Show your NATO-strapped Explorer II

[Gimoozaabi]

Hi everyone,

I have incoming a Polar Explorer II 16570, which I expect to arrive next week. It will be keeping a company to my 14060M Submariner.

As I wear the Sub on its bracelet I plan to put the Explorer II initially on a NATO. I am bit concerned that some NATO straps will not fit, particularly if they are on the thick side, e.g. Haveston straps which I quite like.

The 16570 is the SEL/no lug hole case variant which I've read somewhere that the pins are closer to the case and hence the NATO straps need to be very thin to fit. Can someone confirm this? I will appreciate pictures of your 5 or 6 digits Explorers II rocked on NATO straps with some info about the strap itself. Bring them on!

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[10klakes]

Love my 16570 on NATO. In fact, I wear it almost exclusively on NATO and feel the strap offsets the look of the SS bezel. Pictured is the Perlon braided NATO with polished buckles (20mm).

[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

Love my 16570 on NATO. In fact, I wear it almost exclusively on NATO and feel the strap offsets the look of the SS bezel. Pictured is the Perlon braided NATO with polished buckles (20mm).

Looks good! Yes, perlon is quite thin and comfy, I wore a Nomos Club at work on one piece perlon (not a NATO) during the summer and it was a really comfortable choice.

10klakes is your Exp II no holes case? Have you tried it on your run of the mill NATOs?

For the black faced explorer this is so far my favourite combo (photo sourced from the net/WUS)


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[10klakes]

I have had it on a variety of NATO straps and enjoy switching it up. The Perlon gives the greatest amount of adjustment and is the most comfortable imo. Pictured is a standard NATO while I was in OBX/NC. I have a no holes case.

That is a cool color combo- my EXPII has been a daily driver for 13 years and was my first Rolex.

[Richard Carver]

[Gimoozaabi]

Sweet! Very utilitarian look, a true tool watch.
Keep 'em coming!

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[rgwarden]

I wear my 16570 on all sorts, currently an Everest Blue


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[rgwarden]

And the only time I ever need to use thinner pins is when I put it on a thick leather NATO. With regular NATOs they just slide through the regular Rolex pins.

And I too have a no holes SEL 16570 so yours will be fine.
The 16570 is the most versatile Rolex I’ve come across.


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[Richard Carver]

This thick leather was a pain but did it with standard bars. This is an X serial '91 holes case.

[madgpol]

For the black faced explorer this is so far my favourite combo (photo sourced from the net/WUS)


That my friend is a wonderful combination

[Loevhagen]

Erling Kagge Edition: On a ski strap.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/explor...ploration.html

[Gimoozaabi]

@Richard Carver - Your Polar has so much character, love the tritium lume and the case/besel marks, a trusty friend that's has been with you in thick and thin.

@rgwarden - it looks very sporty on the rubber strap (the 16570 is such a strap monster!). I definitely will consider a bright colored Rubber B or Everest for the Summer.

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[rockmastermike]

[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Erling Kagge Edition: On a ski strap.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/explor...ploration.html

Fantastic! Looks great on the Norwegian flag colors NATO. The bright and vibrant colours underline the Polar Exp 2 freshness and crispiness. Thanks for that link as well

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[Loevhagen]

Originally Posted by Gimoozaabi

Fantastic! Looks great on the Norwegian flag colors NATO. The bright and vibrant colours underline the Polar Exp 2 freshness and crispiness. Thanks for that link as well

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Thanks. The strap is actually a ski strap.



Here is the man himself (Kagge):

[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by rockmastermike

I am smitten by how many great combos are available for the 16570. To be honest I was strongly considering the 16710 before that but the Explorer has grown so much on me. I almost bought a GMT Master but some unfortunate circumstances at this time prevented me getting the watch. Since then I had some time to reflect on the merits of the Explorer II. A great and understated watch, it has so much character. I think the Polar will complement nicely my 5 digit sub as they are so different and great in their own right.

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[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Thanks. The strap is actually a ski strap.



Here is the man himself (Kagge):

Old school Kool! :)
I wasn't aware of the existence of such straps. Guess the idea is to wear the watch over the sleeve of the ski jacket. The guy wears it on a bare wrist. Nice!

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[mtgjr]

.

[Gimoozaabi]

Thanks to all who responded!
Finally the Polar 16570 is on my wrist.

Love it on metal and on NATO! I will be wearing it on its bracelet for few weeks then I will be switching it to NATO. My feeling is rides much more incognito than on NATO.

Besides the SEL and the smaller clasp the bracelet is virtually identical to the 14060M, but somehow feels more solid. It could be a subjective observation as it has less stretch.

I will be updating the thread as I experiment with other straps.



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[HogwldFLTR]

Not exactly a nato but not the norm either....

[Richard Carver]

Very nice! Congrats!

[Gimoozaabi]

Jubilee is something that I would like to try on a Rolex, I know that I will like it! I keep my Seiko SKX009 on its jittery jubilee, very old school feel and very comfy.

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[Richard Carver]

Rockin' it OG, 1971 oval link C&I US made jubilee.

[rgwarden]

Originally Posted by Gimoozaabi

Thanks to all who responded!
Finally the Polar 16570 is on my wrist.

Love it on metal and on NATO! I will be wearing it on its bracelet for few weeks then I will be switching it to NATO. My feeling is rides much more incognito than on NATO.

Besides the SEL and the smaller clasp the bracelet is virtually identical to the 14060M, but somehow feels more solid. It could be a subjective observation as it has less stretch.

I will be updating the thread as I experiment with other straps.



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Looks fantastic.
#jealous


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[ForSure5120]

Congrats on the pick up! I’m certain you’ll enjoy that watch through many of life’s adventures!!!


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[Gimoozaabi]

^^
Thanks both!
Hasn't left my wrist since I've got it.

On a negative side, now I am seriously considering downsizing the collection of watches.

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[uansari1]

Not exactly a NATO, but same concept. I have also put it on an actual NATO and it works fine. Little tight when threading the spring bars, but totally doable.




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[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by uansari1

Not exactly a NATO, but same concept. I have also put it on an actual NATO and it works fine. Little tight when threading the spring bars, but totally doable.




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Once you go Erikas, you can never go back !

[uansari1]

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

Once you go Erikas, you can never go back !

That’s the truth!

This strap now gets duty on my Sub or Seamaster, and I’m planning on picking up the new Mirage strap from Erika for the polar Exp II. This time I want a Canadian flag stitched onto it.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by uansari1

That’s the truth!

This strap now gets duty on my Sub or Seamaster, and I’m planning on picking up the new Mirage strap from Erika for the polar Exp II. This time I want a Canadian flag stitched onto it.

The most comfortable strap I’ve ever worn !