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Old 11 March 2014, 05:55 AM   #1
ahoffman
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Sub (16610) vs. Explorer II (16570)

Hello All,

First post here. Narrowed it down to these two for my first Rolex. New versions of both models are too big for my wrist. I am thinking Explorer as they are somewhat off the grid compared to subs. Thoughts?
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:08 AM   #2
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If this is going to be your only Rolex i would get the Sub first. Classic and can never go wrong with the Sub.
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:21 AM   #3
eeh100773
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:22 AM   #4
Cc1966
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Sub first...rest of collection later.
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:26 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sohail View Post
If this is going to be your only Rolex i would get the Sub first. Classic and can never go wrong with the Sub.
this
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:27 AM   #6
Armyguy03
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Well, I can't believe I'm saying this. However, being that I just got my EXPII, and own a Sub (16610)...I say get a POLAR EXPII AND DON'T LOOK BACK!!!!!
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:48 AM   #7
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Seems like everyone has a sub. Why is that? Is it "better" or just "classic" ?
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:53 AM   #8
Cc1966
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ahoffman View Post
Seems like everyone has a sub. Why is that? Is it "better" or just "classic" ?
In a way "Yes" to both. "Better" is very subjective, but it is a classic in most eyes. Best bet is to try some Rolexes on and see which one "sings" to you mate. I sure don't want to bias you if you really don't want the Sub...
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:56 AM   #9
Chris B
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Obviously personal choice but the 16570 is an excellent watch &
pre-owned represents great value at the moment

I really miss mine





















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Old 11 March 2014, 07:24 AM   #10
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I'd go with the classic Sub for your first.
Welcome to TRF, great bunch here!
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Old 11 March 2014, 07:39 AM   #11
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They are my two favorite choices & complement each other exceptionally well...cant go wrong with either.

Which complication do you think you would find more useful?
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Old 11 March 2014, 10:21 AM   #12
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Actually am now considering GMT-II as well. (16710). Of these 3 5-digit watches, which one has the lower profile- all 40mm, but do any of them wear smaller due to case thickness, etc?

Also, is there a tutorial on serial numbers (F vs. U etc)?

Thanks. Tremendously helpful forum !
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Old 11 March 2014, 10:33 AM   #13
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Go subc all the way to start
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Old 11 March 2014, 12:07 PM   #14
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Welcome. I say go for the 16610.
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Old 11 March 2014, 12:23 PM   #15
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Regarding Profile,

To me, they all wear the same in terms of profile. If you want a stealthier Rolex, go Polar. The GMT is a great choice if you want the option to switch bezel inserts (Pepsi, Coke, Noir). You can't go wrong with a Sub either. Aim for securing one with lug holes so you can swap bracelets for NATOs for a fresh look.
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Old 11 March 2014, 12:45 PM   #16
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16570
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Old 11 March 2014, 12:53 PM   #17
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Sub...I do want an explorer though.
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Old 11 March 2014, 05:18 PM   #18
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The exII is the most undercover of all 3, due to the missing shiny dents of the bezel. All 3 are excellent timepieces anyway. Milestones, I would say. To me, the gmt master II 16710 has something of both: the side optic and the shiny, rotating dented bezel of the sub, and the additional 24hr red hand of the exII, plus the more elegant twin lock crown.
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Old 11 March 2014, 06:54 PM   #19
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Sub,
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Old 11 March 2014, 07:31 PM   #20
hknslmz
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You know what,
I had 16610 and 14060M. I liked them both so much..But as you already know there are so many around. Then I sold both, and now I have 16570 black. I am happier with my exp ii..
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Old 11 March 2014, 08:31 PM   #21
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Sub first then the Explorer and others next.
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Old 11 March 2014, 08:32 PM   #22
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I own a GMTIIc (first one) and Expy II polar (16570) but I love wearing the Expy II everyday fits snug on my small wrist.
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Old 11 March 2014, 08:35 PM   #23
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The Submariner is iconic, but you see it everwhere, the Exp2 flies under the radar and have a more useful complication for me.
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Old 11 March 2014, 10:21 PM   #24
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No wrong choice.

If relative "rarity" is important to you, then I think the Explorer II edges out in front.

This is kind of backed up by the number of responses advocating the sub - which would be my personal choice too!
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Old 12 March 2014, 12:44 AM   #25
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I was deciding between the 16710 GMT or the older Polar 16570, and went with the Polar for a lot of reasons. It looks great, it still has the two time zones, the white face makes it a bit dressier w a suit if you do not have a dress watch, and it is a bit more discreet, as it doesn't scream Rolex at everyone if you are traveling or doing something and do not want to be splashy. I will also add that my next Rolex will be the 16710 but I am happy I went with Polar for now.
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Old 12 March 2014, 02:00 AM   #26
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Sooner or later you will own a sub a gmt and a exp ii. So why fight it. :)
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Old 12 March 2014, 02:47 AM   #27
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Sooner or later you will own a sub a gmt and a exp ii. So why fight it. :)

Best post I've read in a long time...


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Old 12 March 2014, 06:27 AM   #28
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Out of the 3, I found polar Exp II to be a very good value, if you can live without the timing bezel and 3rd timezone, which most of us don't.

The Exp II is low profile, very comfortable, it fly under the radar pretty well, not a lot of Rolex(es) has white dial



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Old 12 March 2014, 06:49 AM   #29
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I've had the Sub date previously and now have the Explorer II with a black dial. I like the Explorer a lot more than I ever liked the Sub. I'm not a big fan of the Cyclops but it feels right on the Explorer. I find it very comfortable as well and the red hand against the black dial is rather lovely to look at.
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Old 12 March 2014, 08:21 AM   #30
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Sub for me
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