Rolex

I've got a tough choice to make, well to me it is, although there are those around me who don't understand the complexities, so I'm reaching out to anyone who can help with input so that my choice becomes easier. I'm in the process of choosing my first Rolex (yes, I think I'm finally going to make that plunge)...and the choices have been narrowed down to an Explorer II (white dial) and a Milgauss (black dial). I've tried both on for size and both are comfortable and have their points (or lack of it) individually. What I lack would be long term ownership and wrist time experience...what would the different points you would be looking at with both these models, to help you decide? Any input and help is appreciated

Cheers,
Richard

A simple choice as fas as I am concerned, the Milgauss would be my favorite. Try to get the one with the green saphire if possible.

Of course, I'm sure that other will say the Explorer and they will no doubt have good reasons.

Regards

George

Thanks. Would your choice be because of aesthetics, or is there something else that makes you prefer the Milgauss over the Explorer? I agree that the green crystal looks better too.

 

Richard

The Aesthetics basically, but I am told that a new Explorer is under way so maybe its new aesthetics may change my mind.

The Milgauss is alos a tad bigger and I have developped a preference for larger watches.

Best

 

George

Actually, both the Milgauss and the Explorer 2 are 40mm.  They may look a bit different in size but its mostly due to the difference in apprearance, Ex2 has crown guards and thicker bezel and brushed finish vs polished.  But overall they feel about the same on the wrist.

A few differences to keep in mind, the Ex2 gives a date and a second time zone if you travel, vs the antimagnetic qualties of the Milgauss.  If you don't travel much or care about having a date window, then it really comes down to looks.

Also, the Ex2 has a mostly brushed finish which looks a little more subtle.  In addition, the brushed finish hides scratches really well, while the polished surfaces on the Milgauss show every finger print, scratch, scuff mark etc.  I've had several Rolex watches over the years, and my older ones including a black dial Ex2 all have the brushed finish which is easier to live with and which I prefer to the polished parts on newer watches.  However, I would not let that make the decision for me if I really wanted the Milgauss.

As an owner of an Ex2 for more than 8 years,  I can say its been very reliable and I have enjoyed owning it.  I hope to add a Milgauss to my collection at some point, as its also a really nice watch.   

Best regards,

Dino 

Thanks, Dino. Very insightful, and I didn't think too much about hiding the scratches until you mentioned it. I'm getting closer to my decision, and I think that when I try them on again soon enough, it will be just that slightly easier to choose

Richard

Hi Richard,

I'm glad that my ownership experiences were usefull to you.  I think the best thing to do is try them on and see which one really makes you smile. 

I think if I were going to get a Milgauss I would probably choose the Black dial with green crystal.  I may someday add one to my small collection, but part of me thinks it may be a bit duplicative of my Explorer 1. 

You will get good use from either watch.  I think the Milgauss looks a bit dressier (with its polished bezel, lugs, and center bracelet links), but I've worn my Ex2 with suits and that looks fine also.  While I like the solid bracelet links of the Milgauss, I do wish they were a brushed finish (like on the old vintage Milgauss 1019) so they did not show every finger print and scratch.  I learned that the shiny surfaces show every mark after a few months of wearing my first SS Daytona.  But for some people its not a big deal.

Both are great choices, so no matter which you choose I'm sure you will be happy.

Best regards,

Dino

As I'm so used to looking at my watch when I need to check today date.
Keep in mind, very likely Rolex will launch a new Explorer II. So you can wait to see if you like the new model or not.

LOL! I wouldn't have this choice to make then, if I could afford to get both

...it would be the Milgauss.  In fact, I've come very close to pulling the trigger on a white dial on more than one occasion (I still might at some point.).  It's super comfortable on the wrist, and has the good looks, legibility, and touch of whimsy (Lightning second hand!) that I like to see in a watch.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Daos

That's exactly the same points I like about the Milgauss, especially the lightning second hand...the black face does appeal to me a little more though...can't say I like the orange-white combination of the white faced one.

As mentioned above. The explorer II is a great beater & travel watch as it is not at all formal because of the dial & red gmt hand & numbers on the bezel. Where as the milgauss is a really nice & dressy daily watch.

You need to decide whether you want a dressy general watch or a beater watch. Both are nice but serve different puproses.

I have the milgauss gv & love it as a fancy beater watch. I would do things while wearing it that I would not do with my AP RO & Panerai pam312 for example.

I did own an Exp II for a few years and I would say it is the most comfortable watch Ive ever worn.
I do have a few Rolexes (all sport models) a few pams, AP etc. to compare it with.  I am about to get a GV Milgauss in a weeks time because it was unfinished business for me. Anyway, Ive worn the Millgauss for a while and I would still say this, the Exp II is the most comfortable watch Ive ever worn.........