Sea-Dweller 4000 (left) vs  50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller (right)

The arrival of the 50th Anniversary Rolex Sea-Dweller model in 2017 signals a departure from previous model configurations. The model used to share similarities to the Submariner, but now is closer to the Deepsea in case size. However, some aspects of the Sub have made their way onto the Sea-Dweller, giving it an interested cross-section of characteristics from both of Rolex's most popular dive watches.

2017 Sea-Dweller Case Size & Aesthetic Updates

The previous Sea-Dweller 4000 model shared the same 40mm case size as the Submariner. In its new configuration, the case size has been increased to 43mm in diameter, a difference of just 1mm from the 44mm case of the Deepsea. The model name is now colored red, a design element pulled from the original SD model introduced in 1967. Perhaps the most controversial aesthetic update to this model is the addition of the Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock. Some appreciate the magnification while other find the glare distracting and prefer models without the iconic innovation.

Movement, Power Reserve & Pricing

In its 50th Anniversary edition, the Sea-Dweller is powered by a new-generation Calibre 3235, replacing the Calibre 3135 in the previous model. The new self-winding mechanical movement, manufactured by the watchmaker, increases the power reserve from 48 hours to 70 hours. This reserve is greater than both the current Submariner and Deepsea models. These improvements come at a price, though. The previous SD4K had a suggested retail price of 9,900 Swiss francs while this new configuration (Reference # 126600) has a suggested retail price of 10,800 Swiss francs.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Date (left) vs White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (right)

Powered by a 3135 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex, the Submariner Date offers a clean, luminescent display with a Cerachrom bezel that features a 60-minute graduation that allows divers to time their dives. It features a brushed steel Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp that comes with a Glidelock extension system, adding 20 millimeters to the bracelet. This dive watch is waterproof up to 300 meters and has a power reserve of 48 hours.

Featuring a 4130 movement also manufactured in-house by Rolex, the Cosmograph Daytona features a chronograph function and a tachymeter printed on the bezel for keeping pace while on the race track. The white gold model features 18 ct white gold hour markers and hands, with luminescence on the hands. It also features an Oyster bracelet, this one in white gold with polished center links. Its Oysterlock clasp features an Easylink that extends it 5 millimeters for additional comfort. It is waterproof up to a depth of 100 meters and features a power reserve of 72 hours.

Two of the larger sized Rolex models, the cases of the Deepsea (Reference # 116660) and Sky-Dweller (Reference # 326139) measure 44 millimeters and 42 millimeters, respectively. With a thickness of approximately 17.7 millimeters, the Deepsea towers over the 14 millimeter thick Sky-Dweller. I have put together a few photos of the two cases to show their relative size compared to each other and other popular Rolex models, like the Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116509) and Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN), both featuring 40 millimeter cases.

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case (left) and Rolex Deepsea Case (right)

The photo above shows the case of the Sky-Dweller next to the Deepsea's case. The Deepsea looks significantly larger even though the difference between the two in terms of thickness and diameter is only a few millimeters. However, when dealing with wristwatch sizes, a few millimeters can make the difference between a watch that looks great on your wrist and a watch that looks like it's weighing your wrist down.

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller Case (top) and Rolex Deepsea Case (bottom)

In this photo, with one on top of the other, you can clearly see the difference in thickness between the two models. You can also notice the slight difference in color between the Sky-Dweller case, made from 18 carat white gold, and the Deepsea case, made from 904L stainless steel. The bezel and crystal of the Deepsea certainly add thickness to the robust case. In the photo it even looks like the Sky-Dweller is floating above the Deepsea due to the protruding domed crystal.

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (left) and White Gold Daytona (right)

The photo above places the Sky-Dweller's case next to the 40 millimeter case of the white gold Cosmograph Daytona model. The Daytona represents the standard size of the 2016 collection of Rolex professional watches. Just over 12 millimeters thick, it sits lower than the Sky-Dweller on the wrist, with about two millimeters between them.

Rolex Deepsea (top) and Stainless Steel Submariner Date (bottom)

In this final photo, I placed the Deepsea atop the Submariner Date, another watch that measures 40 millimeters and just over 12 millimeters in thickness. The bezel of the Sub makes it a hair thicker than the Daytona, yet it is still dwarfed by the Deepsea case.

It is easy to assume that the Rolex models with larger cases are relatively the same size. However, when you factor in the thickness and the extra millimeters in diameter, there is a big difference between the Deepsea case and that of the Sky-Dweller. The Sky-Dweller is more comparable to the Daytona in terms of size, leaving the Deepsea in a class of its own. The bezels on these models also make a difference in terms of size, with the rotatable ceramic bezels of the dive watches adding to the thickness of the case. Ultimately, it is always a good idea to try on a watch before committing to a purchase, but if your local Authorized Dealer doesn't have one in stock, I hope these photos help you figure out the relative size of each of these models.

SaveSave

Rolex Deepsea Lume

Lume is an abbreviated term for the luminescent material used to distinguish the watch hands and hour markers from the dial in the dark. For the past few years, Rolex has used their Chromalight luminescence, a blue tinted luminescent material shown in the photo above on the Deepsea model. The reason they chose the color blue is that it is the last color distinguishable in the depths of the ocean. Previously, the watchmaker used a green tinted luminescent material called Super-Luminova. The GMT-Master II in the photo below shows the green lume that was used prior to Chromalight.

Rolex GMT-Master II Lume

Super-Luminova is the brand name for the strontium aluminate–based non-radioactive and nontoxic photoluminescent pigments invented in 1993 by Nemoto & Co., Ltd. of Japan. LumiNova pigments replaced radium-based luminescent paints in the watch industry and for other applications, like scientific instruments and signs. The pigments are activated by sun or artificial light to glow for hours at a time. According to speculation on the forums, it is believed that Rolex still uses paints from Nemoto in their Chromalight luminescence, even though it is branded as a proprietary material of the watchmaker. 

Rolex Yacht-Master II Lume

Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II (Left) and White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (Right)

White Gold Rolex Daytona and Sky-Dweller Models Side by Side

The most obvious difference between the two white gold wristwatch models is the size of their cases. The Daytona, on the left in the photo below, features a 40 millimeter case diameter while the Sky-Dweller to the right has a 42 millimeter case. Two millimeters may not sound like much, but the difference in the height of the cases is clearly visible. Another difference that is made clear in this photo is in the design of the bezels. The Daytona has a tachymetric scale printed on its smooth bezel to allow the wearer to time laps around the race track. The Sky-Dweller is equipped with a Ring Command bezel used to choose between the time and date functions.

White Gold Rolex Daytona (Left) and Sky-Dweller (Right)

White Gold Rolex Daytona atop Sky-Dweller

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Submariner 

Rolex Submariner 1953 (left) and 2016 (right)

Aside from the 15 minute marks on the bezel and pencil-shaped hour and minute hands, there is little difference between the original Submariner, released in 1953, and the current 2016 model in terms of aesthetic. Many technical improvements have been made, however, including an improved depth rating of 300 meters from the original's 100 meters. The crystal, movement, bezel and steel have also been upgraded over time to reflect the watchmaker's current patented innovations.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Rolex GMT-Master II 1982 (left) and 2016 (right)

The first GMT-Master II model was introduced in 1982, an improvement upon the GMT-Master that was released in 1955. The first GMT2 featured what has come to be known as the 'Coke' bezel in black and red. Rolex currently offers the stainless steel GMT-Master II model with either a black bezel or the blue and black bezel shown in the photo above, known as the 'BLNR' or 'Batman' by collectors. Aside from the bezel configuration and materials, this model has changed very little in the past thirty years.

Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II 1971 (left) and 2016 (right)

The Explorer II model made its debut in 1971 and, as you can tell from this photo, is still relatively unchanged. The minor adjustments to the aesthetic include the round hour markers, Mercedes hour hand shape, the markings on the stainless steel bezel and the orange lettering of the model name on the dial. The characteristic orange 24-hour hand of this model remains unchanged, even on the white dial configuration that has become popular in the past few years.

Rolex Milgauss

Rolex Milguass 1956 (left) and 2016 (right)

The Milgauss model was designed specifically for scientists and engineers in 1956 to help protect the movement from magnetic fields. The name combines the French term for a thousand with the word gauss, a unit of magnetic induction. It retains the signature lightning bolt seconds hand, but the current model is perhaps the most divergent from the original of this group. It now features a smooth steel bezel with green and orange accents on the dial.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 1963 (left) and 2016 (right)

The most coveted model on this list, the 2016 Daytona model features a black bezel and white dial configuration more similar to the 1965 Daytona than the original 1963 version pictured above. However, this iconic chronograph is still evocative of the era in which is first appeared. Popularized by actor and race car driver Paul Newman, the Daytona model features a tachymeter used to measure a driver's average speed around the racetrack.

For more information on the original model configurations, visit the Rolex History page and check out the historical timeline featuring original model release dates and other historical events that contributed to the legacy of the watchmaker. For more information on the current models including model comparisons, click on Rolex Models. 

Rolex Yacht-Master II 44mm case on left, Submariner Date's 40mm case on right

In this photo, I placed the Yacht-Master II's 44mm case next to the Submariner Date's 40mm case. The Sub is the model that most people have seen based on its popularity, so this photo gives you a good idea of how much larger the 44mm case of the YM2 is.

Rolex Explorer II 42mm case on left, Submariner Date 40mm case on right

Rolex Deepsea 44mm case on left, Submariner Date 40mm case right

Stainless Steel Rolex Yacht-Master II vs Submariner Date Cases Side by Side

With functionalities tailored to the needs of seafarers and divers, the stainless steel versions of Rolex's Yacht-Master II (Reference # 116680) and Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) are ideal for anyone who spends time above or below the ocean's surface. The Yacht-Master II is designed as a skipper's watch, with a regatta timer, large nautical dial and a Cerachrom bezel insert. The Submariner in the quintessential dive watch with a 60-minute unidirectional graduated bezel also made from Rolex's Cerachrom ceramic and a depth rating of 300 meters.

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner has a long legacy as the world's favorite dive watch. The reference shown above features a 40mm stainless steel case that houses a 3135 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex in-house. In addition to the graduated bezel that allows divers to tell how long they have been underwater, it also has a date aperture at 3 o'clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens affixed to its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its 300 meter depth rating is surpassed only by Rolex's Deepsea and Sea-Dweller models.

Rolex Yacht-Master II and Submariner Date Cases

The Yacht-Master II model appeared on the scene in 2007 and features a unique complication designed to aid skippers in keeping accurate time during yacht races. The regatta timer can be set to countdown up to ten minutes and has a flyback function that allows the user to synchronize the timer with the official countdown of the race. The 44mm case of the YM2 is one of the largest Rolex offers and features a ceramic Ring Command Bezel that rotates to allow the wearer to access the timer function. Fitted with a 4161 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by Rolex, it has a power reserve of 72 hours, 24 hours more than the Sub Date's power reserve.

While both stainless steel configurations come with Oyster bracelets, the center links of the Yacht-Master II's bracelet are polished while the Submariner Date's are brushed. The inner clasp of the Submariner is sandblasted and the YM2's is polished, shown in the photo below side by side. The Oysterlock clasp on the Sub comes with a Glidelock extension system that increases the length of the bracelet by 20mm in 2mm increments. The Yacht-Master II's Oysterlock clasp comes with an Easylink that increases the length of the bracelet by 5mm for additional comfort. As you can see in the photos, the Submariner's Glidelock increases the length of the clasp, something to consider if you have a small wrist.

Inner Clasp of Rolex Submariner Date vs Yacht-Master II

Perhaps the main difference between these two professional nautical watches is the price. The stainless steel Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) retails for 8,100 Swiss francs or approximately $8,196 US while the stainless Yacht-Master II model (Reference # 116680) retails for 17,800 Swiss francs for approximately $18,112 US. With a price difference of over $10,000, the decision would come down to price for most people. Size would also be a determining factor, as the YM2's 44mm case may sit too large for small to midsize wrists. However, the significant increase in price for a precious metal Yacht-Master II configuration makes the stainless steel configuration more attainable for anyone who prefers its design aesthetic and functionality.

Rolex Submariner Date and Yacht-Master II Side by Side

For additional information about the Submariner, check out my previous post about the popular LV configuration of this model here. To check out the Yacht-Master II in depth, take a look at this post featuring the two-tone configuration. If you are looking for more model comparisons, click here.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Explorer II vs Submariner Date Cases Side by Side

Perhaps two of the most popular stainless steel professional models amongst Rolex enthusiasts, the Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) and Explorer II (Reference # 216570) offer similar sporty aesthetics but different bezels and functionalities. The Explorer II has a 24-hour hand and 24-hour fixed bezel while the Submariner features a unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel in Cerachrom, Rolex's patented ceramic bezel insert. Both of the configurations in the photo above (Explorer II on left, Sub on right) are made from 904L stainless steel and feature black dials.

Since 2011, the Rolex Explorer II model has come with a 42mm case, slightly larger than the Submariner and GMT-Master II models and slightly smaller than the Deepsea and Yacht-Master II models. Like the GMT, it features a 24-hour hand and 24-hour bezel that allows the wearer to set the time of two locations on one watch. However, the Explorer II features a fixed brushed steel bezel, not the bi-directional ceramic bezel found on GMT models. The clear display of the Explorer II, including larger hour and minute hands than the Submariner, makes it very legible as compared to other professional models. It is equipped with a 3187 movement that is manufactured completely in-house by Rolex.

Rolex Submariner Date Case Atop Explorer II Case

The Submariner model was introduced in 1953 and soon became one of the most recognizable Rolex models in the world. The current reference features a 40mm case and 3135 movement manufactured by the watchmaker. Like the Explorer II, the Submariner Date model shown above has a date aperture at 3 o'clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens. The main function of the Submariner is that of a professional dive watch, so its depth rating is substantially higher than the Explorer II's. The Sub is waterproof up to 300 meters, the Exp2 to 100 meters. Both watches have a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

Another similarity between the watches is their satin finished Oyster bracelets with polished edges. However, when it comes to the clasp there is a difference between the two. The Explorer II has an Oysterlock clasp with an Easylink that extends the bracelet by 5mm. The Sub's Oysterlock clasp comes with the Glidelock extension system that allows the wearer to extend the bracelet an additional 20mm by 2mm increments. This allows divers to wear their Submariners over their thick wetsuits when diving in colder waters.

Rolex Explorer II Oysterlock Clasp (left) and Submariner Date's Oysterlock Clasp with Glidelock (right)

The suggested retail price for the stainless steel Rolex Explorer II (Reference # 216570) is 7,700 Swiss francs or approximately $8,073 USD. This model also features a white dial configuration that is commonly known as the 'Polar' explorer. The Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) retails for 8,100 Swiss francs or approximately $8,503 USD. It is also available with a green bezel and dial combination known as the 'Hulk' which retails for 500 Swiss francs more than the LN shown above.

Rolex Submariner Date vs GMT-Master II Model Comparison

Rolex's Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) and GMT-Master II (Reference # 116710LN) models are the watchmaker's most popular professional wristwatch models and also the most similar. From a distance, the only way to really tell them apart is by the numbers on the bezel and the polished/brushed center links. However, their main difference lies in their complications: the GMT has a 24-hour hand and bezel, the Submariner a 60-minute graduated bezel.

The Submariner model was introduced in 1953 and was the first dive watch with a depth rating of 100 meters. The current model, shown in the photo above to the left of the GMT-Master II, has a depth rating of 300 meters. It is equipped with a Calibre 3130 manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel features a black Cerachrom ceramic insert that is virtually scratch-proof.

Rolex Submariner Date Case on GMT-Master II Case

The bezel of the GMT-Master II also features a black Cerachrom bezel insert, but this bezel is bi-directional with a 24-hour display instead of the 60 minute display. The green 24-hour or GMT hand can be set to GMT time, allowing the wearer to quickly and easily switch from one time zone to another with a turn of the bezel in either direction. The GMT2 contains a 3186 movement also manufactured in-house by Rolex with a power reserve of 48 hours. This timepiece was designed as a pilot's watch in the 1950s and still represents the simplest and most useful watch for travelers in Rolex's professional watch line.

Both watches feature Mercedes hour hands and Chromalight hour markers on their dials. Both cases measure 40 millimeters and are made from 904L stainless steel. They both come with Oyster bracelets, the Sub's in brushed steel and the GMT2's with polished center links. As you can see in the photo below, the Submariner's Oysterlock clasp is longer than the GMT-Master II's due to the Glidelock extension system that extends the bracelet by 20 millimeters. The GMT2 comes with an Easylink extension link that adds an additional 5 millimeters to its length.

Submariner's Brushed Steel Bracelet above the GMT-Master II's Bracelet w/ Polished Center Links

Aside from their functionality and the differences listed above, the Submariner Date and GMT-Master II models are virtually indistinguishable in their stainless steel and black configurations. The price difference between these two references is minimal, with the Submariner Date going for 8,100 Swiss francs (approximately $8,196 USD) and the GMT-Master II at 8,000 Swiss francs ($8,095 USD).

Aside from the LN (black bezel) configurations used for this comparison, Rolex offers the Submariner Date with a green bezel and dial combination (Reference # 116610LV) that is commonly referred to as the 'Hulk' and the GMT-Master II with a blue and black bezel (Reference # 116710BLNR) that is known as the 'Batman' amongst Rolex enthusiasts. For additional information on these two models, including where to buy them, visit rolex.com.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Yacht-Master II v Deepsea Case Comparison

Rolex's Yacht-Master II and Deepsea models are both large professional watches designed for timekeeping above and below the surface of the ocean. The stainless steel versions shown above (Deepsea Reference # 116660 and Yacht-Master II Reference # 116680) are similar in size but feature different functionalities and price points.

Both the Rolex Deepsea and Yacht-Master II come with a 44 mm case, with the Deepsea's case standing higher due to its Ringlock Case Architecture. The Ringlock system and Helium Escape Valve help give the Deepsea a depth rating of 3,900 meters. The Yacht-Master II features a depth rating of 100 meters. Both models come with a Triplock winding crown. The photo below shoes the Deepsea's case on the left with the YM2 case on the right.

Rolex Deepsea and Yacht-Master II Cases Side by Side

The Yacht-Master II is equipped with a Calibre 4161 manufactured by Rolex in-house that features a regatta timer that allows one to set a 10 minute countdown with a flyback function to synchronize with the official countdown of a yacht race. For information on how to operate the regatta timer, take a look at my previous post on how to set the regatta chronograph.

The functionality of the Deepsea, equipped with a 3135 movement also manufactured by Rolex in-house, is tailored to the needs of professional divers. It features a unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel that allows the wearer to track their time underwater during a dive. It also has a small date aperture at 3 o'clock without the Cyclops magnifying lens that usually appears over the date on other Rolex models.

Rolex Deepsea and Yacht-Master II Models Side by Side

Both models come with a stainless steel Oyster bracelets, the Deepsea's with all brushed steel links and the Yacht-Master II's with polished center links. Both of their clasps come with Fliplock extension systems, but the Deepsea's also comes with the Glidelock extension system, giving it an additional 20 mm of length at 2 mm increments. The Yacht-Master II's clasp has an Easylink that adds 5 mm to the length of the bracelet.

These aesthetic of these models differ greatly, with the Deepsea resembling a classic dive watch and the Yacht-Master II offering a bold and colorful nautical design. It is safe to assume that not everyone who purchases the Deepsea is a professional diver and not every Yacht-Master II owner participates in yacht races. So, while their functionalities differ, it is more likely that the purchase of one of these timepieces is based on legacy, aesthetic, price and personal preference.

The suggested retail price for the stainless steel Rolex Deepsea (Reference # 116660) shown in the photos above is 11,500 Swiss francs, or approximately $11,701 USD. The stainless steel Rolex Yacht-Master II (Reference # 116680) in this comparison goes for 17,800 Swiss francs or approximately $18,112 USD. For more information on either one of these models, visit rolex.com.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Deepsea (ref 116660) vs Panerai Luminor 1950 (PAM233)

If you're looking for a large stainless steel dive watch priced under $15,000 US, you have most likely come across the 44mm Rolex Deepsea and the Panerai Luminor 8 Days GMT, also with a 44 mm case. These timepieces are similar in size and material, but differ in functionality and aesthetic.

The Deepsea features a self-winding 3135 movement manufactured by Rolex with a power reserve of 48 hours. The PAM233 is equipped with a manually-wound P.2002 movement manufactured by Panerai. It has a power reserve of 8 days, though it can go 10 days without being wound according to the forums.

Rolex Deepsea vs Panerai PAM 233 Case Comparison

As the name indicates, the PAM233 features a GMT hand that allows the wearer to set the time in two locations at once. It has a date aperture at 3 o'clock, a power reserve display above 6 o'clock and a sub-dial at 9 o'clock with the seconds and am/pm. The case features the crown protector that this model is known for and a domed crystal visible in the photo above. The depth rating for this model is 100 meters.

The Deepsea also features a domed crystal and a date aperture at 3 o'clock. With a graduated 60-minute unidirectional Cerachrom bezel, it allows divers to monitor their time underwater. The depth rating on this model is 3,9000 meters - a significant difference for those looking to use the dive watch for its intended purpose.

Rolex Deepsea vs Panerai PAM233 Side by Side

The PAM233 comes with a calf leather strap (shown in photo with a Panerai brown/beige calf leather strap) while the Deepsea features a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. The Deepsea adheres to Rolex's classic dive watch aesthetic while the Luminor has more of an old-world flair in its design. The Luminor 1950 case in unique with its brushed and polished steel and the domed crystal.

The Rolex Deepsea retails for approximately $11,831 US and the Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days GMT goes for $12,300. With a difference of only about $500, the purchase decision would come down to the aesthetic and functionality. The Deepsea represents the modern dive watch with all the bells and whistles and the PAM233 offers a vintage look and feel in a contemporary timepiece.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS

Rolex Explorer II and GMT-Master II Side by Side

Although it shares a name with the original Explorer model, the Explorer II photographed above (reference # 216570) looks and functions more like a GMT-Master II (reference # 116710LN). I have placed the watches side by side for a comparison of their design, functionality and price. There are slight differences in these stainless steel models that could affect your purchase decision, depending on what you are looking for in a wristwatch.

Rolex Explorer II and GMT-Master II Case Comparison

The first and most obvious difference between the two models is the size of their cases. The Explorer II's case measures 42mm, slightly larger than the 40mm case of the GMT-Master II, as shown in the photo above. The Explorer II is fitted with a 3187 movement, a larger and thicker version of the 3186 movement found in the GMT. Both have a 48 hour power reserve.

Rolex Explorer II and GMT-Master II Bezel Comparison

Another notable difference between the two models is the style and function of the bezel. The Explorer II has a fixed bezel with a 24-hour display on it. In contrast, the GMT-Master II has a bi-directional 24-hour bezel made from Rolex's Cerachrom ceramic. The bi-directional bezel of the GMT-Master II allows the wearer to set the 24-hour hand to GMT time once and then simply rotate the bezel to set the time to another time zone. With the Explorer II, one would have to set the 24-hour hand again using the crown to change to another time zone.

Rolex Explorer II and GMT-Master II Bracelet and Clasp Comparison

Both the Explorer II and GMT-Master II come with an Oysterlock clasp equipped with an Easylink comfort extension link, which allows the wearer to extend the bracelet by 5mm for additional comfort without adding another link to the bracelet. Both are equipped with Oyster bracelets, but the center links of the GMT-Master II are polished, giving them a visible contrast with the satin finished outer links. The links of the Explorer II's bracelet have a uniform satin finish.

Aside from the ceramic bezel, the GMT-Master II also differs from the Explorer II in the color and style of the 24-hour hand. On the GMT it comes in green with an arrowhead shape. The Explorer II 24-hour hand comes in orange in the same shape as the original model introduced in 1971. Another difference between the two is the color options for the dial: unlike the GMT-Master II, the Explorer II is available with a white dial in addition to the black dial shown in these photos.

Rolex Explorer II and GMT-Master II Side by Side

The suggested retail price for the 42mm Explorer II is 7,700 Swiss Francs, approximately $8,073.40 US based on current exchange rates. The stainless steel GMT-Master II currently goes for 8,000 Swiss Francs, or $8,387.94 US.

The ultimate decision between the Explorer II and GMT-Master II comes down to size and utility. A 42mm wristwatch like the Explorer II  is a good value for those who are looking for a larger  stainless steel wristwatch. However, a frequent flyer who would actually use the second time zone feature often may be more inclined to purchase the GMT based on the bi-directional ceramic bezel.

>>BACK TO MODEL COMPARISONS