[F]Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT vs. Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570

It’s Sunday morning, so it’s time for my once-a-week early morning caffeine intake. Make yourself a hot cup of coffee, take a seat, and let’s get started. This week, Jorg and Mike return to the field with another interesting pair of candidates. I read your comment, dear Fratelli! Today’s match will finally bring about the long-awaited match. It features the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 for the recently released Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT. Can the new Tudor beat its big brother? After our writers make their case, vote for your favorite.

Today’s battle is a classic matchup between Rolex and Tudor. We’ve seen quite a few of these on the Sunday Morning Showdown series over the past few years. Rolex’s victory may be a foregone conclusion, but it’s not always that simple. A famous Tudor victory that came as a total surprise was the Pelagos 39 defeating the Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060. Rolex won every other battle, almost always by within 10%. That’s why these Tudor vs. Rolex battles are some of the closest we’ve seen in a long time. I expect it to be no different this time. Jorg chose the Tudor Pelagox FXD GMT, which I reviewed a while back, and Mike chose the Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570. Let’s find out what the two men have to say before we hand over to you the decision to decide which of the two will win.

Last week on Sunday Morning Showdown…

Before we get into that, let’s take a quick look back at last week’s battle. In last Sunday’s showdown, Thomas’ Echo/Neutra Ribanera won with 73% of the vote. This put Dern back behind with just 27% of the vote. In the comments section, quite a few people were quick to point out that they liked both watches and praised both brands for developing two models. However, if put to a vote, the majority would choose Rivenera, and a significant number of people hinted at buying the watch, or even expressed a desire to buy it. This shows the immense popularity of Echo/Nutra Rivanera, and it’s likely to be on several writers’ year-end lists. That aside, let’s leave it to Mike and Jorg to make their case in this week’s battle. Gentlemen, the floor is yours!

Jorg: Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT “Zulu Time”

Here we go again, Mike! Once again, we have chosen the weaker side in our battle with Rolex. But I’m pretty confident that my Pelagos FXD GMT can beat your Explorer II. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Tudor and write an article about my discoveries with the watch. In my long article, I explained that I wanted to fall in love with the new Pelagos, but it didn’t turn out to be the love story I wanted. Nevertheless, I would choose this over the current Rolex Explorer II any day of the week. Let me explain why.

First, let me point out why I don’t choose the Explorer II. Because the answer is much simpler. I love the Explorer II lineage. This is one of my favorite Rolex lines and I have deep respect for the classic “Freccione”, Ref. 1999. 16550 “cream” dial and a black dial version of the Ref. 16550. 16570, which is a modern classic in my book. However, I’ve been having issues with the Explorer II ever since Rolex decided to increase the size from 40mm to 42mm. It lost some of its charm because of that. The Explorer II has always been something of an insider’s choice within the Rolex catalog. Although never the most obvious choice for a GMT, a big part of its appeal lies in the watch’s utilitarian nature.

The Explorer II is far from the practical tool watch it once was.

But the moment Rolex increased the case size, the watch became more of a luxury statement piece than it could have hoped for. Sure, it’s a far cry from the flashy GMT-Master II, but compared to its smaller predecessor, it’s too loud and an eyesore. Let’s take a look at the current generation Explorer II Ref. 226570, the problem is not just the large case size. The 24-hour numerals on the bezel are also too “flashy” and conflict with the elements on the dial, mainly the indexes. While this watch may still be somewhat of an insider’s choice among its peers, it’s far from the ultra-tool watch it once was in the Rolex collection.

Regular readers may read this and raise an eyebrow. If you’ve read my review of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT, you’ll know that I had an issue with the 24-hour scale on the bezel insert. But that’s a different reason than why I was interested in Explorer II. If there’s one thing I can’t deny, it’s that Tudor created Pelagos as a line of modern tool watches, and that’s why I love Pelagos. What began as the brand’s modern diver’s series has now grown into a highly capable line of modern tool watches that offer the charm that Rolex has lost. The large numbers and markings on the bezel of the Pelagos FXD GMT have their roots in its functionality.

Pelagos FXD GMT is essentially a military tool watch

As many of you may know, the new Pelagos FXD GMT was developed for naval aviation pilots. Considering the military purpose, it is understandable that the large number of elements makes it easier to read theoretically. But my complaint isn’t necessarily with their size. It’s more about a lack of dynamism. All numbers and engravings are unified at the same height, creating a solid image. The result is a rather bold version of the Pelagos, as opposed to the quieter regular FXD model. However, after wearing the watch for a few days, it feels like a super capable tool watch that never skimps on functionality. In this way, the Pelagos FXD GMT has the charm I’m looking for.

A little more detail could tell us more about its military capabilities. Like most Pelagos models, the new GMT features a lightweight titanium case, matte black dial and matching ceramic bezel insert. The watch is fitted with a single pass of an army green Marine National strap, further enhancing its military feel. The grade 2 titanium case measures 42mm in diameter, 52mm lug-to-lug height, 12.7mm thick, and features a satin-brushed finish.

Much more poignant than Explorer II.

The matte black dial features beige markers and is paired with a green strap for maximum military flair. The distinctive marker and snowflake hands are accompanied by an orange GMT hand. This creates a beautifully cohesive overall image with enough contrast to perform the task perfectly. Inside the case is Kennissi’s latest caliber MT5652-U. This is a COSC and METAS certified Flyer GMT movement with a 65 hour power reserve and an accuracy rating of 0/+5 seconds per day. With a thinner case and improved movement, Tudor has raised the stakes impressively.

The brand has also managed to do so without significant price hikes, which brings me to my final point, the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT price of 4,740 euros. It’s less than half the price of the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570, priced at 10,050 euros. Considering this price difference, I would choose Tudor without hesitation. It feels like the only true tool watch in this fight, and provides the initial appeal that makes the Explorer II such a great choice for enthusiasts. This title was given to the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT. But I think we have a different opinion on that, Mike…

Microphone: Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570

This will spit out right away. I don’t think this is a fair fight. Both models have a 24-hour hand, and apart from the fact that they are owned by the same mothership, these watches are on another level. Let’s start with the obvious details that will keep me from buying the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT, regardless of the competition. Fixed strap bars are an absolute problem for me. It’s fine as a casual knockaround watch, but at nearly 5,000 euros, it looks very monotonous.

Image: Watch Club

But hey, you might not care about the fixed strap bar, so you might as well keep writing to convince us why the Rolex Explorer II is the better option. Rolex introduced the similar-looking Explorer II Ref. I found 216570 in 2011 and immediately wanted to add it to my collection. After 26 years of current references, the return of the famous orange hands from the original reference 1655 was a big deal. Unfortunately for me, the watch grew from 40mm to 42mm, making it too big for my thin wrist.

An original look that inspires imitators

However, that doesn’t mean it’s not what it seems. All of the classic Rolex elements are present in the current Explorer II. Bold, bright indexes and the Mercedes hour hand surrounded by white gold are available with glossy black or white dials. This is also worth repeating. Explorer II offers dialing options. And let’s not forget the Explorer II’s signature tool-like 24-hour bezel. To be honest, the bezel and arrow hands are benchmark design cues that many brands imitate when creating similar watches.

great dimensions

The 42mm Explorer II has a lug distance of 50.1mm but is thinner than the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT at 12.5mm thick. Additionally, the Rolex has case sides that hide its thickness, unlike the Tudor. The Pelagos FXD GMT looks like a vertical slab, while the Explorer II has gentle curves. Also keep in mind that this watch comes with a bracelet. However, Oyster is more than just a bracelet. It remains one of the best in the industry in terms of finish, dimension, and overall comfort.

3285 is a gem of a movement

Tudor’s Kenissi MT5652-U is a precise and METAS certified movement. In fact, I own the 3-hand (COSC certified only) version and it keeps time wonderfully. But with Explorer II, buyers can get the right treatment in-house. The chronometer-certified caliber 3285 automatic winding is Flyer GMT, meaning the 12-hour hand can be set independently. The power reserve is 70 hours, 5 hours more than the Tudor. As for accuracy, Rolex says -2 / +2 seconds per day, which is insane.

Image: Watch Club

time of choice

As mentioned by Jorg, the Rolex Explorer II retails for 10,050 euros. And yes, over the past two weeks we’ve seen these watches for sale in advertising stores in London and Munich. So is it worth spending more than twice as much on a Rolex as on a Tudor? Please tell us that. I think the Rolex is a more mature and complete watch, but the Tudor is a great watch with a great movement and a lot of value. Which 24-hour model will you choose with your hard-earned money? Please vote and tell us why in the comments section.