Looking at my Explorer 2

[Harry-57]

There's nothing quite like a Polar. I like the orange 42mm version. It doesn't need a ceramic bezel and for most of us, it doesn't need to rotate.

I have a LV-C and it does exude more of a luxury feel than the Polar. Sunburst dial, ceramic bezel, platinum inlays, it sails closer to the jewellery cross over point than the more straightforward Explorer 2. Both superbly built and presented. Both long lasting and hard wearing. Both achingly desirable. But the Sub Date has more glint and twinkle. Is it worth the extra? Academic really, since it assumes that most of us mere mortals are actually in a position to chose between them at MSRP.

[Bobby83]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

Not iconic enough and doesn't scream Rolex, though it definitely has Rolex DNA all over it.

Also, people just prefer the look of the GMT more. Explorer II is a GMT alternative not a direct Submariner alternative. I want an Explorer II because it will be a much larger contrast with my Sub than a GMT would but if I didn't have the Sub and had to choose either the GMT or Explorer II, then I'd probably choose the GMT due to versatility.

I think what a lot of people forget is that many people who love the Explorer II are also people who have another or multiple Rolex watches. Excellent complimentary piece but I don't know how I'd feel about it being my only watch.

I would agree with your points


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[Swaye]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

There's nothing quite like a Polar. I like the orange 42mm version. It doesn't need a ceramic bezel and for most of us, it doesn't need to rotate.

I have a LV-C and it does exude more of a luxury feel than the Polar. Sunburst dial, ceramic bezel, platinum inlays, it sails closer to the jewellery cross over point than the more straightforward Explorer 2. Both superbly built and presented. Both long lasting and hard wearing. Both achingly desirable. But the Sub Date has more glint and twinkle. Is it worth the extra? Academic really, since it assumes that most of us mere mortals are actually in a position to chose between them at MSRP.

Great post.

[Junior_]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

So the Sub has a ceramic bezel, glide lock, trio-lock/300m rating (that most will never even come close to) and the unmistakable Rolex look.

Why is the Sub more popular? Um, this.

That said, I love the Explorer II, especially the Polar. It’s a beautiful watch. It’s just not a Sub.

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Rolex fan 61

I own an Explorer 2 reference 216570 polar I have worn this watch 24/7 for the last 3.5 years I have no marks or scratches on the bezel.

Beat me to it. Iv'e had my black Explorer II about the same length of time and not a single scratch on the bezel. Looks as good as the day I picked it up. And I wear it pretty much every day and I'm not gentle with it.

The fully brushed bracelet holds up fantastically.

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by Swaye

Great post.

Hulk, Polar Explorer II and a Z Blue. That is a killer trio my friend.

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

I don’t understand how the Sub date sales price is higher than the Explorer 2.

So the Sub has a ceramic bezel, glide lock, trio-lock/300m rating (that most will never even come close to) and the unmistakable Rolex look.

I have a Sub as well so not trashing it by any means. Granted my sub is TT but if I had a SS Sub I would value my Explorer 2 more.




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Aren’t they basically the same price? The Sub Date is around $400 more MSRP, but has the added features that you mentioned. Plus it’s typically a more desirable model.

[brandrea]

I’ve been contemplating one now for a while ... can’t decide on black or white

[jerryguo]

I really like the six digit version of Exp 2. Ive owned both 5 digit black and white Exp 2 but sold them since they did nothing for me. I will probably add the newer models my collection soon!

[aboutadog]

The Explorer II doesn’t have the demand the Submariner has because more people relate to (want to be) James Bond than Sir Edmund Hillary.


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[Ssunnylee24]

How much bigger does it wear compare it to the Explorer 214270?

[SeaDweller50]

Apart from the DSSD it’s the only reference in modern times that’s been built direct from the drawing board. It’s even got its own unique movement as opposed to the deep sea.

[Jim Greece]

Nice one the Explorer (a little too busy for my taste). In my mind the Sub always wins; The SUB has an eternal design, it's just so simple and so perfect at the same time. No wonder they never experiment with the design. The don't want to attempt any major deviation from the original.
Plus the rotating bezel sound...

[crazymcmichael]

We should nickname it the action man i guess. I Always found it a action man of a watch :D i really like it, and i love my 42 polar a LOT.. Some people argue that they like the 40mm more, but i do like the 42 more!

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by aboutadog

The Explorer II doesn’t have the demand the Submariner has because more people relate to (want to be) James Bond than Sir Edmund Hillary.


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Yea but they forgot that you are more shabby the butcher with the sub on and a man of class with the explorer on... I own both though, and i love the sub!! But i never saw 1 person with an explorer 2 that hasn't got any class and i saw A HUGE AMOUNT of people with gmt's and sub's and even SD's that you do not want to talk with

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’ve been contemplating one now for a while ... can’t decide on black or white

Recently i saw a black one in the airport and it really looked very nice but when i putt on both in the AD i was clear that i needed the WHITE
It's a stuner, go buy one!! NOW!!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Recently i saw a black one in the airport and it really looked very nice but when i putt on both in the AD i was clear that i needed the WHITE
It's a stuner, go buy one!! NOW!!

[Bobby83]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

We should nickname it the action man i guess. I Always found it a action man of a watch :D i really like it, and i love my 42 polar a LOT.. Some people argue that they like the 40mm more, but i do like the 42 more!

I like the 42 more too, more legible and the dial doesn’t feel as cramped. I have an 8 inch wrist so there’s that too lol


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[airchitect]

I had it and sold it due to the current models slightly off proportions. That said with the pending redo (for the 50th anniversary) I fully expect to want another if they nail it this time around. I am in agreement though, I think it deserves a higher place in the pecking order.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

I like the 42 more too, more legible and the dial doesn’t feel as cramped. I have an 8 inch wrist so there’s that too lol


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It looks just perfect on you mate.

The black dial is growing on me, but the white is also so unique. Probably need both

[glamorama]

Hard to compare, they both have a place in a collection. Love my 16570 since I grew up with a lifestyle that is not far from the commercial. Probably a lot more people diving than polar exploring with dog sleigh..

Just picked up from the spa today.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by chloebear

Hulk, Polar Explorer II and a Z Blue. That is a killer trio my friend.

Beat me to it.

Good trio. although I would say that, because they also reside in my collection (along with a Blusey).

[Bobby83]

Originally Posted by glamorama

Hard to compare, they both have a place in a collection. Love my 16570 since I grew up with a lifestyle that is not far from the commercial. Probably a lot more people diving than polar exploring with dog sleigh..

Just picked up from the spa today. Attachment 1022945

Lookin good


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[Colin G]

I had a Sub 114060 and sold it since I didn't even look at it since getting my EXP II last year.

The EXPII was the kiss of death for my sub so I sold it. Just an EXP and EXPII is all I own now.

[Bobby83]

Originally Posted by glamorama

Hard to compare, they both have a place in a collection. Love my 16570 since I grew up with a lifestyle that is not far from the commercial. Probably a lot more people diving than polar exploring with dog sleigh..

Just picked up from the spa today. Attachment 1022945

You think more people utilize the 300m or the GMT complication? I think GMT is more practical for everyday use.


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[aknajera]

Originally Posted by SN13

Exp2 is the most under-valued of the Rolex Line.

I loved mine and only sold it for funds, not for lack of interest.

Totally agree. I say enjoy the fact that they are currently not as sought after and use it to our advantage!

[Bobby83]

Originally Posted by aknajera

Totally agree. I say enjoy the fact that they are currently not as sought after and use it to our advantage!

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[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Bobby83

Maybe but how many people are complaining about the SKy Dweller and or day/date not having one?


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Comparing apples to oranges. Nobody expects a DD/Sky/DJ to have a rotatable bezel. It's not part of their DNA, or even function. And while nobody complains about it, those watches often get looked over in favor of the so-called sports watches. How many threads have you seen on here that complain about "the only thing at the AD were DJ's or DD's?"

And, while we're talking sports watches, the sub and GMT have always held a larger fan base.

Don't get me wrong. I'm an EXP2 fan. I ditched a BLNR years ago in favor of a black EXP2 to assist with my heavy travel schedule. Never regretted it for a second. For the masses though...just take look at the frenzy over the BLNR on this forum alone. My two cents.