My first Rolex dilemma (Polar or Black)

[Tricky73]

I’ll try to keep this short, I’m looking to purchase my first Rolex and I’ve choose the Explorer II 16570 for various reasons. I like the fixed SS bezel which makes it fly under the radar more unnoticed than say a sub. It’s practical functions of both date and extra time zone, dimensions of 40mm and the fact to me it’s good value and affordable, albeit at the very top end of my budget £4000.

I’ve narrowed it down to two watches I’ve found on chrono24. Both are 2009 models. The black faced is a V serial with 3816 movement. It was serviced by Rolex in April 2017 and had its dial and hands replaced the service receipt showing the cost of €1190 is included in the sale. It’s in great condition sadly without box or papers just Rolex service receipt; travel pouch and guarantee card.

The other is a Z serial 2009 with 3815 movement. It was serviced by Rolex in September 2016 costing €700. The Polar Explorer comes with boxer, papers and is also in mint condition.

Both watches are for sale for €4500 I’m yet to make an offer to either as I’m unsure which to go with.

I thought initially I would go with the Polar as it’s different from all the black sports models out there but as this will be my only watch I got thinking maybe the black would be better suited and this particular black model has the 3816 movement but unfortunately no box or papers.

If it were to be your only watch and given the specs I’ve listed above which would you go for and why?

I tried to post links but as my post count is too low I can’t.

[HogwldFLTR]

Most prefer the Polar; I bought the black because it was the better deal when I was looking. The service card to me is better than papers because it will be under warranty longer. If you really need a box they can be found pretty cheaply. I'd go with V serial watch.

[teb1013]

Originally Posted by Tricky73

I’ll try to keep this short, I’m looking to purchase my first Rolex and I’ve choose the Explorer II 16570 for various reasons. I like the fixed SS bezel which makes it fly under the radar more unnoticed than say a sub. It’s practical functions of both date and extra time zone, dimensions of 40mm and the fact to me it’s good value and affordable, albeit at the very top end of my budget £4000.



I’ve narrowed it down to two watches I’ve found on chrono24. Both are 2009 models. The black faced is a V serial with 3816 movement. It was serviced by Rolex in April 2017 and had its dial and hands replaced the service receipt showing the cost of €1190 is included in the sale. It’s in great condition sadly without box or papers just Rolex service receipt; travel pouch and guarantee card.



The other is a Z serial 2009 with 3815 movement. It was serviced by Rolex in September 2016 costing €700. The Polar Explorer comes with boxer, papers and is also in mint condition.



Both watches are for sale for €4500 I’m yet to make an offer to either as I’m unsure which to go with.



I thought initially I would go with the Polar as it’s different from all the black sports models out there but as this will be my only watch I got thinking maybe the black would be better suited and this particular black model has the 3816 movement but unfortunately no box or papers.



If it were to be your only watch and given the specs I’ve listed above which would you go for and why?



I tried to post links but as my post count is too low I can’t.

I went with the Polar because it is unlike my other watches, but I am enjoying it enough so that I wear it more than my other watches, at least for the past few weeks. Not that the black isn’t a great watch too, it is. Unfortunately I can’t judge for you.




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[wuyeah]

Polar. Rolex white dial models are pretty stunning.

[1William]

I own the Polar Explorer II in 42 mm. I like the white dial.

[TarponGeorge]

I prefer the black dial, but based on a recent thread I read here, I'd be a little leery of the 3186 movement due to some well-known issues that movement has had, which could require a repair by Rolex.

[Tricky73]

Originally Posted by TarponGeorge

I prefer the black dial, but based on a recent thread I read here, I'd be a little leery of the 3186 movement due to some well-known issues that movement has had, which could require a repair by Rolex.

I read about the initial concerns with the 3186 movement however this watch has since been for a Rolex service so I would of thought any issues would of been rectified within that service?

[Tricky73]

One more question the black variant has been polished by Rolex in the last service would a polish put you off buying a ore owned watch

[Tricky73]

I’ve put an offer on the Polar so will see how it turns out. Ultimately the box and papers plus being a white dial and something different swayed me but I could always end up with a black if this falls through and a box and papers example pops up in Europe over the next few weeks

[liuk3]

I went with the polar for my Exp2 42 mm.

[VinnieVegas]

I went with polar, that's my recommendation.

[Cato]

I like the Polar - it looks more elegant how the hands contrast against the dial.

And, doesn't your Prince Harry wear one?

[DramaTurtle]

The Polar is my favourite watch I own.

[Nothingfancy01]

I just purchases the polar 42mm Explorer II and I previously had a Y series polar explorer II.. I can honestly say I really like the 42mm polar..
I like the presence of the 42 vs 40.
But that’s just me.. but I also have three black dial watches


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[kaien]

Black will be more subtle, if that's what you're looking for.

Polar definitely stands out more (not in a bad way).

My preference would be the black, but I've got a Rhodium dial and a Black dial. That would actually make me consider the Polar, just to have variety.

So, my answer is I don't think you'll go wrong with either, lol. Post pics when you get it!

[fastmd]

I own the Explorer II 42mm with a Polar dial, and put a black rubber B on it, changes the look a lot. You get best of both worlds, black and white. GL

[Dabbadon8]

Polar

[Tricky73]

I’m waiting to find out if my offer on the Polar has been accepted, hopefully soon I can create an incoming thread and update you all with my first Rolex

[Tricky73]

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/exp...-id7891679.htm

What do yous think of this example? It’s had a recent Rolex service, the seller sent me the recipet of 700 Euro from Rolex

[dmash]

Most people will suggest Polar, and here’s the reasoning. It’s not that the Black ExpII is a bad looking watch, it’s just that Rolex offers better looking Black dial pieces IMO. The Polar is funky with the white + orange GMT, and a good watch to mix it up.

[tyler1980]

Polar in pics. On my wrist id go black.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Most prefer the Polar; I bought the black because it was the better deal when I was looking. The service card to me is better than papers because it will be under warranty longer. If you really need a box they can be found pretty cheaply. I'd go with V serial watch.

Agree! The Rolex warranty card is paperwork in my book plus you get the nicer 3186 movement.

I own a black dial (Y serial, 3185 movement) as think is more under the radar than the white one but the white looks great too. Let us know which one you buy!

[RichM]

I’ll keep it short. The polar.

[taylorpt18]

I prefer the black - but it's really up to your personal preference. Hope you find the one you're looking for!

[Brny11]

I prefer black in watches and cars. Literally only owned black cars and wear my 116610ln 99% and my GS snowflake 1%. However, for some odd reason I prefer a polar exp2 over black - I can safely say that because I would likely never own either. Push come to shove, if it was my one and only, I’d eat this post and prob just get black.


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[Verdi]

Just a thought.....why would a watch from 2009 need dial and hands replaced?

[arguetaoscar]

Polar ...



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[brandrea]

Ideally you’ll need to try them on, as pictures vs. on the wrist can be quite different. In pictures I like the polar, but I confess, I’ve never tried them on.

Good luck

[007_Omega]

42mm- Black

40mm (really 39mm)- Polar

If you plan on building a collection, absolutely go with the 5 digit Polar reference. There are plenty of black dials for you to choose from in the future. If it's going to be your only Rolex or nice watch in general, then you may want to consider the black.

Honestly, it took me a long time to appreciate the Polar but now I'm a huge fan of the 5 digit reference Explorer II.

[Baco Noir]