The Rolex Explorer II

[Angrypuppy]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

Think the black is the one to go for....

That's what I got. I really was torn between polar and black.

[Mrsammy72]

Does anyone know the best setting to set a winder to for the Explorer II?

[BL1]

Great and informative thread. I just joined today, have an E II with black face (need to research the numbers). Joined partly b/c I need a new clasp.

[Pepsee]

Awesome thread. I'm so jealous of you guys. I'm looking to buy 40 mm Explorer II White Dial for my older brother (42 mm is too big for his wrist). I'm located in Los Angeles. Where do you guys recommend I buy it from?

Also, what year was the last Rolex Explorer II 16570 White Dial made? I would like to buy the latest/newest one if possible.

[descartes]

I've recently been having a renewed love affair with my 16750.

[jdmi32]

Originally Posted by descartes

I've recently been having a renewed love affair with my 16750.

Great shot!

[DocJekl]

Originally Posted by Pepsee

Awesome thread. I'm so jealous of you guys. I'm looking to buy 40 mm Explorer II White Dial for my older brother (42 mm is too big for his wrist). I'm located in Los Angeles. Where do you guys recommend I buy it from?

Also, what year was the last Rolex Explorer II 16570 White Dial made? I would like to buy the latest/newest one if possible.

The last year was possibly early 2011, as the 216570 came out later in 2011. But certainly they made them throughout 2010.

The problem is the 2008-2011 models had the 3186 movement and are very desirable, so hard to find.

You can do a google search. Or check chrono24.com, but last I checked there the newest one I saw was from 2003.

[AL7273]

What is market price for an orange hour hand 1974 explorer II? Those are awesome.

[rkjjeep]

[Rolex fan 61]

Im very pleased with my BNIB Polar explorer I will be posting a review sometime.

[yong5]

Sharing my fair bit of love for my daily beater.









Happy Friday to all!!

[Nsx_23]

Seems lots of people have an exp 2 as a daily watch

[Hollywoodvillain]

my 16570 T serial polar . i am working on a way to get this GMT bezel on it without using a GMT bezel ring . i am considering having my friend machine a stock replacement bezel to receive the GMT insert so it still wears as LOW profile as the exp II here are a couple pics to get an idea of the direction i want to go !

[Dframe]

Great thread. Up to now, my only Rolex is my Date Just. I can't wait to acquire an Explorer II

[Wingman244]

On NATO

NATO by Kurt Klimisch, on Flickr

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by G-Web

This is fast becoming my favorite thread.
Big fan of the Explorer II, and I occasionally even like to dress them up a bit.
Many folks like to poo-poo sport models on Jubilee, but I think it it's a great way to switch it up from time to time.

-GW

I like the use of the Jubilee; I may try it myself.

[Relyt]

Originally Posted by Hollywoodvillain

my 16570 T serial polar . i am working on a way to get this GMT bezel on it without using a GMT bezel ring . i am considering having my friend machine a stock replacement bezel to receive the GMT insert so it still wears as LOW profile as the exp II here are a couple pics to get an idea of the direction i want to go !

Please keep me updated. I would love to put a GMT bezel on the explorer ii. I already had the numbers and GMT hand painted to make the BLNR Jr. lol.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[downwiththecrown]

I have mine set on 650 TPD. Seems to do the trick. I believe thats the recommended TPD for almost all rolex, with the exception being some daytonas

[kaylikestofly]

Originally Posted by yong5

Sharing my fair bit of love for my daily beater.









Happy Friday to all!!

clear dial is beautiful. how did you do that?

[Dframe]

Originally Posted by Relyt

Please keep me updated. I would love to put a GMT bezel on the explorer ii. I already had the numbers and GMT hand painted to make the BLNR Jr. lol.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love that blue paint. It really sets things off!!

[Mr Kram]

previously, i would have never thought of molesting any iteration of the explorer II, but there is some inspirational stuff here. i recently sold my 16570 polar, but now miss it. i may have to re-acaquire a like watch or variant again.

[itsmekevin]

I've become a huge fan of the Explorer 2 Polar. Aesthetically, I prefer the 40mm models over the newer 42mm.

[Paddington]

Quick question regarding the crown of the 216570: If you put it in the second position, does your crown "wobble" a bit?

[randommentalfloss]

Originally Posted by Paddington

Quick question regarding the crown of the 216570: If you put it in the second position, does your crown "wobble" a bit?

Mine does not. Feels very solid in position two and three.

[iliketime]

how did you guys decide, between black or white, its such a tough choice! i bought it in black, and had to return it cause of its sketchy origins. now im leaning towards the white dial

[capote]

Originally Posted by iliketime

how did you guys decide, between black or white, its such a tough choice! i bought it in black, and had to return it cause of its sketchy origins. now im leaning towards the white dial

I like them both but when I was in the market to buy one I went with white. It does set it apart from the common black dial sport watches.

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by capote

I like them both but when I was in the market to buy one I went with white. It does set it apart from the common black dial sport watches.

indeed, thats probably why I want to get the white dial, all of my other watches, have either black or grey dials except the Norman which is more champagne colored.

[Ru4scuba]

Went black b/c I believe it's more versatile (easy to wear with a suit or jeans), but love them both and it's a tough call. In fact, as I seriously contemplate a LVc sub next, I occasionally get the idea to buy whitey instead...

Good luck and post pics!

[stabilizer81]

Hi Folks -- this is my first ever post and after scouring the site I've still not found the answer, so here's to hoping this is additive for the community. Pics are attached, and my question is...

I've got an 888* serial number 16550 cream/rail dial (believe ~1985), and since acquiring it, it's become my absolute favorite watch, but I've noticed the 24hr hand is whiter than the other hands (and markers, the lume of which match the hour, minute and seconds hands perfectly). It's the only component that glows (green) which has led me to believe it's not tritium (the glow color appears to be luminova). This initially caused me to believe it is not original.

HOWEVER, every pic I can find of cream dial 16550's (including many in threads in forums here) has a 24hr hand that looks whiter or having less patina than the other hands and markers. So THIS has led me to suspect that MAYYYBE, in particular because this is a transitional piece after all, that the 24hr hand could have *originally* been luminova or some other formula besides the tritium used for the other hands and markers at the time (that has remained white). For this watch or any GMT in the past, does anyone know if Rolex could have used 24hr hands with lume that differs from the others, in original production?

Is this a crazy thought? Before you slap me silly, double check pics of other 16550's. And owners of them, take a look at your 24hr hand lume in good light to compare, and see what you think. And if you still think I'm crazy, feel free!

I would really appreciate any and all guidance here. Thanks for such great information and maintaining a thriving community.

[stabilizer81]

Originally Posted by stabilizer81

...So THIS has led me to suspect that MAYYYBE, in particular because this is a transitional piece after all, that the 24hr hand could have *originally* been luminova or some other formula besides the tritium used for the other hands and markers at the time (that has remained white). ...

Clarification: I'm aware Rolex did not begin using luminova until the 90's. Sorry for any confusion. Any insight you all may have would be much appreciated!