Explorer II (40mm) for Explorer II (42mm)-- Would you do it?

[Sidmind]

I love my 42mm, no regrets.

[DocJekl]

Originally Posted by descartes

I'm considering swapping (upgrading???) my Explorer II (40mm), plus cash, for a Explorer II (42mm).

For those who have taken the leap, are you happy you did so?

My current Ex II finds little wrist time because I have other Rolex sport models in the 40mm range that I prefer. I think the slightly larger 42mm size will find a place in the range (i.e. more wrist time) because it has a little different look and presence than my other 40mm pieces.

Thoughts?

(Cash added to make this happen will probably be +/- $3,000)

I took the leap this Monday, trading in a 40mm 1993 Polar White Explorer II towards a brand new 42mm Polar Explorer II.

My only gripe with the older 40m model was that the lume has faded over the years, and the silver bezel made it look slightly smaller than my 1983 Submariner or 2000 GMT Master II Coke which look perfectly sized to me (although my 42mm Planet Ocean and Speedmaster Pro look just right to me too).

Then I regretted giving up the old one and bought back my trade Wednesday, but I kept the new one. I think I'll look for some replacement hands for the old Exp II that glow, while saving the original hands. Otherwise I'll wait until I get it serviced in 4 years, when I might go for a service dial and hands if I haven't come up with a solution by then. But I don't have to make that decision now, since I have a new one that lights up at night.

How many would have done this, and bought back the old one and kept both?

[DocJekl]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

I'd do it. My thoughts on the new Explorer II are posted here: http://www.minus4plus6.com/216570.htm

I enjoyed reading that writeup the other day, thanks!

My year 2000 Coke bezel GMT Master II is in such good shape that it looks just like the new one in your article. So I didn't see the new GMTII ceramic as a big upgrade.

Although I really struggled between getting the new Exp II vs a new GMTII or Submariner, for the new features and build I ended up picking the 42mm Exp II. Here are the mandatory photos of my four Rolex.

[darwen]

Personally I'd keep the original. It's a fantastic design in my opinion.

[dshin525]

I had a 16570 yrs ago but sold it with plans to pick up a better example when i come across one. Then when the new version came out I had every intention of picking one up. But when I tried it on, it just didn't do it for me. Couldn't put a finger on it but it just didn't work for me. So i bade my time and just recently picked up a great example of the 16570. It should arrive next week.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by darwen

Personally I'd keep the original. It's a fantastic design in my opinion.

The 1655 is the original

[rolex75216]

I would make the switch. I think you will be more happy as you have mentioned you already have other 40 mm models that you like more. You need an Explorer that will get some of your wrist time!

[IT Nerd]

I just initiated a trade Friday on TRF with a trusted dealer with the 16570 I had recently purchased for a 42mm. I found the dial too hard to read on the 40mm!

Kind of a bummer that the 40mm didn't work out, but the 42mm should work out nicely for me as I have ~7.2" wrists.

[cangelosijeff]

It took a glidelock clasp to get my 216570 to fit as well as my 40mm, but now that it does it's the keeper in my stable for sure.

[toneafficianado]

I have a 14060m [40mm] and a 216570 Polar Explorer. The Exp is WAY bigger but really comfortable and incredibly easy to read as well as having the easy link bracelet. I totally recommend the 42mm.

[JayAK]

Yes

[IT Nerd]

Originally Posted by descartes

I'm considering swapping (upgrading???) my Explorer II (40mm), plus cash, for a Explorer II (42mm).

For those who have taken the leap, are you happy you did so?

My current Ex II finds little wrist time because I have other Rolex sport models in the 40mm range that I prefer. I think the slightly larger 42mm size will find a place in the range (i.e. more wrist time) because it has a little different look and presence than my other 40mm pieces.

Thoughts?

I did this exact transition a week ago (a black dial 16570 for a black dial 216570). I was very happy to do so for a few reasons:

(1) Legibility of the hands
(2) It has a subtle bling factor compared to the 16570, yet it's still pretty stealthy
(3) Chromalight - I'm actually getting 8+ hours of lume and the blue just pops!
(4) I prefer the solid links so that was a plus

Overall it's more of my cup of tea, I have 7.5" wrists by the way.

[yld2rob]

For sure