The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[fskywalker]

On Bulang & Sons leather






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[puckbw11]

Originally Posted by Rollright

This is the sports model I went with. Wanted the 40mm version and the prices are still comparatively lower than the other models. The black dial is good for optional dressy occasions imo and the white is mostly casual/everyday use. I went with white.

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I’ve actually heard people make the opposite argument since the white dial gives a nod to lighter dialed dress pieces...

The enigma continues!


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[Gimoozaabi]

Originally Posted by puckbw11

I’ve actually heard people make the opposite argument since the white dial gives a nod to lighter dialed dress pieces...

The enigma continues!


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Indeed it continues ;)

The 16570 Polar on its brushed bracelet looks terrific with suit. It has this sporty yet elegant vibe. I would say it is as versatile as the 5-digits Submariner, which until very recently was the do-anything watch for me.

I absolutely love the black Exp II as well and wouldn't hesitate to wear it for any occasion.

I also love the fact that the Explorer II remains an enigma. It is not your 'typical Rolex' and I prefer it that way. Seen a plenty of subs around, plenty of DJs, even few GMT masters but never Explorers (I or II). I would hesitate to start a conversation with the person that I see wearing Exp II as I would be confident that this person is into watches.

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[Flywheel]

.

[natosteve]

On a Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue fabric...




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[Polarbears]

Originally Posted by natosteve

On a Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue fabric...




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Great idea!

[218225]

Originally Posted by Gimoozaabi

Indeed it continues

I also love the fact that the Explorer II remains an enigma. It is not your 'typical Rolex' and I prefer it that way. Seen a plenty of subs around, plenty of DJs, even few GMT masters but never Explorers (I or II). I would hesitate to start a conversation with the person that I see wearing Exp II as I would be confident that this person is into watches.

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A few weeks ago I wore my exp II in a sub rich environment during a job interview. The guy who was hiring could not take his eyes of my watch but did not say a word

Had I worn this 1655 he would not have had a clue





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[mgd55]

Originally Posted by 218225

A few weeks ago I wore my exp II in a sub rich environment during a job interview. The guy who was hiring could not take his eyes of my watch but did not say a word

Had I worn this 1655 he would not have had a clue





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Great story...beautiful 1655

I don’t bother considering whether someone wearing a Sub is a watch guy anymore unless it’s vintage


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[218225]

Originally Posted by mgd55

Great story...beautiful 1655

I don’t bother considering whether someone wearing a Sub is a watch guy anymore unless it’s vintage


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Thanks for the compliment, my dad took great care of it and that is how I became interested in ROLEX.
I wanted to have one like my dad had. Same for my brother and sister.

Basically most people haven’t got a clue and just wear it as a status symbol. Especially when it is a Sub

Once while getting a quote for a new car, I noticed the salesperson had an explorer II and asked him about it. It was his reward for loosing 25kgs a few years earlier. I found that a very nice story.




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[mgd55]

Originally Posted by 218225

Thanks for the compliment, my dad took great care of it and that is how I became interested in ROLEX.
I wanted to have one like my dad had. Same for my brother and sister.

Basically most people haven’t got a clue and just wear it as a status symbol. Especially when it is a Sub

Once while getting a quote for a new car, I noticed the salesperson had an explorer II and asked him about it. It was his reward for loosing 25kgs a few years earlier. I found that a very nice story.




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Clearly he did and that’s such a great family story...so cool

As for the car guy, good for him making two smart choices. I still haven’t seen another Exp II in the wild but when I do I know I’ll talk to the person wearing it, no doubt


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[rgwarden]

The 1655.... we are not worthy.
What a watch.
My strap monster of a black 16570 is back on bracelet, where it never fails.


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[Stephanus]

Maybe I‘ll join this mysterious club soon. Here I am with the Polar in our local store. Quite not sure if its to big for my wrist. What do you think?

[mgd55]

Originally Posted by Stephanus

Maybe I‘ll join this mysterious club soon. Here I am with the Polar in our local store. Quite not sure if its to big for my wrist. What do you think?

Looks great to me...but try a 16570 if you feel that’s too big or if it isn’t comfortable and see which is best for you


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[Nothingfancy01]

Looks great hope to have my polar by weeks end

[Vaxe]

After wearing mine for a week I think I know why it’s so unpopular. I have the 14060, BLNR, and 116520/116500 and the Exp II is so far quite refreshing, but at $8100 it’s set up to compete with the heavy hitters at the same price.

For $450 more you can get the Sub date with a ceramic bezel, or the GMT LN also with ceramic bezel and the GMT hand. Both have triplock and the Sub has the arguably better deployant.
For $600 less most first time buyers will just get the Sub

I think this would be much more enticing at $7100. Still love mine though.

[fskywalker]

Nice green luminova




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[DocMorpheus]

Originally Posted by Andrejb

No matter what Rolex I will come to own in the future. It’ll always be one of my favourites.


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How old is your 16570? I also love mine, which is from the mid 90s. My tritium just started to patina into a subtle eggshell color. Yours has an outstanding color of both the markers and hands. Can’t wait for my piece to weather like that.

[Andrejb]

Originally Posted by DocMorpheus

How old is your 16570? I also love mine, which is from the mid 90s. My tritium just started to patina into a subtle eggshell color. Yours has an outstanding color of both the markers and hands. Can’t wait for my piece to weather like that.

Mine is a 1989


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[sunnygps]

Picked this up yesterday. I debated between this and GMT Master II M series. The white dial was too hard to pass up as it is unique in its own way.

[Tricky73]

I love all the 16570 in this thread. Some black beauty’s which are really making me reconsider if my heart truly is set on a polar. It’s a tough dilemma

[sunnygps]

I am loving the white dial of the Explorer II so much that now I am considering the Milgauss white dial.

[mgd55]

So it really is an enigma. A week after acquiring a black 16570, I’ve decided it’s not optional: getting rid of the Black Bay and picking up a polar, something that had never crossed my mind before putting the black Exp II on. Not sure what the Explorer II is except perfection.

[Tricky73]

Originally Posted by mgd55

So it really is an enigma. A week after acquiring a black 16570, I’ve decided it’s not optional: getting rid of the Black Bay and picking up a polar, something that had never crossed my mind before putting the black Exp II on. Not sure what the Explorer II is except perfection.

So do you plan to have a two watch collection of the polar and black 16570? I had my heart set on the polar but some of the black pictures in this thread have made my decision much harder than I anticipated

[mgd55]

Originally Posted by Tricky73

So do you plan to have a two watch collection of the polar and black 16570? I had my heart set on the polar but some of the black pictures in this thread have made my decision much harder than I anticipated

Yup. The black is fantastic and even better than a lot of the pics make it look. I’d say the same about the polar. It’s the most comfortable, versatile, functional watch I’ve worn and it’s all I want on my wrist. Having both would equal a complete collection to me. Whichever you choose you win, truly.


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[Loalq]

The white dial ExpII is a beautiful watch that in my view suffers from a positioning issue: it is expensive. When you are willing to pay this price, it opens doors to a plethora of other options you feel compelled to consider, even amongst the Rolex range, and even if you have to pay a bit more. Were it 5k USD instead of 7.5k, it would've been a hit.

[thesultan57]

Originally Posted by sunnygps

I am loving the white dial of the Explorer II so much that now I am considering the Milgauss white dial.

Polar is fantastic on the Exp2 - no doubt. But If you already have this - then go for the Z blue Milgauss , I don’t think the polar Milgaus is spécial & différent enough to make it worth it . My opinion only as that’s what I am doing lol



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[helloworldies]

I've worn mine on a rubber b since I got it a few year ago
It's my beater watch and the strap still looks perfect despite a lot of use!

[rgwarden]

Originally Posted by mgd55

Yup. The black is fantastic and even better than a lot of the pics make it look. I’d say the same about the polar. It’s the most comfortable, versatile, functional watch I’ve worn and it’s all I want on my wrist. Having both would equal a complete collection to me. Whichever you choose you win, truly.


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This ☝️
With both I don’t need another watch. It’s the spec on the thing. Way way better than any pic shows. Weight profile and pure function. I have the black and need the white, but it’s also those subtle different options that make the wait worth it - trit vs luminova, no rehaut vs rehaut, 3185 vs 3186.
I don’t see any current Rolex that I prefer. And I mean any.


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[mineral]

Originally Posted by mgd55

Yup. The black is fantastic and even better than a lot of the pics make it look. I’d say the same about the polar. It’s the most comfortable, versatile, functional watch I’ve worn and it’s all I want on my wrist. Having both would equal a complete collection to me. Whichever you choose you win, truly.


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Agreed and black and white make great pair.




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[jrs146]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Nice green luminova




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I’m normally not a huge fan of Rolex watches on a strap. But this looks fantastic!


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