New addition & quick review: 216570 Exp II Polar

[Eric88]

Hi forum friends,

I haven't added a modern Rolex to my collection in a few years and had been thinking about a bunch of different options. I've had my eyes on the Polar 216570 since when it first arrived 10 or more years ago. I even remember posting about its case dimensions way back when it was introduced and I liked the lugs so much more than my old maxi case 114060 and 116610.

I did have a nice 16570 Polar at some point for a hot moment - it was one of the great ones with lug holes and SEL, though it was my era of buying and trading watches, well before today's current craziness. I recall getting that watch for $3500 and swapping it for a 14060 with some cash coming my way. Those were the days.

Anyways, I just had the good fortune of landing a 216570 Polar over the holidays, despite some fits and starts with FedEx delivery that gave me a mild worry for a few days. I posted once already about how much trouble I had getting the links unscrewed due to more Loctite than I recall seeing on a Rolex.

I've been wearing it in rotation with my Z-Blue Milgauss and trusty vintage 1680 Sub Date. My wrist is on the smaller side, about 6.75" and I was curious how the 216570 would sit on my wrist. I'm pleased to say that I enjoy the size and it works just fine for me on my relatively flat wrist. In pictures, it looks like the lugs are ALMOST overhanging my wrists, but in person, they are a good fit. It wears pretty similar to my Milgauss, perhaps even a bit lighter as the case is just a bit thinner (I think) and the dial is only a little bit larger.

I like the fliplock clasp on the 216570 much more than the basic clasp on the Milgauss. It feels more robust and secure. I love the fully brushed bracelet on the 216570 vs. PCLs - this makes it look much more rugged and purposeful. I do question the polished sides of the bracelet, which I guess are fine to match the polished sides of the watch case, though when I look at the 93150 on my old Sub, I think the brushed sides work better on a rugged sports watch and think that could also work for the 216570. I suppose I could brush them if I wanted. I'm fine with this for now.

The watch is keeping amazing time. It is an older serial (I need to look it up to date it), though just had a fresh RSC full service a few months ago. It is keeping time spot on over a few weeks in rotation.

I love the white dial and orange accents - very different looking than my other watches. Though also in harmony with my Z-Blue Milgauss, which has the orange lightning hand and dial features. The black surrounds on the 216570 really stand out and the maxi hands look great.

Overall, I'm happy with this and think it makes a cool new addition to my small Rolex collection. Here are some photos.

[rmagoo57]

Congrats! It's a great addition to your sub and Milgauss!

[DLRIDES]

Congrats !

[wuyeah]

Congrats on Polar 216570! I pull my trigger this year as well. Watching it from $4500usd flying to today's used price. I got a small wrist too, also a Milgauss owner, I do own 14060 as well, so I feel you and I have something in common.

216570 size used to be a major concern of mine but after seeing some watch enthusiasts complain about it being too big and then themselves wearing 44mm Panerai around, I decide not to listen to other ppl except my heart and it doesn't disappoint.

[Daveh777]

Great choice. And very complimentary to the Milgauss in my view.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Outstanding pick up! Pairs really well with the Z Blue. Also cool to see a Subaru on here. My wife is a Suburb ambassador, so we are fans.

I'm hoping to pick up a polar Explorer II this year!

[SS Oyster]

Congrats! Great watch with 3187 movement. I just got the new 226570 polar and love it.

[ChrisGio315]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Congrats! Great watch with 3187 movement. I just got the new 226570 polar and love it.

Same here! Picked mine up 2 weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with the 226570 Polar.

[Harry-57]

Very nice. Congratulations.

This watch was supposed to be my last. Something a bit different and a bit premium to sit at the top of my collection. It merely turned out to be my first Rolex!

For a 42mm it wears nice and compactly on me and is one of the most comfortable watches I have. I could go on about it all day....

[travisb]

Great choice! The Exp II pretty much does it all. Congratulations!

[myporsche]

Awesome watch that will do anything, congrats!

[MrMercedes]

Very nice! Big congrats!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Congrats! Big fan of the Polar 216570!!

[rmlovett1]

Looks great, congratulations!

[GrantD]

Love it, my polar gets mucho regular wrist time. Workmates hardly notice if I swap a Sub out for a SD43 but as soon as I wear the Exp try all wanna look. As it’s becoming a bit of a trend ……. Here’s mine with his friends, certainly stands out.

[brigadoonb]

Great watch. Love mine too and I also wear it on a 6.75 wrist. Honestly, given the state of Rolex pricing going on in the secondary markets……I think this is the best bang for the buck right now.


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[dwjez14]

Congrats. Isn’t the lume amazing ! I don’t think any other Rolex pops lume as bright as the explorer does.

[noshame]

OP, congrats on the Polar. I've always had a soft spot for that watch, but I'm afraid it's too big for my wrist.

[ltmgeller]

Congrats!

[brandrea]

Congratulations Eric, it’s a great reference