Rolex Explorer IIvsTrafford Watch Co Touring GMT

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Rolex Explorer II at true scale

Explorer II

Trafford Watch Co Touring GMT at true scale

Touring GMT

Diameter

42mm

39mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

46mm

Thickness

n/a

12mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

70h

highest

42h

MSRP

$10,600

$899

lowest

Movement

3285

Miyota 9075

Case

7 specs
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
n/a
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
46mm
Lug Width
n/a
n/a
Material
Oystersteel
316L Stainless Steel
Finish
n/a
Hardened scratch-resistant coating
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Exhibition

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
n/a
Dial Color
Black
Bluebird Blue
Indices
Index
n/a
Lume
Chromalight
Super-LumiNova BGW9

Movement

7 specs
Caliber
3285
Miyota 9075
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
70h
42 hoursh
Jewels
34
24
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
GMT, Date
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$10,600
$899
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Rolex Explorer II

Owners widely praise the Rolex Explorer II for its high-contrast, legible polar dial with matte, textured finishing and its understated, classic, toolish aesthetic. Its clean lume, legibility, and ease of reading are also frequently noted. Some owners find the bracelet incredibly comfortable. Accuracy is reported as excellent, with one owner noting +/- 1 second per day. The 42mm case size is a point of contention, with some finding it too large and others appreciating its "big boy watch" suitability for everyday wear. The bezel is noted as easily scratched, and some criticize the lack of a Glidelock clasp. One owner dislikes the magnified date window for being difficult to read at angles. Overall, owners rate the Rolex Explorer II highly for its legible dial and comfortable bracelet, despite some debate over its 42mm size.

From video reviewers

The fixed 24-hour bezel and independent GMT hand provide practical dual-time functionality. The 42mm Oystersteel case is noted for versatile wearability. Reviewers disagree on the watch's sizing, with some finding it awkward and others stating it wears well.

Trafford Watch Co Touring GMT

Owners widely praise the Trafford Watch Co Touring GMT for its great finishing, fun designs, and nice dials, with one owner calling it their favorite watch worn daily for a year without stopping. The watch features a flyer GMT function and a unique inner bezel, and its designer incorporated community input. One owner notes a domed crystal cracked after a short drop, and some find the watch has a "chonky boi vibe on the wrist but in a good way." On balance, owners rate the Trafford Watch Co Touring GMT highly for its fun designs and community-driven development.

From video reviewers

The Trafford Watch Co Touring GMT's unique GMT function offers an alternative way to use the feature. The micro-adjust system on the bracelet is a convenient feature for fine-tuning the fit. The watch lacks specific details on its performance, accuracy, or movement caliber, making it difficult to compare it to other GMT watches.

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