Explorer II – This Might Sound CRAZY, But…

[BJHofkin]

I think the new update is CRUCIAL – and I'm not even talking about the movement.

https://monochrome-watches.com/2021-...ands-on-price/

I LOVED the outgoing reference in every way except two:

1. I thought the case was too big for the bracelet – not as bad as the old Deepsea, but still off by enough to bother me.

2. I liked the *idea* of the floating hands on the black dial, but thought the execution was a little off.

So what does Rolex do? They make tiny tweaks to the lugs and bracelet width that solve #1, and they drop the floating hands.

And for good measure, they make the shiny indices on the white dial matte to increase legibility and make the watch a bit more subtle.

To me this is actually Rolex at its BEST: Take what is fundamentally a GREAT design and tweak it for the sake of IMPROVEMENT – not just for novelty's sake.

[Prism]

Originally Posted by BJHofkin

I think the new update is CRUCIAL – and I'm not even talking about the movement.

https://monochrome-watches.com/2021-...ands-on-price/

I LOVED the outgoing reference in every way except two:

1. I thought the case was too big for the bracelet – not as bad as the old Deepsea, but still off by enough to bother me.

2. I liked the *idea* of the floating hands on the black dial, but thought the execution was a little off.

So what does Rolex do? They make tiny tweaks to the lugs and bracelet width that solve #1, and they drop the floating hands.

And for good measure, they make the shiny indices on the white dial matte to increase legibility and make the watch a bit more subtle.

To me this is actually Rolex at its BEST: Take what is fundamentally a GREAT design and tweak it for the sake of IMPROVEMENT – not just for novelty's sake.

Seriously? They could have also improved the execution of the phantom hands to bring it closer to the original and could have also actually physically shrunk the case 1mm to also bring it closer to the original. Those two subtle changes should have made it more worthy of a 50th anni update.

[BJHofkin]

Originally Posted by Prism

Seriously? They could have also improved the execution of the phantom hands to bring it closer to the original and could have also actually physically shrunk the case 1mm to also bring it closer to the original. Those two subtle changes should have made it more worthy of a 50th anni update.

Sure – those would've addressed the issues I had too.

But the bottom line is that my issues WERE addressed, and I'm fine with how they were addressed.

[jimmytamp]

Originally Posted by BJHofkin

I think the new update is CRUCIAL – and I'm not even talking about the movement.

https://monochrome-watches.com/2021-...ands-on-price/

I LOVED the outgoing reference in every way except two:

1. I thought the case was too big for the bracelet – not as bad as the old Deepsea, but still off by enough to bother me.

2. I liked the *idea* of the floating hands on the black dial, but thought the execution was a little off.

So what does Rolex do? They make tiny tweaks to the lugs and bracelet width that solve #1, and they drop the floating hands.

And for good measure, they make the shiny indices on the white dial matte to increase legibility and make the watch a bit more subtle.

To me this is actually Rolex at its BEST: Take what is fundamentally a GREAT design and tweak it for the sake of IMPROVEMENT – not just for novelty's sake.

I call this improvement as a laziness!!


Cheers...










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[CanPam]

I prefer the proportions of the older model.

Although the lugs on the new one are a little bit thinner, the overall impression of the watch is bulkier due to the wider bracelet.
Attachment 1213975

[afmars]

Agree on #1, it was my only nitpick with the 216570. It doesn’t bother me really, but I notice it occasionally.

[WalterE]

Originally Posted by BJHofkin

[...]

I LOVED the outgoing reference in every way except two:

1. I thought the case was too big for the bracelet – not as bad as the old Deepsea, but still off by enough to bother me.

[...]

I always thought the clasp of 215670 was too slim compared to the watch head. The new bracelet is definitively a noticeable improvement in my book.

Subtle, yes. Not as revolutionary as what was expected, also. But an improvement no doubt.

[GMT Aviator]

The matt dial and phantom hands of the outgoing reference were one of the references best features and now they are gone. There’s no way in Rolex madness land that these features now won’t command a premium now it’s discontinued. I personally felt they added a military style vibe to the watch face.
The wider bracelet SEL’s are neither here nor there to my eye. Certainly neither good nor bad for the overall look or proportions vs the outgoing model.
I’m keeping mine.

[Mrngrz46]

The now old 216570 exp2 black already become an instant classic due to more coherence with history and is the 40th anniversary.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by BJHofkin

I think the new update is CRUCIAL – and I'm not even talking about the movement.

https://monochrome-watches.com/2021-...ands-on-price/

I LOVED the outgoing reference in every way except two:

1. I thought the case was too big for the bracelet – not as bad as the old Deepsea, but still off by enough to bother me.

2. I liked the *idea* of the floating hands on the black dial, but thought the execution was a little off.

So what does Rolex do? They make tiny tweaks to the lugs and bracelet width that solve #1, and they drop the floating hands.

And for good measure, they make the shiny indices on the white dial matte to increase legibility and make the watch a bit more subtle.

To me this is actually Rolex at its BEST: Take what is fundamentally a GREAT design and tweak it for the sake of IMPROVEMENT – not just for novelty's sake.

Agreed 100%.

Love the look of the new one - to the extent that I’ve asked my AD to try and get me one.


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[mykii]

A larger width bracelet is NOT an improvement. Sad times for Rolex.

[Majin Buu]

I think people with small size wrists (because of the look) will complaint, but a professional, say an archeologist, spelunkers, etc.. will thank God (and Rolex) every time they look at their watches under “extreme” conditions (larger, more contrast, more legible), since this is a pro tool watch, that happens to be expensive ...

Best Wishes !

J.

[1William]

Interesting points but for me it was not worth the update for what was done, even including the movement. I own both the Polar and Black dial in the now discontinued Explorer II line-up and would not consider a trade or sell to replace them with the new model. Same for the Submariner and the changes there.

[WalterE]

Originally Posted by 1William

Interesting points but for me it was not worth the update for what was done, even including the movement. I own both the Polar and Black dial in the now discontinued Explorer II line-up and would not consider a trade or sell to replace them with the new model. Same for the Submariner and the changes there.

Not sure why that could be considered a bad thing... The model retains its identity, relevance and long term value.