GMT-Master II Vs Explorer II: Top 5 Reasons

[@aussieexpatwatches]

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

[@Watchtrader]

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

[@allancobb]

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.

[@kfkwAL7]

It was also the one worth the least amount of money wasn’t it :)

[@Wu.Tang.Financial]

It’s probably the last Rolex that has the feel and look of a “tool watch” great piece

[@jw999]

I second that... After 50, I definitely prefer larger dials and displays

[@stevenrobins4552]

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

[@wda-59-14]

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

[@djmanosv]

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

[@KC14109]

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.

[@onthetrackexperience]

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

[@RJasonKlein]

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

[@RightWingRadioShow]

I feel the same way about the batman though. It's just nice looking regardless.

[@CanadianSwissCheese]

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]

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.

[@MatthewArtis]

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

[@sp10290]

Been loving my Explorer 2 since late 2022

[@bradfordsimpkins1014]

Wearing the Polar 226570 purchased from an AD as my first Rolex. I love this under the radar, tool and travel watch. It makes for one of the greatest everyday watches out there. The new 22mm (not 21mm) bracelet is PERFECTLY sized for the larger 42mm case and the thinner lugs on the 226570. In addition this newer model incorporates a more contrasting handset and better AR coating which are subtle changes that incrementally improve the watch.

[@MartinGarthwaite]

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.

[@qahtaniM]

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

[@aleincostarica]

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.

[@tricky92x]

The 16750 is a great watch. I did swap it for a 16710, however.

[@ashdaro4043]

GMT is a work of art.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

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 😉

[@jwsmith4751]

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]

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

[@TS25539]

Just got Black Exp ii last week. Simply because i thought it’s a damn cool looking watch when i first saw it when i was a kid.

[@andrewbrown8206]

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

[@Nasty00B]

I'll get a 226570 Ex2 for Christmas. And as the majority get a Polar, I picked up the Black one which, in my opinion, is perfect with the orange needle and a future orange rubber strap 🥰

[@ianwoodley-de2nn]

Just picked up my Explorer II. Love it. 🔥

[@TheDennisTodd]

I own both, and continue to enjoy wearing both.

[@alifawaz8374]

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

[@DGenerationX69]

Explorer 2 🔥

[@MrHav1k]

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

[@wda-59-14]

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.

[@tyresejamaljackson]

Me too. Contrary to what people say, it can be worn with a suit. I think it’s more versatile.

[@pault6731]

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

[@nicksingleton]

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]

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

[@nicksingleton]

@@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]

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]

@@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.

[@jamesmoninger1982]

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

[@GrafZahl13]

Got both with black dial love them both👍🏻

[@mark_n_r]

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

[@OfficerCalebski]

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

[@budg8522]

Batgirl was my favorite in my Rolex collection…ahead of the Datejust and Daytona Panda. But oddly enough I’m currently in the honeymoon period with a new blue dialed Yatchmaster 40 and find it far more appealing than any of the others just because it’s so damned comfortable to wear with the same case size as the Daytona… and in my eyes so pretty to look at. To each his own I guess.

[@williamstrecker1548]

As an owner of a Pepsi GMT 1675 and an Explorer II 16550 with a black dial, I gravitate to the Explorer because it does fly under the radar and because I have knocked the bezel off of the GMT twice. I also noticed that you didn't include the 16550 as a traditional version when listing the different versions of it. Otherwise, it was a nice commentary.

[@charlie9004]

i have the exployer 2 black dial. at the beginning i was chasing the hype to getting the white dial, however, I notice that white is more like a "toy" watch feeling when you put it on the wrist. and the black dial just keeps giving you that dark and mature steady feeling when you put it on. personally i will collect the white dial for collection, but for the day to day wearing, i will wear the black dial as it just looks much more quality from my perspective.

[@petrolhead007]

Nice video - to the point with useful information

[@Watchtrader]

Glad it was helpful!

[@007Chancellor]

Of the two you compared, it's the Explorer II for me, all day long. Partly because I love the tool watch feel of the E2...and partly because I HATE the maxi-case on the GMT. What was Rolex thinking? The proportions are just WRONG! 🤣 I agree that the E2 would be better at 39 or 40mm.

[@Watchtrader]

Thanks for sharing

[@mileswoodard4278]

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]

That’s a great collection. Appreciate the feedback

[@mileswoodard4278]

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

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

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.

[@simonmorris1626]

Enjoyable video and informative.

[@Watchtrader]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davea.218]

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?

[@davidhobson7851]

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

[@Alex_J44]

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

[@ryanjenkins5976]

Grey markets Root beer price where’s it currently at?

[@christiand6768]

No problem scuba diving with either of them. Ive been scuba diving with my vintage air king for over 35 years. Both the explorer and gmt will keep water at bay far deeper than a normal creationel dive will be. Sure, a submariner will go deeper and be more convenient to track time on but most divers also have a dive computer. But for the watches themself, no problem at all to go diving on your vacation or weekend dive .

[@mosmarb]

The Explorer has the benefit of not having childish nicknames.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

The polar 😂

[@michielroskam3877]

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

[@timemycollection]

😂😂

[@edx21x]

@@Anonymouslyme1well the blackface doesn’t have one

[@RoadRallyLife]

Your childhood probably sucked.

[@eggs-benny]

Great video !!

[@Herbf173]

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

[@i1p2p3o4c5a6m7p9o9]

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.

[@MacOrph]

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.

[@Greggieboy76]

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

[@etchvee]

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

[@rubelukeable]

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]

Sounds like you have great taste and an excellent collection

[@dingmingzou9866]

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

[@jimwatson6363]

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]

Root beer all day

[@mickmartin5243]

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

[@Watchtrader]

It's bigger

[@jerrywallop5647]

Worlds apart, but both handsome…..

[@poet.alhashimi]

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]

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

[@bolicer5746]

Explorer 2, black dial🔥

[@davidwhitehouse8920]

Explorer 2 black face my daily

[@mahmoudghoneim8004]

I don't understand why 5 to 8k difference between the two when fthe difference is primarily a bezel, Rolex is mad.

[@RightWingRadioShow]

rolex isnt charging that.

[@sivalipath1707]

Explorer II black all life

[@jameswilkes3186]

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

[@D2C3R5]

folks who talk about water depth proofing don't realize that nobody SCUBA dives much below 100 feet. As a diver with 40 yrs of experience diving worldwide, i can tell you first hand that there's very little to see much past 100 feet. 300 feet of water proofing is good when you see your watch plummeting to that depth, knowing that it'll withstand the pressure that is too deep for you to go and retrieve it from.

[@MrJKDRob]

BLNR 🔥

[@Jannerjaunts]

I’ve got a 2018 Batman and I’m on the verge of buying a explorer 2 polar

[@geno816]

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

[@ddw63]

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

[@jh-il5sb]

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

[@Anonymouslyme1]

2mm

[@HolgerVolcker]

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

[@pkoster5874]

The white dial explorer looks so much beter in metal. It's actually a stunning watch.

[@tricky92x]

I chose the 16710.

[@jw999]

You are a trader and prefer GMT which is easier to sell... 😃

[@6172crew1]

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.

[@_sr]

gmt all day every day

[@D2C3R5]

Explorer II every time.

[@MichaelApke]

All time GMT

[@P8REN]

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

[@Anonymouslyme1]

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

[@P8REN]

@@Anonymouslyme1 Nice collection and good to know!

[@sufyanshareef6302]

Pepsi

[@nickhull83]

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

[@JohnnyBeans-w9k]

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]

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

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

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

[@predatorathome6830]

Ever since i got my explorer 2 i got 2 girls to explore too

[@jethrojacinto2798]

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

[@bdg5593]

Not in caves

[@Anonymouslyme1]

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

[@vincet6730]

Traitor 🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@federiconasute3150]

Polar is too big, GMT M. All day.

[@waynesilva3129]

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]

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]

Why you watching? 🤷‍♂️

[@jdun88.]

Bore off

[@easternzone7869]

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]

You're embarrassing really

[@romangrom6853]

GMT master II: I wouldn't own the watch for one reason: the color combinations on the bezel are terrible. The blue and black is just so awful I can not believe anyone wants one. The Pepsi blue and red colors are pale and looking terrible. Rolex needs to work on this problem. For this reason I will not own an ugly looking GMT- Master II. Explorer: I like the watch , except it might be too big on my wrist. I'd like to try it on day and maybe pull the trigger.