Thoughts on polar explorer

[Kube]

Only seen it in pictures. Initially, I wasn't attracted to it, but I find it growing on me. Scratched the white dial SS Daytona itch recently and looking to have a little fun now while waiting for a Pepsi or Sky Dweller. I've heard some purchased the white explorer II after putting it on the back burner only to find it becomes their favorite piece. Anyone go from not much caring for it to really liking it?

[TswaneNguni]

42mm made it a winner .Suits the design I have the white and black .See it in the metal,dont judge it on pics

[Kube]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

42mm made it a winner .Suits the design I have the white and black .See it in the metal,dont judge it on pics

Appreciate the reply. Will have to ask my AD to let me see one of the next ones they receive. Enjoy yours

[John McM]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

42mm made it a winner .Suits the design I have the white and black .See it in the metal,dont judge it on pics

I agree. I've just bought a Black dial version. It's a watch that has to be seen in the metal to appreciate it.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by John McM

I agree. I've just bought a Black dial version. It's a watch that has to be seen in the metal to appreciate it.

Thank you for letting me know, John. Congratulations on your recent acquisition and welcome to the forum my friend

[MYBROTHERSKEEPER]

Started out wanting the 42mm. Tried it on and realized it didnt cure the itch. Got to see the 40mm and fell in love with it. The 40 is much more proportionate and that red gmt hand just pops. Hopefully getting one soon.

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[planemad]

Amazing watch, wears very comfortable.

[Checking1234]

You’ll like it way more in person. They’re not too common anymore so might be a wait to try one on

[watchmavan]

5 digit magic


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[Fleetlord]

These are super hot right now...

I remember 5 yrs ago they were close to dogs. The black dial was more popular, but overall a meh reference in terms of market desirability.

I got a brand new Polar, with stickers still on it, for $6500.00 no problem at all.

Now, that watch (NIB and stickered) is over $10K.

My only complaint on them is it seems that they had a disproportionate share of low mag cyclops during that whole debacle, so look closely if you are getting one preowned.

I also think it should have had 22mm lugs.

[CaptT]

My first love is the SeaDweller, so I was a little skeptical on the Exp2, but quickly fell in love with its size, functionality, and esthetic. Love the black dial, but opted for white as my collection needed something different. Really fun, low-profile sports watch. Good luck.

[MRPWRPATX21]

Don’t care for the 216570 version, but the 16570 ended up being my first purchase, even though it was far from my first love. I think it occupies a very prominent place in any collection, and is a favorite in a number of ways. For me, not sure it could be an only watch, though.

[JWD531]

I added some color to my collection a year ago and got a $100 Seiko white dial quartz. Realized I appreciated what some people call a “clean watch.”

I started looking at all the white dial watches. Although the Explorer II had always previously never appealed to me (I actually thought it was quite ugly in pictures), I started looking at more and more of them online in pictures and reading reviews to see if it might be something I’d want.

Almost right in the middle of that “research,” my AD texted me a picture of one in, and I absolutely had to go try it on. As soon as I put it on, I loved it. Similar to the YM it’s not so hot in pictures but stunning in person.

I didn’t rotate it out for over a month, and it’s also been my daily 90% of this pandemic. It’s easy to fit in most situations and I love the clean dial and aesthetics. The 42 doesn’t fit too large (I have 7.5” wrist) and I absolutely love the large indices - I think my older self will love that even more down the line.

My sub gets some time as my daily, but I get more enjoyment out of the Polar Explorer II (216570).

PS, I love that it has a GMT hand. We have family overseas so it’s convenient to easily see if they’re awake with a quick glance. That definitely held me over until I got my BLNR (although I’m saving that for when we are allowed to travel again).


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[brandrea]

It’s a great watch. I prefer the black dial for the “floating hands” YMMV

[watchwatcher]

Big fan here, but, to be honest, since you've already got the white Daytona, I would take a look at the black dial version.

When I was buying my first EXP2, I was 100% sold on the white, and then I tried on the black.

[JWD531]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Big fan here, but, to be honest, since you've already got the white Daytona, I would take a look at the black dial version.

When I was buying my first EXP2, I was 100% sold on the white, and then I tried on the black.

I also agree that you should consider the black since you already have the white Daytona. Although this is probably where I would be okay with two white dials (and the fact that there is no shortage of black dials).


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[OrangeKenny]

I’ve had the 16570 polar on my wrist pretty much this whole year. I’ve swapped out for a diver when needed but never more than a day or two. Absolutely brilliant watch.
I picked up mine for the equivalent of about $3k USD. That was 2017. Best money I’ve spent so far in this hobby, by far.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by OrangeKenny

I’ve had the 16570 polar on my wrist pretty much this whole year. I’ve swapped out for a diver when needed but never more than a day or two. Absolutely brilliant watch.
I picked up mine for the equivalent of about $3k USD. That was 2017. Best money I’ve spent so far in this hobby, by far.

$3K!!! I bought mine last yr for $5,800!!

[77T]

My first Rolex was an A s/n Polar Expl. II - years later I had a black dial version. For me the Polar was more appreciated.

Now with the inflated Orange arrowed version I find it chunky for no reason except when one’s wrist is 8” or more.

I think if you’re vintage minded then the 5-digit model from 1999 onward is a way to get started - and let it mature for 20 more years.




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[Brian Page]

One of my favorite watches not only for the polar dial but the way it wears on my wrist - I'm talking about the 42mm current model. Love it!

[C0d]

16570 is one of my favorite models. There are some availably with 3186 movement as well. I saw a post on another forum how someone has installed new Oyster bracelet with glidelock on their 16570 Polar. To me that just elevates it and puts it on par with LN, Batman etc

[angerbot]

Polar Explorer best Explorer

[C0d]

Originally Posted by angerbot

Polar Explorer best Explorer

Gorgeous. Is that Jasper in your background? I love how the GMT hand matches the fungi on the rocks.

[swish77]

Make sure you try it on. It wears very big, IMHO.

It's not just about the listed size of 42mm, which on paper is manageable. It's the design. The lug-to-lug height (50mm) is basically the same as the SD43, and there's a ton of real estate on the dial, with over-sized hands.

I bought a black version from an AD when it first came out and flipped it within a month. Just couldn't get used to the over-sized feel of it. Much prefer the 5-digit version.

[whattimeyougot]

Originally Posted by angerbot

Polar Explorer best Explorer

Orange moss/fungus? Cool shot. Even more so if not edited to match GMT hand.


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[angerbot]

Originally Posted by C0d

Gorgeous. Is that Jasper in your background? I love how the GMT hand matches the fungi on the rocks.

Canmore, just a few minutes from my front door! Very fortunate to live here.

Originally Posted by whattimeyougot

Orange moss/fungus? Cool shot. Even more so if not edited to match GMT hand.


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Not edited! The orange lichen is very common in this area, makes for some cool shots.

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by angerbot

Polar Explorer best Explorer

Amazing pic


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[911991]

here you go...

[enjoythemusic]

Like you, it grew on me... and then LITERALLY 'grew' on me :)

GET IT!

[Xenon]

Would not want it as a one and only watch.