ExplorerII purchasing thoughts

[HotToddyTX]

Hello all,

I really would like to add an explorerII polar to my collection. I am on the "waiting list" at two local AD's, albeit not for that long, but patience has never been a virtue of mine. So going grey seems imminent.

That being said, I am intrigued by some of the older models. I particularly love the models with some patina but I cannot bring myself to spend over $20k on an explorer.

What do y'all think? Do I go an older reference or stick with the newer model?

Obviously, I know it all depends on what I like but both seem to bring different positive emotions out of me!

Thx
Tim

[shammad10]

I have had both. The older one seems like a completely different watch, due to the smaller size, the less distinctive GMT hand.
I had the new polar and I LOVED it, looks so good, but it's a big boy, and that's the only thing that made me sell, it was just too big only wrist. If they made the 226570 in 40mm I'd buy in a heartbeat.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by tmcquade88

Hello all,

I really would like to add an explorerII polar to my collection. I am on the "waiting list" at two local AD's, albeit not for that long, but patience has never been a virtue of mine. So going grey seems imminent.

That being said, I am intrigued by some of the older models. I particularly love the models with some patina but I cannot bring myself to spend over $20k on an explorer.

What do y'all think? Do I go an older reference or stick with the newer model?

Obviously, I know it all depends on what I like but both seem to bring different positive emotions out of me!

Thx
Tim

For the Explorer II, I would not buy grey. Keep visiting those AD's and talk Explorer II with them (new and old) if they get tired of you they will sell you a watch faster so you go away.

Explorer II is by far my favorite Rolex model. I most enjoy wearing the modern 42mm but I aim to collect the main references:
1655
16550
16570
216570
226570
I know there are many different versions of each early reference and transitional models, but those are the five I am working towards owning. Now that vintage prices are returning to earth, it's coming together.

[Jerrocop]

Coming from someone with 8" wrist, I think the current model is too big. If it's a matter of waiting, then I think you'll get a current model with a relatively short wait. If it's a matter of buying the reference you want, then be selective and wait until you find the right one for you. $20k, if you can spare the cash, is a reasonable price to pay if it's the reference you're going to enjoy the most. Personally, I love the looks of the 1655 but I don't like the functions of the 1575 movement. I think the 16570 is the perfect Explorer II because of it's size and movement.

[amh]

20k for an explorer? They're the least expensive of the entire lineup.

I like the latest model & size, fits well on 7.5"

[ErichKeane]

Originally Posted by amh

20k for an explorer? They're the least expensive of the entire lineup.

I like the latest model & size, fits well on 7.5"

Explorer II, while cheaper than the GMTs/Subs, its a little bit more MSRP (~$9650) than the Explorer. Can be had Grey ~12-13k at the high end (Near 10k for lightly used).

That said, at 20k+, they are probably talking about the "Steve McQueen" era 1655s. Made until ~1984, models in good shape with particularly attractive patina can go for 30k+.

[Rolexvin]

I had a Explorer II Polar and of the previous model. I just got the new model with the black dial.

I’d suggest you consider the black dial one. If you set aside they “hype” about the white dial, you may realize that the black dial is more versatile and at the same time more elegant.

I’d love to have a Freccione, but it would be just as a collector’s item. I am just too used to the new model sizes.

[ErichKeane]

Originally Posted by Rolexvin

I had a Explorer II Polar and of the previous model. I just got the new model with the black dial.

I’d suggest you consider the black dial one. If you set aside they “hype” about the white dial, you may realize that the black dial is more versatile and at the same time more elegant.

I’d love to have a Freccione, but it would be just as a collector’s item. I am just too used to the new model sizes.

Yep, the black dial is pretty gorgeous as well! I preferred the black's 216570 version's floating hands over the 226570's hands. I saw both and liked both for their own reason, but I went with the polar as it is my only non black/blue faced watch, and I slightly prefer the contrast.

Both are really attractive though.

[MrMercedes]

Go for the new model! I love mine very much!

[Tambo19]

It depends on what you really want.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by tmcquade88

Obviously, I know it all depends on what I like but both seem to bring different positive emotions out of me!

You might end up owning both. They are different watches, both very much of their time. I prefer the 42mm with the orange details. The 40mm doesn't do anything for me but if it did it would IMO sit comfortably beside a 42mm in a collection.

[Rolexvin]

Originally Posted by ErichKeane

Yep, the black dial is pretty gorgeous as well! I preferred the black's 216570 version's floating hands over the 226570's hands. I saw both and liked both for their own reason, but I went with the polar as it is my only non black/blue faced watch, and I slightly prefer the contrast.

Both are really attractive though.

Yes I also liked the floating hands, but the new model has a purpose :).

My old eyes thank me :) Especially when you roll it. If you look at it flat, the white stands out, but as you roll it, the gold part starts to shine, so you can see the hands better from different angles.

[GST15]

Originally Posted by shammad10

I have had both. The older one seems like a completely different watch, due to the smaller size, the less distinctive GMT hand.
I had the new polar and I LOVED it, looks so good, but it's a big boy, and that's the only thing that made me sell, it was just too big only wrist. If they made the 226570 in 40mm I'd buy in a heartbeat.

Same experience. Just too big and hefty for my 7"wrist. I like the older 40

[Tylerlsu2008]

I rock a 226570 Polar with a 6.5-6.75 inch wrist without issue. But I also have a PAM 42 and 43mm IWC pilot chrono, so I’m okay with 42mm range

[ErichKeane]

Originally Posted by Tylerlsu2008

I rock a 226570 Polar with a 6.5-6.75 inch wrist without issue. But I also have a PAM 42 and 43mm IWC pilot chrono, so I’m okay with 42mm range

I'm at about a 6.5" wrist (though somewhat flat), and the 216570 is about as big as I feel comfortable with. The 42mm Longines Zulu Time felt massive on me, as did the 43mm Omega World Timer, but the 41.5mm Omega SMP 300m Chrono and 216570 are about as big as I can pull off (and I have both!).

I find that the 216570 doesn't wear bigger than my Batman, perhaps due to the 'downturned' bezel.

[Tylerlsu2008]

Originally Posted by ErichKeane

I'm at about a 6.5" wrist (though somewhat flat), and the 216570 is about as big as I feel comfortable with. The 42mm Longines Zulu Time felt massive on me, as did the 43mm Omega World Timer, but the 41.5mm Omega SMP 300m Chrono and 216570 are about as big as I can pull off (and I have both!).

I find that the 216570 doesn't wear bigger than my Batman, perhaps due to the 'downturned' bezel.

Maybe — I don’t find where my 226570 wears terribly different from my BLNR other than the BLNR bracelet being slightly narrower.

I don’t get to caught up in these intricate details. I always found it awesome seeing women (who typically have smaller wrist) rock a Panerai or sub / gmt, etc

[Carguy87]

I’m currently lusting after the newer one with the orange GMT hand to add as a summer watch on a white/orange rubber strap (ironic since it’s the “polar” lol). So my vote would be the new reference! That said, the older ones are super cool too, but I think the current one especially at retail is an awesome value.

[DJ2020]

I wear a 226570 on a 7" wrist. It's the most comfortable Rolex I have ever known. I usually forget I am even wearing it. I love the new black matt hand ( polar) contrast is awesome. Very clean crisp dial as well.

[ErichKeane]

Originally Posted by DJ2020

I wear a 226570 on a 7" wrist. It's the most comfortable Rolex I have ever known. I usually forget I am even wearing it. I love the new black matt hand ( polar) contrast is awesome. Very clean crisp dial as well.

I liked the matte hands, but I couldn't get over the fact that they didn't go matte for the GMT hand as well. Every time I looked at it at the AD, it was the 1 thing that annoyed me. Another part of why the 216570 was the one I went with.

That said, BOTH (or all 4?) models of the 42mms are fantastic.

I discounted the 16570 because of the GMT hand (I like the big orange one!), but after wearing my Zulu Time and GMT Master (both have the same style hand as the 16570), I suspect it is another one of those things that macro-photos make look way different than real-life experiences.

[lcs77]

Originally Posted by Rolexvin

I had a Explorer II Polar and of the previous model. I just got the new model with the black dial.

I’d suggest you consider the black dial one. If you set aside they “hype” about the white dial, you may realize that the black dial is more versatile and at the same time more elegant.

I’d love to have a Freccione, but it would be just as a collector’s item. I am just too used to the new model sizes.

Agree, and the black dial make the watch looks smaller




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[Starhutch]

Absolutely love my polar 226, wears beautifully and easily a daily

[TimeRookie]

I’ve had my “Polar” for a week. 7.5” wrist. I love mine. Super comfortable. Super visible in any light. I told the AD I would take either black or white and the white came in for me.

[BillA]

My16570 Polar is a great size and fits well.
You can spend between $7 and $8 for a nice one.