Anyone own 5 digit and 6 digit Polar?

[cdmorenot]

Hey gang,

Any insight from those that currently own or have owned both the 5 and 6 digit Explorer II is appreciated!

Which one do you wear most and why?

Context:

It has been a few months since I bought a 5 digit Exp II Polar and it has become my most worn watch. I love almost everything about it. My favorite things are the color of the dial and the bezel.

The only thing I still cannot get used to is the bracelet. It feels annoyingly too light compared to all of my other watches. While something can be said about the added comfort, I’ve grown to like and appreciate the heft of the solid, modern bracelets.

I can pull off 42mm no problem but I’m wondering if I’d be giving up too much “charm” for a more solid bracelet.

[AF_Rob]

I don't own both but I do own the 5 digit polar and a 6 digit piece with a solid bracelet. Since we are talking bracelets specifically, I think my insight is somewhat helpful.

In short... You'd be giving up too much. I get what you say about the bracelets, though. There is a noticeable difference in them, but the wearability of the 5 digit case far outweighs the benefits. Your polar wears similar to my wrist. With the extra 4mm of lug to lug on the 6 digit, you'd be pushing, IMO.

I've tried on both the newer models and if I was a buyer, I'd get the modern in black. It seems to wear smaller.

[BillA]

I just sold my 5 digit Polar. I found it to be very comfy. Not sure it is the bracelet you are referring to but the watch is much lighter than a 41 or 42mm watch. I just bought the Sub LV and when you put it next to it, found the Explorer to be puny. The weight difference you can easily feel when holding both watches.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

16570 Polar owner here - I began my collecting journey with 5 digit pieces so it is what I am used to.

I do own and have owned 6 digit pieces in the past. It's like anything else. Everything these days is a bit "too" perfect. You can thank modern advancements in technology... cnc machining etc. for that.

I understand where you're coming from bracelet-wise. I'd never (not in a million years) trade my 5 digit polar EXP II for a modern one though. I'd regret the hell out of it for sure!

Wear your other modern pieces - enjoy them. Hang onto your polar though. It is one to keep.

My $0.02

[Polarexplorerii]

I personally do not like the huge hands and orange gmt on the new one.

[rmwill]

I did own both. I recently sold my 16570 and kept my 226570. I have big wrists and the 40mm wore small.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by rmwill

I did own both. I recently sold my 16570 and kept my 226570. I have big wrists and the 40mm wore small.

Show off! I owned both and kept the 16570! We should meet for a beer!!

[dba]

I have wrists that are 8 inches in circumference, so I can pull off the 42mm without issue. I've flipped for 3 different Polar 216570 models, but I always seem to come back to the five digit, 40mm sport models. I love that I can adjust the clasp a multitude of ways if needed and it's easy to do. I started with a five digit in 1984 so I guess I'm sort of fixed in my ways. Best of luck to you.

[soho]

To me the 16570 is one of those pieces that just nails it. Perfect blend of cool, casual and class. I wouldn’t switch.




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[Swearengen]

I perfer the 5 digit, as do these guys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UI...eProdigalGuide

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by soho

To me the 16570 is one of those pieces that just nails it. Perfect blend of cool, casual and class. I wouldn’t switch.




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Yours looks flawless!

[KatGirl]

I’m with everyon3 else . Keep it! It’s a bette4 size, and I’d imagine very comfy, the way my 5 digit Sub date was. Lighter weight, and more compact case. Win Win, in my book.

Kat


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[jimkar]

You can use the 97200 bracelet (6 digit sub) on you polar 5 digit and problem solved. I believe yours is with solid endlinks, right?

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[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by jimkar

You can use the 97200 bracelet (6 digit sub) on you polar 5 digit and problem solved. I believe yours is with solid endlinks, right?

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Interesting! I might just go down this rabbit hole.

I know the right move is to keep the 5 digit so let’s see where this takes me.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Interesting! I might just go down this rabbit hole.

I know the right move is to keep the 5 digit so let’s see where this takes me.

I have had the exact same dilemma as the OP. I find everything perfect about the 5 digit except for the bracelet (relative to modern options). I even bought and sold the 6 digit Polar twice. But if the above bracelet switch is a viable option, then I can make the move on a 5 digit. So, thanks for this suggestion.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by jimkar

You can use the 97200 bracelet (6 digit sub) on you polar 5 digit and problem solved. I believe yours is with solid endlinks, right?

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Wait what, is this true? I have both and would love to switch bracelets..

[jimkar]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Wait what, is this true? I have both and would love to switch bracelets..

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=887208

Post 24. The members claims he has done it.
You can try it and confirm it.

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[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Wait what, is this true? I have both and would love to switch bracelets..

It works — I’ve done it. Just use the original springbars for the 16570.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

It works — I’ve done it. Just use the original springbars for the 16570.

Great, now I just have to buy the tools..

[BETRNSX]

What do the terms 5 digit and 6 digit mean? reference # speaking to size?

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by BETRNSX

What do the terms 5 digit and 6 digit mean? reference # speaking to size?

Reference number is 6 digits on newer models and 5 on older versions. Size has changed on the new model. A few examples

The new 6-digit reference #226570 (42mm)
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=941796

The classic 5-digit reference #16570 (40mm)
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=944120

[rushca01]

I own both, 16570 polar and 216570. I wear the 216570 more these days.

[watchnwine]

I don't own either but have been shopping for one for a while. To my eye, the handset on the 6-digit isn't the proper proportion in the white dial configuration (doesn't bother me in the black dial). The hands look too big an bulky on the 216570 polar to my eye. I've settled on tracking down a 5-digit.

[cdm765]

5 digit, but my wife has stolen it for her use. Y’all be careful out there!

[1William]

The six digit for me.

[quantumdna]

Below are my tried and tested combinations…

1. 16570 + 97200 (previous generation Sub bracelet)
2. 16570 + 63600 (super jubilee with hidden clasp)

Both the bracelets work like a charm.

[krounchou]

Originally Posted by quantumdna

Below are my tried and tested combinations…

1. 16570 + 97200 (previous generation Sub bracelet)
2. 16570 + 63600 (super jubilee with hidden clasp)

Both the bracelets work like a charm.

Can you buy these bracelets at an AD with a 16570 in your possession ?

[quantumdna]

Originally Posted by krounchou

Can you buy these bracelets at an AD with a 16570 in your possession ?

Yes absolutely. My AD was able to order both the bracelets for me and did not ask why I needed them. I sold the 16570 long time back but still have retained the 2 bracelets. I now have my Black Ceramic Daytona (116500) on the super jubilee just to differentiate it from the white ceramic.

Both watches and shots are mine..

[Sgooter]

I have the 6-digit and it's great. If I had only the 5-digit, I would also be totally happy with it vs a 6-digit. For me, the pros/cons of the 5- vs 6-digit offset each other. Enjoy your 5-digit and never look back.

[thesharkfactor]

I prefer the 5 digit, its a perfect sports watch. My only gripe is I feel the clasp is too short as I'm more used to the size of a 5 digit sub clasp.