The Most Underrated Rolex Timepieces

The Most Underrated Rolex Timepiece - The Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II is probably the most underrated Rolex Timepiece on the market today.  Most collectors go straight for the Submariner, Daytona, and the GMT Master.  However the Explorer II has both an incredible history in horological lore, and is extremely well designed.  It has all of the features of the GMT-Master II, yet can be purchased at a discount used since it loses value almost instantly after purchase.

That said, picking up one of these fantastic pieces for around  8k list or 6k-7k aftermarket each is not something to be ashamed of by any stretch of the imagination.  It has a beautiful 24 hour bezel.  The 24 hour orange hand provides access to a 2nd timezone similar to the GMT-Master II.

The base features are extensive.  The highly luminescent hands and hour markers makes it very readable both day and night.  The date window with cyclops lens at 3 o'clock provides a highly visable and useful date notation.  We have a great choice between either a black or white dial.  Both are beautiful.  The strength of this unit - utilizing 904L steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal allows for owners to do climbing and almost any other activity without doing much damage.

It has a more beefy 42 mm dial.  The only drawback of this unit is that the calibre has not been upgraded just yet.  It still has a powerful calibre 3187 with a Parachrom hairspring oscillator and 48 hours of power reserve.  Submariner aficionado's might complain about the depth of this timepiece when diving, but at 330 feet of waterproofness, this timepiece would be able to work well for most casual swimmers, snorkelers and the like.

The 2nd Most Underrated Rolex Timepiece - The Yachtmaster

The Yacht-Master is treated as if it was the step-child of the Yacht-Master II, when it is probably one of the most beautiful Rolex timepieces made today.  Above you can see the three Yacht Master Models - one in White Gold, Everose Gold and the Platinum and Oystersteel version.

The new 42 mm Yacht-Master white gold version pictured above gives a slightly larger and more substantial feel to a nearly perfect timepiece.  It has the look of steel but the distinct lustre and luxury of white gold.  The Everose gold version is stunning in almost every detail.  Both of these models feature the Rolex Oysterflex fitted with a Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension system.

The final model combines both a steel bracelet with a combo steel and platinum case.  This one will wear well with nearly any situation and is more diminutive in its appearance.  If you want to enjoy your luxury timepiece while flying under the radar, this is the ultimate Rolex to go with.

All three models are fitted with the new 3235 calibre movement which features the new 70 hours of power reserve.  They also support waterproofness at 330 feet of depth.

The three models retail for around $28,000, but can be purchased after market for less.  It is a purely wearable masterpiece of a timepiece.  Although collectors may pass this one by and give the love to the Submariner, Daytona and GMT-Master, you can't go wrong with owning one of these beautiful timepieces.