Light Dial Choice YM Platinum Dial or EXP II Polar - Thoughts!

[cdmorenot]

Hi everyone!

I'm looking to add a light dial watch to the collection.

I narrowed the search down to an older YM with the Platinum Dial transition with the new clasp (Discontinued) or a newer White Dial EXP II (Polar)

A couple of asks:
Can you please share wrist shots of the Explorer II 42MM on a smaller wrist?
My wrist is just under 6.5 inches.

For those that have gotten their YM serviced, how did your platinum bezel come out? Is it really that difficult to refinish and obtain good results?
I plan to use this watch as my daily but I do want the sand blasted finish to look somewhat presentable.

And finally ... Which would be your choice and why? Thank you for entertaining this boring post.

[JasoninDenver]

I have had the YM and earlier Polar 16570.

Literally could not tell the time in a poorly lit room with the YM. I moved it on fast. The Polar is a great watch IMHO. I regret selling it. It is legible in all conditions with the contrasting hands.

My wife just had her YM serviced and the bezel required very little work to return to new condition.

I think would would adjust to the larger size of the current Polar.

[brandrea]

I’d go with the Explorer 2 as it is a highly legible, professional reference.

Ideally if you can, try one on to see how it fits.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’d go with the Explorer 2 as it is a highly legible, professional reference.

Ideally if you can, try one on to see how it fits.

Thanks Brian! There is only one AD near me (Until I fly up to the US) and they NEVER have one to try on. I do have have a Seamaster 42mm that fits me very nicely and looks great on the wrist. I'm hoping the EXP has a similar fit....

[yesnaya]

I think the general consensus when it comes to rolex professional watches goes: sub/gmt/daytona (in whatever order of preference)... followed by the next "tier" which includes the YM and the exp/exp2 and the sea dweller. I like the polar explorer better, but your wrist is 6.5 inches and unless its really flat its probably too big. May be better to go for a 16570 polar instead... 40mm, brushed bracelet - perfect.

I'm not crazy about the YM to be honest. Polished center links, sandblasted platinum bezel, very monochromatic look (kinda boring to me).

In all if you like these models, the 16570 is the ideal watch. You can even find one with the 3186 movement. Just gotta be careful w the steel bezel cause the dents and scratches will show (unlike ceramic).

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I have had the YM and earlier Polar 16570.

Literally could not tell the time in a poorly lit room with the YM. I moved it on fast. The Polar is a great watch IMHO. I regret selling it. It is legible in all conditions with the contrasting hands.

My wife just had her YM serviced and the bezel required very little work to return to new condition.

I think would would adjust to the larger size of the current Polar.

I appreciate the feedback on legibility... or lack there of. I had not considered this very important aspect. Thank you!

[OSUBaller]

I have a Z series Yacht-Master 16622, and I absolutely love it. The platinum bezel and dial give it a solid heft and feel. It's understated from afar due to its relative monochrome color scheme, but up close you appreciate the contrast with the textured dial and the polished vs. brushed portions of the links. It's definitely my Daily.

[Solo118]

The YM with plat dial looks really dated, have you at least checked out the 116622 with the updated clasp and rhodium/light blue dial? IMHO it is a stunning reference, and would much prefer it to the EXP II

[rmagoo57]

Can't go wrong with the 16570 polar!

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by Solo118

The YM with plat dial looks really dated, have you at least checked out the 116622 with the updated clasp and rhodium/light blue dial? IMHO it is a stunning reference, and would much prefer it to the EXP II

The ref that I’m looking at would have the updated clasp. I believe it was only around for a couple of years. The first place I looked was the rhodium dial variant but it is very similar to my DJ! The hint of blue is stunning though.very tough call!

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Can't go wrong with the 16570 polar!

I recently gave the stamped clasp a chance and I just couldn’t. I love the 5 digit cases but I feel like I’ve gotten used to the chunky clasps.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by OSUBaller

I have a Z series Yacht-Master 16622, and I absolutely love it. The platinum bezel and dial give it a solid heft and feel. It's understated from afar due to its relative monochrome color scheme, but up close you appreciate the contrast with the textured dial and the polished vs. brushed portions of the links. It's definitely my Daily.

Thank you for the insight!

[alphadweller]

I love the understated and monochrome look of the YM pt dial. Effortless class on the wrist, IMHO. I've had my 116622 since 2015 and it's my most worn piece.

With regards to the bezel refinishing, the RSC have a special machine to refinish it to like new condition.

I do like the Explorer Polar too, just lacks the wow factor to me.