New Plant Ocean 8500 42mm or Used Explorer 2 16570 Polar

[sco]

Is a GMT a useful feature to you?

I vote for the PO. Obviously go for the one that feels, looks, and fits the best for you.

[dkpw]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

A few years ago, I had the Omega Planet Ocean 2500. I loved it. When the 8500 ceramic model hit the shelves, I was blown away. It was so cool looking, I had to go try it on. I hit the Omega boutique near me and was immediately disappointed when I saw how thick it was. It would never be an option for my wrist. The lack of micro-adjust in their bracelets is also a HUGE negative when compared to Rolex's many options in their bracelets.

I flipped my PO for an Explorer, just the black dial:




Still miss the orange bezel when I look back at some old pics.

You reminded me of the lack of adjustment holes on the clasp, which is crazy for such a heavy watch. Sizing the bracelet is crucial on the PO. I could never manage it, so wore it loose which lead to wrist floppage.

[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

Bang on.

[Cru Jones]

16570 for sure. 8500 is way, way too thick. Now, a 2500 PO v. 16570 is a more difficult debate, IMO.

[Mike1066]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

Agree 100%. I have a 16600 - the watch you should get, since you mentioned it - and I wear it everywhere every day. No issues with the bracelet. And that includes surfing with it, swimming with it, working out, etc. Zero issues. It is the best modern rolex around, IMHO.

[actionkwj]

Truth. I love the Planet Ocean and the chrono version, but it's too !@#$% thick to wear. Come, on, Omega... I have to believe they're losing a ton of sales for this reason alone because otherwise it's one of the most handsome and quality divers on the market. Too bad, too bad...

Originally Posted by dkpw

Same here. The PO 42mm is incredibly thick and heavy on the wrist. I had one for several months and tried to get on with it but simply could not. The quality is excellent, the movement reliable and the looks are great but it is one chunk of watch.

[Presa canary]

16570

[arguetaoscar]

Go with the Polar!



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[joe100]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

What Adam said ^^

[Dvenus11]

thats a tough one both are damn good watches. I would go with the planet ocean.

[Bfd70]

Explorer. I have thin wrists. Planet ocean wears too big for me.

[Psmith]

PO, or perhaps consider a 216570 which would be a more natural alternative

[fishingbear]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

Yep.
I'd go with the 16570.

[fishingbear]

.....

[sea-dweller]

Explorer II, for sure...

[DocJekl]

So, what did you pick? If I were you it would be the Polar 16570.

Personally, my TWO most often worn watches are my Planet Ocean 2500 orange bezel, and my 16570 Polar Explorer II, with the PO on the wrist 60% of the time because the lume on the Exp II is too old to light up. I usually keep my pristine unscratched GMT II Coke bezel in the safe, along with my brand new Seamaster Pro ceramic chronograph (too thick) and my SMP ceramic without chronograph (nice and thin). I treasure the GMT Master II too much, and after being cleaned up at the last service I'm afraid to wear it.

The PO 2500 is a very decent size, but the 8500 version is way too thick and heavy. I might slightly prefer my SMPc over the PO for easily slipping under a shirt cuff like the Exp II, but I love the way the orange bezel on the PO catches everyone's eye (I find myself staring at it daily).

And, since I wear my 1983 Submariner third most, the SMPc which is too similar to the sub stays in the safe until I can give it to my son in 18 months at his high school graduation. On the other hand, he prefers the ceramic Seamaster Pro chronograph that I think may be too busy and thick, so maybe he'll get that one although it's worth more than he deserves (teenagers).

[tobach]

Personally don't get all the "to thick" talk about the PO 8500. Mine is even 45mm. I actually thinks it's quite comfortable. Especially on a rubber strap. It might have something to do body size. I will admit though, that if it was my only watch, I would pick the Explorer2


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[Becca1]

I've had the PO 8500, simply too heavy on my wrist,traded it in for a older seadweller.
I have the 16570 as my all round watch now,probably the most comfortable watch I've ever had,seemed a little small at first after wearing 42mm pieces.
I now think it's the perfect size,and I think the bracelet is outstanding by the way,light and strong,perfection.




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[toomuchtalk]

Originally Posted by eric198324

I was mainly referring to the bracelet and clasp, compared to any new watch from either Omega or Rolex one would have to say the older bracelets from Rolex leaves something to be desired.

Would you not agree?

The old bracelets are fine. Worn them for years; never had an issue. I actually prefer the clasp...

[Face4]

You know you are asking this on THE Rolex forums?

Explorer II for me, aspecially the white dial is so good looking. And the orange hand makes it just a bit more cool imo.


But at the end, get what you like!

[SL BRABUS]

This......^^^.....

[dysondiver]

exp 11 , i dont get the thickness of the omega , or the hev so those two would swing me.

[sickened1]

Like others said, if you don't mind thick watches then it's PO, otherwise it's 16570 all the way.

[watchwatcher]

Hmm...Never had much experience with either, so hard to say. I think the EXP would be a more comfortable daily wearer from what I've read...I do know the PO does not offer much in the way of micro adjustment, which is strange for such a big watch....

Also, do you need a diver or the GMT function of the EXP? That might enter into your decision as well. Good luck,

[HogwldFLTR]

As an after thought to my prior post; I really like my EXP II. From all everyone is saying about the weight and girth of the PO it would knock it out of the running for me. I really think that the older EXP II has perfect weight feel and looks.

[esdeezy]

Exp II no doubt for me!

[F308gt4]

I used to have a PO 8500 42mm but I sold it.

1) Too thick.
2) bracelet adjustability, or lack thereof
3) horror stories about omega service. The coaxial movement is a wonderful movement, but only Omega can service it. Search the web, lots of horror stories about Omega service. If you plan to keep the watch long term, it ain't gonna be fun. At least with Rolex there are many other places that will do a service if you don't want to deal with RSC.

I replaced my PO with a SubC and couldn't be happier. I was also considering the ExpII and Sea Dweller 4000, but the sub won out for the first round. Hope to add an ExpII eventually, as it is a great watch.

[adamlea]

I'm partial to the Exp II.