Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 8:56 pm
Please, Lindsey, if you buy one wear the damn' thing! :D
Well, there’s no point in having a true one watch if you don’t wear it for everything and everywhere. I’ve enjoyed the conversation and I do believe I might be content as a one watch wearer. I think I’ve always felt this from C11 days onwards. I maybe haven’t quite found ‘the’ one yet, but I’ll keep thinking
watching you fail in your quest for a “one watch” has been great entertainment
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by watchaholic »

Great points everyone, too many to bother quoting so, as this is a CW forum, my candidate will be this. IMHO one of the best CW's ever. To bad I don't own one.
20210328_194226.jpg
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Lavaine »

I think GMT's in general are great "One Watch" candidates, but, for me, the ship has sailed on the 16570 and 116570. Over the last 2 years prices have jumped about $3000 CAD on these models.
Rather than grossly overpriced Rolex versions, I've personally been eyeing up the Grand Seiko SGBN models as an Explorer II alternative. Both the SBGN 003 and 005 are exquisite (and perfectly sized at 39mm), and you can't get an Exp II with a blue dial.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by downer »

I really like the GS SBGN003/005 and strongly considered one as my last acquisition. However, I’m not sure a quartz would work as a ‘one watch’ solution, due to the relatively frequent pit stops for battery changes.

I acknowledge the weakness of my argument but it’s all I have. :)

As an alternative I will suggest the IWC Ingenieur. Robust, accurate, anti-magnetic, highly legible, quite a slim case and a vaguely iconic design...


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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by nbg »

^^^ Good call with that IWC Richard. Great shame that IWC have ruined the classic gentaish lines with the current model.

Now here is another thought - a watch that passes all my main tests of a one watch style piece; except the WR. Also good on a range of straps. Add the new 321 bracelet to replace the very average one it comes with and job done.
BA122974-865D-4943-9603-21AB274347FF.jpeg
What we need is a legible classic Moonwatch cased Speedmaster with 100m WR to do the swimming bit as well. Anyone got one of those LE versions kicking around... :wink:

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by downer »

^^^ Well, since you asked so nicely. :D

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It could do with an on-the-fly adjustable bracelet though.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by nbg »

^^^ :thumbup:

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Andyshall »

I really do like the ExpII but I agree with the points above about the white dial and it not being ideal when you need to dress up a little. In this regard the Explorer is a better call in my opinion. Richards IWC is a very strong suggestion but personally I am with Ceegee and would suggest the AT. Although in fairness the bracelet is not ideal as there is no fine adjustment.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by magicman »

I would like to add the BB58 to a list of "One Watches"

It took me many years to get here, but if it wasn't for the fact, I have a work watch and I have 1 sentimental piece.
I think I could have this as my "One"

Originally that was a Tag Monaco (Sold)
Then the Moonwatch (Traded for this)
PXL_20210329_080137647.jpg

I love the size, I still feel it has enough presence, for when Im a James Bond wanna be, but can equally hide under a cuff, due to the reduced thickness.
I use a Bezel, I don't need a date function.
My favourite colour is Blue.
As my Grail was a No date sub, it's not far removed from that in terms of style and function.

If I didn't time things with a Bezel then The Rolex Explorer and Omega Aquaterra would have definitely been considered.

I'm pretty sure, this watch will be my Main watch for years to come.

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

magicman wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 9:28 am I'm pretty sure, this watch will be my Main watch for years to come.
How many times have I said that?
downer wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:23 am I really like the GS SBGN003/005 and strongly considered one as my last acquisition. However, I’m not sure a quartz would work as a ‘one watch’ solution, due to the relatively frequent pit stops for battery changes.
I agree the battery change was a pain every 2-3 years, but for 17 years or so the Omega Polaris Multifunction (cal. 1665) was my "one-watch". Nice analogue dial, independent hour hand, perpetual day-date calendar in 3 languages, 2nd time zone, countdown timer, stopwatch, all digital displays totally switchable including "off" for a pure dress-watch look. All operated by the single crown - no buttons.

Eventually it became uneconomical to repair - the movement needed replacing and the bracelet and lugs were shot. But for all those years I never thought of it as "the one watch". It was just "my watch".

Which brings me back to the original point. What's a watch for? If you don't need complications, dive bezels, massive WR etc., don't bother. Buy the best watch you can afford that does what you want it to do (mostly tell the time in my case) and looks good to YOUR eye, and BINGO. I'll show you your "one watch".

And in writing the above I perjured myself, because I don't have one. :lol:
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by scooter »

Q. Do you think the 16570 could be a 'one watch'?

My Answer. I'm sure that it could be for many people.

Q. Could it be YOUR one watch?

My Answer. Not for me as I am not a lover of aluminium/silver bezels.

Q. What watch do you think makes a good example of a one-watch?

My Answer. I can't answer that question for anyone else. For me it is and has always been the 5 digit Rolex Submariner.

I hope that helps.

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

nbg wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 7:51 am
Now here is another thought - a watch that passes all my main tests of a one watch style piece; except the WR.
I wondered if the speedy was going to appear in this conversation. I can rationalise why it would, but I’ve never quite felt full on attraction. This may be because I generally don’t like chronograph, and may also be because I’ve never seen one in real life. So for me it goes on the list of ‘a’ one watch but not ‘the’ one watch
watching you fail in your quest for a “one watch” has been great entertainment
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

I've been musing over a response for this thread for a while and have two difficulties as;-

1. I don't, currently, subscribe or have any inclination to subscribe to the concept of 'one watch' and

2. I have no enthusiasm to own a Rolex Explorer (or any other Rolex for that matter).

However, in the spirit of contributing to the notion of an Explorer-esque watch, I'll offer up my Elliot Brown Broadstone.

Ok, its quartz and not a true GMT but it looks the part and has the additional function of an internal rotating bezel.

Image

One thing I find strange though is that no-one has yet, even wistfully, ventured to suggest 'I wish CW would make an Explorer'.

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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by H0rati0 »

If I was going to pick a "one watch" I would seriously consider "The Citizen".
AQ4030-51A.jpg
Various impressive dials, 100m WR with screw crown, ±5s PER YEAR, solar/no battery change, stylish 40x10mm ish, self adjusting date and independent hour hand. Readily affordable given the quality (GS level).

But how could I manage with just one watch?
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

missF wrote: Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:13 am I wondered if the speedy was going to appear in this conversation.
I thought of it. As you know, it's my "go-to". It has been on a couple of holidays, though of course it can't swim. I could live with it - don't really need GMT or date - maybe as part of a "Speedy-Beater" combo. But then what about the Tank? The "-ISH"? Bluey for sunshine days? :-k

I'm forced to conclude that I like a number of very different watches far too much ever to revert to "one-watch" status.
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