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

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

Post by missF »

Rolex-Explorer-II-16750-8.jpeg
I enjoyed reading this review from last year - a series of reviews on ABtW of watches that aren't in production any more. The review is well written, straightforwardly setting out the changes in design and movement over the years it was in production, and so provides a buying guide of sorts.
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-explorer-ii-16570/

This watch always makes me think it could be one example of a good one-watch. Not 'the' one-watch necessarily, which is a far more exacting challenge! But 'a' one watch - a watch that could easily become a one-watch for someone who's into watches, should you be asked to advise them.

Do you think the 16570 could be a one watch?
Could it be YOUR one watch?
What watch do you think makes a good example of a one-watch?

Note -- this doesn't have to relate to your collection. I'm just interested to see if there really is such a thing as a one watch, and what form you think it might take. I expect there will be a wide range of opinions!
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 downer »

Yes, the 16570 is 'a' one watch and could easily be 'the' one watch. It is understated, has perfect proportions, true GMT functionality, a very robust movement and a supremely comfortable bracelet.

Relatively undervalued too. For now.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

downer wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 1:52 pm
Relatively undervalued too. For now.
My feeling is that by the time I could afford one (which may be never!!), it will have become the latest rolex 'darling', with desirability going up as people get fed up with AD waiting lists, and prices sky-rocketing.....
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Good question, Lindsey.

When I was growing up blokes tended to have one watch. It was usually what we would now call a vintage dress watch: hand-wound, 33-35mm diameter and not water resistant to any degree. So you didn't swim with it, and if you did a manual job you didn't wear it to work. Tool watches were rare (to ordinary people) and specialised. Watches like that were unrealistic for most people.

Nowadays we talk about the GADA watch. The Exp II is a fine example of this. It's robust, takes a dunking and has date and GMT. Why not?

Personally I'd prefer it a smidge smaller than its 42mm. And the black dial version. The 39mm Exp I would be perfect, though lacking the date and GMT. I gave it serious thought as my exit watch, if you remember.

I like the 40mm C60 Trident GMT and this could also be a GADA "one-watch". Packs a lot in for the price. I wore the 43mm Mk2 version as one-watch holiday wear. It was fine until it wrecked the back of my hand. Also the problem with the Trident is the lack of an independently adjustable hour hand.

I would love to see CW produce a watch with this feature...a "true" GMT. Do you think it could happen? Expensive, I would have thought.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by jkbarnes »

The Explorer II was my first “grail watch” when I first developed an interest in watches. While I still like it, it doesn’t have the appeal it once did for me. I spend a lot of time thinking about why that might be.

I think it could easily be a one watch - it’s sporty yet elegant, a tool watch that can be dressed up, a classic design that still looks contemporary (that might be true of most Rolexes!). It checks most boxes except for true dress watch...and no one wears those anymore!
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by stefs »

I am fortunate enough to have one so for me it is a definite yes! Most certainly one of the best one watch options and something I have thought about before
Cheers now, Paul
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by stefs »

missF wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 1:56 pm
downer wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 1:52 pm
Relatively undervalued too. For now.
My feeling is that by the time I could afford one (which may be never!!), it will have become the latest rolex 'darling', with desirability going up as people get fed up with AD waiting lists, and prices sky-rocketing.....
In fact I looked the other day and wf ( who I bought mine from ) had a full box and papers version but two years older and was £8450! Bad news is it could get worse if rolex release an anniversary release this year.this always bumps up the previous models.
I found this out to my cost with my hulk.

If you want one get in quick
Cheers now, Paul
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

stefs wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 2:51 pm
If you want one get in quick
:(
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 Ceegee »

I owned the ref. 216570. And loved it at first but then eventually realised it was just a smidge to big for my wrist. Unfortunately I just don’t like the 16570 as much, despite its better proportions. It’s the little things - I prefer orange to red :lol: And I hear the older Rolex bracelets are far inferior. So for me neither polar explorer could be the one watch.

...but I do own a watch that I think could easily form a collection of one. The Omega Aqua Terra. Does everything you need it to do and whether it’s on steel, leather or nato could be worn in most occasions.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

Aqua terra is hereby appointed to the list of 'one watches'! Interesting point that a one watch would be best if it looked equally good on leather, bracelet or NATO, thereby broadening its wearability
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by nbg »

Possibly...

Although if push came to shove I would go with the 36mm 114270 Explorer over the 40mm 16570 Explorer II.
D27CC29A-285C-4A02-B7A8-DB4FF8EEF8DB.jpeg
Both are happy getting wet, gardening, playing with grandchildren, cooking, hiking, travelling, fishing, going to restaurants, other activities and generally doing nothing. However the 114270 is the one, of the two that I would more likely wear to a posh meal, or black tie event.

They both tick the understated, nobody notices it box, which I regard as a good thing.

Don’t think I will ever reduce to one watch. But I can definitely say that these two would both be part of a final six, if I ever head in that direction.

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

Post by Ceegee »

missF wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 2:58 pm Aqua terra is hereby appointed to the list of 'one watches'! Interesting point that a one watch would be best if it looked equally good on leather, bracelet or NATO, thereby broadening its wearability


You can get it on rubber too :D
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by missF »

nbg wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 3:08 pm a posh meal

That has to be taken into account too. So the Explorer I makes the list certainly (even if it makes me nervous that it doesn't have a date or some other function!). (I'd probably choose the 36mm silver dial OP over the explorer - I prefer the handset to the mercedes hands)

Any more brands that aren't omega or rolex to be considered as one watches??
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by jkbarnes »

I think it’s difficult to define a “one watch.” Because everyone’s particular needs and tastes vary, it would be unique to the individual. Does one watch equate to all-purpose watch?

As I’ve mentioned on here many times, my C65 Trident Vintage could easily be a one watch for me. The design is timeless and simple. It takes straps and bracelets extremely well. It’s got great WR. For me, definitely a one watch.

One thing I would add - I think a one watch candidate ought not have a feature that is defining to a specific use. The timing bezel would keep a diver from ever being a true one watch for me. Same thing for the C65 AM GT LE: the subdials and the tachometer tie it too closely to a specific use.
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Re: Is the Rolex Explorer II 'a' one-watch??

Post by jkbarnes »

nbg wrote: Sun Mar 28, 2021 3:08 pm They both tick the understated, nobody notices it box, which I regard as a good thing.
Excellent point. This is an important characteristic to me. A one watch needs to disappear into its environment while warranting the attention when it does get noticed.
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