New Plant Ocean 8500 42mm or Used Explorer 2 16570 Polar

[eric198324]

I know that I may be setting up a pretty one sided debate here but I am looking for my next watch to go along side of my Speedmaster Professional and I am considering the 42mm PO 8500 new or a used explorer 2. I know that most responses will have the similar tone of what one do you like more. To that I will say that they both have strengths and weaknesses that I am trying to debate in my mind and I am running around in circles. So I was hoping everyone here could help me clarify my thoughts.

All of your opinions are extremely appreciated and mean a great deal to me. This is by far the best forum in the world and it's mainly because of the thoughtful responses provided.

I can't wait to see what everyone has to say

[sturgeon123456]

Planet Ocean.....

If it was the new explorer 2 that would be my choice hands down.

But old explorer 2 vs Omega. Omega has better bracelet, and clasp, nice 42mm size...very legible dial and excellent lume.

Also the 8500 is a very nicely decorated movement and I believe the omega would have the sapphire case back. I am not going to comment on which one is better or more robust etc as I have no knowledge in that area.

[eric198324]

Wow first response for the Omega. I must say I am surprised. Thank you for your response!

I constantly hear people mention the thickness of the PO, but never a mention of the thickness of the DSSD or the new SDC 4000. I kind of like the thickness, but more worried about how the watch will age over time.

[Al1969]

I had the 16570 polar and upgraded to the new Explorer II . Main reason I let go of mine was i felt it wore small.

[Nycturbovr6]

Exp 2 would be my choice

[floater156]

ExpII

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[otisc]

Okay, I'll be the first to say it: I'm not a big Omega fan. A lot of people like their watches, and I do have to say that the Planet Ocean is one of their finer offerings...but I would go for the Rolex. To me, the PO is everywhere, even more so than the Submariner... but it doesn't have the same status. And in my opinion, the trend towards bigger faces is coming to a close.

Rolex. Surprise.

[HogwldFLTR]

Wow, tough choice; I think I'd likely go with the Exp II since I have an SMP Bond which and a Mark II. That's enough Omegas for me. If you don't have a Rolex or an Omega than I'd definitely go with the Exp II.

[eric198324]

Feed back is great guys. I am also considering a Sea Dweller 16600, but I am having a hard time justifying the $2,000 premium and some of the deficiencies associated with the older model Rolex's.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by eric198324

Feed back is great guys. I am also considering a Sea Dweller 16600, but I am having a hard time justifying the $2,000 premium and some of the deficiencies associated with the older model Rolex's.

Deficiencies?

[otisc]

Originally Posted by eric198324

Feed back is great guys. I am also considering a Sea Dweller 16600.

This. No brainer of the three. Problem solved.

[eric198324]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Deficiencies?

I was mainly referring to the bracelet and clasp, compared to any new watch from either Omega or Rolex one would have to say the older bracelets from Rolex leaves something to be desired.

Would you not agree?

[Jake B]

It would be the Explorer II for me, and I'm also an Omega fan. The 8500 Planet Oceans are just TOOOOO THICK for my liking.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by eric198324

I was mainly referring to the bracelet and clasp, compared to any new watch from either Omega or Rolex one would have to say the older bracelets from Rolex leaves something to be desired.

Would you not agree?

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

[redsubby]

Exp II, NEW.

[wdin]

Originally Posted by Jake B

It would be the Explorer II for me, and I'm also an Omega fan. The 8500 Planet Oceans are just TOOOOO THICK for my liking.

gotta agree w Jake. I passed on the 8500 for the same reason.
So exp2 for me.

[aleeboy]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

No I wouldn't. I think the 78790A Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp is terrific. It's stood the test of time, and is light and strong. How many threads do you read on TRF about broken bracelets on five-digit references? I can't recall reading any. Just because they are light, people assume they are somehow weaker than the heavy newer ones. I have watches with old and new, and I much prefer the older ones.

This. I've had my Explorer II for well over a decade. Yes, there's naturally been some stretch, but the bracelet and clasp are functioning 100% as they should. My clasp has never opened once. If it ever felt loose, I simply bent the folded part ever slightly. How's that for user-friendly!

And OP, I would definitely go for the Explorer II. It's a nice watch.

I put mine on the other day. Felt good to wear it.

[KellyM3]

I agree with Jake also the PO 42mm is too thick and unbalanced for my liking...and I had a 45mm PO...very uncomfortable in many respects...go with explorer 2

[capote]

Well I've been wearing my old tin bracelet Exp2 every day for the last five years without a single issue. Speaking of anecdotal evidence, a friend of mine has a new Milgauss and guess what - the clasp welding broke.

[dkpw]

Originally Posted by wdin

gotta agree w Jake. I passed on the 8500 for the same reason. So exp2 for me.

Same here. The PO 42mm is incredibly thick and heavy on the wrist. I had one for several months and tried to get on with it but simply could not. The quality is excellent, the movement reliable and the looks are great but it is one chunk of watch.

[Urosfan]

Exp 2

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Jake B

It would be the Explorer II for me, and I'm also an Omega fan. The 8500 Planet Oceans are just TOOOOO THICK for my liking.

Ditto, and confirmed by others. Now, a PO 2500, that's a different story. A bit more wearable, not nearly as thick, still is reliable, durable and visually pleasing, although without the new movement. In fact, I like the dial, hands, case and bracelet as much as my Sub, and it keeps excellent time.

[jokr82]

Okay, My Very Sincere response!

you are in the Rolex forum, right? So what do you think will be the Answers?

When I was Thinking to buy A Rolex, Omega, I was thinking to buy a Rolex Submariner or Explorer2, or The planet Ocean. About The Movement, quality, etc...

So I ask To manager what he thinks was the best for me, and My Age 30 Years, last Year 2013. And Of course The prices.

So my choice was The Planet Ocean, why?

Because I always Dream the Brand Omega, or Rolex.

So....

1- The rolex for my age I think it´s very classis, and looks older.

2- the Omega looks more younger for me

3- the movement for me was the best.

Si14/Professional/Co-axial, My First In house movement 100%

4- and was more cheaper then Rolex.

I bought in Mexico Airoport when I was waiting the fly For Cancun.

Omega 6500 dollar, and Rolex was 9000 bought with 20%

So Whatever was your decision Good Luck.

Sorry about my English

and



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[anothernewphone]

A few years ago, I had the Omega Planet Ocean 2500. I loved it. When the 8500 ceramic model hit the shelves, I was blown away. It was so cool looking, I had to go try it on. I hit the Omega boutique near me and was immediately disappointed when I saw how thick it was. It would never be an option for my wrist. The lack of micro-adjust in their bracelets is also a HUGE negative when compared to Rolex's many options in their bracelets.

I flipped my PO for an Explorer, just the black dial:




Still miss the orange bezel when I look back at some old pics.

[FKruger]

Omega has my vote. The hands, ceramic bezel and the most beautiful bracelets they make everything is on the watch maybe one little details about it is that I would like the bezel to be more black

[flatmad]

it depends on the use case. I have had both and both were gone..I do not regret or miss..

things I didnt like about about ;

exp new poloar--fixed bezel.. scratch magnet.. the white dial is nice, but you get bored with it after a while.. it reminded about Timex for some reason..

the PO 8500 -- heavy, boring design (esp. the bracelet.. come on Omega..)

no hate.. just my own 0.02.

[Chewbacca]

the PO is a fine watch but the expo wins my vote.

[TheButcher]

try both on an make a choice.

[Seaswirl]

I'd go with the EXII. The PO is a beast as others have said. Asides from the Speedy Pro and the Seamaster, Omega seems too be chasing every new trend with new models coming and going at a rapid rate. Hard to own an iconic Omega watch when it likely to be discontinued in the blink of an eye.

[00pumpkin]

Explorer II all day long. Go try both on in the same day. The PO is a great looking watch but it sits extremely high on the wrist and isn't nearly as comfortable to me.