ANOTHER Rolex help thread

[Sniper13]

Alright, I'm so close I can almost taste a Rolex on my arm. I'm still struggling on which one to get. I am torn between the Black face Exp II and a Sub-c ND. I'm quite certain that I have read/ watched every review for these two watches. I obviously want to get the best deal for my money. Both pieces are running very close in price on the used market (even some NIB models on both). Although I'm not anticipating selling this piece, It may happen. I have sold off most of my collection. I will still have a Seiko solar chrono, a Seiko 007, TSAR, two G-shocks and a Citizen dress watch.

This is going to be worn in a rotation, but it will be the most go to piece for all situations. I do dive, but not necessarily gonna dive with a Rolex. I have several beaters that I would feel much more comfortable using in a dive situation that way if beat up or lost it's not as big of a hit.


I have tried both on several times. I plan to get to the AD next week to try them on again. I think they both fit well. I could see both being a daily wearer.


So here are the things I'm struggling with in no particular order;



EXPLORER II 216570:


Pros:

-Date (Not a must, but kinda nice to have)

-GMT (I don't travel weekly or anything, but it's kinda neat to have when I do travel. I have family in other timezones)

-I may take a beating on this, but I feel like the Exp. II is more versatile as far as strap choices. It'll look awesome on a dark leather strap, NATO, rubber strap, etc which will change up the look of the watch.

-Versatile with different clothing types/ styles. Maybe not as much as the Sub, but the straps may make it work a little better

-Not as common in the wild

-Different from the other pieces I have in my little collection.

-Will work in all situations

-Most updated Rolex movement

-I feel like it offers more "stuff" in one package


Cons:

-Size (maybe? Not a real big issue. I've worn a Pam for the past few years)

-No Glidelock (I don't' know how often I would need to adjust the clasp, but it's nice to have the option. Also It can be added in the future at a hell of a cost)

-May not retail value as well

-May be more difficult to sell if needed

-21mm lugs (easy enough to squeeze a 22mm in there)




SUB-c 114060:


Pros:

-great history

-timeless design

-works well with a swim-suit or a suit

-works well in any social setting

-Glidelock clasp (again not sure how much I'd use it, but it's nice to have)

-Size is not going to be an issue, now or in 20 years.

-Clean legible dial

-Will retain value

-Easier to move in a pinch



Cons:

-Commonly seen in the wild

-Commonly copied

-limited straps options (I say this, because I don't know how it would look on a brown leather strap. NOT that there aren't many options as it's 20mm. Also maybe a non issue)

-No date (again not a must, but It's nice to have)

-Similar to the other watches I have (black bezel dive watch)




Any other opinions are very welcome, especially from those who have/ have had both.

[toxicavenger]

SubC

[toxicavenger]

Have you tried a 214270? Or even a GMTIIc? All great watches with different pluses to them imo.

[Sniper13]

Have you tried a 214270? Or even a GMTIIc? All great watches with different pluses to them imo.

Yes. I really like the Exp. 1, but for some reason It seems to small on my wrist. I know its a mental issue, because I have a 6 3/4ish" wrist, but I just can't seem to get over it. I have also tried on the GMTIIc. I like the blue lume on the Sub-c and Exp II and I hate the polished center links. I know they can be brushed out, but I don't really want to buy a new watch and have to send it out to someone to brush out the links. I don't trust myself to do it. I don't want to ruin a $1500 bracelet. I'm not totally sold on the bezel. I know you can use it for timing to a certain degree, but I feel like I should just go with the SUB if I'm gonna do a bezel. JMO

[JDC222]

Sub C

[foodle]

I'm a huge fan of the Glidelock clasp and use the adjustment at least once a day when I'm wearing the SubC, so ...

[dukerules]

Sub C would be my choice.

[marchone]

Sub C for functionality. It's a shame Rolex donesn't have a hybrid diver/ GMT with an elapsed time bezel. Two time zones is enough for most guys. Sinn U2 and 857 UTC do it in a different style.

[jimyritz]

I really like both watches-have a Sub c and owned a 216570 ( may look to buy another-white)...I'd agree with most of your points. If you really want the GMT function and a bit more versatility then go Exp II....

The Exp II to me is the consummate sport watch....and because of the orange GMT hand, I think the Sub c dresses up better..

That being said, I sense you're leaning towards the Exp II-- then that's the one..forget about what we think...

Can't go wrong --- Good Luck...


Mike

[smalls]

SubC for me. It's the more classic of the two and all of the proportions are perfect. The trip lock crown easily trumps the twin lock in feel and execution. If you don't travel very often having a bezel that rotates is a great feature to have day in and day out. I use mine all the time. Oh, and glide lock is heaven, easy-link not so much.

[JBZ]

Sub C. If you like having a date, you can always go for a 116610 instead of the 114060 (assuming the cost difference is do-able).

[Panerai7]

Can't go wrong with either
No Cyclops > Cyclops
If I could do WU mod (remove cyclop, add glidelock) on Exp2 polar then I'd pick that.
I'm guessing the ND crystal is smaller than Exp2.

[JP Chestnut]

The black dial explorer 2 is my least favorite Rolex model. They took the "maxi" too far on that one. The floating hands make them appear even more fat and stubby than they are.

[1954Selmer]

You love them both, so you can't go wrong! The Expl II is just a killer piece, but I disliked the Cyclops (damn near cut my fckn finger off trying to remove the Cyclops on my Squale), date, and its overall appearance on "my" wrist. In my box, it lost to the Sub-C and then it lost to the Expl 1.
Enjoy making the decision!

[Terpits]

I personally prefer the 16570 over the 216570.

[Knome]

I prefer the Sub-C only because it's what I have. But before I got it, I chose a vintage Pepsi GMT master.
Sounds like you're leaning more toward the 216570 and I dont think you're making the wrong choice at all.

[Zidane]

Had both. Sub won out by a mile. The bezel is a dream, aesthetically and operationally, while being functional for timing. GMT isn't useful for me. Also, the glidelock is the tits.

[mattcantwin]

SubC for me. It's the more classic of the two and all of the proportions are perfect. The trip lock crown easily trumps the twin lock in feel and execution. If you don't travel very often having a bezel that rotates is a great feature to have day in and day out. I use mine all the time. Oh, and glide lock is heaven, easy-link not so much.

Based on this picture, the Sub wins by a landslide.


Good luck making a tough decision.





ps I still have my Sub.

[mikeylacroix]

Sub gets my vote


I have the 16570..


While knowing the new xp2 has many upgrades over the older,
Its still the sub that gets my vote

[Nomadz]

Like many here I have owned multiple of both. In a one watch scenario, I would go Sub C.

[Sniper13]

Thanks everyone. It's good info for sure.

Why is the new Exp, so disliked? It seems like theres a lot of good stuff.

[streetracer101]

I've got the older Exp 2 and a Sub-c. Hands down sub-c for versatility in any situation. The exp 2 is great, but far more casual than the sub-c.

[koda240]

Sub C. The ceramic bezel takes the cake and glide lock is a no brainer

[Zidane]

Thanks everyone. It's good info for sure.

Why is the new Exp, so disliked? It seems like theres a lot of good stuff.

It's not disliked; the Sub-C is just that good.

[BBK357]

Those who know buy seiko