My new Orange Crush, the Rolex Explorer II 216570

[Vinyasa]

I really, really wanted the 42mm Explorer II Polar model. But based on feedback from posters on this site, I held off on ordering it until I could try one on. I dropped by my AD yesterday and they had an Explorer II (black) on display.

Bottom line is that your reviews are spot on... it does wear larger that a traditional 42mm sport watch. The end of the lugs were right up against the edge of my wrist (6.5"), so I don't think it's a good fit for me. Might have to go looking for the 'ole 40mm version at some point.

[m1911a1]

It's threads like yours that made me get the BLACK one too!
I was perfectly happy with the decision of simply getting two WHITE ones....
The black-face is (also) a GORGEOUS watch....
Thanks!


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[m1911a1]

I love this watch!

[patrickjb]

This is the nail in the coffin for me... I'm getting one. Damn you all!

[m1911a1]

And then there is always the white one.....

[Almostlucid]

I love the orange. Both look great. Like the Daytona I would have a hard time picking black or white.

[m1911a1]

I'll try this again....

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[Zuger]

Excellent review. After a few months hiatus, I am starting to wear this watch again. The more I look at it the more I am in love with it.

[kangajack]

I love my 216570 Polar. I've been wearing it for the last three weeks straight. My Speedy Pro is getting lonely.


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[DandyAnt]

Thanks for sharing. Added this to my collection too only last week and haven't taken it off yet.


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[dddl]

Great review and photos . . . Congrats and enjoy!

[socialpro]

I love how some have / consider owning both a black AND a white. I thought I was the only one that's crazy to 'want' to own both. Looking to pick up the polar in the next week or so! But can't help liking the black dial equally as much...

Great feedback / write up / pictures regarding this rolex!!!

[corkscrew]

I've owned the 40 and now the 42, both polar. I love this watch and don't understand why there isn't more love for it. Gave the 40 to my son and it looks really good on him. Great watch. If you want something that says "I have a Rolex" then this isn't it. Maybe that is part of the allure?

[jsg]

Great Review.Thank you and congratulations.

[roro]

Glad you all enjoyed the review and sorry that a few of you took the plunge after reading :-)

A quick update: A few months on, the EXP II Orange is continuing to get lots of wrist time. A couple months ago I picked up an AP RO Jumbo Jubilee which was one of my grails. It got exclusive wrist time for a few weeks but now I'm back and forth with it and my Exp II. That's a very telling sign for me. The Exp II hasn't lost its appeal even against the formidable AP RO Jumbo! I think the versatility of the EXP II, the fact that it flies under the radar for a Rolex, and the "sport chic" allure are what cements its success in my collection. You can dress it up or down and it always looks right with any attire in any situation. The RO is a watch that I don't wear when I go to the park with my 5 year old son, rollerblading, in shorts (now that the weather is better), or on the weekends running errands. The Exp II does all those things and still gets worn with a suit. Truly a versatile watch and then some.

[roro]

Originally Posted by m1911a1

It's threads like yours that made me get the BLACK one too!
I was perfectly happy with the decision of simply getting two WHITE ones....
The black-face is (also) a GORGEOUS watch....
Thanks!


Attachment 709721

That's Awesome! I don't think you could go wrong and having two colors means that you can have multiple times more fun! Enjoy!

[Ru4scuba]

Can't believe I haven't stumbled across this post before....as a 216570 fan myself, I thought I'd found all there was about the watch on this site! Great post and thanks for sharing!

I'm contemplating a hulk but this post has me considering a polar...

[tradeworks]

Great review! The black 42mm was my first. Sold it (regrettably) to make room for a blue YM and black GMT IIC, but missed it terribly and ended up getting a polar 40mm to have a more casual timepiece in the rotation. Although the polar 40mm is a keeper, hoping to add the 42mm to the collection again in the future!

[520lux]

Yes the exp II is soooo nice. I have had two the older white dial and the newer black dial. I prefer the black dial over the white dial. Congrats and enjoy

[idle spectre]

Wear it with pride

[roro]

So a few observations a year into wearing my explorer II almost daily:

1. It hasn't lost any of its appeal and the honeymoon is still going strong.
2. The GMT function is extremely useful and it follows me on all my travels.
3. It is the most versatile Rolex IMHO and never feels out of place whether I'm wearing a suit, dressed casual, on vacation at the beach, underwater diving, summer, winter, etc. etc. Its a true "adventurer's" watch and wears its moniker well.
4. I try to rotate my other watches and I keep going back to my explorer II even within the same day. Its just that good.
5. The proportions are perfect for a modern Rolex IHMO and its still the only "supercase" that doesn't look odd to my eyes.
6. The slightly protruding crystal gives it a "vintage" touch. In fact I think its the only modern Rolex with a vintage vibe (thinner lugs, protruding crystal, thinner crown).
7. It is keeping perfect time to within +0 sec a day (it was at -2 sec a year ago).
8. The bezel is "child proof". Explanation: I have two boys, a five year old and a one year old. When I'm playing with the five year old (who loves to play rough) or changing diapers on the one year old I don't have to worry about accidental scratches since the watch has a smooth bezel (no teeth like on a Sub or GMT).

[KrismanX]

As soon as I started really using these forums to troubleshoot my new watch worries, I fell in love with the Polar EXPII. I never thought I would 'need' a second Rolex; but I NEED this Rolex. You have helped me reach that conclusion with your post. Great write-up, Sir.

[Pharaoh_83]

I love this watch. Whether with jeans and a jacket in the snow or a suit. I find it's complications to be perfect for me. The GMT function with the quick set hour is perfect for my business travels.

[BostonRolex]

Great write up

[kelv_w]

It was nice to hear that it's still your to go to watch a year on. I just got mine a month ago and still in honeymoon period.

[Nasoelegans]

Great write up! I love the Explorer 2 42mm. It´s a man´s watch :-)

[Adamk]

Congrats, great review

[roro]

Originally Posted by Pharaoh_83

I love this watch. Whether with jeans and a jacket in the snow or a suit. I find it's complications to be perfect for me. The GMT function with the quick set hour is perfect for my business travels.

Couldn't agree with you more Pharaoh, and nice Black Beauty!

[roro]

KrismanX, glad to be a bad influence. After all, its Christmas and maybe Santa's reading this? Post pics when you get one.

Nasoelegans, Yes, I agree its very much a "man's" watch. My wife won't be borrowing this one.

Kelv_w, glad to hear it. I don't think the love will fade. This watch has truly grown on me more than any other Rolex I've had.

Thanks BostonRolex, and AdamK for the encouraging words.

[FTE2014]

Great review!