Polar questions

[Peter.dench]

Hi all,

I am interested in getting myself an exp2 polar (the 16570 model)

I understand that there were a few updates during its production. I have noticed that some cases have the lug holes, which I am not keen on, there also seen to be two different clasps. I suspect there were also movement updates.

Any point did the end links, or all links become solid?

Sorry for all the questions, and I have searched online, without to much joy.

Current collect is Milgauss green glass, omega planet ocean, and Breitling navitimer world white dial. Do people think the polar would be a good fit to the collection?

[Tools]

The changeover to the SEL and the loss of lug holes happened around the same time, ~2001, with some overlap. This means that during this overlap they made some releases with both pierced lugs and SEL.

The same 3185 movement was used throughout until 2007 when them began fitting the slightly modified 3186 for the last couple of years of production.

[natosub]

Great info Larry!

[weeone]

Can someone comment on the difference in lume over the years?

[Peter.dench]

Originally Posted by Tools

The changeover to the SEL and the loss of lug holes happened around the same time, ~2001, with some overlap. This means that during this overlap they made some releases with both pierced lugs and SEL.

The same 3185 movement was used throughout until 2007 when them began fitting the slightly modified 3186 for the last couple of years of production.

That's great, thanks Larry. Is there much of a difference between the two movements? Also, is one more desirable than the other?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Peter.dench

That's great, thanks Larry. Is there much of a difference between the two movements? Also, is one more desirable than the other?

The 3186 iteration added the parachrom hairspring and a gearset to move the hand-set out of the gear train when setting. This amounted to less visible wiggling of the hand stack when setting and changed the gear ratio from a 5/1 to 8/1 crown turns per dial revolution. It also added some fragility to this set-up and the new arrangement is subject to breaking. There are no changes to the operation and functionality between iterations.

Some seem to like the 3186. I would prefer the non-breaking 3185. Both were dropped with the latest 216570 that sports the 3187 movement.

Desirability is in the eye of the beholder. I have one with the pierced lugs and SEL, which is the more rare version, and another with the blind hole lug and SEL. They both perform flawlessly and so it is pure cosmetics for the owner.

[ag986]

Originally Posted by Tools

The 3186 iteration added the parachrom hairspring and a gearset to move the hand-set out of the gear train when setting. This amounted to less visible wiggling of the hand stack when setting and changed the gear ratio from a 5/1 to 8/1 crown turns per dial revolution. It also added some fragility to this set-up and the new arrangement is subject to breaking. There are no changes to the operation and functionality between iterations.

Some seem to like the 3186. I would prefer the non-breaking 3185. Both were dropped with the latest 216570 that sports the 3187 movement.

Desirability is in the eye of the beholder. I have one with the pierced lugs and SEL, which is the more rare version, and another with the blind hole lug and SEL. They both perform flawlessly and so it is pure cosmetics for the owner.

Good information, thanks!

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Tools

The 3186 iteration added the parachrom hairspring and a gearset to move the hand-set out of the gear train when setting. This amounted to less visible wiggling of the hand stack when setting and changed the gear ratio from a 5/1 to 8/1 crown turns per dial revolution. It also added some fragility to this set-up and the new arrangement is subject to breaking. There are no changes to the operation and functionality between iterations.



Some seem to like the 3186. I would prefer the non-breaking 3185. Both were dropped with the latest 216570 that sports the 3187 movement.



Desirability is in the eye of the beholder. I have one with the pierced lugs and SEL, which is the more rare version, and another with the blind hole lug and SEL. They both perform flawlessly and so it is pure cosmetics for the owner.

Related question Larry...

Which movements have been used in the LN 116710? I am guessing 3186 and possibly 3187 after the BLNR release?

[Peter.dench]

Thanks Larry. I am looking at a 2000 3185 with pierced lug holes and SEL. Full service from rolex 18 months ago, and not worn since. Full box and papers offered for £3500 GBP. Does this seem a good price?

[Eatapp]

It is my understanding the modern GMTII uses the 3186 movement. I wonder why not the 3187? I could be mistaken, feel free to correct.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Speed

Related question Larry...

Which movements have been used in the LN 116710? I am guessing 3186 and possibly 3187 after the BLNR release?

The 11671x models have always used the 3186.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Tools

The 11671x models have always used the 3186.

Thanks for the confirmation Sir!

[goldenpauls]

Originally Posted by Peter.dench

Thanks Larry. I am looking at a 2000 3185 with pierced lug holes and SEL. Full service from rolex 18 months ago, and not worn since. Full box and papers offered for £3500 GBP. Does this seem a good price?

Hi Peter,
If it helps, I did quite a bit of research on Polar 16570 prices here in the UK before buying mine last year.......and subsequently post Brexit and Rolex price rise.........as a ballpark figure I regard a 2000-2007 3185, SEL & luminova one with a 'proper' full set (box, papers, booklets, both tags etc) in excellent condition to be somewhere in the high £3000's maybe just over £4000 with a recent Rolex service. Not that I personally would pay it, but later 3186 models are probably £1000 more (like for like) than a 3185 equivalent.

FWIW I would say from what I have seen lately, £3500 for a really good condition one like you have seen, with complete full set is a very good price.

I also think the 16570 (Polar or Black dial) is probably still the best value Rolex SS Sports model available........

[Peter.dench]

Originally Posted by goldenpauls

Hi Peter,
If it helps, I did quite a bit of research on Polar 16570 prices here in the UK before buying mine last year.......and subsequently post Brexit and Rolex price rise.........as a ballpark figure I regard a 2000-2007 3185, SEL & luminova one with a 'proper' full set (box, papers, booklets, both tags etc) in excellent condition to be somewhere in the high £3000's maybe just over £4000 with a recent Rolex service. Not that I personally would pay it, but later 3186 models are probably £1000 more (like for like) than a 3185 equivalent.

FWIW I would say from what I have seen lately, £3500 for a really good condition one like you have seen, with complete full set is a very good price.

I also think the 16570 (Polar or Black dial) is probably still the best value Rolex SS Sports model available........

That's great, thanks for your advice. Always surprises me how much more affordable they a e than other sport models from the same time period

[TG3N]

Some excellent knowledge on display here from goldenpauls & Tools - great work, the Forum at its best. I have a hankering for a Polar, so I've squirreled away these points for future.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Peter.dench

That's great, thanks for your advice. Always surprises me how much more affordable they a e than other sport models from the same time period

Historically the Exp II has had phenomenal holding power and value increases over other discontinued models..

Try to find a pre-16570 Exp II that is not in the 5 figures, it will be tough. Now that the 16570 is no longer produced, it may be that this iteration too will become the must-have collector piece..

Maybe they need to come up with a dumb name for it first....