Explorer II 216570-16570

[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,

[Snow-Dweller]

I've had both. 216570 is the one I have now!

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by Clivek

I've had both. 216570 is the one I have now!

Thanks! How do they wear. Does the 216570 get more attention. I am looking to get one in black as well.

[watchwatcher]

I don't think the new one is shouty at all...especially in black. I really don't think any SS model gets a lot of (or any really) attention at all, unless you're dealing with someone who knows watches...and if that's the case, they will know the old one too.

[Friar]

I considered both but chose the 216570 and purchased from a Trusted Seller here. It was a very good experience BTW. The watch still had several months warranty left.

I chose the 216570 over the previous model because of the upgraded movement, the greater lume, and larger hands--meaning increased visibility. In fact, that led me to choose the polar version over the black--greater visibility. I also have an Explorer I and love the bracelet--another reason to choose the newer Explorer II.

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I don't think the new one is shouty at all...especially in black. I really don't think any SS model gets a lot of (or any really) attention at all, unless you're dealing with someone who knows watches...and if that's the case, they will know the old one too.

Ok thanks!

[Tommer Berg]

I like the old version... White face. Stunning. I had one and an electrician's apprentice stole it out of the soap dish in my bathroom. The electrician reimbursed me in full and fired the kid. Sad story.

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by Friar

I considered both but chose the 216570 and purchased from a Trusted Seller here. It was a very good experience BTW. The watch still had several months warranty left.

I chose the 216570 over the previous model because of the upgraded movement, the greater lume, and larger hands--meaning increased visibility. In fact, that led me to choose the polar version over the black--greater visibility. I also have an Explorer I and love the bracelet--another reason to choose the newer Explorer II.

Ok thanks!

[Presa canary]

There's another thread going on right now on this topic. I've owned all three. The 16570 polar is the only one I've kept

[ExplorerChris]

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,

Not sure about your AD's but here 16570 can not be had anywhere.
I have the 16550 which is a little older than the 16570 and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I don't like te new Explorer II 42mm
Don't like the larger case size
Don't like the orange GMT hand
Don't like the larger hands at all
Don't like the Explorer II on the dual in orange

The only thing I do like is the new bracelet and clasp but for me not worth spending the money.

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

[bmwsubmariner]

Originally Posted by ExplorerChris

Not sure about your AD's but here 16570 can not be had anywhere.
I have the 16550 which is a little older than the 16570 and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I don't like te new Explorer II 42mm
Don't like the larger case size
Don't like the orange GMT hand
Don't like the larger hands at all
Don't like the Explorer II on the dual in orange

The only thing I do like is the new bracelet and clasp but for me not worth spending the money.

http://s1266.photobucket.com/albums/...xplorerChris/?

Thanks for your input. Yes my AD doesn't have new ones but they should have some used ones.

[Pete]

No one has ever commented on my 216570 Polar. Not once. Definitely under the radar where I am anyways. Depends on wrist size i think between the two... I'm thinking of picking up a 16570 black face to compliment the 216570... best of both worlds imo

[DCgator]

The polar 216570 gets my vote.

[bmwsubmariner]

Thanks guys! I am sure that I want the 216570 in black. I will just have to find a good price on one.

My main question was just also if it got a lot of attention. It seems that there are a lot of people on here not wanting their watches noticed like me. I don't either but don't really want to get mugged over it either. I don't know if that is common though.

[Maxy]

I had a similar thread 2 weeks back.. you can read that one as well if it helps.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=354560

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

the 216570 because it is a heritage to the 1655 explorer

[fishingbear]

The only advice is to try them both on which, as earlier said, may be hard to do because the 16570 is discontinued. I do prefer the 16570 for the subtleness of the watch that flies under the radar, so to speak. If you are as conservative as you describe it may be the perfect watch for you.

[HogwldFLTR]

Another recent similar thread....

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=356644

[Nycturbovr6]

I would say the 42mm would be my preference

[Psmith]

216570 for all of the reasons stated above (I've also had the old model)

Mine never attracts even the slightest attention

[venom43]

42mm "polar"

As I stated in many threads.....I was so happy when they brought back the orange 4th hand....the red one looked outta place on the white dial. This is the best SS sports model Rolex has in their current lineup(Personal opinion). This watch is the reason why I got ride of my SS GMT. It is ver under the radar...helps that it doesn't have that shinny ceramic. And it is a very easy watch to read.

Whenever I wear the "polar" Exp2, I always catch myself taking a second glance to just admire the dial...white, black, and orange....perfect.

Good luck with your choice....

[GTC]

From a couple of other threads:

Originally Posted by GTC

I think what Rolex has done with the new (2011) 42mm is perfect. I went to an AD to buy a GMT-Master II, saw two Exp II's in the case (one polar one black) and I was a goner.

The Exp II in it's latest form is understated, > masculine, still classic, but brings the style forward enough to shake off any perception that it may of been my father's watch (nothing wrong with looking like my father's watch).

And then this partial lift from a guy individually ranking all the Rolex watches in his impressive collection:

Originally Posted by zacharyrtyler

Explorer II- Most underrated watch in Rolex's lineup, the best for me when I go on safari. Ruggedly beautiful, efficiently designed, more useful than a Sub, comfortable to wear, and I like the increased diameter of the case. I have the black dial, which for me is an A, but in my opinion the white dial gets a C-. Looks like a cartoon watch.

While I own the black dial Exp II 42mm, I also love the 42mm polar, and think I would of been just about as happy with the polar.

[strafer_kid]

Both are super watches and well under the radar if that is a concern. The 216570 is a great design with all the latest innovations and the orange hand really sets it off. It certainly feels like you could take it anywhere and on a black Zulu strap, it takes on the feel of a tool watch. Only issue (at least for me it was) is the larger case. Just could not get used to it. The 2mm difference sounds like very little but it feels like more on the wrist. Good thing is though you can probably pick one up pre-owned at a good price.

[roklee]

Both are cool and not shouty. Get the 16570...prices going up.... You can get the 216750 anytime since they are still in production.

[Farlius]

I have a 16570 Polar and tried on a black 216570 at an AD. I find my 16570 very comfortable and the size is great on my 7" inch wrist. I think the SEL bracelet models in the later P-K-Y serial range (Early 2000's) are a good option if you go that route and the later 2000's might catch you a lugless design and or a 3186 movement. IMHO the 216570 Polar Maxi dial doesn't seem proportional like it does on the 216570 Black dial version.

Only one person has noticed my Rolex when I was explaining the GMT hand, and another just noticed how polished and new it looked (I just got it serviced so it looks new). I think the white dial and SS bezel actually helps keep it under the radar as its more common to see Rolex's in darker dial colors.

If I could I'd have a 216570 Black Dial and my 16570 Polar.....maybe I will...;).

Good luck and have fun in your search!

Cheers.


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[tjahjadi]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

There's another thread going on right now on this topic. I've owned all three. The 16570 polar is the only one I've kept

i kept 16570 polar



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[JayAK]

I have the 216570 in black and couldn't be happier. The 42mm size, the orange hand, the larger markers, new lume, bracelet and clasp, etc. really sealed the deal for me. It is understated, yet beautiful.

[kh1970]

I have had both models in white dials, and I prefer the 16570.

[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.

[Psmith]

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.

Good man

I really wonder whether some of the 216570's detractors have actually seen the watch for real, let alone tried it on (although I appreciate that some have). Looking at large pics on the internet gives an unrealistic impression of what a watch is really like