Submariner vs. Explorer II 42mm Polar

[Steeltown]

What are your thoughts on the Rolex Submariner black no date ceramic Ref # 114060 -VS- the Rolex Explorer II 42mm Polar White Ref # 216570?? If you had to pick one, and couldn’t have both, which would it be?

[dmb359]

Sub

[MrMercedes]

Polar

[BigBoy17]

Polar

[DoxaDavid]

Polar. ND on a daily wearer is a deal breaker and the white dial is great.

[pbrito]

I had the same decision to make, ended up with the sub.

[SydR]

I got my non date Sub first then, recently, picked up a Polar Explorer II, (a preowned 40mm, 16570).

[Sublovin]

Sub
The Polar Explorer went downhill significantly when it went to 42mm. If we are talking 16570....Polar Explorer is the best

[Harry-57]

I would pick the one that gave me the most useful functions for my money. For me, the Polar wins by a mile. I don't need a rotating bezel to time things. It would be handy, but not if I lost the date and reference time functions offered by the Explorer. I work with clients in different time zones to me every day. If I was still repping and constantly pumping parking meters I would probably need a timing function (such as a rotatable bezel) more. Although come to think of it, I'd most likely go for a watch with a chronograph function.

[brandrea]

If I could only have one Rolex it’d have to be a diver. I get more use out of the diver bezel for use in timing vs, the 24 hour hand.

I’m glad I don’t have to choose though because my favourite Rolex happens to be the BLRO. There, I just contradicted myself sort of

Edit: welcome to the forum

[nick_s_g]

Both?

<- See

[Brew]

Is there a third option?

[GreatScott]

2 time zones is the most useful complication for me. Batman will scratch both itches.

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[Bluside]

I would pick the one that I like the best (Sub). Which one do you like?

[jpcwon]

I own a 114060 which I love. The symmetrical dial is so nice, and it's just a simple watch that works in almost any scenario.

The exp2 is sweet as well though. I went with the sub, simply because the No date variation has been on my list for awhile now. My last Rolex was a white dial, and I figured having something with a black dial would be nice

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[Steeltown]

I honestly love them both, but it’s hard to tell online and the local AD has almost nothing for comparison’s sake. I’m convinced I can’t go wrong with either, but because I can’t buy both, I’m curious which one the wise forum members would choose and why. The feedback is sincerely appreciated.

[dba]

ND is a deal breaker for me. Gotta have a date function on the watch.

[ndrs63]

Sub


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[Khans14]

I had a similar decision to make for my first Rolex. I tried on a sub and the polar explorer. I went with the sub. The polar was just too big for me.

I notice you are from Ohio, but you do not mention which part. I am up in the NE and the polar is the watch I have seen the most of locally. I know it sounds unbelievable but I have never once seen another 114060 around town. I have seen the sub date, hulks, 14060's, etc. In the past two years I have probably seen close to a dozen polar explorer II's. Not sure why it appears so popular around here as opposed to other models.

My advice is try both on if at all possible before buying. (I know you mention above this has been a problem.) I knew as soon as I put on the polar that it did not work for me.

[enjoythemusic]

Have both, that's a hard choice. Guess the Sub as it is a classic Rolex style. Also rocks on black plastic strap too, whereas the Polar rocks on orange band. Unless orange is your fave color, then the Polar. The Polar is easier to read day or night/lume and date window is very easy to read too. But the Sub is such a great balanced dial.

Be like me, get both, as you only live twice. :)

[Steeltown]

Originally Posted by Khans14

I had a similar decision to make for my first Rolex. I tried on a sub and the polar explorer. I went with the sub. The polar was just too big for me.

I notice you are from Ohio, but you do not mention which part. I am up in the NE and the polar is the watch I have seen the most of locally. I know it sounds unbelievable but I have never once seen another 114060 around town. I have seen the sub date, hulks, 14060's, etc. In the past two years I have probably seen close to a dozen polar explorer II's. Not sure why it appears so popular around here as opposed to other models.

My advice is try both on if at all possible before buying. (I know you mention above this has been a problem.) I knew as soon as I put on the polar that it did not work for me.

I’m also in NE Ohio. I’ve seen more Subs up here. I haven’t really seen many EX2s. If I could find a place to try one on locally, I would. I prefer the No date because of the symmetry. I’ve never liked the cyclops date window. Some watches put it at the 6 o clock mark, which helps. I agree date is useful, but I can do without. It’s a tough call. I like both. The Sub is kinda bulletproof, while the EX2 Polar is really cool. Really appreciate and enjoy the comments and wisdom.

[Mr. Superlative]

I own both, hard to pick one but if I had to...I’d go with the Explorer II. It’s such a beautiful, elegant watch and that sharp, crisp dial makes it so refreshing to read. It is also the lesser recognised Rolex which, to me anyway, makes it more understated. All round winner.

[Geckobros]

The Submariner is such an icon I would chose the Submariner. If you would have said a Submariner with date vs the 216570, I would have chosen the Explorer II and went back and fourth with dial color.

[Brikev]

I own both Sub (with date though) and would choose the Polar hands down. Easier to read and more functional.

[Max7857]

I would definitely go for the Explorer II I own the black dial but the Polar is very nice also. I initially wanted the polar but the AD had the black in stock and it looked good on me so I went for it.

[rph08]

If those two are the only options, then I'd choose the Submariner every time. I cannot abide the orange on the dial of the Explorer II.

[DoubleJG]

I have both, the explorer is a 16570 though. They compliment each other so well! If I had to choose just one, it’d probably be the sub.


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[Ryno41]

I have both. The 216570 is my daily and the 114060 is my weekend watch. I would start with the polar then get the sub later. That's how I did it. Can't go wrong either way.

[CountryRoads]

Sub ceramic... ugly lugs
Polar X 42 ... ugly orange hand

Explorer 1 39MM???

Ok... I’ll follow the directions of the post. I choose 114060.

[sillo]

If I could hypothetically pull off the size of the 216570 I'd go for the polar over a Sub if I was deciding between one watch.