Which Rolex Explorer II polar? (under $4500)

[Rob519]

I think my options are pretty limited to the pre-owned/vintage 16570, but there are so many little differences between the years of approximately 1987-2002ish. Tritium, SEL, 3185 (without Parachrome Blue hairspring), 3186 (with Parachrome Blue hairspring), with or without box/papers etc.

Which exact model and year would you prefer, and why?

Also, does saving a few hundred upfront on no box/papers hurt the resale more than what you save (5+ years down the road)?

Thanks!

[adawil2002]

I like the 16550, I think it is the best looking of the Explorer IIs. It has worked flawlessly as a daily wearer for 29 years.

Go with the 16570 from the 1990s it's similar in looks to the 16550.

Always better to have box and papers. At the same time I have purchased used Rolexs with no papers or boxes. I buy watches with the intention to keep them forever.

[Old Expat Beast]

You could probably find an M serial with 3186 for the top of your price range, but probably not with B&P. If you intend to keep it, just get the best watch in the best shape you can find.

[Rob519]

Originally Posted by adawil2002

I like the 16550, I think it is the best looking of the Explorer IIs. It has worked flawlessly as a daily wearer for 29 years.

Go with the 16570 from the 1990s it's similar in looks to the 16550.

Always better to have box and papers. At the same time I have purchased used Rolexs with no papers or boxes. I buy watches with the intention to keep them forever.

Thanks! Any reason for the 1990s as apposed to 2000ish? If I don't go for vintage character, shouldn't I go as new as possible? Or no?

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You could probably find an M serial with 3186 for the top of your price range, but probably not with B&P. If you intend to keep it, just get the best watch in the best shape you can find.

You don't think a Tritium model would be more valuable down the road? Not looking to sell it necessarily, but if I could find older one in great condition, wouldn't that be a better buy (assuming it will last as long)? Or do you think the improvements they made in the 90s are just really worth it?

Thanks!

[Old Expat Beast]

I don't think the pre 1998 tritium 16570 will ever fetch more than the later luminovas, and certainly not more than the final one I mentioned above. Right now they are significantly cheaper and I don't think that's ikely to change somehow. There's just too many around.

[Rob519]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I don't think the pre 1998 tritium 16570 will ever fetch more than the later luminovas, and certainly not more than the final one I mentioned above. Right now they are significantly cheaper and I don't think that's ikely to change somehow. There's just too many around.

Thank you! That makes sense. How do you feel about the EXPLORER II 16550?

[donaker]

Originally Posted by Rob519

Thank you! That makes sense. How do you feel about the EXPLORER II 16550?

I prefer the 16550 to the 16570 but they are typically priced quite a bit higher than your budget (sometimes 2x).

The premium is due to the fact the whole dial often times gets a nice patina. The white gold surrounds & silver hands also work better than the black in my opinion.

[sea-dweller]

Right now, the F and D serial models are around $4,300-ish with B&P's. I think that's a great deal and I think years from now, we'll look back at it and realize how much of a value they were.

I have an F polar Explorer.

[Rob519]

Originally Posted by sea-dweller

Right now, the F and D serial models are around $4,300-ish with B&P's. I think that's a great deal and I think years from now, we'll look back at it and realize how much of a value they were.

I have an F polar Explorer.

Ok, thanks. So we all agree that a newer pre-owned 16570 will hold its value better long term than a 16570 with tritium?

[Jason71]

Personally, I would be looking for an A-K serial 16570. Luminova with drilled through lug holes. The best of both worlds IMHO.

[Rob519]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Personally, I would be looking for an A-K serial 16570. Luminova with drilled through lug holes. The best of both worlds IMHO.

Thanks! Just b/c the holes make it easy to switch bracelets/straps?

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by Rob519

Thanks! Just b/c the holes make it easy to switch bracelets/straps?

For most, it's more of a heritage thing. SEL and lug holes is a great thing if you can find it in the watch you want. Looking for it can limit your selection choices though.

[Rob519]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

For most, it's more of a heritage thing. SEL and lug holes is a great thing if you can find it in the watch you want. Looking for it can limit your selection choices though.

Gotchya. Do all or most 16570(non-tritium) explorers have the SEL bracelet?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Rob519

Gotchya. Do all or most 16570(non-tritium) explorers have the SEL bracelet?

Should be all. Tritium ended during U serials and SELs came in with A serials (the one after U).