The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[inadeje]

I agree with you OP, the Exp II is unloved, which means it sold less, which means its rarer, which means that it will be worth more in the future. The fact that its also a beauty, makes ownership better too. Here are my two, 40+42

[Drudge]

Originally Posted by Pauln

looks sharp!

Thank you and to clarify its Ostrich not gator. I have too many straps

[roznalos]

Can't wait to join you guys! Paid for mine and expecting for arrival tomorrow! Receiving a polar 16570

[fotkom]

little colour ...

[sillo]

[mgd55]

Originally Posted by sillo38

See you, raise you :)


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[roznalos]

I just received mine recently and I am in love!

[chris242]

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[Drudge]

[jlovda]

I just read another recent TRF Topic regarding DavidSW vs Rolex MSRP prices. And as usual, the Exp II fared the worst, even lower than the Milgauss and Air-King. The grey price even approaches my cost in Norway minus VAT plus duty.

[red1108nyc]

Easily one of my favorite references

[zetaplus93]

What an epic thread! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it all over the past few days.

Just picked up a 2005-ish 16570 with black dial. The polar Explorer II was the first Rolex I remember noticing years ago. I remember seeing this model (especially the distinctive SS bezel) in Japan during a week of business meetings there along with a 114270 (which the Japanese love because of Kimura Takuya wearing it decades ago). After going through various brands and models, I’m coming back full circle to one of the first iconic designs that started my watch journey.

Seems the polar dial is more popular on TRF, and indeed was what initially drew my attention years ago. By chance I was able to view both the white and black dials at a local AD a few weeks ago (what are the chances of that happening with SS models these days, even if it’s preowned). Fully expecting the white dial to blow me away, I actually felt indifferent. Very weird. Went back a few weeks later to try the black dial on, and I definitely felt a stronger connection. Still went back and forth for a few days browsing wrist shots of both dials on Instagram. In the end, it was close, but the black won out.

Coming from my 116710LN, I’m blown away by how thin the watch is. The smaller circular indices fit the smaller non-maxi profile perfectly. I can see why so many folks have been so drawn to the 16570/16710/16610/14050 profile. It’s just sexy on the wrist.

It helps that the red GMT hand just pops on the black dial. The 16710 coke is also one of my lusted watches, though with skyrocketing prices, that’s sadly not going to be a realistic purchase in the next while. So I’m thoroughly enjoying the red GMT hand on the 16570.



The weak spot, as some have noted, is the bracelet. I know many praise it, but I’m just not a fan, sorry. Felt the same on the 114270 I had a few years back (of which the bracelet was one factor for my decision to sell it). And after enjoying the modern bracelet on my 116710LN, I just couldn’t go back to the old style bracelet. I did learn that modern 97200 bracelet fit the 16570 some time back, so that removed the last blocking factor to picking this beauty up. My only grip is that the claps feels too large on the watch (yeah, first world problems...), hopefully I can swap it with a 214270 clasp (if by some miracle I can source it...).

Thanks for reading through my rambling. Just really enjoying the piece. Others have posted great photos already, so I’ll offer this shot. I was really surprised to see the crown so easily in the sun today, guess it’s the raised crystal enabling the sun to light it up. Definitely harder to see it on my GMT. Beautiful:

[rgwarden]

Originally Posted by zetaplus93

What an epic thread! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it all over the past few days.

Just picked up a 2005-ish 16570 with black dial.

Seems the polar dial is more popular on TRF, and indeed was what initially drew my attention years ago. By chance I was able to view both the white and black dials at a local AD a few weeks ago (what are the chances of that happening with SS models these days, even if it’s preowned). Fully expecting the white dial to blow me away, I actually felt indifferent. Very weird. Went back a few weeks later to try the black dial on, and I definitely felt a stronger connection. Still went back and forth for a few days browsing wrist shots of both dials on Instagram. In the end, it was close, but the black won out.

Coming from my 116710LN, I’m blown away by how thin the watch is. The smaller circular indices fit the smaller non-maxi profile perfectly. I can see why so many folks have been so drawn to the 16570/16710/16610/14050 profile. It’s just sexy on the wrist.

It helps that the red GMT hand just pops on the black dial.

Thanks for your post, and we have similar tastes it seems. I owned a BLNR and must be one of the only crazy fools who tried on a (black) 16570 and just preferred it, pretty much everything about it - from crown to lugs to no rehaut to red hand even to where the main text sits on the face above rather than below on the GMT. But chiefly the weight of the watch and it’s profile just suit my tastes better. So I sold the BLNR after 18 months, for a small profit, and bought a 16570 F series. And love the thing.

I regularly feel I want to buy a Polar to compliment it, but whenever I’ve had one on the wrist it just hasn’t appealed to me like the straight up black does. Unlike you though I also like the bracelet and clasp, but regularly change it up with an Everest or a NATO or into leather. As many have noted, the 16570 is a strap monster and literally suits all options.
Glad you’re enjoying yours.


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[Howie]

To me, it's a great 'tool watch' - comfy, useful GMT complication, rugged, and under the radar.

[zetaplus93]

Originally Posted by rgwarden

Thanks for your post, and we have similar tastes it seems. I owned a BLNR and must be one of the only crazy fools who tried on a (black) 16570 and just preferred it, pretty much everything about it - from crown to lugs to no rehaut to red hand even to where the main text sits on the face above rather than below on the GMT. But chiefly the weight of the watch and it’s profile just suit my tastes better. So I sold the BLNR after 18 months, for a small profit, and bought a 16570 F series. And love the thing.

I regularly feel I want to buy a Polar to compliment it, but whenever I’ve had one on the wrist it just hasn’t appealed to me like the straight up black does. Unlike you though I also like the bracelet and clasp, but regularly change it up with an Everest or a NATO or into leather. As many have noted, the 16570 is a strap monster and literally suits all options.
Glad you’re enjoying yours.

Very nice Explorer II there! I’ll have to try it on a strap later on.

I do love leather straps, but with warmer weather, I find often that I’m in between holes. I wish there are the equivalent of an EasyLink or Glidelock to make the strap half a hole looser or tighter. I’ve got buckles that are shorter than the usual, so it gives one a half hole length adjustment. But wish i had something to adjust on-the-fly.

Maybe the Everest strap or RubberB where one can fit a buckle on it is the answer? I’ll have to look into that.

[GMT Aviator]

Black dial is my choice as well over the polar. Congrats. It’s a beauty.

[jdef]

My first Rolex is the 216570 in black. I absolutely absolutely love it. Goes everywhere with me. Is the perfect ‘tool watch’ and the perfect balance of modern Rolex with a slightly understated design.

I think with all the love and attention paid to the Polar the black version deserves a nickname, perhaps ‘Grizzly’.


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[Alc]

Is there a special magic trick to swapping the bands? I can't for the life of my get the spring pin back in my hole model explorer?

[jdef]

Originally Posted by Alc

Is there a special magic trick to swapping the bands? I can't for the life of my get the spring pin back in my hole model explorer?

Patience and persistence.


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[Georgevlado]

Love my new to me 3186 polar explorer m serial

[VacherObsessive]

In the Lake District today

[Recaro18]

Seeing the 16570 Polar gaining some value over the last few months.. It’s about time!!




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[Allinthegame]

Originally Posted by roznalos

I just received mine recently and I am in love!

Nice polar sir , welcome to the club

[Allinthegame]

[chris242]

Went out on the beach last night to do some stargazing, I could not believe how brightly lit up the lume on my polar was! It had me pretty distracted...


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[scottgekko]

Explorer II.jpg

[e dantes]

Took it hiking last weekend




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[Maverick_1908]

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[coffeebreak]

Browsing at Kinokuniya

[Chronokid]

I just got a Polar and love it! Great companion to my black GMT II. I was just wondering what
a fixed black bezel would look like on the Exp II! Maybe even ceramic?