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Old 16 November 2022, 03:34 AM   #1
TheVision
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Icon5 New gen Exp II (Black dial)....anyone own one?

I handled the newer gen ExpII this past weekend at my AD and AD said he might be able to get one before 2022.

I have 6.75" wrist but it wore really comfortably (I have a flat wrist..lol). Almost as comfy as the DJ41 I tried.

AD did say the black dial has the most noticeable changes over the last gen as its now white gold polished accents/hands and its a gloss black lacquered dial with AR coating on the bottom (both new sub and new ExpII are the only models that Rolex has put AR on, he said).

The only thing is my sweet spot is 40-41mm and the ExpII has large lug to lug which makes it look even bigger than the sub. But not goofy big.

Anyone own the black dial? Your thoughts?

cheers lads!
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:03 AM   #2
worldofoyster
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it's a nice looking watch, but for the exp2, go with the polar
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Old 16 November 2022, 05:33 AM   #3
TheVision
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Quote:
Originally Posted by worldofoyster View Post
it's a nice looking watch, but for the exp2, go with the polar
It will be my first Rolex so going with the black dial this time :). Plus the polar is all matte finish (though really clean white dial). The black dial is more "dressier" with the polished white gold accents/hands and the jet black gloss dial! cheers.
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Old 16 November 2022, 10:57 AM   #4
subtona
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Originally Posted by worldofoyster View Post
it's a nice looking watch, but for the exp2, go with the polar
agree if we are talking 40mm
42mm I prefer the Halloween dial over the mets
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:09 AM   #5
brandrea
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It’s a great reference. I prefer the ghost hands of the previous generation, but other than that, the changes they made are outstanding
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:27 AM   #6
amh
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Yes, have that one OP. FWIW I have a 7.5" wrist and it wears very well. It could be a one-and-done watch!
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:55 AM   #7
deansot53
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Yes OP I have the new Explorer 2. It is my daily wear and feels very comfortable on my wrist which is relatively small at 6.75 inches.
I think it is one on the most underrated models and the dial is so clear and legible.
I am a big fan of this model and would recommend this to any enthusiast who is looking for a professional sports model at a very competitive price.

Interesting to know what other Ops think on this piece ?
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:54 AM   #8
Miker86
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My wrist is 6.9 inches and it looks good to me. Love the glossy dial on this reference compared to the matte of the previous.
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Old 16 November 2022, 05:28 AM   #9
norcalctr
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I got the Exp2 Polar in Sep. I love the watch and also have a relatively small wrist size. I have a 40mm Sub and 41mm DJ, but the Exp2 is my favorite piece in my rotation. The Exp2 is such an under appreciated watch, and I like the fact that you see less of them around vs a Sub or DJ. I agree this watch is a one-and-done deal.
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Old 16 November 2022, 05:30 AM   #10
chingx9
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Nice looking watch
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Old 16 November 2022, 06:09 AM   #11
darrenho
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With the slanted bezel, the 42mm 226570 Exp II actually looks a bit smaller than the 41mm 124060 Submariner in my experience. The Exp II feels pretty comfortable on the wrist. I also like the shorted clasp on the Exp II. My wrist is around 6.5".
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Old 16 November 2022, 06:38 AM   #12
shammad10
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I have a 6 inch wrist and a polar Exp II is my daily watch. I love it- wear what you like
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Old 16 November 2022, 06:41 AM   #13
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I have a 6 inch wrist and a polar Exp II is my daily watch. I love it- wear what you like




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Old 16 November 2022, 06:38 AM   #14
hellofromthebay
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Absolutely love mine.


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Old 16 November 2022, 07:01 AM   #15
adamlea
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I have a Black 216570. Love it. In almost 10 years, I've only seen one other in the wild and only had 2 people recognize it. Understated works for me.

I went Black because I liked the contrast and thought it was more striking visually. But it's a highly subjective choice. You really can't go wrong either way.
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Old 16 November 2022, 07:11 AM   #16
Jonny8
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I have the 226570 black dial and it is fantastic. Wears only slightly larger than my sub, and IMO just as comfortable.

If I had a larger collection I’d probably have gone polar for the contrast but prefer the black.
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Old 16 November 2022, 07:36 AM   #17
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I was offered the 226570 from an AD and when they initially said they had an Explorer II, I was hoping it was the polar, however when it came out from the back it was the black dial. I can't say I wasn't a little gutted for it not to be the white dial, however I have to say, when I saw it in the flesh, I'm so glad it was the black.

Incredibly legible and can't tell you how much the gloss dial makes it pop. Also having since seen the polar up close, I'm really glad I got the black as although i like the white it definitely looks a bigger watch in white than black. As the size was a slight concern the black addresses this and wears perfect on my 6.75inch wrist and appears smaller. Also it's actually quite a slim watch and wears really well. The changes they have made are more significant than you first think.

Absolutely no regrets with this one, has all the functionality you need from a GMT and gets a lot of wrist time. Agree with some of the understated comments on here and biggest challenge is whether to wear this or my 39mm Explorer. Both amazing pieces and tick a serious amount of boxes between the two of them.

You'll have no regrets
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Old 16 November 2022, 07:39 AM   #18
jjimfer
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It is an absolutely stunning piece. I never thought about this model (too big with its 42mm on the paper) but when I had the opportunity to try it on I realised that it was perfect on my wrist. That freccione is something very special.
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Old 16 November 2022, 10:55 AM   #19
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Attachment 1331635

226570 on a 7.5” wrist!
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Old 16 November 2022, 11:27 AM   #20
CarlOver
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I love the current Exp II. Polar dial and 42mm are great.
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Old 16 November 2022, 11:35 AM   #21
alternator5588
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Tried it on in store recently - with 7" wrists wore very comfortably
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Old 16 November 2022, 02:22 PM   #22
Redemption144
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I am on the list for one. Can’t wait!
7.25” wristband it seemed to wear perfect on it. I daily wear both little brothers 16570 black & polar.
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Old 16 November 2022, 04:44 PM   #23
planemad
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Best watch in the range !

I have both black and white versions
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Old 17 November 2022, 12:13 AM   #24
watchwatcher
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Great watch. I have a similarly-sized wrist, and it wears fine. The wider bracelet from the previous model is a bonus, IMO.
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Old 17 November 2022, 12:51 AM   #25
DD58
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I have a 7inch wrist and it fits nice. I want a black dial for my wife she fell in love with it. I’d say get one if you can


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Old 17 November 2022, 12:57 AM   #26
JoeJoeBobo
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Op asked specifically about black dial and so far only added pics of white. Lol
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Old 17 November 2022, 04:06 AM   #27
mdtddd2007
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Black is nice and wears smaller than white dial. Great Watch!
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