Two Rolex watches face-off as we compare the Rolex GMT Master 2 116710LN to the Rolex Explorer 2 216570. Although mechanically similar, both composed of stainless steel, and only 2mm distinct in size, these two Rolex sports watches are worlds removed in character and style. The Rolex Explorer 2 is a loving 21st century tribute to the Rolex Explorer II 1655 "Steve McQueen." True, Steve McQueen likely never wore a 1655, but the nomenclature nicely describes the vintage Rolex "Orange Arrow" dial style exemplified on this Explorer 2; the "Polar" white dial arrived with the Rolex 16550 during the mid 1980s. This Explorer II 216570 launched at Baselworld 2011 on the 40th anniversary of the 1971 1655. A Rolex caliber 3187 automatically provides 48 hours of power reserve, COSC Swiss chronometer precision, and toughness worthy of a Rolex Submariner.

The Rolex GMT Master II 116710LN launched at Baselworld 2008 as the steel variant of Rolex's pilot's watch. Its Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert was a first for Rolex, and the new case profile - squared off and sheer - would become known as there "super case" among Rolex collectors. Mechanically, the Rolex GMT Master is nearly identical to the Explorer II, but the use of a GMT or "pilot's bezel" allows the GMT Master to indicate three time zones when the 24-hour hand is set to Greenwich Mean Time. The Green GMT hand and green "GMT Master" script are signatures of this generation of GMT-Master II.

The Rolex GMT-Master II features a 40mm stainless steel case surrounding a black dial on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT. The watch also measures 12.1mm in thickness and 48.1mm from lug-to-lug.

The Rolex Explorer II features a 42mm stainless steel case surrounding a white dial on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with folding buckle. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT. The watch also measures 12.4mm in thickness and 50.2mm from lug-to-lug.

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