The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[tommy91]

My daily wearer, only watch I know I will never flip

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by HeartRolex

Surely we can admire one watch without dismissing others.

I don't think Tools is dismissing other watches but making the point that the Explorer II is, and has remained, the most authentic no nonsense rugged tool watch in the Rolex line up.

I agree with this and its a big part of the appeal of the Explorer II to me. I think its the least popular Rolex because of this - it flies under the radar and non-wis types who want a Rolex are more likely to go for more recognised and, lets be honest, flashier models such as the Datejust, Day-Date, Sub, GMT (and I speak as a lover of these watches). That's fine - leaves more Explorers for the cognoscenti to pick up.

I love the Polar and the black. I think the black is often underrated - its a stunning watch. I would also love to have a polar 16570 with yellow tritium markers or even better, one of the creme dialed polars.

These are mine -

[hbk25]

I like that QUICKSILVER defended TOOLS, then posted pictures of desk diving, which TOOLS kind of knocked in the original post.

The watch can definitely pull off both!

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by hbk25

I like that QUICKSILVER defended TOOLS, then posted pictures of desk diving, which TOOLS kind of knocked in the original post.

Desk diver and proud of it - but you don't know what I get up to at the weekend

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I don't think Tools is dismissing other watches but making the point that the Explorer II is, and has remained, the most authentic no nonsense rugged tool watch in the Rolex line up.

I agree with this and its a big part of the appeal of the Explorer II to me. I think its the least popular Rolex because of this - it flies under the radar and non-wis types who want a Rolex are more likely to go for more recognised and, lets be honest, flashier models such as the Datejust, Day-Date, Sub, GMT (and I speak as a lover of these watches). That's fine - leaves more Explorers for the cognoscenti to pick up.

I love the Polar and the black. I think the black is often underrated - its a stunning watch. I would also love to have a polar 16570 with yellow tritium markers or even better, one of the creme dialed polars.

These are mine -

No hard feelings, just thought I sensed a tinge of disdain for other Rolex models.

I love this watch and actually purchased the black dial for my guy because I thought it was both beautiful AND tough. He didn't think he'd wear it much so I returned it and felt rather heartbroken that he couldn't see it was a treasure.

I agree that black is truly stunning. I would have kept it and worn it myself if I didn't already have a GMT IIc LN

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by doramas

It is my favorite Rolex. You're still my beautiful boy.







Enviado desde mi SM-G930F mediante Tapatalk

That's probably one of the best ExII shots I've seen on here. Well done!

[doramas]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

That's probably one of the best ExII shots I've seen on here. Well done!

Thanks

Enviado desde mi SM-G930F mediante Tapatalk

[RGAmos]

In my opinion the Explorer II with white dial looks too plain. There is no zip with it. A ceramic bezel, whether rotating or stationary, would improve the watch's appearance.

[HeartRolex]

Originally Posted by RGAmos

In my opinion the Explorer II with white dial looks too plain. There is no zip with it. A ceramic bezel, whether rotating or stationary, would improve the watch's appearance.

x2

[capote]

Originally Posted by RGAmos

In my opinion the Explorer II with white dial looks too plain. There is no zip with it. A ceramic bezel, whether rotating or stationary, would improve the watch's appearance.

The Explorer II always had an SS bezel and I prefer it to a more brittle ceramic one.

[pa30crewchief]

Originally Posted by RGAmos

In my opinion the Explorer II with white dial looks too plain. There is no zip with it. A ceramic bezel, whether rotating or stationary, would improve the watch's appearance.

It's "plainness" means it's my most versatile Rolex with a useful complication and it is my go to watch when I don't have the time to fuss with the watch box.

On leather it looks like a white dial dress watch and fits easily into a room full of suits. On grey NATO it fits right in with a backpack and boots. On its bracelet it's sporty in jeans without drawing attention.

Its not my favorite Rolex (root beer 16713 with that delicious brown dial is my favorite) but it is my most worn.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kelv_w]

Picked mine up last week. Love it.

[capote]

Originally Posted by kelv_w

Picked mine up last week. Love it.

Great shots

[douglasf13]

I'm a one watch kinda guy, and although there's a lot I liked about my 16610, I finally saw a black 16570 (P serial, lug holes + SEL) in person, and it ticked all the boxes for me, so I traded my SubDate for it. Because I wear my bracelet pretty snug, the thicker back of the SubDate always dug into my arm a bit, so the Exp II is much more comfortable and wears lighter and flatter on the wrist.

Oddly enough, while I don't participate any more, I was certified in cave rescue as a teenager, so the origins of the Explorer II are fun for me, and, living up in Oregon, I get outside quite a bit.

There's just something about the 16570 that I can't put my finger on. It's almost the anti-Rolex, in a way, and, despite the 16550/16570 being released in the 80s, and also being quite comfortable to wear, the watch has a bit of a brutalist, 70s look (the dial of the 1650 looks more 60s to me.) It just oozes tool watch vibe, and the more dings the better. It's a keeper.

[FTE2014]

TO be honest, I am not sure if the 16570 is still an underrated, unappreciated Rolex. Any Rolex collector I know either has one or looking to acquire. I have been looking for an unpolished piece at a descent price for month with no success :) I think over the past three years the love for the watch has definitely increased exponentially. Just look at the pages of commentary on this watch on this thread (58 at the time of this writing), and it tells you the changing story :)

[southcarolina1801]

I agree with the comment above. Most TRF'ers or WIS folk appreciate the Explorer II but for the general population it doesn't seem to be too popular. I wouldn't mind one for my next piece since it has the GMT function but I'm not too fond of the orange on the dial or hands.

[Blakerhodes]

I recently picked up a 6 month old one for a good price. I really enjoy the watch....Living in Dallas almost everyone owns a ceramic sub..this was a way to have something a little different for me. It wears really well IMO.

[elkaholic]

Just acquired a black dial 16570 myself, one of the later versions prior to the current 42mm version. I'd have to agree with what others have said previously in this thread in regards to the comfort-it's fantastic, and only my 36mm DJ models rival the comfort level of this watch.

I'm a long time Sub lover, and have had more than one 16610, 14060, and even a SubC and pre-ceramic sea Dweller. To me, there is not a better looking piece than a black SS Submariner, but I've gotten to a place in this watch hobby where I am valuing complete comfort and wearability over other aesthetic aspects that once weighed heavier to me in the Rolex lineup.

That's one of the main reasons I finally decided to give this Exp II a try.... A 40mm Rolex tool watch that looks good and wears even better.

[Stealerfan86]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

Just acquired a black dial 16570 myself, one of the later versions prior to the current 42mm version. I'd have to agree with what others have said previously in this thread in regards to the comfort-it's fantastic, and only my 36mm DJ models rival the comfort level of this watch.



I'm a long time Sub lover, and have had more than one 16610, 14060, and even a SubC and pre-ceramic sea Dweller. To me, there is not a better looking piece than a black SS Submariner, but I've gotten to a place in this watch hobby where I am valuing complete comfort and wearability over other aesthetic aspects that once weighed heavier to me in the Rolex lineup.



That's one of the main reasons I finally decided to give this Exp II a try.... A 40mm Rolex tool watch that looks good and wears even better.

Looks great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

Just acquired a black dial 16570 myself, one of the later versions prior to the current 42mm version. I'd have to agree with what others have said previously in this thread in regards to the comfort-it's fantastic, and only my 36mm DJ models rival the comfort level of this watch.

I'm a long time Sub lover, and have had more than one 16610, 14060, and even a SubC and pre-ceramic sea Dweller. To me, there is not a better looking piece than a black SS Submariner, but I've gotten to a place in this watch hobby where I am valuing complete comfort and wearability over other aesthetic aspects that once weighed heavier to me in the Rolex lineup.

That's one of the main reasons I finally decided to give this Exp II a try.... A 40mm Rolex tool watch that looks good and wears even better.

Looks great! I used to feel the same about Subs, but once I tried on a black 16570, I thought it was both better looking and more comfortable, so I flipped my 11610 for it on the spot, and I haven't looked back.

The Sub has a classic 50s/60s vintage look, whereas the Explorer II is a bit more 70s looking, which suits me better.

[srtown]

I really like the EXPII. This is high on the next watch list.

[mementomori1983]

Just wanted to share my latest pickup: A 16570 Polar Explorer II with tritium hands and hour plots. N-serial.



This is the 3rd 16570 Polar. The previous two I flipped. This is the first one with the tritium plots and hands. The creamy patina does wonders for the dial and makes it way more interesting imo. Hoping to keep this one for a while!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[douglasf13]

On perlon a lot these days.

[Castiel]

I love mine for it's simplicity and versatility.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Love my ExpII (even more so on the Jubilee).

About a year later it's back to Oyster for the Explorer II. Some things were never meant to last...

[designerguy]

Looks like the value on the 16570 is going up - About 5 years ago I bought a 2003 Black face with lugs for $5000 - Australian Dollars - just seen a couple of similar spec advertised for $7000.
It seems to 16570 is becoming more sought after.

[Valhalla]

[Jim P]

Originally Posted by seantk

David,

I do not own an Explorer, however I do like the 24hr hand.

If I were to buy one I would buy the white face because I like the look of it better and because I already have a black dial watch with my Sea Dweller.

Sean

That's exactly what I did when I bought my Explorer II. Since I own a Sub I went with the white dial explorer.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by designerguy

Looks like the value on the 16570 is going up - About 5 years ago I bought a 2003 Black face with lugs for $5000 - Australian Dollars - just seen a couple of similar spec advertised for $7000.
It seems to 16570 is becoming more sought after.

I would hope so, considering the difference between it and the GMT is simply a spinning bezel.

[john wick]

the most underrated utility watch... picked it up yesterday