Need Advice: 16570 Explorer II

[fabs82]

Hi TRF

Long time lurker, first time poster!

Need some advice on the 5 digit polar Explorer II (ref 16570). Have a life event coming up and wife said (without provocation) - "we should get your next nice watch to celebrate." (yeah, she's a keeper!)

Anyways with current collection I want next piece to be a daily wearer that I don't mind taking on some personality (read: light scratches), and I have always loved the 5 digit polar Explorer II.

I've narrowed it down to the following two ideal options for a targeted search:
1) One of the "sweet spot" examples with holes case and solid end links (~mid 2000's). I will be changing steel/leather/nato with some frequency given that it is a daily wearer
2) One of the latest models with the 3186 movement (~2010). Advantage of the upgraded movement but loss of the holes case.

I have read posts from long ago (I know there are several) with some users mentioning the 3185/3186 difference is negligible, and others who say there is clearly a difference as the parachrom blue hairspring is now in use and the improved resistance to temperature variations, magnetism, shock, etc. are real.

Since this will be a daily wearer, the 3186 is appealing for that reason, but not sure if it outweights the convenience of changing between steel / leather / nato / etc which I will likely do with some frequency.

How much more painful is changing bracelet/band with a no-holes case? cal 3186 worth it?

Any and all thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Pete

[interestedwatcher]

It's not too bad without lug holes if you get the bergeon tweezers. I'd make the decision on price and condition of the watch, when I bought mine (2004 model) I wasn't too fussed about the 3185/3186 argument.

Lovely choice in watch too!

[e dantes]

The 3185 is a workhorse movement. It is very dependable and has been a proven history. There was an issue 3186 in the beginning but is also good. In my opinion, it isn't any better than the 3185 and certainly isn't worth extra money. (I believe it is early 2000s that the lug holes and SELs.)

The 16570 is my only Rolex and it is a wonderful watch. To me, it is a great example of a go anywhere, do anything watch. You won't go wrong whichever you get. Good luck and enjoy it once you get it.

[Rado63]

I would say that there were improvements to the 3186 that you mentioned patrachrom hairspring, and shock absorbers. There was an issue with the 3186 date wheel change spring, I am sure that has been sorted out by now. I would buy as you mentioned basically the v serial 2010 and newer. But a good deal on an older watch with holes case, and 3185 wouldn't stop me. I think the decision is really condition and price. changing straps, just need a tool for the springs.

[JR16]

Personally prefer lug holes / SEL over 3186 and spoke w my wallet. P serial , 2000. What a great watch.


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[Tools]

Polar 16570 is a great choice, and the 3185 movement is tried and true. The "upgraded" 3186 isn't really much of an upgrade at all.

No nonsense watch, and as an added bonus it doesn't have a dumb nickname.

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by Tools

Polar 16570 is a great choice.......

No nonsense watch, and as an added bonus it doesn't have a dumb nickname.

Why doesn't everybody just call it a white dial Explorer II?

[JonaG]

Originally Posted by JR16

Personally prefer lug holes / SEL over 3186 and spoke w my wallet. P serial , 2000. What a great watch.


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Exactly what I went for, P serial, crisp lug holes and SEL. Never had it off the bracelet as it’s just so comfortable.

[Nikrnic]

I never switch to straps but since you will the lug holes would make it a nice option. Whenever I hear 3186 movement I immediately think price hype for nothing really to justify such a hike over the 3185 movement.

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[G3Z]

Lug holes and SEL is the winning combo. The P serial is the one to get. It’s the perfect balance between modern and classic. A nice clean rehaut is brilliant (doesn’t have ROLEXROLEXROLEX).

[Cru Jones]

I think lugholes + SEL is more late 90s/early 2000s, not mid-2000s.

As for the 16570, it’s a rugged and understated watch. It also will fulfill your objective of showing scratches, especially the finely brushed bezel insert.

[BillA]

OP
I have the no lug, SEL, D serial and love it. Yes, it is a 3185 movement, a real work horse. It went back to the RSC a year ago and it is running between spot on to -1 sec per day. It is my daily wearer. What I love about the watch it has a classic look but at the same time a sporty look. Personally speaking, if you spring for the 3186 you will pay more and buying into the hype.

[Rollied]

I think with the premium you’d have to pay for an 16570 with the 3186 movement, you’re better off with the 3185. I don’t think the difference in the two movements justify the premium.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by Rollied

I think with the premium you’d have to pay for an 16570 with the 3186 movement, you’re better off with the 3185. I don’t think the difference in the two movements justify the premium.

There probably is a slight premium for the 3186 BUT they are "newer" watches and generally in better condition. Condition of the watch really sets the price from my experience.

[fabs82]

Thanks everyone
This has all been super helpful
Will be shooting for the SEL / holes combo for sure
Hadn’t given too much consideration to the rehaut but agree the engraved ones add some busy-ness to the appearance.
Thanks again!
Pete

[G3Z]

P serial here also. Perfect balance.

[BillA]

OP
If you are going with the holes in the lugs, it will of course be an older unit.
Check for service history of the watch. Any watch of the era you want should have had its day at the spa or you are looking at a service bill for a chunk of change. I would find it hard to believe that a watch from the 90’s which has never been serviced is keeping good time.
Best of luck.

[Dirt]

I would definately go with the lug holes if seriously intending changing bracelets and straps

[Onikage]

3185 is the one I'd go for. 3186 had that jump hour problem that might not have been fixed if someone has been safequeening their rare 3186 Explorer II. Nice watch.

[-dustin]

Holes case with SEL and a "Swiss Made" dial was my Rolex (K serial, I believe). Great piece.

[slugworth]

I have a Y 2002...lug holes and SEL. I've worn it mostly on NATOs and a few aftermarket straps and I can't imagine changing straps without the lug holes. ( maybe I'm challenged in the eye/hand dept ). The 3185 is a workhouse movement. I've worn my EXP II on every type of adventure and in every type of condition and it has performed flawlessly so not sure, beyond collectibility, if the 3186 adds day to day value.

[jamesbondOO7]

The 16570 is probably my favourite watch. It is the most comfortable to wear, has all the functions one needs and is not worn by all the female Hollywood celebrities.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by jamesbondOO7

The 16570 is probably my favourite watch. It is the most comfortable to wear, has all the functions one needs and is not worn by all the female Hollywood celebrities.

True enough
I miss mine as I always thoroughly enjoyed having an EXP II on my wrist. The DSSD ruined it all for me

[fabs82]

Awesome info and help - thanks all for the input!

For anyone with an early to mid 2000s model - can you post a lume shot? The piece I'm considering seems to be a bit bluer than i would expect given the typical superluminova green lume but i may just be ignorant to variations in lume qualities! otherwise no concerns with very trusted seller or the watch but this i my first online watch purchase so just want to be super confident.

Thanks again all,
Peter

[slugworth]

A little aftermarket tinkering. The 16570 is such an understated design - it wears equally well on an Oyster, Jubilee, Nato or Bund.

[fabs82]

Hi all,

Thanks so much to everyone on this thread for the advice! Pulled the trigger on this beauty (P-serial, phenomenal condition, full kit, RSC service 8 weeks ago) and had a great first online/forum watch purchase experience with Tony G a.k.a. JUSTROLEXES who made this a seamless process (as Im sure more than a few of you have experienced).

Special thanks to Tools, watchguy1234, and slugworth for their insight
Major major shoutout to BillA for tons of his insight on the watch and quick replies to my multiple PMs for guidance with this piece

And of course thanks to Tony G !


Customary watch and wrist shot:






Be well,
Pete

[fabs82]

... Also used this as an opportunity to get my 23 month old her first Swiss timepiece, direct from the "AD" ...

Swatch Flik-Flak
ref. "this purple one, dada"

So help me - she will be the first in her school to be able to tell time!!

Pete

[ArtVandelay]

Originally Posted by fabs82

... Also used this as an opportunity to get my 23 month old her first Swiss timepiece, direct from the "AD" ...

Swatch Flik-Flak
ref. "this purple one, dada"

So help me - she will be the first in her school to be able to tell time!!

Pete

Attachment 1171172

Beautiful!!

[winst]

Great purchases for both of you - enjoy!

[BillA]

Hey fabs82,
Just saw your post with pics and thanks for the shoutout, was happy to help you.
It looks great on your wrist and wear it in the best of health.