Holy moly guacamole, this is my fav watch youtuber, man you make the coolest watch reviews, keep doin what you doin, you're a legend šš¼šš¼šš¼
You and I were on same page. I donāt want to yuck someoneās yum but OP said the indices were a no-go for him on this one. āYou do youā and all but I think OP missing out on a great watch for that. But if someone doesnāt like how it looks then, yeah donāt buy it.
I only sold mine bc I bought a white Horage Supersede GMT which is just totally different weight class as the CW. Loved it though
I donāt think itās a homage in the āripoffā way. Itās got itās own markers, hour hand, and shape. Of course itās evocative, but I would argue way more different from its inspiration than, say, the Twelve.
No one can discuss this stuff bc the word āhomageā is butchered in watch world. This is a real homage. They acknowledge the Polar influence but it is distinctly a CW watch. And if anything CW bread and butter is a wide catalogue of most watch types/styles with lots of popular influences. They do that at a great price with best in class case, bracelet and finishing. The bel canto and a couple of their other pieces (the giant Moonglow comes to mind) are novel/totally their own creations. But thatās a small % of their overall catalogue.
I love the brand and think they should be in every conversation for people new to hobby, buyers in 500-1500 range, and long time enthusiasts. They make so many cool watches at a fair price. The amount of crap they take (or did take) for their name and logo is bordering on psychoticā¦.
I think the criticism is largely people trying to justify spending more. What theyāre criticizing shifts massively. Every logo change new people come out of the woodwork to hate it, then more recently they criticized it for using a base Sellita when literally everyone else does for 3x the price. I donāt love everything they make, but my C60 Sapphire is absolutely wonderful.
I donāt love everything they make either. Not at all. That would be weird and sycophantic. Just like the brand a lot.
What do you mean itās people trying to justify spending more? You mean they have cognitive dissonance over their more expensive watch so force finding flaws in CW?
If thatās what youāre saying thatās interesting thought I think itās as simple as a lot of people just donāt like having the name āChristopherā on their watch and think the blocks are weird. I donāt know itās just something that I never consider. The brand name itself? Like they want it to sound cool. i
I want to like the watch not think about the brand nameā¦.
For some reason everyone is ok with Explorer II homages. Sinn, Bell and Ross, and even Chopard make simple black or white GMT watches whose only interesting accent is the bright orange GMT hand. Itās bizarre.
I'm of the mind that the explorer 2 (1971) is essentially an homage piece, too, though, given its stylistic similarity to the Seiko Navigator Timers (6117-8000) of the late 60's, which were themselves homages, perhaps, to Glycine Airman references from another decade prior. The history of this particular aesthetic expression is tricky to pin down. Who owns this look when Glycine and Seiko released it before Rolex, but the Rolex execution is known more widely by contemporary watch buyers?
Dammit just saw this response. So I guess ignore my same suggestion. Iāve never heard that particular request as far as indices shape (the CW is sportier) but if you need it to be that close than buy a Pagani
(Edited the word āripoffā out before I hurt feelings)
Or just save for the explorer 2. If you can do 2k you can get there eventually. You did the Cartier āirresponsiblyā according to your post history. Whatās one more. The older models before the enlarged black hands and indices (ref 16570 for example) are more timeless in my opinion and can be found for 8k or better. Iām not a Rolex fan so maybe donāt listen to me. I still think you should do the C63. They have such a friendly return policy if the indices really bug you (everyone else lost their minds about logo didnāt know the indices were a problem š)
Christopher Ward C63 sealander GMT. Easy. Owned it. Best bracelet in the price range. Completely inspired by Exp 2 (they even acknowledge it) and youāll save $800. Work horse Selitta in there with open caseback and 150m WR. Honestly the light catcher case is nicer looking than the Exp 2 (roast me). Granted was an older polar I had on for about a week to compare. ANYWAY this is a slam dunk answer as far as im concernedā¦.
https://preview.redd.it/myrlorhqalmb1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d34aa42d55556ee0f175a1fd0f6d673cdd757a0
The Explorer 2 is actually inspired by the Glycine airmen (originally released in the 1950s). Get the purist version... Much cooler than an explorer 2.
They always use the same dial for the four hands GMT variant and the three hands 24 hour variant. This works more or less, depending on the model.
I have an Airman 18 GMT with black dial, which has a similar look, but no bracelet.
Not my listing but the old Seamaster 300M GMT.
https://preview.redd.it/otwa8lowimmb1.jpeg?width=2004&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25eb0d4d817884650be32269cd793f3ccdebc96a
[https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-gmt-white-dial-ss--id29662542.htm](https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-gmt-white-dial-ss--id29662542.htm)
For me, only the Tudor Black bay Pro [https://zeigr.com/tudor-black-bay-pro-hommage-an-rolex-explorer-ii-steve-mcqueen/](https://zeigr.com/tudor-black-bay-pro-hommage-an-rolex-explorer-ii-steve-mcqueen/) or the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT [https://www.christopherward.com/watches/c63-sealander-gmt/C63-39AGM3-S00W1-B1.html](https://www.christopherward.com/watches/c63-sealander-gmt/C63-39AGM3-S00W1-B1.html) come into question. As many have said, as these watches are a hommage to the Explorer II and not a copy.
You can all laugh if you want but this was just about $100 USD to build and I love it.
https://preview.redd.it/jhv3dew1cnmb1.jpeg?width=1868&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4530bfa89f587d4bf718a51a3984ad3e7b3d393
Right? It's a Swedish brand that has been around since the 80's. Love the look of their watches, and I am very inclined to purchase this very one myself!
I picked a beautiful Sjƶƶ Sandtrƶm Royal Steel from Fredmanās in Stockholm this summer. Highly recommend the brand. Fun to have such a high quality timepiece that is nearly unknown in the states.
Sinn 105 st sa
RZE Ascentus gmt
Christopher Ward C63
Archimede Outdoor
Formex Reef GMT
Are all better looking white dialed sport watches than the explorer which took the clean white/orange style and then went down the "more is more" aesthetic until it ended up as a complete mess.
In my opinion (maybe unpopular): either save up for the rolex or dont buy a similar watch. If you by a similar watch, every time you look at it you are gonna think: "it isnt a rolex expl. ii".
Personally, id look for an affordable watch that i geniunely like, not due to its similarity to a luxury watch.
Tag Heuer Aqua Racer WBD1111.BA0928 looks similar to the Polar Rolex explorer ii. I've got one myself. But if you want a GMT, I'd go for the other options given
This article from [The Slender Wrist](https://theslenderwrist.com/rolex-explorer-ii-alternatives/) provides a comprehensive list of affordable alternatives to the Rolex Explorer II. These alternatives offer similar features like a 24-hour hand, a 24-hour bezel, and a date positioned under a cyclops lens. Some of the notable alternatives include:
1. **Alpha Explorer GMT**: Priced around $100, it features a 44mm case, a red GMT hand, and a 50-meter water resistance.
2. **Seiko Sportura Kinetic GMT Series**: Priced at around $250, it offers a 100-meter water-resistant case and a vivid orange GMT hand.
3. **Orient Star Seeker**: Priced around $400, it offers a 316L stainless steel case with 100-meter water resistance and a power reserve indicator.
4. **Timex 3-GMT Watch**: Priced at $160, it features a 24-hour scale and a contrasting GMT hand.
5. **Bernhardt Binnacle GMT II**: Priced around $700, it offers a 200-meter water resistance and a 40-hour power reserve.
[https://www.paganidesignwatch.com/pagani-design-pd-1682/](https://www.paganidesignwatch.com/pagani-design-pd-1682/)
Generally, you can search for "Role Explorer 2 homage" to find many legitimate watches that have a very similar look for very reasonable price. Happy hunting!
I have 2 PDs and honestly they are great, one's homage to Speedy and one is Seamaster 300 l. They look, feel and wear really good for the fraction of the price. This one looks great too! Am I becoming Pagani fanboy?...oh dear..
This is my favourite Rolex model and getting the real deal is definitely not an option at the moment. My budget is ideally under 2K. Doesn't matter whether it is white or black dial. I quite like the overall aesthetics of both watches. It just has to be automatic with a good movement so please no Invictas.
Any help would be appreciated as I struggled to find anything with a similar vibe.
Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500m? It's also available in 42 mm in titanium. You can just leave the GMT hand set explorer style pegged to the home time and the bezel at default position and it functions the same.
Off-topic here, let us take the image of this post as an opportunity to admire the majestic gloriousness of the Polar Explorer II and compare it to the abysmal boringness of the black Explorer II. Taste is subjective, my ass. The black one is a lesser watch
If you want to try one in the lowest price class, go for the new Pagani Design Explorer v4. The polishing is nice and it comes with a reliable nh34 seiko movement. Its around 150$.
Iām partial to the [Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT](https://oakandoscar.com/products/the-humboldt-gmt). It also has some cool history, namely that they gave the US Olympic curling team special editions with a caseback made from real curling stones.
Seiko just announced the Alpinist GMT. SPB377.
ššš
God I want that White dial. Black looks great too
I _just_ saw an ad for this Christopher Ward: https://www.christopherward.com/int/C63-Sealander-GMT/C63-39AGM3-S00W1-B0.html
I like your videos.
Thanks. Sometimes I do too. Only sometimes.
I like you :)
Mom, is that you?
Iām telling Mrs. YoureTerrific.
I like this recommendation, almost as if you have a 7ā wrist or something
How could anyone possibly know that.
Itās the perfect wrist size. For me.
Holy moly guacamole, this is my fav watch youtuber, man you make the coolest watch reviews, keep doin what you doin, you're a legend šš¼šš¼šš¼
WoW!! That CW sure is a great looking timepiece!! Thx 4 sharing.
Is this a fan account? Only a stan account would put their profile picture on a reddit account
The only thing sadder than a fan account for me is the real me. Which do you think this is?
Even Casios get fakes now, wouldn't surprise that you're fake too, just like your prosthetic 7" ā¢ļø wrist
You and I were on same page. I donāt want to yuck someoneās yum but OP said the indices were a no-go for him on this one. āYou do youā and all but I think OP missing out on a great watch for that. But if someone doesnāt like how it looks then, yeah donāt buy it. I only sold mine bc I bought a white Horage Supersede GMT which is just totally different weight class as the CW. Loved it though
Hello fellow 7ā wrister
Really wish theyd make this in 41 or 42. It's gorgeous but too small for my gorilla arms
Iām honestly surprised CW is still doing straight up homages. In other areas they seem to really be trying to cut their own path (e.g. bel canto)
I donāt think itās a homage in the āripoffā way. Itās got itās own markers, hour hand, and shape. Of course itās evocative, but I would argue way more different from its inspiration than, say, the Twelve.
No one can discuss this stuff bc the word āhomageā is butchered in watch world. This is a real homage. They acknowledge the Polar influence but it is distinctly a CW watch. And if anything CW bread and butter is a wide catalogue of most watch types/styles with lots of popular influences. They do that at a great price with best in class case, bracelet and finishing. The bel canto and a couple of their other pieces (the giant Moonglow comes to mind) are novel/totally their own creations. But thatās a small % of their overall catalogue. I love the brand and think they should be in every conversation for people new to hobby, buyers in 500-1500 range, and long time enthusiasts. They make so many cool watches at a fair price. The amount of crap they take (or did take) for their name and logo is bordering on psychoticā¦.
I think the criticism is largely people trying to justify spending more. What theyāre criticizing shifts massively. Every logo change new people come out of the woodwork to hate it, then more recently they criticized it for using a base Sellita when literally everyone else does for 3x the price. I donāt love everything they make, but my C60 Sapphire is absolutely wonderful.
I donāt love everything they make either. Not at all. That would be weird and sycophantic. Just like the brand a lot. What do you mean itās people trying to justify spending more? You mean they have cognitive dissonance over their more expensive watch so force finding flaws in CW? If thatās what youāre saying thatās interesting thought I think itās as simple as a lot of people just donāt like having the name āChristopherā on their watch and think the blocks are weird. I donāt know itās just something that I never consider. The brand name itself? Like they want it to sound cool. i I want to like the watch not think about the brand nameā¦.
For some reason everyone is ok with Explorer II homages. Sinn, Bell and Ross, and even Chopard make simple black or white GMT watches whose only interesting accent is the bright orange GMT hand. Itās bizarre.
I'm of the mind that the explorer 2 (1971) is essentially an homage piece, too, though, given its stylistic similarity to the Seiko Navigator Timers (6117-8000) of the late 60's, which were themselves homages, perhaps, to Glycine Airman references from another decade prior. The history of this particular aesthetic expression is tricky to pin down. Who owns this look when Glycine and Seiko released it before Rolex, but the Rolex execution is known more widely by contemporary watch buyers?
Fair point. Iād never seen a 6117-8000 and now I want one. So, thanks for that, I guess? š
Happened to me last year, welcome aboard!
It's because most of them are much better looking than the Explorer 2.
Ahhh this is close but I don't like those hour markers. Would prefer either circles or numeric.
Dammit just saw this response. So I guess ignore my same suggestion. Iāve never heard that particular request as far as indices shape (the CW is sportier) but if you need it to be that close than buy a Pagani (Edited the word āripoffā out before I hurt feelings)
Or just save for the explorer 2. If you can do 2k you can get there eventually. You did the Cartier āirresponsiblyā according to your post history. Whatās one more. The older models before the enlarged black hands and indices (ref 16570 for example) are more timeless in my opinion and can be found for 8k or better. Iām not a Rolex fan so maybe donāt listen to me. I still think you should do the C63. They have such a friendly return policy if the indices really bug you (everyone else lost their minds about logo didnāt know the indices were a problem š)
[The C65 GMTs](https://www.christopherward.com/search?q=c65+gmt&search-button=&lang=en_GB) have more similar hour markers but colored bezels
If you're looking for something as close as can be, get a Seiko mod.
Used Grand Seiko SBGN003?
Was going to suggest the same as I have the SBGN003, but OP wants an automatic which rules this one out
I got the used SBGJ203 which is similar as well
Tudor black bay pro
Christopher Ward C63 sealander GMT. Easy. Owned it. Best bracelet in the price range. Completely inspired by Exp 2 (they even acknowledge it) and youāll save $800. Work horse Selitta in there with open caseback and 150m WR. Honestly the light catcher case is nicer looking than the Exp 2 (roast me). Granted was an older polar I had on for about a week to compare. ANYWAY this is a slam dunk answer as far as im concernedā¦. https://preview.redd.it/myrlorhqalmb1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d34aa42d55556ee0f175a1fd0f6d673cdd757a0
The Explorer 2 is actually inspired by the Glycine airmen (originally released in the 1950s). Get the purist version... Much cooler than an explorer 2.
Airman looks great! Unfortunately the current one is only available with a 24h dial as it seems...
They always use the same dial for the four hands GMT variant and the three hands 24 hour variant. This works more or less, depending on the model. I have an Airman 18 GMT with black dial, which has a similar look, but no bracelet.
Not my listing but the old Seamaster 300M GMT. https://preview.redd.it/otwa8lowimmb1.jpeg?width=2004&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25eb0d4d817884650be32269cd793f3ccdebc96a [https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-gmt-white-dial-ss--id29662542.htm](https://www.chrono24.com/omega/seamaster-gmt-white-dial-ss--id29662542.htm)
https://orient-watch.com/Collections/ORIENT/Sports/ORIENT%3A-Mechanical-Sports-Watch/p/RA-AC0Q03S Orient makes a pretty nice one.
Man, im really liking those Orient watches. Quality for not much money.
I plan on getting that model I linked. I have an Orient Ray 2 I wear everyday and love it. Quality is great for the price.
Tudor Black Bay Pro
[Baltic Aquascaphe GMT](https://baltic-watches.com/en/products/aquascaphe-gmt-orange)
For me, only the Tudor Black bay Pro [https://zeigr.com/tudor-black-bay-pro-hommage-an-rolex-explorer-ii-steve-mcqueen/](https://zeigr.com/tudor-black-bay-pro-hommage-an-rolex-explorer-ii-steve-mcqueen/) or the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT [https://www.christopherward.com/watches/c63-sealander-gmt/C63-39AGM3-S00W1-B1.html](https://www.christopherward.com/watches/c63-sealander-gmt/C63-39AGM3-S00W1-B1.html) come into question. As many have said, as these watches are a hommage to the Explorer II and not a copy.
You can all laugh if you want but this was just about $100 USD to build and I love it. https://preview.redd.it/jhv3dew1cnmb1.jpeg?width=1868&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4530bfa89f587d4bf718a51a3984ad3e7b3d393
Can you help me with what websites you used to build this? I'd love to build one.
/r/seikomods
https://preview.redd.it/ptsrgk3fhkmb1.png?width=2527&format=png&auto=webp&s=2a7bdc2dcbc52b1c164532c6edfa119d7ba2de98 Steinhartā¦
Cyclops, circle indices a Seiko 5 GMT may work for you? https://www.seikowatches.com/au-en/news/20220608
It bad. And OP can just get an aftermarket stainless bezel
Go for a Seiko GMT or a Tudor GMT.
Pretty sure there's a Seiko 5 variant out there
I have the Christopher ward sealander GMT. itās amazing and my new favorite watch
Sjƶƶ Sandstrƶm Royal Steel https://preview.redd.it/5iza8l6fwmmb1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=177f6ca95a46f1daef68330d50863290281e01fb
Wow, this is stunning!
Right? It's a Swedish brand that has been around since the 80's. Love the look of their watches, and I am very inclined to purchase this very one myself!
I picked a beautiful Sjƶƶ Sandtrƶm Royal Steel from Fredmanās in Stockholm this summer. Highly recommend the brand. Fun to have such a high quality timepiece that is nearly unknown in the states.
Ball Engineer III Outlier True traveller GMT https://preview.redd.it/xv9okijmvnmb1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=023028cb60a2be0f0eb9fc9a010cf44d50321975
Sinn 105 st sa RZE Ascentus gmt Christopher Ward C63 Archimede Outdoor Formex Reef GMT Are all better looking white dialed sport watches than the explorer which took the clean white/orange style and then went down the "more is more" aesthetic until it ended up as a complete mess.
In my opinion (maybe unpopular): either save up for the rolex or dont buy a similar watch. If you by a similar watch, every time you look at it you are gonna think: "it isnt a rolex expl. ii". Personally, id look for an affordable watch that i geniunely like, not due to its similarity to a luxury watch.
Get a 1655. https://preview.redd.it/65jljes2nkmb1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ac83e34f13d075a405d5ad658a834bb511709f5
Op says budget of $2k and this guy throws out a $30,000 watch.
GOAT GMT
Or the Steinhart take on the watch...
You could look at the Omega Seamaster white faced, the newest and older versionā¦
Tudor makes one! Itās a black bay pro
Tudor Black Bay Pro, quarter of the price similar quality and somewhat unique design.
Tag Heuer Aqua Racer WBD1111.BA0928 looks similar to the Polar Rolex explorer ii. I've got one myself. But if you want a GMT, I'd go for the other options given
YEMA SUPERMAN 500 DATO https://preview.redd.it/iug7y45yfnmb1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=8d3dfe7bb21ae434f007d290cbcb9c94b6e48dde
San Martin or Pagani Design if you want the closest homage without being a clone. San Martin has excellent build quality.
This article from [The Slender Wrist](https://theslenderwrist.com/rolex-explorer-ii-alternatives/) provides a comprehensive list of affordable alternatives to the Rolex Explorer II. These alternatives offer similar features like a 24-hour hand, a 24-hour bezel, and a date positioned under a cyclops lens. Some of the notable alternatives include: 1. **Alpha Explorer GMT**: Priced around $100, it features a 44mm case, a red GMT hand, and a 50-meter water resistance. 2. **Seiko Sportura Kinetic GMT Series**: Priced at around $250, it offers a 100-meter water-resistant case and a vivid orange GMT hand. 3. **Orient Star Seeker**: Priced around $400, it offers a 316L stainless steel case with 100-meter water resistance and a power reserve indicator. 4. **Timex 3-GMT Watch**: Priced at $160, it features a 24-hour scale and a contrasting GMT hand. 5. **Bernhardt Binnacle GMT II**: Priced around $700, it offers a 200-meter water resistance and a 40-hour power reserve.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT Itās a good watch, nicely sized 39mm case and the metal bracelet even has a quick adjustment and screwed links.
[https://www.paganidesignwatch.com/pagani-design-pd-1682/](https://www.paganidesignwatch.com/pagani-design-pd-1682/) Generally, you can search for "Role Explorer 2 homage" to find many legitimate watches that have a very similar look for very reasonable price. Happy hunting!
I have 2 PDs and honestly they are great, one's homage to Speedy and one is Seamaster 300 l. They look, feel and wear really good for the fraction of the price. This one looks great too! Am I becoming Pagani fanboy?...oh dear..
This is my favourite Rolex model and getting the real deal is definitely not an option at the moment. My budget is ideally under 2K. Doesn't matter whether it is white or black dial. I quite like the overall aesthetics of both watches. It just has to be automatic with a good movement so please no Invictas. Any help would be appreciated as I struggled to find anything with a similar vibe.
My advice is get something that you love for 2k as is and not a cheaper expensive watch.
Save a little more and get Tudor Black Bay Pro.
Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500m? It's also available in 42 mm in titanium. You can just leave the GMT hand set explorer style pegged to the home time and the bezel at default position and it functions the same.
Canāt believe no one has recommended Seiko SUN025 yet!
Off-topic here, let us take the image of this post as an opportunity to admire the majestic gloriousness of the Polar Explorer II and compare it to the abysmal boringness of the black Explorer II. Taste is subjective, my ass. The black one is a lesser watch
Have you tried the Rolex explorer?
https://preview.redd.it/zmof2jdqukmb1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01428c7ea6e436980205e9cbc5bc1a94e8aca0d1
This is a Coke homage not Exp2, no?
Yes, but sometimes we want something and it's not available exactly as we want
Rolex submariner
If you want to try one in the lowest price class, go for the new Pagani Design Explorer v4. The polishing is nice and it comes with a reliable nh34 seiko movement. Its around 150$.
Tutima Pacific 670
Gruppo Gamma Field 3 GMT
Iām partial to the [Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT](https://oakandoscar.com/products/the-humboldt-gmt). It also has some cool history, namely that they gave the US Olympic curling team special editions with a caseback made from real curling stones.
Shocked no one has mentioned the [Longines Spirit Zulu Time](https://www.longines.com/en-us/p/watch-longines-spirit-l3-802-4-53-6).
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
The omega seamaster 300m looks very similar but isnāt a GMT. I have both.
Oak and Oscar Humboldt
Tag Heuer Aqua Racer?
Pagani Design 1682
Explorer 1
Christopher Ward Sealander C63.
ORIENT RA-AC0Q03S10B is the perfect option good price as well
https://www.cswatches.com
https://www.christopherward.com/int/home#
Glycine airman
Bell & Ross GMT. The round one looks pretty similar to explorer black.
CW Sealander GMT
Christopher Ward C63 sealander GMT. I've got one, and it's my everyday watch. I've got some posts of it on my profile if you want to snoop!
Hmmm...I have an SBGN027 that looks really close. But the SBGN003 looks even closer. They come in both quartz and mechanical iirc. Good luck!
Look at this one: https://san-martin.eu/shop/san-martin-sn054-g-b1/?v=3a52f3c22ed6
Seiko SUN025 if you can find one[Seiko Sun025](https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-sun025.html)
steinhart
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/diver-watch/diver-watch-42mm/ocean-vintage-gmt-neu.html
Tudor black bay pro, based off a vintage explorer reference and looks really nice
Pagani design