Rolex

Here is a picture I found on the net featuring the new Explo II versus the 1655 aka the Freccione.

I have to thank Hodinkee for this excellent initiative, as it helps us to better see the differences between the original and the re interpretation:



What do you think?

Best,

Nicolas.

I would like a tropical explorer 2. Hey that could be my pseudo name from now on

Best
Tyler

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I find each of these two watches is attractive. Each has its own particularities that makes it special.

I would personnally go for the new version.

Best regards,

 

George

42 mm, I have no idea of the proportions in the real...

The case is, with the dial, the thing I want to check in the real, yes.

But I fear, from what I see, that it is not for me.

Best, George.

Nicolas

that I will still like it.  I find sometimes that you guys are a little harsh with the people at Rolex.  I personnally find that there is huge progress in the quality of the watches they have been producing.

I find it rather normal that the size of the watch has grown, everything is more visible on the dial which seems an important factor on a tool watch.  I mean that you should be able to see things under extreme conditions.

Best regards,

 

George

sorry but the half painted mercedes hands are just terrible :-(

Tend to agree, Jeff...

The last modern Rolexes which did something to me were the GMT II and the Milgauss Verde, in 2007...

Another " bot for me " year, I fear.

Best,

Nicolas.

But I hate it.

The hands look awful. The size is wrong. It looks like it is a jigsaw watch.

So much of what is great about vintage Rolex is that nothing new is anything like as good.

 

Really disapppointed.

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The half painted black portion of the hands are more black than the dial is black. They need to paint it in a color that can hopefully more closely resemble that of the dial.

Like an alien thing. Not something we see about Rolex.

Best
Tyler

rules sat for the explorer II , correct me if im mistaken but rolex DO need more than an orange arrow hands to bridge between the two models ...however explorer II is a beauty in it own context  ... " its been a while im keeping this inside " TRITIUME SHOULD BE USED AGAIN ON DIALS... i feel much better now.

 Best my Friend .

 Faisal

The bridge between the original and the re interpretation would have been more obvious...

Good point, Faisal.

Best,

Nicolas.

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I was pretty "hot and heavy" on the new Exp2 as well but when sitting next to the legend, it almost look too "super-sized" and yes, frankenwatch comes to mind per DrStrong. 

Its weird, the new one can probably stand by itself but next to the legend, hmmm..

One was well balanced, with nice proportion, when the latest is testosteronized...

But, the latest has a big pro, mechanically speaking: It is a true GMT, while the 1655 is a 24 Hours watch.

Best,

Nicolas.

The original is probably one of my most favourite watches of all time, and whilst I like the new version I'm really not sure what to make of it, a little underwhelmed at the moment but will reserve judgement until seeing it for real.
I can't help wishing Rolex would do a straight re-issue with new movement etc. like Jlc have done with the Polaris and DSA.

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but from the photo the new Exp 2 looks almost too large for the person's wrist while the 1655 looks like a perfect fit.  Yes it may depend on the person's build, but one thing I do not like is when someone with a small wrist and small build wears a gigantic watch that looks too big for the person. 

I'm sure the new Explorer 2 has a far better bracelet than the original and its definitely more practical than the 1655, as it can be set to a second time zone, but there is something special about an original that a modern re-interpretation just does not have.  While I think the new version is a handsome watch, there is kind of a gimmicky feel in Rolex throwing on the vintage style 24 hour hand in an effort to cash in on the look of the now highly sought after 1655.  I find the new watch a strange mix in that the watch has evolved interms of bracelet and movement quality, but they are relying on a vintage style 24 hour hand to attract buyers. 

Maybe this is a watch I will really like in person.  But for now I have a mixed opinion of this watch.

Best regards,

Dino

 

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I like the new Explorer II and if the price is similar to the prevous model Ithink it offers fair value. I look forward to buying it and creating my own battle scars and memories. Who knows, maybe one day my son will think the new Explorer II is a cool vintage which shows distinguished and graceful aging. The challenge is accepted!

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wait till you see it in the "flesh", especially the white...........

my wish list for this year... 382, 372 , TT1931 and now this....

Best,

Imran

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