The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[gerry100]

BTW its a 3186 from 2008

[coffeebreak]

Wearing mine today so I thought I’d Just add to the pics in this thread

[boltz]

Exp II is actually one of my favorite in my collection.

[NardinNut]

When looking to buy a 16570 what is the preferred model: 3185 vs 3186, SEL with drilled holes vs SEL solid case?

Also, why am I seeing such a variance in price for a 2000+ 16570 Polar? Obviously condition and full kit plays a role, but I’m seeing big spread even with full kit good condition examples.

Ive decided I want to add a 5 digit Polar so I’ve been digging through this thread trying to wrap my head around what I should be on the lookout for.

[trichard3000]

Originally Posted by NardinNut

Ive decided I want to add a 5 digit Polar so I’ve been digging through this thread trying to wrap my head around what I should be on the lookout for.

Here’s my favorite article describing all of the variations of the Explorer II:
https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/c...ces-in-detail/

Long story short… If you want vintage/patina, go with the earliest tritium dial ones. If you want rareness, go with the transitional, “Swiss only” dial model that was only made for two years. If you want the most modern movement, best lume, no-holes/SEL, etc., go for the final version made after 2005/2006.

Regardless, you can’t go wrong. They’re all great!

[NardinNut]

Originally Posted by trichard3000

Here’s my favorite article describing all of the variations of the Explorer II:
https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/c...ces-in-detail/

Long story short… If you want vintage/patina, go with the earliest tritium dial ones. If you want rareness, go with the transitional, “Swiss only” dial model that was only made for two years. If you want the most modern movement, best lume, no-holes/SEL, etc., go for the final version made after 2005/2006.

Regardless, you can’t go wrong. They’re all great!

Awesome. Thank you!

[Normunds]

Only Rolex model I like, don’t care about subs, Daytonas, op’s and others. I wear it everywhere, do anything.

[AndersB]

Originally Posted by NardinNut

Ive decided I want to add a 5 digit Polar so I’ve been digging through this thread trying to wrap my head around what I should be on the lookout for.

Five-digit Polar with drilled lug holes and thick black lining around the hour markers would be my favourite I think. Never owned one though!

[Darklight111]

[coffeebreak]

My first climb in about 25 years. And, well, if you’re gonna explore, use an explorer!

[coffeebreak]

A little more exploring

At the top


And at the bottom

[The Londonist]

A question on the modern versions: is the white dial on the 226570 brighter than that of the 216570?

Looking at photos, it seems that it could be. I also recall reading that Rolex used a lacquer on the 226570 dial which had the effect of making it appear brighter. Is that the experience of those that have both on here?

Thanks.

[chrissimons]

Originally Posted by Normunds

Only Rolex model I like, don’t care about subs, Daytonas, op’s and others. I wear it everywhere, do anything.

Nice pict ! Which strap is it please?

[Normunds]

Originally Posted by chrissimons

Nice pict ! Which strap is it please?

Old Morrellato nylon strap with Velcro fastening, don't remember the model name. Kinda similar to Nato, but different :)

[lbflynn]

Just purchased an Explorer 2 with the white dial. I agree its clean looking. Absolutely love the look.

[Rolexnabzy]

Previously had a 2022 black dial, however as my collection has grown the watch saw less wrist time due to the number of black dial watches that I currently own. Thus, I have been trying to diversify dial colors and always liked the crisp clean look of the Polar dial.

Talked to my AD who told me when I was ready that obtaining the Polar dial would take about 2 months to obtain so I went about selling the black dial which I did so to a colleague at the end of March....2 and a bit months later AD came through as promised

And yes it does physically look and wear larger than the black dial, and although this is obviously an optical illusion, as someone that prefers bigger watches this is an added bonus for me....

[gs430]

Originally Posted by Rolexnabzy

Previously had a 2022 black dial, however as my collection has grown the watch saw less wrist time due to the number of black dial watches that I currently own. Thus, I have been trying to diversify dial colors and always liked the crisp clean look of the Polar dial.

Talked to my AD who told me when I was ready that obtaining the Polar dial would take about 2 months to obtain so I went about selling the black dial which I did so to a colleague at the end of March....2 and a bit months later AD came through as promised

And yes it does physically look and wear larger than the black dial, and although this is obviously an optical illusion, as someone that prefers bigger watches this is an added bonus for me....

Very nice!! The polar dial is what lured me into picking up the Explorer II as well. Like you, I needed something different than my black dial watches! Enjoy!!!

[Brich436]

Fuel for the fire!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sienaguns]

Ive owned white dial 16570, 216570 and a 226570.... I like them all in different ways, but ultimately sold them all eventually. Still a gorgeous watch but the 5 digit is too hard to read due to lack of contrast for my aging eyes and the 216/226 just didnt ever feel like the right size for me.....