Polar or black dial

[Mr Ben]

I got the 226570 rather than 216570 and was torn for weeks (probably months) between black and polar. I think whichever you get, you’ll always wonder if you should have got the other one.

Having had plenty of time to reflect on it, I think I prefer the polar in photos because it’s quite striking/ unusual - but I prefer the black dial to wear daily because it is quite understated for what it is but still feels special.

If I’d got a 216570, I’d have gone polar as the floating hands on the black dial jarred with me aesthetically for some reason. The full hands in white gold on the 226570 are stunning against the black dial.

[Rolliepollie88]

I have the polar, but don’t consider it a daily. Black is more suitable for that, goes with everything


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[Horationelson]

Black is my preference:
- white gold indices and hands vs pvd coated. Not a huge detail but one thing I enjoy about watches is seeing how the light plays off the dial and other features.
- I actually dislike the black dial on the 216570 but enjoy the new version on the black sue its glossy nature (like the new explorer 1). White does nothing for me as a dial colour unless it’s made of silver. But that’s just personal preference.
- black makes the watch wear a little bit smaller than white, which is useful on this watch for anyone with wrists under 7 inches.
- although white has a premium on the secondary market as many say, that to me has no bearing on the value the watch has for me.

[Jets_fan44]

Polar

[1William]

I own both of the last generation Explorer II's. Great watches and very wearable and flat on my 7.5-7.75 inch wrist. I was initially attracted to the Polar and it was my first buy and I do think it is a great watch. So good that I stepped over to the black dial. Visually, I still like the Polar more but when it comes to the look on my wrist when wearing one it is the black dial. Right now my black dial gets more wear than any other Rolex in my collection. I usually transition to wearing the Polar more in warm weather but this year that has not been the case. No bad decision here, just a choice and a preference.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 1William

I own both of the last generation Explorer II's. Great watches and very wearable and flat on my 7.5-7.75 inch wrist. I was initially attracted to the Polar and it was my first buy and I do think it is a great watch. So good that I stepped over to the black dial. Visually, I still like the Polar more but when it comes to the look on my wrist when wearing one it is the black dial. Right now my black dial gets more wear than any other Rolex in my collection. I usually transition to wearing the Polar more in warm weather but this year that has not been the case. No bad decision here, just a choice and a preference.

Every time I see you post William I truly believe you have to own both

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by BumbleB

.......As a daily wearer a black dial would be more subtle and polar perhaps a bit louder.

I think the above makes sense.
I'm going to add a polar but I have other black dialed pieces and a 116610LV.
Good luck, you can't go wrong with either.

[alphadweller]

Polar please. Way cooler, to me at least.

[noshame]

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

My personal opinion is that the polar preference primarily comes from the diversity it adds to the collection of many Rolex afficionados. There are a lot of black dial Rolex and Tudor SS sport models available, and I bet most collectors have one or two of them. The polar dial really spruces up a collection. It's a special piece to be sure.

Agreed! The Polar is great for many reasons, but for myself, it served dual purpose. I always thought it was quirky cool, and it added a non-black dial to my collection.

[Jawnz]

Polar. The black is too generic.

[MattyMac]

The Polar explorer is probably the only white dial I would ever consider. It's pretty cool

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by MattyMac

The Polar explorer is probably the only white dial I would ever consider. It's pretty cool

I love it. One day it will be mine. I’m waiting out on getting white especially.


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[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by noshame

Agreed! The Polar is great for many reasons, but for myself, it served dual purpose. I always thought it was quirky cool, and it added a non-black dial to my collection.

Agreed. White dial diversifies sub, gmt etc etc.


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[SS Oyster]

Go try on both at a local AD. I live the white dial.





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[nathanjones05]

I would suggest you try both on, if you haven't already. I tried on a Polar at a watch show a few years ago and was blown away. Until that point, it did nothing for me. I then tried a black dial and was impressed by that more than I though I would be.

They are both incredible and very versatile. I was fortunate enough to pick up a Polar in January thanks to my AD and have worn it every day since. The Polar fits every situation and you will be mesmerised by the dial and lume in almost any lighting. Take it on holiday in full sun then go indoors...

Whichever route you go down, you will not be disappointed!

Good luck!

[rockysw]

Thanks all. I have decided to go for the white dial.

Interstingly an opportunnity has presented itself whereby my local AD may be able to get me one in a couple of months. So now I have to decide to either wait or buy 216570 (which I can get quite close to retail price).

Part of me wants to go with 216570 which I can get next week. But I am getting a little confused if the enhancements are worth the wait for 226570 (dont care about the movement enhancement, more about the asthetic changes).

[watch3r]

Originally Posted by rockysw

Thanks all. I have decided to go for the white dial.

Interstingly an opportunnity has presented itself whereby my local AD may be able to get me one in a couple of months. So now I have to decide to either wait or buy 216570 (which I can get quite close to retail price).

Part of me wants to go with 216570 which I can get next week. But I am getting a little confused if the enhancements are worth the wait for 226570 (dont care about the movement enhancement, more about the asthetic changes).

I'd try for the AD/226570 route for a couple of reasons:

Aesthetically, the matte black PVD on the hands and around the lume really leans into the tool watch look, and makes the white dial contrast even stronger. As does the AR coating on the crystal.

The warranty and the fact that it's brand new doesn't hurt either

[omar10213245]

Polar by a country mile

[boltz]

Lol you sound really confused, id go for the white dial.

[rockysw]

Originally Posted by watch3r

I'd try for the AD/226570 route for a couple of reasons:

Aesthetically, the matte black PVD on the hands and around the lume really leans into the tool watch look, and makes the white dial contrast even stronger. As does the AR coating on the crystal.

The warranty and the fact that it's brand new doesn't hurt either

Very helpful advice! thanks mate.

[rockysw]

Btw does any one know if there are any differences in early 216570 polars (2011 to say 2015) and more recent ones before being discontinued?

[subtona]

Polar in 40.
Black in 42.

[scotttampa]

Gotta be the Polar, no doubt.

[Watchsprings]

Cannot lose either way but the Polar does add some variety to the other SS models.

[UtahWatchGuy]

I have owned the black dial for about 5 years. It's pretty much my daily and I enjoy it a lot. It almost never gets noticed but I prefer that. I like the orange GMT hand because it give it just a little color. I wear a lot of business casual clothes for work going into peoples homes and the black just looks clean without looking too flashy, then if anyone brings up watches then we end up having a fun discussion. The Polar pops for sure, so if you want the pop, then go Polar.

[173rdabn]

I've had the Black but prefer the Polar. More legible and attractive with the stark contrast of the dial/hands.

[soho]

This is a tough one for me. Had them both (in 16570 form) and both are great. Have the white dial and probably like it slightly better, but not overwhelmingly so.




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[Vetracer]

I was in the same position. I couldn't decide so acquired both. I prefer the black dial for general wear and the white dial in summer when I want a crisp white dial to pop.

[Tri-Tip]

I opted for Polar, I did like it better, but also because I already had a Sub-C.

I see 10x as many Polar as I do black, and I'm happy about that.

[boltz]

Black dial for me.