GMT-Master II Vs Explorer II: Top 5 Reasons

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
  • Today, we’re going to compare the Rolex GMT-Master II with the Explorer II to find out which one could be the right fit for your wrist. I will reveal the exact model that I would choose at the end of the video but first let’s take a look at what sets these watches apart.
    For the purpose of this video I’ll be looking at the current production oystersteel references. Specifically the 126710 models often referred to as the Batman, Pepsi and Bruce Wayne as well as the 126720 Sprite GMT. We’re comparing these to the 226570 Explorer II.
    To start I’m going to talk about the technical details of both watches and how they actually wear on the wrist. After that I’ll share my top 5 reasons to choose the GMT-Master II as well as the Explorer II.
    0:48 Case & Size
    1:56 Material & Finishing
    2:35 Weight
    2:47 Water Resistance
    3:06 Movement & Function
    3:34 Bracelet & Clasp
    4:10 Dial
    4:52 Price
    6:02 Aviation Heritage
    6:57 Status
    7:26 Functionality
    7:55 Distinctive Bezel
    8:17 Versatility
    8:50 Character
    9:33 Tool Watch
    10:08 Under The Radar
    10:29 Larger Size
    10:52 Strap Monster
    11:23 Which Would I Choose
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 106

  • @aussieexpatwatches
    @aussieexpatwatches 3 місяці тому +21

    Ex2 226570 went up to 22mm end links I think.

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  3 місяці тому +1

      You’re right, thanks for that. Will pin this comment.

  • @stevenrobins4552
    @stevenrobins4552 3 місяці тому +9

    Got my explorer 2 nearly 6 years ago and love the fact that it's understated. Has been bullet proof too.❤

  • @djmanosv
    @djmanosv 3 місяці тому +17

    daily explorer 2 white polar since 2016. no one notices home, outdoor. feel comfortable

  • @onthetrackexperience
    @onthetrackexperience 3 місяці тому +10

    Got both... but enjoying more explorer!!!

  • @CanadianSwissCheese
    @CanadianSwissCheese 3 місяці тому +7

    Picked up the Explorer II Polar last week. I also have a DJ41 FJ. To me it’s the perfect 2 watch collection. I love the brushed case and ledgesbility. The lume is stunning. 7 inch wrist and it wears well. I do love the GMT Pepsi though. For now EXP 2.

    • @andrewbarton9612
      @andrewbarton9612 19 днів тому

      I completely agree as I have the same 2 models. The DJ41FJ w/green motif dial for the office M-F 9-5 and then the Explorer II polar for after hours and weekends.

  • @RJasonKlein
    @RJasonKlein 2 місяці тому +8

    Explorer II with polar white face - it’s the everyday Rolex you buy for yourself as an enthusiast, and not for the neighbors.

  • @aleincostarica
    @aleincostarica 11 днів тому +3

    The Explorer II is my favorite watch. I own a 2003 polar and a 2006 black.
    The white one is my favorite, but the black one is very close behind.

  • @sp10290
    @sp10290 3 місяці тому +11

    Been loving my Explorer 2 since late 2022

  • @qahtaniM
    @qahtaniM 10 днів тому +2

    I have the polar Explorer II and I love it. Wears well and comfortable.

  • @KC14109
    @KC14109 3 місяці тому +5

    I have the Explorer ll polar and love it. Still fits well on my 6" wrist. Owner of the store said I'll be getting my Batman next year.

  • @allancobb
    @allancobb 3 місяці тому +20

    During the height of the crazy Rolex used price market I sold all my Rolexes, save two. Of the two I kept, the white Explorer II is by far my all time favorite. As some who uses a watch to actually tell time and occasionally figure out the date, the larger size and white color of the E2 makes everything pop for these 52 year-old eyes.

  • @MatthewArtis
    @MatthewArtis 3 місяці тому +6

    as someone who owns a Batman and an explorer 2 I tend to find myself wearing the exp2 more, I’m not a jubilee fan I prefer an oyster and I hate polished center links. I also think the explorer2 will be worth a decent amount of money one day what with it being one of the least in production watches Rolex make

  • @jwsmith4751
    @jwsmith4751 Місяць тому +2

    I've had my Explorer II for a month now. It is my everyday watch! I bought it because I like the 42mm size (same as my Tudor GMT) and looks. I have the polar or white and it is stunning! I get a ton of comments everywhere I go.

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  Місяць тому

      Great watch, glad you’re getting lots of joy out of it!

  • @mosmarb
    @mosmarb 3 місяці тому +58

    The Explorer has the benefit of not having childish nicknames.

    • @Anonymouslyme1
      @Anonymouslyme1 3 місяці тому +1

      The polar 😂

    • @michielroskam3877
      @michielroskam3877 3 місяці тому +2

      Its not childish....its a endearing term shared among watch collectors.....

    • @timemycollection
      @timemycollection 3 місяці тому

      😂😂

    • @edx21x
      @edx21x 3 місяці тому

      @@Anonymouslyme1well the blackface doesn’t have one

    • @RoadRallyLife
      @RoadRallyLife 15 днів тому

      Your childhood probably sucked.

  • @MartinGarthwaite
    @MartinGarthwaite Місяць тому +2

    I have the batman (2016) and the polar dial E2 (2018), I love them both. The E2 I can wear anywhere without being a little nervous, especially in London.

  • @MrHav1k
    @MrHav1k Місяць тому +5

    I want a black dial Explorer 2. That's 'my pick.

    • @wda-59-14
      @wda-59-14 13 днів тому

      I had a choice between the white dial and the black dial, went with the black dial. No buyer's remorse. Would make the same decision again tomorrow.

  • @ashdaro4043
    @ashdaro4043 3 місяці тому +7

    GMT is a work of art.

  • @jimwatson6363
    @jimwatson6363 3 місяці тому +7

    I had the Explorer and Explorer 2. Liked them both, but now have a Submariner. My next will be a Root beer or Batgirl.

    • @geno816
      @geno816 3 місяці тому +3

      Root beer all day

  • @nicksingleton
    @nicksingleton 3 місяці тому +4

    I owned both the GMT MII 116710BLNR & the Explorer II 16570 (older model). Great watches. I much preferred the GMT’s functionality with rotating bezel, but it sat a little chunkier on my wrist. I love the updated dial on the Explorer II, but I didn’t like the size of the case. All in all, both great watches. Sold them both though to get a panda Daytona 😊

    • @benlee8697
      @benlee8697 3 місяці тому

      I also have a BLNR jubilee and considering a panda grey market, how are you finding that panda??

    • @nicksingleton
      @nicksingleton 3 місяці тому +1

      @@benlee8697 I absolutely love it! It was my grail watch so I didn’t really feel so bad moving on from the BLNR or Explorer II. I think if you can get find a good price it’s a great investment.

    • @benlee8697
      @benlee8697 3 місяці тому

      You are tempting me! I tried to be sensible in not going up to a panda but it is also my grail too.. 116 ref? Think I prefer the 116 and price a little more justifiable too!

    • @nicksingleton
      @nicksingleton 3 місяці тому +1

      @@benlee8697 yes, I have the 116 ref. The new one hadn’t come out yet. Regardless, I would’ve gravitated towards the older model because of the pricepoint. It’s practically the same watch with a few minor tweaks. The proportions and movement are better on the new one, but the dial is way better on the older model. Good luck with the journey.

  • @mark_n_r
    @mark_n_r 3 місяці тому +5

    Personally I'd go the discontinued all black bezel GMT.

  • @ianwoodley-de2nn
    @ianwoodley-de2nn 3 місяці тому +7

    Just picked up
    my Explorer II. Love it. 🔥

  • @Anonymouslyme1
    @Anonymouslyme1 3 місяці тому +2

    I bought the Explorer II polar, it’s terrific value in comparison to a GMT Master II. Already had a Submariner and DJ41 and in reality to most people the GMT looks just like a Sub with a splash of colour. If you already own a Sub I think the Explorer II offers up something different, particularly the polar. Plus you’ve got enough spare change to buy another watch 😉

  • @andrewbrown8206
    @andrewbrown8206 9 днів тому +1

    The 226570 has a 22mm lug width..it’s the same bracelet on the SD43

  • @jamesmoninger1982
    @jamesmoninger1982 Місяць тому

    Great job. This was just what I was looking for.

  • @alifawaz8374
    @alifawaz8374 3 місяці тому +3

    Exp2 216570 lug width is 21mm.
    Exp2 226570 lug width is 22mm.

  • @HolgerVolcker
    @HolgerVolcker 3 місяці тому +2

    I'd always choose the GMT before the Explorer. Got the 126710BLRO on an Oyster, and enjoying a mint dial DJ41 with a Jubilee🤣

  • @ListenToPowerViolence
    @ListenToPowerViolence 3 місяці тому +2

    GMTMaster for ceramic rotating bezel with color and triplock crown. Explorer II for brushed center links and white dial. Close but GMT wins for me.

  • @OfficerCalebski
    @OfficerCalebski 3 місяці тому +1

    Just picked up the bruce Wayne from my AD, its so stunning in person the photos and videos do no justice

  • @petrolhead007
    @petrolhead007 3 місяці тому +1

    Nice video - to the point with useful information

  • @HellhoundX90
    @HellhoundX90 3 місяці тому +10

    Explorer 2 🔥

  • @poet.alhashimi
    @poet.alhashimi Місяць тому +1

    Hi mate! I'm considering getting the new 40mm Rolex Explorer (Reference 224270). Can you tell me if it's worth buying and if it's easy to find at authorised dealers?

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  Місяць тому +1

      Hi, the watch is one of the best everyday watches, it works for all occasions. You should try at an AD but it’s hard to say how easy they are to find. If you want to purchase one with certainty, we have one available in stock. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks

  • @i1p2p3o4c5a6m7p9o9
    @i1p2p3o4c5a6m7p9o9 3 місяці тому +1

    I have the Explorer 2 226570 and i have to say i like it more than the majority of the Gmt's exept for the Pepsi.

  • @mileswoodard4278
    @mileswoodard4278 Місяць тому

    Great video, I own the polar Explorer 2 and thre batman and love them both. They are different enough that I enjoy rotating them along with a Starbucks Sub.. Keep up the good work, thank you!

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  Місяць тому +1

      That’s a great collection. Appreciate the feedback

    • @mileswoodard4278
      @mileswoodard4278 Місяць тому

      @Watchtrader thanks for the excellent content., I've learned a lot with your videos!

  • @etchvee
    @etchvee 3 місяці тому +3

    I’d go for date sub - already have the black dial explorer II. Glide lock on the bracelet is a very useful feature.

  • @Herbf173
    @Herbf173 3 місяці тому +1

    I have the 16570 2008 polar and its gorgeous, you don't know you have it on , really comfy ! New reference too big I feel

  • @pault6731
    @pault6731 26 днів тому

    The Explorer II with the white dial is my choice, it's a great looking watch and sits nicely on my 6.5" wrist

  • @simonmorris1626
    @simonmorris1626 3 місяці тому +1

    Enjoyable video and informative.

  • @Greggieboy76
    @Greggieboy76 3 місяці тому +1

    Great stuff 'H' hope you are well mate!!

  • @rubelukeable
    @rubelukeable Місяць тому

    lucky to have both. The GMT looks and feels great and the Polar just looks different and unique, but a tad big for my 6.5 in wrist. Had the black Explorer II and sold it a few years ago to but a black Skydweller. Was lucky to purchase the Polar in Cabo 2 days ago as an AD happen to have one. Both GMT and ExplorerII are great watches to have in my collection.

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  Місяць тому

      Sounds like you have great taste and an excellent collection

  • @GrafZahl13
    @GrafZahl13 3 місяці тому

    Got both with black dial love them both👍🏻

  • @davidhobson7851
    @davidhobson7851 3 місяці тому +1

    I traded an Explorer 1 for my polar and am waiting either Bruce Wayne and batgirl. However I'll have to trade the polar for either and in truth, I'm not sure if I'd let it go.... it'll be a hard decision for sure. The polar just doesn't shout as loud as the Master 2... that has its benefits

  • @davea.218
    @davea.218 2 місяці тому

    OK, but how is the GMT complication reason #3 to buy the GMT Master II when the Explorer II has the identical movement but the GMT complication and 2nd time zone is not mentioned as a reason?

  • @bolicer5746
    @bolicer5746 3 місяці тому +1

    Explorer 2, black dial🔥

  • @JohnnyBeans-w9k
    @JohnnyBeans-w9k 4 дні тому +1

    I lov the explorer II but it doesn’t come with a glide adjustment and it’s a deal breaker. My Tudor Pro has it……

    • @Watchtrader
      @Watchtrader  4 дні тому

      You’d more than likely be just fine with the easylink adjustment but the glide is nice to have

  • @eggs-benny
    @eggs-benny 3 місяці тому +1

    Great video !!

  • @dingmingzou9866
    @dingmingzou9866 Місяць тому

    I have both Jubilee Pepsi and the White Gold Meteorite Pepsi now, need to circle back to my AD and ask for a polar explore 2, the more I look at it the more I like the tool watch look

  • @sivalipath1707
    @sivalipath1707 2 місяці тому +1

    Explorer II black all life

  • @davidwhitehouse8920
    @davidwhitehouse8920 23 дні тому +3

    Explorer 2 black face my daily

  • @MacOrph
    @MacOrph 2 місяці тому

    I have Expolrer II in black. I sold the Submariner a while ago because everyone else is wearing it and I'm getting bored of it. now I'm thinking about EXII with a white dial. There are very few sports watches with a white dial, apart from the Daytona and EXII.

  • @mickmartin5243
    @mickmartin5243 3 місяці тому +1

    Is the explorer dial bigger than the gmt , or is it an illusion

  • @jameswilkes3186
    @jameswilkes3186 3 місяці тому +2

    I went with the Tudor Black Bay GMT Pro. Perfect one watch collection for me.

  • @geno816
    @geno816 3 місяці тому +2

    Id rather have the explorer 2 over the gmt master. But.. the root beer is a beautiful watch.

  • @6172crew1
    @6172crew1 3 дні тому

    The new explorer at 42mm is too large for me. The older 40mm version is where it’s at. I own a BLNR myself but would like an older explorer 2.

  • @ddw63
    @ddw63 2 місяці тому +1

    226570 Polar and black face Explorer II is 22mm, not 21mm.

  • @MrJKDRob
    @MrJKDRob 3 місяці тому +3

    BLNR 🔥

  • @_sr
    @_sr 3 місяці тому +1

    gmt all day every day

  • @P8REN
    @P8REN 3 місяці тому +2

    Next video idea - Rolex Explorer II vs Tudor Black Bay Pro

    • @Anonymouslyme1
      @Anonymouslyme1 3 місяці тому +2

      I own them both, that’s a very close contest indeed.

    • @P8REN
      @P8REN 3 місяці тому

      @@Anonymouslyme1 Nice collection and good to know!

  • @MichaelApke
    @MichaelApke 3 місяці тому +1

    All time GMT

  • @jh-il5sb
    @jh-il5sb 3 місяці тому

    curious how much larger the explorer II wears compared to the GMT?

  • @sufyanshareef6302
    @sufyanshareef6302 3 місяці тому +1

    Pepsi

  • @nickhull83
    @nickhull83 3 місяці тому +1

    Jubilee bracelet >>>>>>>>> any other steel bracelet.

  • @jethrojacinto2798
    @jethrojacinto2798 3 місяці тому +3

    I feel like this isn't really a fair fight. GMT dominates in every way possible.

    • @bdg5593
      @bdg5593 3 місяці тому +3

      Not in caves

    • @Anonymouslyme1
      @Anonymouslyme1 3 місяці тому +1

      Not on price, the Explorer II is literally half the price so you could buy one of those and a speedmaster or something.

  • @ListenToPowerViolence
    @ListenToPowerViolence 3 місяці тому

    Side by side the GMTmaster looks like an orange on a toothpick compared to the Exp II. Those fat lugs and thin bracelet though.

  • @vincet6730
    @vincet6730 3 місяці тому

    Traitor 🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

  • @federiconasute3150
    @federiconasute3150 3 місяці тому +1

    Polar is too big, GMT M. All day.

  • @waynesilva3129
    @waynesilva3129 3 місяці тому

    First of all. No kid is going to tell me what Rolex will fit me and why I should buy this model over the other model. It’s insulting
    After having worn a Rolex for 57 yrs. And to see all these twenty something year olds that seem to be experts spewing all the model numbers.
    I never knew what the serial number and model number was on my 1967 GMT master and I can’t tell you what the model number is my 2022 GMT.
    Who cares?

    • @Anonymouslyme1
      @Anonymouslyme1 3 місяці тому +2

      Calm down mate he is providing a comparison on two similar watches for people who don’t have personal experience of either watch. He is very knowledgable regardless of his age, no need to be so corrosive.

    • @maxal2251
      @maxal2251 3 місяці тому +2

      Why you watching? 🤷‍♂️

    • @jdun88.
      @jdun88. 3 місяці тому +1

      Bore off

    • @easternzone7869
      @easternzone7869 3 місяці тому +2

      Settle down Pappy…. Just because you chose to be ignorant of your watch details doesn’t mean this lad is spewing nonsense. He is providing details so viewers to can make informed decisions. Also, no one cares what year GMTs you have/had. Not sure why you found it worthwhile to share.

    • @Kevinyim7
      @Kevinyim7 3 місяці тому +1

      You're embarrassing really

  • @wda-59-14
    @wda-59-14 3 місяці тому +12

    Wearing a 2023 black dial Explorer II as I type this...most legible Rolex sports watch I've owned. Love it.

  • @jerrywallop5647
    @jerrywallop5647 3 місяці тому +5

    Worlds apart, but both handsome…..

  • @Alex_J44
    @Alex_J44 3 місяці тому +2

    EXPLORER 2 lugs are 22mm on the current 226, not 21mm…. That’s the older 216 reference