Side by side

Rolex Explorer IIvsVaer G2 Pacific GMT

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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 and understated, classic toolish aesthetic, with some noting excellent accuracy around +/- 1 second per day. The bracelet is described as incredibly comfortable, and the lume is clean and stunning. However, the 42mm case size is a point of contention, with some finding it too large or flashy, while others appreciate its practical, tool-y nature or consider it a comfortable everyday wear. The bezel is noted as easily scratched, and some dislike the magnified date window for its readability at angles and aesthetic clutter. Availability at authorized dealers varies, with some experiencing long wait times and others finding immediate availability. Overall, owners rate the Rolex Explorer II highly for its legibility and understated tool watch aesthetic, despite some reservations about its 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.

Vaer G2 Pacific GMT

Owners widely praise the Vaer G2 Pacific GMT for its value, balancing quality, design, and wearability at its price point. One owner notes the dial can appear cloudy at certain angles. The watch utilizes a Swiss Ronda quartz GMT movement for reliable multi-time zone timekeeping. On balance, owners rate the Vaer G2 Pacific GMT highly for its overall value proposition.

From video reviewers

The USA assembly and accessible price point are key strengths. Reviewers noted the bezel action.

At a glance

20 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Explorer II42mm
G2 Pacific GMT39mm
Power Reserve
Explorer II70h
G2 Pacific GMT
Water Resistance
Explorer II100m
G2 Pacific GMT150m
MSRP
Explorer II$10,600
G2 Pacific GMT$399

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
10.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
Lug Width
20mm
Material
Oystersteel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
150m
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Dial Color
Black
Steel
Indices
Index
Lume
Chromalight
None

Movement

8 specs
Caliber
3285
Ronda 515 GMT
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
70h
0h
Jewels
34
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
GMT, Date
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$10,600
$399
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