Rolex Explorer II versus GMT Master II Ref. 116710

Everest v. Pan Am. One watch was designed to withstand extreme conditions while the other was designed for pilots and travelers who needed to keep track of different time zones simultaneously. Two updates to the Rolex Explorer made it a near clone of Rolex's own GMT Master.

Both watches feature a fourth hand which displays time using two sets of hour hands. One 12-hour hand which is used in conjunction with the markers on the dial and a 24-hour hand which is read in connection with the arabic markers on the bezel. The 24-hour hand can be set independently from the 12-hour hand allowing the watch to display two timezones. Still a few features distinguish one watch from the other, which may influence a decision on which of these watches is for you.

Technical Comparison

1. Rotating Bezel. The Explorer II has a fixed bezel, while the GMT Master II (like previous models) has a rotating bezel. This means that with the Explorer you can keep track of two time zones, while in the GMT Master II you can keep track of three time zones.
2. Movement. The Explorer II uses the Caliber 3185 movement, while the GMT Master II used the Caliber 3186 movement. The main difference is a new hairspring (Parachrom Bleu), which is less sensitive to temperature variations and less sensitive to magnetic fields is used in the 3186 movement. There is a rumor that some newer Explorer II's use the 3186 movement, but I cannot confirm this.
3. Profile. The rotating bezel on the GMT Master II makes the watch a bit taller than Explorer II. The sleeker profile is something you may want to consider depending on your wrist size and daily attire.
4. Maxi Dial. The GMT Master II has the new maxi dial with wider hands and larger markers.
5. Crown. The GMT Master II has a triplock crown while the Explorer II has a twinlock crown. Both watches have the same 100 m. water resistance rating.
   
6. Bling. The Explorer II has a brushed finished all around. The GMT Master II used to have a similar finish, but with the released of the 116710 GMT Master II, the center links of the bracelet are polished and the bezel is now has a ceramic insert. This change in the GMT Master II distinguishes the two watches more. The Explorer II having a finish intended for rough use, while the GMT Master II looks a bit more like a formal or dress watch.
7. Brand recognition. Some may disagree, but the GMT Master II is more recognizable as a Rolex.
   

Comparing the two, the GMT Master II has some technical improvements over the explorer and the rotating bezel can be useful. It also is a more "impressive" looking watch with the shiny bracelet links and ceramic bezel. What the Explorer II has got going for it is a base and bracelet better suited for use in harsh environments and a slimmer profile.

But there is another important area of consideration: Price. The GMT Master II has a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$6,995, and you will not get much of a discount on it. The Explorer II has a MSRP of US$5,750, a cool US$1,245 less. In addition, you can get bigger discounts on the Explorer II, making the price difference all of US$2,000.

Which is better? Feature wise the GMT Master has a slight edge. But the Explorer II is a better value for money proposition.

About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.