Rolex 40mm GMT vs 42mm Explorer II - beyond just the sizes | Hafiz J Mehmood

[@Hi_Chew]

I have the white dial 50-year anniversary model, love it more than my Sub and even Daytona. The orange hand over the white dial is amazing. The SS fixed bezel is very classic. It's a very unique and not easy to find Rolex.

[@faslax159]

I get thebezel is fixed on the Explorer II, but this still allows you to track a second time zone. The GMT master II allows temporary tracking of three timezones

[@harrisonspexarth7666]

The Explorer II does allow you to track a second time zone. That’s the point of the orange GMT hand.

[@sac_fijian6314]

Half correct. The original functionality was for the "cave explorers" where they'd be literally inside darkened caves for long periods of time so the bezel serves as a 24 hr timer. This is what Rolex had in mind when they designed this model. But of course, since there's a 24 hr bezel with a gmt hand, it doubles up as a gmt.

[@n.h187]

By far the best videography of any watch channel. Excellent wrist footage!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much. I’m humbled indeed. I do put a fair bit of time and effort into my videos - and it’s such a pleasure to hear a feedback like this 😄

[@cchristie6092]

Noor Hussain I suggest that you take a look at Watchfinder and Horology House.

[@impexRQ]

Love the Explorer ii (either black white dial) it’s amazing that it has a specific movement (which is more robust than in the one the GMT) - it has a second time zone, date, great size and it’s flatter than a Sub... it’s all brushed (as a tool watch should be) it’s be best Rolex sport model ...

[@felix7425]

I have both, the movement is exactly the same... Calibre 3285

[@filipsvec4785]

@@felix7425 true for 226570, not true for 216570 which was shown in the video

[@digitalgulby]

Just added the 216570 polar to my collection

[@RPMATX]

I have both and both are stunning. The Explorer is now on a black rubber strap and is my watch for a drive in my 1976 BMW 2002 in Inka (orange). The Batgirl GMT is the night time in the city watch.

[@spoontastico]

Thanks for the excellent comparison, and especially for showing both on your wrist - really helps to get a feel for how they wear!

[@radoslavmilev4896]

Thanks for the video Hafiz. Really good comparison. My favorite Rolex watches are...Daytona 116500LN(white dial), Yacht Master 126622(blue dial) and one really underrated,but really beautiful watch is 116400GV(black dial)

[@HafizJMehmood]

Great choice. Thanks so much for your feedback :)

[@impexRQ]

I think the Explorer you can wear it with formal attired as well (black of course would be even easier)

[@DarthJabba504]

The Explorer has much bigger, thicker, better lumed hands. Makes a big difference for legibility and I don't know why more people don't notice this.

[@watchguy8360]

Totally agree with you that the Jubilee strengthens the GMT attributes even better. Love the BLNR GMT on jubilee. Love the shine and wrist presence it gives.

[@bentleygt3716]

i'll take the Explorer II any day . anytime. thanks for the review.

[@johnt2694]

Both watches can read a 2nd time zone. GMT can read a 3rd time zone. Thanks for the vid!!

[@MTbone7]

I have the LN not the batman, but get everything you are saying. Both great watches, wear differently and have a much different vibe. The E2 feels more like a tool and more rugged, and the GMT feels more like a shiny piece of heavy jewelry. Great vid brother!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much. Amazing how in so few words, you’ve explained the basic differences. I completely agree. Exp2 is like a tool watch, and then GMT is more like a shiny jewellery piece. Thanks again my friend :)

[@steviedj6730]

I have them both. The explorer is my favourite. But it's not an evening watch. The chnr is super special. Feels a treat to wear it. Tbh it's a treat to wear either.

[@thehairlesspersian3273]

Subbed. Well deserved for the time/quality of production and macro shots alone put in 👏🏼

[@Ram-jw9ry]

Wow!!!! Amazing and informative review!! Did not expect to love this!! Thank you bud!!

[@fabfour289]

Some said that the new 226570 bezel size is 41.4mm and a bit shorter male endlink to endlink at 52.8mm..? Thanks for the vid.

[@tkm3207]

Great comparison! Seeing them on your wrist shots and view of observer really helps get a feel for the watch. Love the white dial on the Explorer

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much for the detailed feedback :) I’ll keep showing such wrist shots with third person’s perspective :)

[@paulsymonds820]

As ever wonderfully presented and videography. Details down to the minutest of observation, great viewing!

[@MHPPJdeida]

Great video and review of both watches especially to make an educated decision on which one to choose. The quality of the video is superb. I think at the end of the day we choose what makes our heart jump! Pepsi got me but the SD43 stormed my heart... thanks again for this video.

[@HafizJMehmood]

MHPPJdeida thanks so much for your kind words. I do hope my videos help the watchfam make better and more informed decisions 🙂

[@MHPPJdeida]

Looking forward to more comparisons with this level of quality video ...

[@karlomcastro]

I don't have the wrist for the 42mm polar Explorer II so I would have to go for the 40mm "Batman." Both are attractive pieces and it all comes down to how you feel. Keep it coming, Hafiz. Happy new year btw!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Happy new year my friend. I personally prefer the dial layout and bezel of GMT but they start to look like too small now 😅

[@Ross-fo2vw]

@@HafizJMehmood whats ur guys wrist sizes?

[@Ross-fo2vw]

@@HafizJMehmood im sorry i missed the first time i watches it. great going !

[@HafizJMehmood]

Ross Feld No worries at all. The guy with wrist shots is me 😃 It’s 6.5” 👍

[@Ross-fo2vw]

@@HafizJMehmood im literally losing sleep over deciding if I want the 214270 or the 216570. I have a 7.12" wrist and I normally lean towards smaller vintage but the explorer 2 looks so nice

[@MeanMrMustard85]

I’d have the Explorer 2, the cooler watch in my humble opinion.

[@flynnjp19]

I like to call the Explorer II Rolex's only 'military' watch! Especially with the polar dial...

[@fpl66]

Just to make clear, as I own both of them: the caliber is exactly the same for both watches, anyway on Explorer two you can read 2 time zones (usually the orange GMT hand is set on GMT and is of course a 24 hours hand that make 1 rotation in 24 hrs) the other is set with the "jumping hour" of the hour hand that can be set without hacking the movement, exactly like GMT master II. The GMT master II may have a third time zone alining the local time difference with the GMT hand by rotating the bezel. Small note: The Rolex GMT was created by Rolex in a collaboration with the US Airline Pan Am, but it was not the first GMT watch, as the Glycine was the first one with a cooperation similar with Thai Airways. The "jumping hour hand" on the Explorer II was added later in the years, as the first version (Called Steve McQueen) has a fixed one and the purpose was only to tell if it is night or day. Video quality and mount one of the best around keep up

[@filipsvec4785]

wrong, in the video is ref 216570, which has caliber 3187, it was only used in this specific explorer ref, it has larger baseplate to match larger case, if you have 226570 then yes, it has same caliber 3285 as GMT master 2, but at the time of video upload there was no 226570 yet

[@lettuce1305]

no it's not man, the watches in the video are the previous generation, namely the 116710BLNR and 216570. The BLNR has the calibre 3186 while the 216570 has the calibre 3187.

[@DennisC_X]

Hi Hafiz, I’m assuming that’s you wearing the watches in the video? What size wrist do you have?

[@seezyc158]

Great video! Thank you.

[@OttawaInHD]

Very good and detailed video comparison! Keep up the good work.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much for the feedback :)

[@taksohne3251]

I believe 2021 is the 50 year anniversary for explorer 2..it will be cool if Rolex releases ceramic bezel explorer 2 (just like what happened to Daytona). Anyways, another great video!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Tak & Söhne that’s very true. Next year will be 50th for exp ii and 10th for the current design/size. Next Basel is going to be interesting indeed, with this one, I’m guessing opening up something on subs - jus spreading a rumour 😃 Thanks so much for the support.

[@alexeybarkovskiy9357]

I'm not a fan of ceramic bezels and hope some sports models will stay in metal.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Yes it adds a but if versatility in the models/collection too. I personally don’t think Explorer 2 will get ceramic bezels.

[@protonendichte]

@@HafizJMehmood Maybe it will get a ceramic beezel with a steel Look For example the day day in white gold got a ceramic beezel. Rolex could do a brushed finish to the beezel like omega does on their Speedmaster .... side of the moon

[@sac_fijian6314]

And the fact that the new Exp2 has full AR coating treatment on the bottom sapphire and the GMT MAster DOES NOT. Only the new Sprite has the AR coating. Thats why with batman/pepsi, when ya take photos, you'll see the dial slightly out of focus but the date window totally clear as the AR coating is only on the cyclops. Rolex only put full AR coating on new Exp line, sub, daytona and yaughmastet. Even the new Datejust does not have AR coating (only on cyclops).

[@Gerald_Kraus]

Great video mate 👍

[@coestercortese]

My experience with NKUWAN was fantastic. The watch arrived quickly and was exactly as described.

[@WatchSociety]

Good going

[@HafizJMehmood]

Watch Society thanks so much :)

[@Tommy_ZM]

The BLNR on the jubilee is the best modern Rolex they make. Explorer II is more of a dog, but the white dial is what makes it unique

[@impexRQ]

BLNR in the oyster for me 😊

[@sfoeric]

I love my Explorer 2 ref 216570.

[@JohnnyB21401]

Great video!! One of the best videos I’ve seen showing these watches.

[@deviladvocate7569]

I will prefer explorer 2 white dial as it is very rare to get

[@tvstealer]

Nice review sir

[@maynardjoseph]

Two beautiful Watches, stay blessesd.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Maynard Joseph thanks so much :)

[@logwind]

Very well done.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much my friend :)

[@WatchesJourney]

Hi from Holland, I prefer the Batman but do like the bigger case size of the Explorer 2. Enjoy your watches!

[@furzkram]

What are you talking at 4:00? Of course you can have a second timezone on Explorer II. You clearly see that at 4:12. You only don't get a THIRD timezone.

[@MrMatt1923]

Great content!

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

I never really liked the Explorer II that much (although I love the Explorer), so here I’d take the GMT. But I prefer my 126600 Sea-Dweller and my 126303 DJ41 to both of these.

[@HafizJMehmood]

David B you’ve got one perfect collection my friend :). Wear in god health. Many thanks for watching :)

[@usmanfarooq96]

The explorer suits you way better, not sure if it’s because of the shirt though

[@jeffreymorris6930]

Skin tone

[@darellhunter2205]

Thank you so much for comparing both models! I love my BLNR but will be keeping the Polar on my wishlist. I think there is definitely room in the collection for both.

[@neilmartinez143]

What’s the actual dial measurement of the Batman? Is it a true 40mm?

[@impexRQ]

40mm

[@chuchub6934]

3187 of explorer 2 is just the best mouvement of Rolex, much better (robustness and accurate)than 32xx

[@Alfreduim]

Great video

[@racebannon3014]

Very observant & informative. The photos & videography is outstanding! Much better than @IDGuy who states the obvious & opines nothing lol Keep up the excellent horologic content

[@seanp7871]

40mm to small 42mm perfect 👍

[@ShaunKVideos]

Not sure why you keep saying that the GMT has the ability to track a second time zone as if the Explorer 2 does not have that capability (which it does.)

[@thehairlesspersian3273]

I think he meant to say a third, since you can w the gmt rotatable bezel, but not w the fixed of the explorer 2.

[@coconutmango9519]

The Explorer 2 is much more legible because of the black on white. Black on white is usually more legible than black on white.

[@FarikoClass]

Great video, great watches.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@Zeeawon]

EX2 sample the best

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

AD Will sell you the Explorer but not the BLNR. Excellent video!!!!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Many thanks :) In Australia, AD won’t sell you either of these so you just have to pick one or other paying secondary market prices - with explorer being almost close to rrp and that makes more sense again. Again, you’re spot on with what you’re saying :)

[@simonmayes3374]

No chance getting Explorer ii at AD. Been on wait list for 18 months. Spent over £20000 at AD in last 18 months. Prove me wrong........ bring me new Explorer ii from your local AD. That won’t happen.

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

@@simonmayes3374 I bought a Tudor BB S&G Last year march 2019 and they had that watch on the display, the sales person wanted me to buy it and I chose the Tudor 'cause I liked it more and also the Tudor was cheaper maybe because of the scarcity of stainless still they're harder to get now.

[@HafizJMehmood]

They could be available last year but I don’t think that’s the case now I guess. In 2017, I walked into AD, and they had black sub, black gmt, explorer, and deep seas waiting for someone to buy. I went back home, took 2 days to decide in favour of gmt and still there was no taker. Things have changed quite drastically lately, and I don’t think Explorer are available on the shelves anymore - it’s sad though and I hope things improve. For your reference, none of the watches on this review were purchased at retail too.

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

@@HafizJMehmood Yeah it looks like stainless steel has more value than gold nowadays

[@jameswestconsultant]

I choose both.......Towlie 😆

[@pato6532]

The bell & Ross is a cool watch but I fill this model is trying to hard to compete with the big boys like Ap, even the mid range sector of Swiss watches the if anyone looks carefully bell & Ross have taken some design ques of Oris Aquis with it's screw in crown guards and Longines hydro conquest with the 6 9 12 markings on the dial which both watches have off the shelf movements that cost half the Retail value new from stores

[@basiliohenriquez1612]

I own the E2 and I love it!

[@Gio-en5kv]

The explorer 2 should have been a NO date and have the 3,6,9 marks instead of batons, would have made it more different to the gmt and retain a stronger link to the explorer 1

[@rick137.pickle]

If you will put 3,6,9 as markers there would be too much numbers on the watch as it already has a 24 hour bezel. That would make it less legible and confusing at best.

[@michaelbishop9157]

Small crown was only thing I didn't like about my Exp II. It's not easy to grasp and isn't as functional as a result

[@flamadiddledoo]

Polar all day long

[@CocoKoi321]

They FUKKKED the explorer 2 up

[@beemars1373]

The explorer looks plastic and fake. Dont like it