Submariner or Explorer 2

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by stickbenz

It depends on the models in your collection, but I will personally keep the sub and save up to buy the Explorer 2 if I really want one.

100% this! You'll quickly regret selling the Submariner. Even though the Ex2 is a great watch, you will miss the Submariner.

[1William]

I have both of the last generation Explorer II's and as a go to, everyday piece, they are my favorite. I have a 41mm Submariner and the SD43 and I really like them but the Explorer II's get at least twice the wrist time. If you want the Explorer II and having both is not an option, pause for a minute, think it through and decide. Worse case is you don't bond with the Explorer II and you go back to the Submariner. Might cost you a little money, but all will be good. Let us know what you decide.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

Damn I think I just changed my mind. Maybe I’ll just add the Exp 2.


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That's the best option if possible.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

When I look at my black 226570 on my wrist I often see that it shares some fundamental characteristics with a Sub while simultaneously being unique and unexpected. And the orange hand pops! The Sub is an icon, I get it (I have a 14060m) but it’s also a bit of a cliche. With the black Exp II I get a unique watch that references an icon.

[RTG]

I own and have owned a lot of watches. The Explorer II has been my number one for many years now. Perfect daily in my ideal size with flawless legibility and my most desired complications. It is perfect in either black or polar. As your eyes inevitably age it will become even more loved and appreciated. You can’t go wrong with either 216570 or 226570 in either dial option.

[Redemption144]

Originally Posted by RTG

I own and have owned a lot of watches. The Explorer II has been my number one for many years now. Perfect daily in my ideal size with flawless legibility and my most desired complications. It is perfect in either black or polar. As your eyes inevitably age it will become even more loved and appreciated. You can’t go wrong with either 216570 or 226570 in either dial option.

Agreed.
If your wrists are 7+, then the 42 mm size is a non issue. EXII is very confortable to wear, slimmer than sub both on case and bracelet (easy link versus the glide system). In black the EXII is very non obvious as opposed to the sub that screams Rolex since it is one of the if not THE most famous and recognizable watch style. That may be something you want or not want. But you won’t have anyone commenting on the EXII black 😁 - on the other hand, I find its design rather unique and perfect for an active and tough traveling life. The sub is pretty tough too but with a rotating bezel and ceramic, just fundamentally less so.
In white, the EXII wears big and is rather obvious, but without screaming Rolex if that makes sense. I wear the polar a lot - and love how easy it is to read even at a glimpse under a car or in a dark cave. Most of the time I try to read it in the dark while trying to find my way to bed. Glamorous - but I can read it 😝

[Daniel23456]

I have both 226570 polar and a sub 14060m.

To be honest, I tried a sub date twice and sold it, just can’t do the date on a sub.
Another thing is, the sub no date vs date wear very differently. I know, I know… sounds made up. But really- the moment I put a no date sub I could bot believe myself how good it wears in comparison to a date sub. I thought I was imagining but no.

So between a sub date and and EXPII personally I would choose the EXPII every day of the week and twice on weekend. The sub without a date would give me really hard time deciding between the two.

I think that if you go black, especially with the new all gloss dial- I’d go with a no date sub instead of the EXPII due to the versatility alone (sounds to me like it is your only Rolex).
If White is an option, I’d replace the 116610LN with it. If possible- I think that a 14060m and a 226570 polar combine best of both worlds as I really don’t like ceramic bezels. Seems ridiculous to me that the whole watch gets scratched besides the bezel, but that is just me. Plus I actually prefer the diagonal brushing on 5 digits.