Explorer II ref 16570 buying decision

[zen123]

I'm contemplating between 2 ref 16570.

One is 2002 holes case with the 3185 movement box & papers & is pretty much pristine unpolished. Looks hardly worn to be honest.
The other is 2007 no holes case with engraved rehault & 3186 movement box & papers but this one has definitely been polished although not overly so and costs £600 more.

Which would be the better purchase?

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[Paul7]

Photos? I prefer case holes, no rehaut and 3185 movement, but YMMV. I don't see any advantage in the new movement, either one will last longer than you will.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Photos? I prefer case holes, no rehaut and 3185 movement, but YMMV. I don't see any advantage in the new movement, either one will last longer than you will.

Agree on this; 3186 is the newer movt. but would rather save £600 and buy the older one with holes on case


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[Geckobros]

Personally, I wouldn't want to deal with the jump hour click spring issue on the 3186 so I would pick the 2002 model that seems to be in better condition. My .

[infinitywatches]

We are all on the same page here. But I still won't mind seeing pictures of it.

[JR16]

2002 version for reasons above


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[Paul7]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Agree on this; 3186 is the newer movt. but would rather save £600 and buy the older one with holes on case


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Lughole models are supposed to be stronger bracelet pins than smooth case models, perhaps someone more knowledgeable can elaborate.

[BillA]

Save you monies and buy the 2002 model, sounds like it is in great shape.

[fabs82]

I went through the same dilemma about 6 weeks ago. check out that thread and replies which were very helpful (link below).

I got a P-series SEL with holes case (cal 3185) in great condition and couldn't be happier! it is my daily driver!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=765177

Good luck!
pete

[mike0821]

I wish I had gotten a holes case instead of my F-serial, mainly because of my small wrists (6.25") a folded endlink bracelet would have made for a better fit!

[Tools]

I like my Explorer II with holes through the lugs. Still, either choice is yours to make, and neither would be wrong.

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[jamesbondOO7]

I like the unpolished state and the lugholes, but I also like the engraved rehaut.
Altogether i would still choose the 2002. A great watch.

[dba]

My choice would would be made depending on bracelet condition / stretch. Holes or no holes really don't make a difference to me. Neither does the 3186 movement.

[slugworth]

2002 with the SEL, lug holes and 3185 is the way to go.

I have a Y 2002 and it's a beautiful indestructible beast. Lume still glows like a flamethrower and it's running at +7 since it's last service in 2008.

[Oldfellow]

I would go for the 2002.
Your description of that one as quoted is hard to beat.
“One is 2002 holes case with the 3185 movement box & papers & is pretty much pristine unpolished. Looks hardly worn to be honest“
I have a P serial 2000.

[HogwldFLTR]

2002 light duty gets my vote!!!

[Nikrnic]

02 sounds like the winner to me.

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[Polarexplorerii]

2002. I don’t like lug holes but i wanted the 3185 movement so i got a 2006 SEL no holes


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[JR16]

Originally Posted by slugworth

2002 with the SEL, lug holes and 3185 is the way to go.

I have a Y 2002 and it's a beautiful indestructible beast. Lume still glows like a flamethrower and it's running at +7 since it's last service in 2008.

Agree here - I went w a P serial from 2000, SEL , lug holes, lume, 2185. One of my favorites.


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[Paul7]

My 2002 is running +2 spd, I'll take it.

[Dirt]

Definately the older pre loved version with the lug holes
I used to have a particular interest in the reference and was rewarded by a long collecting history with it, so I can say without a doubt this is what I would pick hands down

Which colour dial?
White or Black?

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by infinitywatches

We are all on the same page here. But I still won't mind seeing pictures of it.

Pics after taking delivery would be just fine

[zen123]

I went for the 2002 watch. Should be in hand tomorrow. Will post pics.

[Dirt]

Outstanding

[GST15]

Congratulations! Good choice

[winst]

Originally Posted by zen123

I went for the 2002 watch. Should be in hand tomorrow. Will post pics.

Good decision!

[Thuilln]

First option.

[zen123]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Definately the older pre loved version with the lug holes
I used to have a particular interest in the reference and was rewarded by a long collecting history with it, so I can say without a doubt this is what I would pick hands down

Which colour dial?
White or Black?

Black dial this time. I had a Polar version a couple of years ago which I thought the white dial would add some diversity to my mainly black dialled collection. Unfortunately it just didn't click with me so I moved it on.

[Dirt]

I've had them all. Sometimes all at once
The journey with the White(T serial with Luminova) was the very best watch i've ever had from the fullest possible ownership experience but the White didn't quite resonate with me either.
I'd still have it though, if it wasn't for my first DSSD which ruined me for all other Rolex watches.

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I did mine

[Rollright]

I'm leaning towards the 02 cause you state its in great condition and has the full kit.

I went through something similar a few years back and decided to go with an 09 with the engraved rehaut and 3186. My reasoning was I wanted the latest 5 digit I could get and I like the engraved rehaut.

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