Explorer 2 Questions

[sgtpeper]

Yea I'm torn on polar vs black as well. The black just seems a bit more subtle on the bigger watch. Now I'm even more torn on which Explorer II to get!

[WatchTimes]

It looks a little big on your but what really matters is what you think.
Its not like you are trying to pull of a 47 mm Panerai as that would just look silly on you (and on most people)
You like it? If so that's what you should get.
Curious, what is your wrist size?

White or Black is a tough decision. If this is the only Rolex you will own Id consider black dial as that's what most people associate with Rolex.
I went with the Polar for my 16570 because I think the white dial is less recognized as a Rolex and I liked that it's the only Rolex sports watch other than the Daytona with a white dial. I already have a 5513, 1675 & 116600 with black dials

[sgtpeper]

I think I'm about a 6.5" wrist size.

[Jackie Daytona]

Looks great. Congrats

As to the question, my only advice or comment to chime in on is that I owned a 216570 and always like the Explorer II as one of my favorite models.

However on the 216570 I couldn’t ever get over the floating hands. While cool on principle and a nice touch, why is the dial matte and the floating hands high gloss? It always bugged me and felt like a defect to me in the design of it. I ultimately ended up selling it and buying something else.

I still love the Exp. II as one of my favorites, I just need to find the right one for me. The 16570 Polar is the one that got me into it, so I think for me it may be the next step.

[Cassian739]

I think it looks fine on your wrist, but you're the one that has to wear it. Either way, you'll own a beautiful sports watch that will look great!

[madsitalia]

Originally Posted by 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.

Fits Great. And the new 6 digit wears awesome. Just sits so good on the wrist 🔥

[NiJaRo1225]

Looks good on you.

42mm Exp ll isn’t a giant watch, and it sits very low and flat on the wrist.

Arguably one of my most comfortable watches, and the *perfect* daily option, IMO - tough, rugged, reliable, useful complications, and doesn’t draw attention.


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[sgtpeper]

Is there any benefit between the 21 and 22 reference? Does one wear bigger or smaller than the other? On paper, it seems like the 22 would wear bigger with the larger bracelet?

[2polar]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Is there any benefit between the 21 and 22 reference? Does one wear bigger or smaller than the other? On paper, it seems like the 22 would wear bigger with the larger bracelet?

The 22 bracelet is excellent. It’s very difficult to tell it apart from a 21 on the wrist. It doesn’t wear any larger or smaller than the 21. I personally much prefer the 22 as it’s more in proportion to the 42mm case. It also feels a little more “solid” on the wrist

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

Is there any benefit between the 21 and 22 reference? Does one wear bigger or smaller than the other? On paper, it seems like the 22 would wear bigger with the larger bracelet?

I too prefer the 22 bracelet, the 21 bracelet allowed the watch to move around on my wrist more while the 22 doesn’t let the crown touch the back of my hand. Also the transition from the 22 bracelet to the thinner lugs flows better than the 21 did. I had intended to keep my Polar 216570 and my Black 226570 as a set but the 226570 is that much better so I sold the Polar.

[Jiggy_W]

Changed to a rubber band and it looks great. Comfortable and easy to wear. Use it as a GMT and it travels the world incognito.

[Ukkanhifi]

I too have a 6.5" wrist and tried on the same watch and it was just too big for me. The reason is I have a round 6.5" wrist whereas yours is a more flat wrist, on which this watch looks perfect. If you like it you should buy it, looks great on you.

[madsitalia]

Originally Posted by NiJaRo1225

Looks good on you.

42mm Exp ll isn’t a giant watch, and it sits very low and flat on the wrist.

Arguably one of my most comfortable watches, and the *perfect* daily option, IMO - tough, rugged, reliable, useful complications, and doesn’t draw attention.


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Originally Posted by 2polar

The 22 bracelet is excellent. It’s very difficult to tell it apart from a 21 on the wrist. It doesn’t wear any larger or smaller than the 21. I personally much prefer the 22 as it’s more in proportion to the 42mm case. It also feels a little more “solid” on the wrist

2 x exactly

[Big Kahuna 0311]

The black dial was my first Rolex 1 year ago and I love it, you’ll love it too. Extremely legible and a pleasure to wear.

[sgtpeper]

If the watch is a 2021 model year watch, is there any benefit to getting one that is CPO?

[2polar]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper

If the watch is a 2021 model year watch, is there any benefit to getting one that is CPO?

The benefit is that the watch will have been serviced by Rolex prior to being sold. However, the drawback is it’ll probably be slightly over market rate. It’s up to you whether you think that’s worth it or not. I take it you’ve already spoken to the AD about getting a new one? It’s worth speaking to 2 or 3 ADs before going down the CPO route as you may get lucky and get one fairly quickly. The Exp II isn’t the most popular model and can sometimes be acquired sooner than you might think.

[espressojoe]

I've owned a 6-digit black dial and a 5-digit polar. I have a 7" wrist and both look great. It's going to depend on the qualities that are important to you. The 6-digit versions are better watches (movement, bracelet, clasp) that the 5-digit in terms of specifications.

In my case, I traded in the 6-digit for the 5-digit since I had too many black dialed watches and I like the polar dial with the red GMT hand, however the 5-digit bracelet and clasp just don't feel as nice.

Good luck!

[watchwatcher]

Looks good to me.

I like the 22-series better b/c of the wider bracelet and the non-phantom hands, but that's entirely subjective.

[Roddypeepa]

You can get a black dial under retail now in quite a few cases and the 21 reference even more so.

Regarding colour I sometimes think the black looks better and sometimes the white. I do prefer the 22 in black because I’m not a fan of the floating hands but some love them. To my eye the black with full gold hands and the bezel ring looks absolutely amazing.

Here is my friends watch. I picked up a white yesterday.

As you can see it looks amazing with a sweater.


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[Mick Z]

I think the older version would look better on your wrist. Also, I dislike the ghost hands on the one you're considering. Friend of mine has the older version and has your wrist size. The proportions are perfect, and it looks great on him.

[2polar]

Originally Posted by Mick Z

I think the older version would look better on your wrist. Also, I dislike the ghost hands on the one you're considering. Friend of mine has the older version and has your wrist size. The proportions are perfect, and it looks great on him.

The older 216570 has the ghost hands, the newer one doesn’t.

[173rdabn]

Go for it. Perfect watch and looks good on your wrist. I've had both the Polar and Black dials. Currently have the Black dial. I found the Polar looks larger than the Black, although I don't know why.

[RTG]

The 42mm Explorer II are perfect IMO. Doubt you will ever regret buying the six digit.

[sgtpeper]

Thanks! I have another post going as now I'm trying to see if I can possibly find a new polar explorer ii somewhere!

[4dough]

226570 has a better movement

[B2 Stealth]

Go big or stay home. Six digit Polar is my daily. You can't go wrong!