Rolex Explorer II New Model Review

Gentlemen, 
Welcome back to CronoCommentary. I am so proud to bring this watch in for review today! The Rolex Explorer II ref. 216570 is the new, updated version of the classic Explorer model. It is bigger, badder, and sleeker looking than its predecessor. I have been wearing the Explorer II for about a month now, and can honestly say, that out do all of the models I have owned or demoed, this is in the top of my favorites from Rolex. It is right up there with the Sea-Dweller Deep Sea and the Stainless Steel Daytona. Better in some ways.
So in this post, I'm gonna drop some knowledge as well as talk about the watch. There isn't a ton to cover as far as functionality, but I will use this opportunity to talk a little about the materials and processes of Rolex in general.

HISTORY
The original explorer model was designed for Sir Edmond Hillary for his ascent to the summer of Mt. Everest. His was the first successful attempt ant Rolex was a part of that. The original model was a slight variation of the Oyster Date Just with no date, and an easier to read, luminous dial. When the original Explorer II as released, they added a 24 hour stationary bezel and the 24 hour hand.this came in handy for ambitious Trekkers, explorers, and travelers, especially those in environments that are in constant dark or light. 

EXPLORER II ref. 216570
Rolex really made some amazing changes and upgrades to all of the new models in the line, and the Explorer II is no exception. the upgrades started with the release of the GMT Master II in 2006 and have been incorporated into every new release since. These include things like solid links in all of the bracelets, a heavier buckle, newly designed sapphire crystals and their patented Parachrom main spring. All of these engineering additions makes this watch more durable, more accurate, and more valuable. 
The case size for the Explorer II has been enlarged to a 42mm case, which in my opinion was a welcome change. All of the styling for the hands and dials have been updated giving the Explorer a much sleeker and cleaner look. The case and bezel don't wear as thick on the wrist as the Sub-Mariner and  WAY less than the Deep-Sea which makes it great for everyday wear. Even with suit cuffs. 

Overall, I am a huge fan of this piece! 
I hope this was helpful, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Also, I will be posting some articles about 904L Steele, Rolex Movements, and the materials used to make a Rolex watch.

This watch will be available in my Vault, so keep your eyes open for that.

Until next time,

Brent Garcia

Rolex Explorer II Video Review

Hey Guys,
Here is the quick video review for the Rolex Explorer II. I have really enjoyed wearing it, and I hope this review is helpful. There will be more general Rolex info to come. Until next time.
Brent Garcia

Tokyoflash Kisai Seven - Tron-tastic awesomeness

Gentelmen,
I am so geeked out of my mind to review the Kisai Seven from Tokyoflash! This is one on the coolest LED designs I have seen in quite a while. Tokyoflash is one of those companies that is truly innovative when it comes to creating unique, funky, awesome, cool, wearable conversation starters. The Kisai Seven is no exception. This design was originally posted like a year ago on the Tokyoflash design blog, and has finally come to life. Good work Scott from the UK.

Blog reader & watch designer, Scott Galloway from the UK says:

I remember seeing the design challenge for the first time and my only goal was to try and get a design on it. So I sat at my laptop and thought “ok, what would I want on my wrist?”. I love all kinds of science fiction; it’s a massive part of who I am. I also wanted something that would light up and stand out like nothing before it. I don’t mind getting attention now and again, and nothing sets the standard better than my Pimp’in Aint Easy watch. So that was my brief, sci-fi + pimp’in!

I genuinely couldn’t believe it when my design appeared on the blog. That was it as far as I was concerned, job done. However I couldn’t have been more wrong as it turned out to be only the start. So many websites picked up on the design and the comments were truly incredible.

Even now, a year on, I still can’t quite believe it. I’d like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who voted or left a comment, and of course to everyone at Tokyoflash Japan, for making my design a reality.

Thank you Scott for an awesome watch!

So here are the basics that I didn't get into on the video, but are easily found on the Tokyoflash site.The watch has a hard plastic case that wraps comfortably around the wrist. Inlaid in said plastic are LED tracks with a smoked plastic cover. When not lit, this gives the watch a super sleek, futurist look. When lit, they are really bright! The Kisai Seven has a rechargeable battery which is a plus.... I think. I don't know how long a full charge will last or the full life of the battery, but I will keep you updated.Here are some pictures I took of my watch so you can get a closer look at some of the detail on the piece. I hope you enjoy the review, and remember to sign up for the Chrono-Commentary VIP. until next time....