly no mention of ball bearings, whilst they are specifically referred to on the tech specs for the Daytona. A little unfortunate perhaps, but it will retail that silky smooth sensation on the wrist.

As for an RRP, I think £5200 has been mentioned, with a potential price rise in this country in the very near future to bring the rest of the range in line. I still think it'll be selling for slightly less than the GMT IIc (current RRP £4900) when the prices have all been settled

 

Thanks Trev!

 

I have to say, the black dial is doing it for me. I mean, I love the GMT IIc, but this new Explorer, it's something special!

 

Definitely - I think the more tapered lugs will help it wear a bit smaller, in a similar way to the Speedy Pro

 

Great review. I just received the new explorer ii black dial as a Christmas gift from my wife. It's my first rolex and I LOVE IT!

 

Congratulations, it's quite the gift I think the black dial remains my favourite of the two