Explorer II 216570-16570

[sheldonsmith]

I went black face because the orange lettering seemed to wash out on the white whereas it contrasts well in the black face (as does the orange hand). Live mine for the reasons mentioned above. My only wishes are that it had a Triploc crown and Glidelock clasp. With those it would be absolutely prefect.

[Ru4scuba]

Originally Posted by adamlea

Here are my two cents, which I posted on a similar thread this morning:

I spent about 6 months researching my first Rolex. Ultimately, I went with the 216570 Black, and here's why:

1. I think the 3187 is a superior movement;
2. It's extremely legible - under any condition, really - probably the most legible watch I've ever owned;
3. I really like the design - simple, classic, homage to the 1655;
4. No rotating bezel/ceramic insert issues - alignment, damage, replacement, etc.; and
5. It's simply not as ubiquitous as the Sub/GMT - you don't see many in the wild - in fact, I've only seen one other 216570 and it was a Polar.

While there are those who would disagree, I think 42mm looks fine on any wrist from, say 4.25" on the low end to about 9.5" on the high end. My point is simply that it doesn't wear like a hub cap. It has presence, yes - but not a garish, over-the-top presence. After all, the size difference between the 16570 and the 216570 is 2mm, not 2 yards. 2mm is what? - the thickness of a nickel, give or take?

Some have called the orange GMT hand "clownish" and "cartoonish," among other things. It's worth mentioning that the orange GMT hand is a direct design cue from the 1655 - a true classic. And it's also worth mentioning that the current market value of the 1655 exceeds that of many vintage Subs. Seems like I recently saw a 1980 Exp II 1655 listed on the TRF classifieds for around $11K. That's a pretty funny price for a cartoonish watch with a clownish orange GMT hand, don't you think?

Follow your gut.

Well said and I'd agree with all five of your points!

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by bmwsubmariner

Hi Guys,

I think I am finally ready to start looking. I have been really contemplating the two. I have a budget and need to stick to it but I also need to try on both watches. My AD has the 216570 that I can try on but the 16570 I will need to try on. I am going to call all of my local AD's to let them know to let me know if they get one in. I would really like to hopefully purchase from a trusted seller on here though.

My question is, how do these compare in general. I like the look of the new one but I don't know if it is too shouty. I am a very conservative person and need it to look that way but I also like the clasp and the bracelet on the new one.

Thanks,

Hi

Like you I am conservative with a capital C and believe me you have made the right decision in going for an Explorer.

I was lucky in the sense that when I walked into my AD for the first time, the shop manager was wearing his own 36mm Explorer, so I was able to compare both sizes.

Had I not seen both 36mm and 39mm side by side, I would have almost played on caution and sought out a good 36mm model. However, the 39mm actually looks better, the 3, 6 and 9 are in white gold whereas the 36mm model has painted numerals which gives it a very old fashioned look.

The bracelet is light years ahead in terms of quality and you can forget about being mugged because the Explorer falls right into the background and even my son, who is a watch enthusiast, didn't realise it was a Rolex until I actually mentioned it to him.

I think you will like the 39mm model, it is contemporary and yet discreet. You can wear it in casual dress and yet wear it with a suit or a dinner jacket.

I have a 7" wrist and it looks good on me and is the most comfortable watch I have ever worn.

It really is the true gentlemens Rolex.

Regards

Mick

[GhostInTheMachine]

I once thought about selling my 16570, my wife talked me out of it and she wears it now. I have to say, it stops me in my tracks just like she does every time.

I like the new 216570, I like the evolution of bringing back some historical flavor. I really like the larger black outlines as well, with the white, it's a really attractive watch.

But growing up, the 16570 was my first grail watch and I earned it. I think the over all balance is perfect in every way. I think it's time for a spa treatment too, 10 years, no issues.

[hitman23]

I've owned the black EXPII42 since release. Really great watch. I also considered a 16570 in white at that time, but it felt small and sadly "cheaper" to me because of the bracelet. I would still consider a 16570 at the right price and wear on nato.

[fabio1965]

I prefer the Explorer 16570 black dial , perfect size for my wrist.

[slim4511]

I much prefer the 16570 in either color as opposed to the 216570. My Polar 16570 gets more wrist time than an of the other watches in my collection.