first Rolex- GMTIIc vs ND SubC vs ExpII42

mattjmcd · Post by **mattjmcd** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 11:54 am

I'll keep it short and simple. I prefer 40-42mm, so size is a wash with all of them. I'd like to have GMT, but could live without it. Would like to have something that is classic/significant, but also not ubiquitous. Not sure if you can have both.

Here's my question: am I crazy to be leaning towards the ExpII over a GMTIIc or an ND SubC? The new Explorer II offers a cool aesthetic that one doesn't see everyday, and it's got the brushed bracelet which I prefer. But it's on the outer end of the size envelope, and doesn't seem to be as enduring a design as either of the others. What do the Rolex cognoscenti think?

Grahamcombat · Post by **Grahamcombat** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:02 pm

The white dial EXPII is my kryptonite so I can't make rational comments about it. I just know that I like it, and that's all that I care about. It also scratches my GMT itch.

I don't think you can go wrong with a ND SUBC. I'm giving serious thought to flipping my DSSD for one. But I'm equally giving serious thought to just buying one as well.

I've got a line on a 1965 GMT (not yours Doc, but one from within the community) so I'm running a plan - currently about 30% convinced - where I can flip the DSSD, lock down the '65 GMT, and then be halfway to a ND SUBC. That'd leave me with those two, plus the white dial, for my stable.

FML.

Just writing that bumped me to 50%.

DAMMIT! Anybody want a DSSD, with box & papers?

hoppyjr · Post by **hoppyjr** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:05 pm

I've owned them all, but 114060 is clearly my choice.

JBZ · Post by **JBZ** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:15 pm

The first question is how badly do you want/need a date? If you do, that eliminates the SubC. Between the GMT and the Exp, I'd take the GMT but for the polished center links, which I really don't like. Of course, you can always have them brushed. I like the ExpII, but it's a bit too casual for me, but I'm in a suit 4 to 5 times a week, all day. The GMT is just a bit dressier.

Push comes to shove among the three, I'd go GMT.

mattcantwin · Post by **mattcantwin** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:15 pm

Had each; all good choices.

Look at a hundred wrist shots and read the various comparison threads.

Then go with the one that you like best.

blowfish89 · Post by **blowfish89** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:20 pm

All are good but Explorer II seems to be a good option for you since you seem to like it more. It is also a popular choice for many, especially in a collection where most others are black dials. Can't go wrong with the ND SubC either. Ultimately, probably comes down to size, dial color and date/no-date.

jeckyll · Post by **jeckyll** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:23 pm

mattcantwin wrote:Had each; all good choices.

Look at a hundred wrist shots and read the various comparison threads.

Then go with the one that you like best.

Not sure if you win Matt, but this makes a lot of sense.

mattcantwin · Post by **mattcantwin** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 12:28 pm

For what it's worth (maybe, not much); the one I would add back first is the EX II.

dukerules · Post by **dukerules** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 1:16 pm

Matt, you're a GMT guy (obvi), so I'd go GMT II or Exp II. The GMT II is the more classic option over the new Exp IIs, but the white Exp II is hawt. But you can't go wrong with any of the three, and man do I wish I still had my 114060.

jimyritz · Post by **jimyritz** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 1:30 pm

Have this and probably will never sell it..

Had this and really enjoyed it..

The ND Subc is 40 MM and the Exp 2 is 42MM...If you need a date then it's hard to tell you which way to go--GMT IIC or Exp 2...It comes down to personal choice..Both are fantastic..

Good luck..
Mike

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:30 pm

I picked the ExpII Polar as my first Rolex for two main reason: One of the best proper GMT movements and its probably the hottest white dial sport watch out there. Another plus is that its not a Sub... You see a ton around and its super recognizable (not hating on the Sub, I want a vintage one). In my case, I have the "black dial watch" covered with the PO and Speedy, so the white dial is a great addition to the collection.

Now, if I had to choose and of the three you listed as my only watch, I would have opted for a black ExpII. Maybe the GMT (but with a brushed bracelet).

andrema · Post by **andrema** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:37 pm

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:38 pm

Grahamcombat wrote:The white dial EXPII is my kryptonite so I can't make rational comments about it. I just know that I like it, and that's all that I care about. It also scratches my GMT itch.

I don't think you can go wrong with a ND SUBC. I'm giving serious thought to flipping my DSSD for one. But I'm equally giving serious thought to just buying one as well.

I've got a line on a 1965 GMT (not yours Doc, but one from within the community) so I'm running a plan - currently about 30% convinced - where I can flip the DSSD, lock down the '65 GMT, and then be halfway to a ND SUBC. That'd leave me with those two, plus the white dial, for my stable.

FML.

Just writing that bumped me to 50%.

DAMMIT! Anybody want a DSSD, with box & papers?

Even though I would like to have the wrists to rock a DSSD, I like the 65 GMT+SubC idea a lot.

A

LOT

!!

foodle · Post by **foodle** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 2:39 pm

Buy what you like. The good thing about Rolex is that if you buy on the secondary market it's unlikely you'll lose money on a sale later. So if you change your mind, it's easy to swap.

That being said, I think the GMT with brushed bracelet best fits your criteria. However, you seem to like the Exp more. Either way it's hard to go wrong.

mattjmcd · Post by **mattjmcd** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:02 pm

foodle wrote:Buy what you like. The good thing about Rolex is that if you buy on the secondary market it's unlikely you'll lose money on a sale later. So if you change your mind, it's easy to swap.

That being said, I think the GMT with brushed bracelet best fits your criteria. However, you seem to like the Exp more. Either way it's hard to go wrong.

Actually, a GMT with a brushed bracelet would be a near perfect solution. I'm just a bit scared to have that done. Your point about buying gently used is very valid... probably easy to swap a GMT for a Sub or ExpII without losing much, if any, money. That said, I'm sort of heartened to hear that the Explorer is not unloved.

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:07 pm

Agree with foodle, buy preloved.

mattcantwin · Post by **mattcantwin** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:40 pm

Joeprez wrote:Agree with foodle, buy preloved.

Like this?

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f30/fsot-r ... 97178.html

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/reduce ... 40154.html

mattjmcd · Post by **mattjmcd** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 3:45 pm

Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.

mattcantwin · Post by **mattcantwin** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:00 pm

mattjmcd wrote:Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.

You're crazy.

Grahamcombat · Post by **Grahamcombat** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:09 pm

mattjmcd wrote:Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.

And here I thought we could be friends.

blowfish89 · Post by **blowfish89** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:11 pm

mattjmcd wrote:Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.

The white in 42mm wears large (for small wrists).

foodle · Post by **foodle** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:25 pm

Have you seen them all in the metal? Sometimes a live viewing makes the choice clear.

Grahamcombat · Post by **Grahamcombat** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:52 pm

foodle wrote:Have you seen them all in the metal? Sometimes a live viewing makes the choice clear.

+1

All the difference in the world.

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 5:00 pm

blowfish89 wrote:
mattjmcd wrote:Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.
The white in 42mm wears large (for small wrists).

I have a close to 7" wrist, wears fine IMO.

Joeprez · Post by **Joeprez** » Sat Feb 20, 2016 5:00 pm

mattjmcd wrote:Call me crazy, but I prefer the black Explorer.

You and Chris only.

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