I got lucky and snagged an Explorer II (polar dial) when I was in Bahrain in 2019. Even there the wait list for Subs was a year and you had to pay in full to get on the “list”, which I think is technically a no-no for Rolex ADs but that place was shady.
Enjoy the wait, it’s worth it. I smile a big shit eating grin every time I wear mine. And I’m still hunting for a Pepsi GMT IIc. Probably more bouncing around the world for me coming up so I’ll keep my eyes posted in ADs. Steel prices went up ~10% this year I think!
For those looking at the GMT Master II take a look at the Tudor Black Bay GMT. I’d argue just as much functionality without the Rolex baggage. I prefer the 5 digit gmt look as well, the numbers on the ceramic GMT look comically out of proportion to me. Mine is +/- .7 sec, picked up in like new condition from Chrono24 for ~70% MSRP.