Need opinions on potential "upgrade"

[Nick_sixx]

Hi guys,

Long time lurker, relatively limited poster.

I currently own and love an Explorer 214270. It has a lot going for it (absolute classic in terms of design, Bond association, "under the radar" appeal, historical significance etc), but lately I find myself lusting after an Explorer II 216570 Polar.

While not really in the same "classic" category as a Sub, DJ, or Explorer 1, I have no doubts that it will stick around long enough to be recognised as one of staples of the Rolex sports lineup.

My problem is that as a (very) junior member of the workforce, I can only afford one of the two, so simply buying the Explorer 2 is not an option unless I sell my current watch.

So far I have come up with the following pros and cons lists to try and help me make a decision

Explorer 1 Pros:

-Classic design - will never go out of style

-Brilliant dial layout

-Bond/Fleming/Everest history

-Extremely comfortable

-Not as easily recognisable as a Sub or TT DJ

-Versatile

-Very comfortable to wear



Explorer 1 Cons:

-Size is a little on the small size for me (6'0“, 220-235lb "athletic" guy with 7.25 or 7.5" wrists) - I love wearing this watch with long sleeves, but here in Queensland I only really wear long sleeves for 4 months out of the year, and I can't help but feel a little self-conscious about wearing a smaller watch with casual wear - my speedy pro feels much more comfortable with shorts and a t shirt etc.

- lack of date is proving to be an inconvenience

- weak lume

-easily scratched bezel

Explorer II Pros

- Date

- Stronger lume

-Better size for casual wear, while still remaining a respectable 42mm and not falling within the blingy Chronomat/Planet Ocean XL/DSSD category

-Usually travel overseas or interstate several times per year, meaning GMT function has proper use

-Also not as easily recognisable as Sub etc

-White dial offers diversity to my small collection

Explorer II Cons

-Not as suitable for formal/business wear

-Lack of historical significance

- WR could be better for such a "hefty" watch



I work in advertising, and literally nobody in my office is required to wear a suit, so the benefit of the "dressiness" of the explorer 1 is lost in that situation. 6 out of 7 days per week I am wearing either a polo, or OCBDS with rolled sleeves, and in these situations I prefer to wear my Speedy Pro. Seeing as the Explorer II is the same size, I can't help but feel I'd be much more comfortable wearing that instead.

Sorry for the rambling post, but I thought I would just share some of my musings and hope to gather some input on which watch you would prefer and why.



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[beshannon]

Sorry, not sure I understand your post.

You already have an Explorer and you want a newer Explorer? You seem to write that the Explorer is too small and you would like the Explorer II more.

So buy it?

[Roma315]

The explorer II polar always looks nice go for it

[toph]

Go for the expII. From your post you know it is the right choice.
Cheers

[Presa canary]

The exp ii is definitely a classic as well. I think the exp ii fits in fine with any business attire, perhaps not formal, but that's debatable. You could also look for the 40mm 16570 polar which wears more like a 41mm. I'm around your size and have owned all 3 exp ii's, the 16570 is the one i've held onto. Both explorers are great, go try on the ii and see if you like it better

[Ector495]

The explorer II has plenty of history.

[Cru Jones]

216570 has a busier look and more scratch-prone bezel, but if you like the white/orange look and want the GMT functionality and larger size, why not flip?

personally, i would stay with what you have.

[Racerdj]

I think you have decided. It's hard to find opinions that slow down buying or trading watches here.

[DiamondJack]

Reading your quite detailed analysis, I think you have already sold yourself on the Explorer II........ From my perspective, even though I like the classic looks of the Explorer I, I think you will find the Polar Explorer II will have much more visual impact and be more useful with the GMT function....

Best of luck.......

[AK797]

I personally prefer the Exp 1, but I think you think the Exp 2 is more suitable for you now, so I would advise you get that, unless you have other watches that can perform when the Exp 1 cannot, then I would keep the Exp 1 as I feel you actually love it more than the 2.

[Nick_sixx]

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I guess its a case of "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

I really do love the Explorer 1, but the Explorer 2 has a lot of added benefits that I can't look past.

I'm just worried that if I flip I will regret it

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[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Nick_sixx

Thanks for all the responses so far.

I guess its a case of "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

I really do love the Explorer 1, but the Explorer 2 has a lot of added benefits that I can't look past.

I'm just worried that if I flip I will regret it

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time for the collection to start ,, not either or ,,,,, try and ,,,, job done.

[kilyung]

It's an easily reversed trade if you change your mind. Given your wrist size, I'd go Exp2.

[mike]

It's always such a personal decision. I think you've layed out the pro's and con's nicely.

For me the EXP II would be the winner becaused of the versatility of the second timezone, larger size and increased lume.

That is has the throw back orange hand is also a big plus.

[Roll the Lex]

If you like your exp 1 then I'd say keep it and save up for the exp 2. Even if it takes years.


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[Cc1966]

It's a logical flip for you. You have done your homework, so...Do it!

[Nick_sixx]

Thanks for the input guys. Going to mull it over for a couple of weeks, but I've started to hunt around for a few sellers

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[travisb]

Sounds like you need to give the 216570 a try.
As Mike said, you can easily reaquire the Exp1 if you find yourself regretting the move.
I personally would keep what you already have.

[DavW]

Hey Nick. If I were you I'd go for the Explorer 2. It's the absolute perfect size especially for a larger guy. Don't rule out the black dial though.



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[Nick_sixx]

Originally Posted by DavW

Hey Nick. If I were you I'd go for the Explorer 2. It's the absolute perfect size especially for a larger guy. Don't rule out the black dial though.



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Hey Dave. I was actually just checking out your pics on WUS.

I don't know why exactly, but for me the white dial seems to be the only contender...kind of in the same way that if you were buying a 458 Italia, red might be the obvious choice.

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[DavW]

Originally Posted by Nick_sixx

Hey Dave. I was actually just checking out your pics on WUS.

I don't know why exactly, but for me the white dial seems to be the only contender...kind of in the same way that if you were buying a 458 Italia, red might be the obvious choice.

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Fair enough :) although the original only came with a black dial, the white was introduced later.



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[Nick_sixx]

Originally Posted by DavW

Fair enough :) although the original only came with a black dial, the white was introduced later.



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Haha I read something about 6 months ago online where somebody was trying to decide between the black and white dial versions, and somebody said something similar to my Ferrari example (using a different analogy) and it just kinda stuck with me.....and now I can't seem to think any differently

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[DavW]

Originally Posted by Nick_sixx

Haha I read something about 6 months ago online where somebody was trying to decide between the black and white dial versions,

That was probably me! Ha:) I droned on for ages about which colour to get, then when I finally did decide (bought the white one) I decided I'd made the wrong choice, haha. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do:)


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[Urosfan]

Id go for exp ii myself

[Jat]

you will love the expII. both colors are great... i have it black. personally, i think the white one looks a bit more sporty and flashy, so it all depends on personal choices..... good luck!

[samsam]

It's clear to me that you would like the ExpII more. Go with it. Very nice piece, you'll be pleased.


Sent from Earth.

[Annan]

Polar EXPII is the watch you want.

[Nick_sixx]

I tried on the watch again today. It is growing on me more and more by the day. The size feels great for a casual watch...but worried that it might be too big... Any thoughts?




For comparison, a PO XL (45.5mm) and my current Exp 1 (39mm)




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[AK797]

Polar looks fine for you... but you need to work out a bit more.

[kimnkk]

Definitely does not look too small.

If anything, the PO on that mesh looks too small on you despite being 45mm.