Explorer 2 Questions

[sgtpeper]

Hi All,

I have decided to purchase an Explorer 2. I think it's the perfect watch for my needs.

I used to gravitate toward a 5 digit polar but I tried on a black face 6 digit and I really like it.

This will be my first rolex purchase. Any reason not to go for a 6 digit? I have small wrists but as you can see in the photo it does seem to fit me - just.

Any advice or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I have a video but need 10 posts first ha

Thanks,

[jlovda]

I own a 216570 black. Great watch. It's been my daily wearer since 2018.

[aboutime]

You should buy the watch you like. Both references will probably have their advocates but I don’t imagine you’ll go wrong with either choice. The 5 digit has an overall slimmer profile and is quite understated, even in polar. The 6 digit I believe is larger in diameter. Which colour dial speaks to you?? that maybe the best and easiest way to look at it. Enjoy the decision making process!

[Scottyboy]

It's a big watch but seems to fit you OK. The only way to tell for sure is get both watches side by side and see which you prefer.

[Davidt]

5 digit for me all day long, but it’s subjective.

[brandrea]

That looks spot on perfect IMO … APPROVED

[Watch-Geek]

I "have to" wear the 5 digit because the size is perfect for my wrist, BUT, always found the hands too small and dainty.

The 6 digit one has PERFECT hands and dial, but is too large and bulky.

If Rolex would make the case of the 5 digit one with dial and hands like the 6 digit one, it would make for a perfect Explorer II for ME.

Since that will never happen, I enjoy the 5 digit reference, and still love it despite the "small" hands.

If you can pull off the 6 digit one, go for it!!



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[Sgooter]

Originally Posted by brandrea

that looks spot on perfect imo … approved

+1

[Harry-57]

It's a great watch and one of the few Professional models that doesn't look like everything else. I think the black model suffers from the lack of the "ghost" hands of its predecessor. My preference is for the white dial which is the most legible watch I have ever owned. So far as size, fit and comfort go, if it works for you it works.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

It's a great watch and one of the few Professional models that doesn't look like everything else. I think the black model suffers from the lack of the "ghost" hands of its predecessor. My preference is for the white dial which is the most legible watch I have ever owned. So far as size, fit and comfort go, if it works for you it works.

Have to agree … the ghost hands were very nice


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[belutak]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Hi All,

I have decided to purchase an Explorer 2. I think it's the perfect watch for my needs.

I used to gravitate toward a 5 digit polar but I tried on a black face 6 digit and I really like it.

This will be my first rolex purchase. Any reason not to go for a 6 digit? I have small wrists but as you can see in the photo it does seem to fit me - just.

Any advice or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

I have a video but need 10 posts first ha

Thanks,

Black Exp II is much nicer in my view, I do not understand why so many are obsessed with white Polar?


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[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by belutak

Black Exp II is much nicer in my view, I do not understand why so many are obsessed with white Polar.

Because they like it more than you do? Just a guess.

[travisb]

I think it's a great choice!

[2polar]

The lugs don’t appear to hang over your wrist so I’d say it fits just fine. If you prefer the 6 digit over the 5 there’s no reason not to go for it. However, polar dial for the win 😉

[funkyegg]

Great watch! Currently dailying my white polar. It’s a big watch but fits surprisingly well as it’s relatively flat compared to subs and etc. I don’t have a big wrist but it fits comfortably. The low profile of the watch is bonus as I don’t need to worry about it much. It’s hard to settle on one Rolex so buy what you enjoy and take it from there…

[1William]

Great watch and it looks like it fits. I own both the black and the white dial and enjoy them.

[sgtpeper]

What do you mean by ghost hands? Thanks for the feedback everyone! The funny thing is I never, ever, wear anything black. For some reason to me with the larger size of the 6 digit, the black face helps keep it from seeming blingy? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

[sgtpeper]

Ohhh and now that I have 10 posts here is the link to the watch fitted - https://youtu.be/DypDRYhGbA0 - little wrist roll action.

[DoubleDeac]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

What do you mean by ghost hands? Thanks for the feedback everyone! The funny thing is I never, ever, wear anything black. For some reason to me with the larger size of the 6 digit, the black face helps keep it from seeming blingy? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

That 6 digit fits well on you. The dimensions of this watch is only 1 mm bigger than a 41mm sub on many measurements (plus it’s thinner). So idk what this sentiment is with many ppl thinking it’s a gargantuan watch.

The ghost hands refers to the previous version of this watch in a black dial 216570 (the picture above this post) whereby the base of the hands are black (where the hands connect to the center of the dial) which blends into the background and gives the hands a “floating” look. This is no longer the case for the most recent version of this watch.

[sgtpeper]

So the one I'm looking at is a 216570 then? Is there any big difference other than the hands?

[sgtpeper]

Ahhh I see now! It is a 21670. Between the 21 and 22 is one considered more desirable?

[Gazoak]

Its a great watch and wears smaller than its 42mm.

[Harry-57]

The 21 has the smooth and silent 31 based movement. The 22 has the 32 based movement with the longer power reserve and the crystal is AR coated. The 32 has a reputation (rightly or wrongly, this is the internet after all) for poor reliability. My 21 was bought new in 2018 and the movement failed this week.

[Nads786]

I’ll give a counter opinion, the 22mm bracelet is going to get annoying after some time. These bracelets are really made well which results in little flexibility. I think over time you’ll crave a 20mm bracelet.

The flat case back will really help get this watch as close to your wrist as possible though.

My experience is with the sub 41, where I just found it uncomfortable after 8 hours of daily wearing.

[sgtpeper]

Which has the 22 and which has the 20mm bracelet?

[racerx]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Which has the 22 and which has the 20mm bracelet?

5 digit reference has the 20mm tapering to 16 bracelet. Having had a 6 digit Exp2 in the past, I much prefer my 5 digit Exp2 for wearability.

[D007]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Which has the 22 and which has the 20mm bracelet?

(new) 226570 - 22mm lug spacing

(old) 216570 - 21mm lug spacing

[watchnwine]

If you really like the white dial, my preference is for the 5-digit. The large black hands on the 6-digit in white are out of proportion to my eye. If you like the look of the black dial better, either looks fine to me and I would echo the sentiment above.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Counter counter-point, I had the polar 216570 with the narrower bracelet and now have the black 226570 with the wider bracelet and the wider bracelet is significantly more comfortable for me, and the AR coating makes the black dial POP. Also, I prefer the silver hands to the ghost hands for my old eyes.

[Mr Ben]

I have the 226570 black dial and, personally, I prefer my GMT hand complete and not floating but each to their own. It’s been perfect over 18 months of ownership.

The only doubt I ever had was whether I should have picked polar - I think it photographs well and is a great occasional watch but I reckon black is a better daily. I do want to own a white dial watch though and I did wonder if the Exp II was the right one to go for that option with and adding in a black dial sub or GMT later.

Fortunately omega have sorted that hankering with their latest white dial speedmaster which I hope will make a perfect pairing!

Best of luck with your decision.