ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

kqxr1982 · 27 April 2012, 12:17 PM

It has been a few weeks since I laid hands on the new 42mm Rolex Explorer II and I must say that its impressed me far more than the 39mm Explorer (21470) that I previously had (and quickly disposed of).

==================================

First, it looks better compared to its discontinued ancestor - the 16570. The orange coloured GMT hand and "Explorer" script are refreshing and together with the thicker "mercedes" hour and "sword" minute hands, they contrast perfectly with the white dial to give a crisp, bold look.

Second, Rolex has kept everything awesome about the Explorer 2 and updated some.

The new brushed bracelet features an Oysterlock clasp with the Easylink extension. - thumbs up.

The fully brushed steel bezel with engraved numerals has been kept - drool.

But the main update is its new 42mm size. So how does a 42mm Rolex wear then? Heres a side by side shot with my Daytona (40mm). The additional 2mm, coupled together with the thicker case and lugs gives the watch more heft.

And here are two wrist shots (both on my wrist of course), one with the 216570 and the other with the 16570. It's immediately obvious that the 216570 has more of a presence. Where once the 16570 might exclaim its presence on your wrist, the 216570 with its refreshing sportier look, bellows.

So what do I not like? In one word - Tapering. There's too much tapering of the bracelet. The bracelet starts off at 21mm at the lugs and by the time it reaches the clasp its only 15mm. That's a whole 6mm narrower!

I get that Rolex is trying to give the Explorer II a dressier look by tapering the bracelet but this is way overdone. I mean most of the time straps / bracelets taper smaller something like 2mm or 4mm max, e.g., 22mm to 20mm or 22mm to 18mm. But 21mm to 15mm?! It's like designing something with the shoulders of Vin Diesel and ending with Natalie Portman's tiny waist...it's going to look slightly unbalanced.

Anyhow, I am a huge huge fan of the 216750, it really is the best thing out of Rolex's stable in recent years. Just wish the bracelet was 2mm thicker at the end.

Psmith · 27 April 2012, 12:57 PM

Great review and pics - thanks

sleddog · 27 April 2012, 01:00 PM

Nice read.....and great to hear of your overall happiness with the purchase!!!!

Love the comparison shot with the Daytona by the way......It sure makes the Daytona look small, or is it the EXP big!?!?!

SennaFan · 27 April 2012, 09:48 PM

I like the Tapering myself. Both on this watch and the DSSD

YMMV

FremStar · 27 April 2012, 10:42 PM

Nice review! I understand your fraustration with the tapering on the bracelet, however, it works for me!

The 216570 is an overall fun and nice timepiece to own and wear! Continue to enjoy yours in good health!

sea-dweller · 5 May 2012, 01:08 AM

Nice photos!

roadkingrider · 5 May 2012, 05:09 AM

Excellent review and stunning photos!!!

HunterST · 7 May 2012, 03:56 AM

I love the new Explorer, but the larger they go, the less I wear my smaller vintage Rolex (6694, 16014, etc). I got rid of my Pam for just this reason - all my other watches felt weirdly small.

ctbuckman1 · 8 May 2012, 11:38 AM

Nice review. I have had the new explorer for about three months and love the size. It makes my other 40mm watches seem so small! The size is perfect and a lot more presentable than 44mm watches that have come out.

subtona · 21 May 2012, 07:19 AM

nice review.

i don't know if i would be too concerned with the "tapering" as most other sports models start at 20 mm and go to 15mm. (never gave it a thought before)
we are talking about a 1 mm difference from the standard submariner as it has been for decades.

Acro-Pilot · 21 May 2012, 07:55 AM

Great review and pics kqxr1982! Thanks for taking the time!

This piece has been rolling around in my head for the past few weeks...we all know what that's like. I'm headed in to try one on this week.

psv · 21 May 2012, 08:01 AM

Nice review - accept misunderstanding the simple beauty of the Exp39! :-)

Thanks for sharing!

jamesp7890 · 14 July 2012, 09:24 PM

Congrats

andyol1966 · 22 July 2012, 12:56 AM

Nice review and pics. I quite like the tapering of the bracelet. Thanks for posting your thoughts on this watch I have recently purchased myself. I love it!

closey · 22 July 2012, 09:31 AM

Nice review, thanks, i will stick with the 16570 however

jhupp · 22 July 2012, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kqxr1982

First, it looks better compared to its discontinued ancestor - the 16570.

To each is own....

Nice watch though. Congrats!

AH0RSEY · 27 July 2012, 02:37 AM

+1 on the review. I'm loving the blue lume on mine too, its exceptionally bright - even though the watch does now look like it should say "ICEWatch" instead of Rolex.

Ramiks · 27 July 2012, 04:39 AM

Congrats what a stunning peace!
With regards to tapering that bothering you, get a gunny strap and try it on it

pharm27 · 27 July 2012, 08:05 PM

I myself just bought the exact same Rolex Explorer II white face about a month ago and am totally in love with it as well. Everything in your great review is on the money. If anyone is in the market for a Roley I highly suggest taking it for a test drive, although the white face may be hard to find. The black is pretty sick too. No regrets in the purchase, worth every penny! Cheers!!

HRV · 28 July 2012, 02:04 PM

Thanks for posting

Island Dreamer · 21 May 2013, 10:29 AM

Great review! Perfect watch for me too. Fit and presence feels right.

Island Dreamer

melons · 21 May 2013, 12:32 PM

Great review, love my black dialed 216570.

427shark · 22 May 2013, 01:35 PM

Congrats, currently one of my favorites & hopefully I pick one up in the near future.. Btw off the top of anyone's head what's the sub-c band taper to?

dtwatches.com · 22 May 2013, 10:08 PM

It's GOOD to enjoy!!

Billywiz · 29 May 2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kqxr1982

It has been a few weeks since I laid hands on the new 42mm Rolex Explorer II and I must say that its impressed me far more than the 39mm Explorer (21470) that I previously had (and quickly disposed of).

==================================

First, it looks better compared to its discontinued ancestor - the 16570. The orange coloured GMT hand and "Explorer" script are refreshing and together with the thicker "mercedes" hour and "sword" minute hands, they contrast perfectly with the white dial to give a crisp, bold look.

Second, Rolex has kept everything awesome about the Explorer 2 and updated some.

The new brushed bracelet features an Oysterlock clasp with the Easylink extension. - thumbs up.

The fully brushed steel bezel with engraved numerals has been kept - drool.

But the main update is its new 42mm size. So how does a 42mm Rolex wear then? Heres a side by side shot with my Daytona (40mm). The additional 2mm, coupled together with the thicker case and lugs gives the watch more heft.

And here are two wrist shots (both on my wrist of course), one with the 216570 and the other with the 16570. It's immediately obvious that the 216570 has more of a presence. Where once the 16570 might exclaim its presence on your wrist, the 216570 with its refreshing sportier look, bellows.

So what do I not like? In one word - Tapering. There's too much tapering of the bracelet. The bracelet starts off at 21mm at the lugs and by the time it reaches the clasp its only 15mm. That's a whole 6mm narrower!

I get that Rolex is trying to give the Explorer II a dressier look by tapering the bracelet but this is way overdone. I mean most of the time straps / bracelets taper smaller something like 2mm or 4mm max, e.g., 22mm to 20mm or 22mm to 18mm. But 21mm to 15mm?! It's like designing something with the shoulders of Vin Diesel and ending with Natalie Portman's tiny waist...it's going to look slightly unbalanced.

Anyhow, I am a huge huge fan of the 216750, it really is the best thing out of Rolex's stable in recent years. Just wish the bracelet was 2mm thicker at the end.

glad you are enjoying it...however you say categorically "it looks much better...."
It might do...in YOUR opinion. I feel the exact opposite...I tried on the new one and didnt like the new case size at all .... I think the old style is much nicer , so I went and found a brad new "old" one...its just a mater of taste not fact...enjoy!

johnlee8888 · 7 June 2013, 11:52 AM

Hello Bros,

I have a same model. Fantastic. The White dial is superior to the black! Try it with Rubber B Strap. It changes the look instantly. You can google rubber B.

johnlee8888 · 7 June 2013, 12:07 PM

Haha. This is the best post of all.

sparze13o3 · 10 June 2013, 03:01 AM

Great Photos !... Convincing me enough to buy one !

Urosfan · 10 June 2013, 08:39 AM

Good review I agree on the tapering

HRFdez · 10 June 2013, 09:08 AM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I feel very happy with mine also

27 April 2012, 12:17 PM	#1
kqxr1982 Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Singapore Watch: Daytona Posts: 32	Explorer 216570 after 2 weeks It has been a few weeks since I laid hands on the new 42mm Rolex Explorer II and I must say that its impressed me far more than the 39mm Explorer (21470) that I previously had (and quickly disposed of). ================================== First, it looks better compared to its discontinued ancestor - the 16570. The orange coloured GMT hand and "Explorer" script are refreshing and together with the thicker "mercedes" hour and "sword" minute hands, they contrast perfectly with the white dial to give a crisp, bold look. Second, Rolex has kept everything awesome about the Explorer 2 and updated some. The new brushed bracelet features an Oysterlock clasp with the Easylink extension. - thumbs up. The fully brushed steel bezel with engraved numerals has been kept - drool. But the main update is its new 42mm size. So how does a 42mm Rolex wear then? Heres a side by side shot with my Daytona (40mm). The additional 2mm, coupled together with the thicker case and lugs gives the watch more heft. And here are two wrist shots (both on my wrist of course), one with the 216570 and the other with the 16570. It's immediately obvious that the 216570 has more of a presence. Where once the 16570 might exclaim its presence on your wrist, the 216570 with its refreshing sportier look, bellows. So what do I not like? In one word - Tapering. There's too much tapering of the bracelet. The bracelet starts off at 21mm at the lugs and by the time it reaches the clasp its only 15mm. That's a whole 6mm narrower! I get that Rolex is trying to give the Explorer II a dressier look by tapering the bracelet but this is way overdone. I mean most of the time straps / bracelets taper smaller something like 2mm or 4mm max, e.g., 22mm to 20mm or 22mm to 18mm. But 21mm to 15mm?! It's like designing something with the shoulders of Vin Diesel and ending with Natalie Portman's tiny waist...it's going to look slightly unbalanced. Anyhow, I am a huge huge fan of the 216750, it really is the best thing out of Rolex's stable in recent years. Just wish the bracelet was 2mm thicker at the end.

27 April 2012, 12:57 PM	#2
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Great review and pics - thanks __________________

27 April 2012, 01:00 PM	#3
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,903	Nice read.....and great to hear of your overall happiness with the purchase!!!! Love the comparison shot with the Daytona by the way......It sure makes the Daytona look small, or is it the EXP big!?!?! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

27 April 2012, 10:42 PM	#5
FremStar "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Sam Location: Gotham City Watch: Wall Street Posts: 9,954	Nice review! I understand your fraustration with the tapering on the bracelet, however, it works for me! The 216570 is an overall fun and nice timepiece to own and wear! Continue to enjoy yours in good health! __________________ "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!" "A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern "In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon "Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung

7 May 2012, 03:56 AM	#8
HunterST "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Eli Weisman Location: Los Angeles Watch: 1675/3, 79090 Posts: 442	I love the new Explorer, but the larger they go, the less I wear my smaller vintage Rolex (6694, 16014, etc). I got rid of my Pam for just this reason - all my other watches felt weirdly small. __________________ .................... GMT 1675/3 \| 6694 \| 16014 Tapestry Cream \| 16014 Tapestry Gray \| Tudor Black Bay Black ETA \| Tudor Sub 79090 \| Sinn 103 StSa \| PAM 183 \| IWC 3717-04

27 April 2012, 09:48 PM	#4
SennaFan Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: OB Watch: The Birdie Posts: 603	I like the Tapering myself. Both on this watch and the DSSD YMMV

5 May 2012, 01:08 AM	#6
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Nice photos!

5 May 2012, 05:09 AM	#7
roadkingrider "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Jerry Location: Nevada Watch: Omega Railmaster Posts: 8	Excellent review and stunning photos!!!

8 May 2012, 11:38 AM	#9
ctbuckman1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Minneapolis Watch: RLX 42mm Explorer Posts: 1	Nice review. I have had the new explorer for about three months and love the size. It makes my other 40mm watches seem so small! The size is perfect and a lot more presentable than 44mm watches that have come out.

21 May 2012, 07:19 AM	#10
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 25,995	nice review. i don't know if i would be too concerned with the "tapering" as most other sports models start at 20 mm and go to 15mm. (never gave it a thought before) we are talking about a 1 mm difference from the standard submariner as it has been for decades. __________________

21 May 2012, 07:55 AM	#11
Acro-Pilot "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Peter Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 79	Great review and pics kqxr1982! Thanks for taking the time! This piece has been rolling around in my head for the past few weeks...we all know what that's like. I'm headed in to try one on this week.

21 May 2012, 08:01 AM	#12
psv "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North America Posts: 11,062	Nice review - accept misunderstanding the simple beauty of the Exp39! :-) Thanks for sharing!

14 July 2012, 09:24 PM	#13
jamesp7890 Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Real Name: James Location: dallas Watch: Sub-c Posts: 78	Congrats

22 July 2012, 12:56 AM	#14
andyol1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Andy Location: East Midlands, UK Watch: Patek and Rolex Posts: 1,074	Nice review and pics. I quite like the tapering of the bracelet. Thanks for posting your thoughts on this watch I have recently purchased myself. I love it!

22 July 2012, 09:31 AM	#15
closey "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Closey Location: England Posts: 184	Nice review, thanks, i will stick with the 16570 however

27 July 2012, 02:37 AM	#17
AH0RSEY "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Steve Location: Harrogate Watch: OUT !!!! Posts: 829	+1 on the review. I'm loving the blue lume on mine too, its exceptionally bright - even though the watch does now look like it should say "ICEWatch" instead of Rolex.

27 July 2012, 04:39 AM	#18
Ramiks "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Rami Location: Jordan Watch: Rolex and others Posts: 825	Congrats what a stunning peace! With regards to tapering that bothering you, get a gunny strap and try it on it

27 July 2012, 08:05 PM	#19
pharm27 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Rolex Explorer 2 Posts: 6	I myself just bought the exact same Rolex Explorer II white face about a month ago and am totally in love with it as well. Everything in your great review is on the money. If anyone is in the market for a Roley I highly suggest taking it for a test drive, although the white face may be hard to find. The black is pretty sick too. No regrets in the purchase, worth every penny! Cheers!!

28 July 2012, 02:04 PM	#20
HRV "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Andrew Location: johannesburg Watch: ROLEX Posts: 4,407	Thanks for posting

21 May 2013, 10:29 AM	#21
Island Dreamer "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: DC Metro Watch: PAM 299 Posts: 64	Great review! Perfect watch for me too. Fit and presence feels right. Island Dreamer

21 May 2013, 12:32 PM	#22
melons "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: GMT -5 Watch: Rolex/Panerai Posts: 991	Great review, love my black dialed 216570.

22 May 2013, 01:35 PM	#23
427shark "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: JD Location: Jersey Watch: Dj2 tt, 126610LV Posts: 772	Congrats, currently one of my favorites & hopefully I pick one up in the near future.. Btw off the top of anyone's head what's the sub-c band taper to? __________________ It's not easy being green

22 May 2013, 10:08 PM	#24
dtwatches.com "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hong Kong Watch: ROLEX 6694 Posts: 1,534	It's GOOD to enjoy!!

7 June 2013, 11:52 AM	#26
johnlee8888 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Malaysia Posts: 21	Hello Bros, I have a same model. Fantastic. The White dial is superior to the black! Try it with Rubber B Strap. It changes the look instantly. You can google rubber B.

7 June 2013, 12:07 PM	#27
johnlee8888 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Malaysia Posts: 21	Haha. This is the best post of all.

10 June 2013, 03:01 AM	#28
sparze13o3 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 11	Great Photos !... Convincing me enough to buy one !

10 June 2013, 08:39 AM	#29
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,184	Good review I agree on the tapering

10 June 2013, 09:08 AM	#30
HRFdez "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Hector Location: Lake Placid, NY Watch: Rolex Day-Date Posts: 390	Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I feel very happy with mine also __________________ Owner's Club "Jealousy won't get you a thing"

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)