5-digit vs 6-digit Explorer II - keep both or sell one?

KeithS · Nov 13, 2025

I got a text yesterday from a local Rolex AD saying the Explorer II I had requested was now available and ready for pick up. I was definitely surprised as I couldn't recall having registered interest in an Explorer II. But the FOMO quickly kicked in and I decided I'd better at least go take a look at it and try it on. I was half expecting this to be some sort of mix up, but when I showed up this evening, a sales lady brought out an Explorer II and the slip of paper I had apparently filled out way back in the fall of 2023. Having the unfortunate tendency to be rather impulsive when it comes to new watches, I ended up buying the watch.

Here's my dilemma - I guess I got impatient and bought a 5-digit Explorer II only a few months after having put myself on the waitlist for the new 6-digit reference. So now I need to decide whether to sell one of the Explorer II's (and if so, which one) or if maybe I should just keep both. I like the red GMT hand and case proportions more on the 5-digit Explorer II, but the bracelet is crap and I keep needing to demagnetize the movement. The new 6-digit Explorer II is a little chunky and very shiny, but the bracelet is 100x better and magnetization won't be an issue - plus I'll be the first and only owner which is nice. Despite some obvious differences, however, I feel like they are probably too similar to both stay in my modestly-sized collection. But then again, the Explorer II is one of my favorite model lines from any watch brand, so maybe they could both stay...

Thoughts?

Dan S · Nov 13, 2025

The 6-digit model doesn't appeal to me at all, TBH. It looks oversized and a bit cheap, like an Invicta. The feelings about the bracelet are also interesting, I have a feeling that people have gotten accustomed to overkill when it comes to bracelets. But then, I prefer lighter vintage bracelets, so our tastes are probably wildly different.

I suspect that things will turn around pretty soon, and the arms race to larger watches and heavier, chunkier bracelets will reverse.

alam · Nov 14, 2025

The 6-digit EII (Polar) was the only Rolex that caught my attention when the new, larger-case generation of models started to debut. I liked the new design of the new, 42mm EII a lot, specially the larger GMT hand. My attraction was driven by just looking at online photos as I never had the opportunity to see one in the flesh and, at one point I considered a trade giving up my 39mm EII for the new model - but now that I can see both models next to each other, I'm glad that a trade never came to fruition - those additional 3mm really killed any attraction I had for this model. This is a good example to have a watch on your wrist before buying. My thoughts? I'd say keep both until you decide which model is the right one for you - time will tell.

ErichKeane · Nov 14, 2025

I have JUST the 6 digit, and love it, with a vast preference for it over the 5 digit. I disagree with Dan, but of course, to each their own!

That said: I'd suggest keeping both for a 'while' and seeing what you end up wearing. I have found that watches that SEEM similar will often fit my mood differently, and I'll end up wearing them in different situations.

You might find yourself picking them on different days/having preference for them differently, at which point: maybe having both is beneficial to you!

Alternatively, you might just find a vast preference for 1 vs the other.

Side note: WHAT are you actually doing that requires a frequent demag? I don't think I've EVER had a mag problem with my watches...

pdxleaf · Nov 14, 2025

The 5 digit looks like it was drawn with a fine ink pen, whereas the 6 digit looks like it was drawn with a magic marker.

KeithS · Nov 14, 2025

Dan S
I suspect that things will turn around pretty soon, and the arms race to larger watches and heavier, chunkier bracelets will reverse.

Having spent a lot of time reading various watch forums, it seems like the average watch collector wants a smaller watch without a date complication, preferribly something vintage. From spending time with people my age who are just starting to look at getting a nice watch (which will probably be their only nice watch), it seems like the modern bigger, shinnier watches with a date are much more popular. I can't see a substantial portion of the watch buying public opting for less substantial bracelets any time soon.

ErichKeane
Side note: WHAT are you actually doing that requires a frequent demag? I don't think I've EVER had a mag problem with my watches...

No idea. The only other watch I've had to demagnetize in the past was a Speedmaster with a 1863 movement after setting it on a laptop overnight. My Explorer II randomly ends up getting magnetized every couple of months.

pdxleaf
The 5 digit looks like it was drawn with a fine ink pen, whereas the 6 digit looks like it was drawn with a magic market.

That's actually a pretty good simile.

Dan S · Nov 14, 2025

KeithS
From spending time with people my age who are just starting to look at getting a nice watch (which will probably be their only nice watch), it seems like the modern bigger, shinnier watches with a date are much more popular. I can't see a substantial portion of the watch buying public opting for less substantial bracelets any time soon.

We'll see, I guess, but I don't think that luxury watch trends are driven by people just getting into watches who will own only one nice watch. I think it's already apparent that the trend towards larger chunkier watches has reversed, but it remains to be seen how far the backlash will go.

dsio · Nov 14, 2025

I'm not a fan of the 5 digit at all, with the exception of the early Panna dial cream explorers with tritium, they's so interesting that they're hard to go past and very unique being a Rolex mistake, but the generic 5-digit polar doesn't feel special, especially compared to the 6 digit imo.

KeithS · Nov 14, 2025

Dan S
We'll see, I guess, but I don't think that luxury watch trends are driven by people just getting into watches who will own only one nice watch. I think it's already apparent that the trend towards larger chunkier watches has reversed, but it remains to be seen how far the backlash will go.

I guess I don’t know who makes up a larger percent of new watch sales per any given year, the people who are buying their first and possibly only fancy watch to celebrate/commemorate something, or collectors who buy multiple new watches every year. But if Omega’s response, or lack thereof, to brand enthusiasts’ requests for things like thinner watches without helium escape valves is any indication, I’d imagine it’s the former group.

Dan S · Nov 14, 2025

KeithS
I guess I don’t know who makes up a larger percent of new watch sales per any given year, the people who are buying their first and possibly only fancy watch to celebrate/commemorate something, or collectors who buy multiple new watches every year. But if Omega’s response, or lack thereof, to brand enthusiasts’ requests for things like thinner watches without helium escape valves is any indication, I’d imagine it’s the former group.

Pretty sure we were talking about Rolex, not Omega. They're not in the same conversation. ::facepalm1::

KeithS · Nov 14, 2025

Dan S
Pretty sure we were talking about Rolex, not Omega. They're not in the same conversation.

Rolex and Omega are definitely interchangeable in this discussion. Example: But if Rolex’s response, or lack thereof, to brand enthusiasts’ requests for things like smaller diameter watches without date magnifiers is any indication, I’d imagine it’s the former group. That, and you said "luxury watch trends", not "Rolex watch trends." Is Omega not a very large luxury watch brand?

::facepalm1::

Dan S · Nov 14, 2025

KeithS
Rolex and Omega are definitely interchangeable in this discussion. Example: But if Rolex’s response, or lack thereof, to brand enthusiasts’ requests for things like smaller diameter watches without date magnifiers is any indication, I’d imagine it’s the former group. That, and you said "luxury watch trends", not "Rolex watch trends." Is Omega not a very large luxury watch brand?

OK, now I feel stupid because you are obviously trolling me. Rolex and Omega interchangeable. Omega a luxury brand. Give me a break. They are not in the same category and their marketing approach and product development couldn't be more different. Carry on with the silliness, I will move along.

Incidentally, Rolex does make a 36mm Oyster Perpetual with no cyclops.

Davidt · Nov 15, 2025

For me the 6 digit E2 is the epitome of modern watch’s growing too large and the proportions being all wrong. This can be levied at many 6 digit Rolex but the E2 takes the biscuit.

It has no refinement or class to me, whereas the 5 digit has those perfect, timeless proportions.

vibe · Nov 16, 2025

EII is an oddball of a watch (my opinion). I can certainly see the appeal though and I prefer the black dial 5 digit personally. I do like the 6 digit redesign but it would have been so much better at 39-40mm. The bigger hands and increased legibility were a good move but it is huge. The bezel (and everything else) is so much better on the 1655.

spacemission · Tues. 2:43am

It's a dilemma that only you can resolve. At least you haven't bought a rolex 1655, a dispensable reference in my opinion.

vibe · Wed. 12:47am

@spacemission 1655 would make sense if it wasn’t so crazy expensive. I get it, they are rare and difficult to find in top condition, but there are a lot of really great watches out there for $25K.

Fallout Boy · Wed. 2:24am

Apart from the size, "swiss-made" models/dials would be more dispensable for me than tritium models.
I still love mine,

with the greenish lume.

This 6 digit monster is similar to the change von the S-class design 1991 from type 126 to 140.

Knebo · Wed. 2:43am

ErichKeane
I have JUST the 6 digit, and love it, with a vast preference for it over the 5 digit. I disagree with Dan, but of course, to each their own!

That said: I'd suggest keeping both for a 'while' and seeing what you end up wearing. I have found that watches that SEEM similar will often fit my mood differently, and I'll end up wearing them in different situations.

You might find yourself picking them on different days/having preference for them differently, at which point: maybe having both is beneficial to you!

Alternatively, you might just find a vast preference for 1 vs the other.

Side note: WHAT are you actually doing that requires a frequent demag? I don't think I've EVER had a mag problem with my watches...

I think this is sound advice.

Try both and then decide.

It's just a personal decision. For what it's worth, my personal preference is the 5-digit. The 6-digit is vastly too bulky for me.

spacemission · Wed. 8:57am

vibe
@spacemission 1655 would make sense if it wasn’t so crazy expensive. I get it, they are rare and difficult to find in top condition, but there are a lot of really great watches out there for $25K.

The rolex 1655 has been dispensable since rolex launched it. The rolex 1675 was much more useful.

ErichKeane · Wed. 9:07am

dsio
I'm not a fan of the 5 digit at all, with the exception of the early Panna dial cream explorers with tritium, they's so interesting that they're hard to go past and very unique being a Rolex mistake, but the generic 5-digit polar doesn't feel special, especially compared to the 6 digit imo.

I'll say other than THIS one in the picture, I'm very much a huge fan of the 6 digit Expl2 as well. I don't have a huge wrist, but I feel that it fits really nicely and elegantly, plus has the 'right' amount of 'tool watch' feel to it. I looked and couldn't find myself liking any of the 5 digit ones.