16570 Explorer II vs Submariner???

[kinnick24]

I have been looking to purchase either a Explorer II. or a Submariner. I see the pricing on a used Explorer 2 is a fair amount less than a used Submariner. Is there a big difference in the watches? What is retail on a new Explorer II or Submariner? I'd appreciate any input.

thank you!!!!!
Jim

[liuk3]

Is a multi-time zone function (Exp2) more important to you versus a bezel which can help you time things (Sub)? I personally find the multiple time zone feature much more useful to me.

[japenney]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=542294

Retail prices.

Used explorer 2 are less money because they are less popular than the submariner. The biggest difference is that the sub has a rotatable bezel to time things and the explorer 2 has a gmt function. The decision is yours.

[kinnick24]

Originally Posted by liuk3

Is a multi-time zone function (Exp2) more important to you versus a bezel which can help you time things (Sub)? I personally find the multiple time zone feature much more useful to me.

I don't really have a major preference between the two. However, I do travel in multiple time zones which may be a slight advantage to the Exp2.

thanks!
Jim

[kinnick24]

Thank you

[liuk3]

Originally Posted by kinnick24

I don't really have a major preference between the two. However, I do travel in multiple time zones which may be a slight advantage to the Exp2.

thanks!
Jim

Yeah, I find the multi-time zone function much more useful to me as well. I also like the tool nature of the Exp2 like it was meant to be rugged and used in the outdoors. I will say that the Sub is much more popular, but I love my Exp2. I think that it is also a little less common than the Sub which I find appealing.The Sub is also probably one of the most recognized (and copied) Rolex model out there by the public if that matters to you. Good luck and have fun with the decision! Can't go wrong either way in my opinion.

[fskywalker]

Sub over explorer


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[Finslayer83]

Both

[AF_Rob]

I own both (of the same era) and they wear almost identical. As a one and only daily driver, I would go with the Sub. The bezel is just a better function to have every day. Don't go for the ExII just because it's cheaper. You will most likely regret it.

[ruby7829]

Sub for me. I tried on both and just didn’t bond with the look of the explorer bezel.

[MonsterSS]

Sub for me too, but’s it’s all personal preference. It’s not like we are climbing mt Everest or diving 1,000 feet.

[M1911a2]

Get the Sub, it holds value MUCH better. Not to say you buy the watch for invesment

[huck55]

if you like Polar White Exp II is a great casual sports outdoorsy style.

[jacksot]

If you want the look of the sub and the functionality of the GMT hand then pick up a 16710 GMTII. Best of both worlds IMO. Plus you would have the added benefit of being able to change bezel inserts. Major downside being price...

That being said, when travelling out of country I prefer to wear the 16570 Polar. Tends to be a little more discrete.

[FrankBullitt]

I love both and think that, over time, you really should get both as funds allow.

But if you don't already own a Sub, I would recommend buying the Sub without any hesitation. If you're like me, it will eat at you if you buy anything else, and you'll end up buying a Sub anyway! So get it out of the way first and get your ticket punched, and be a free man. With a truly great watch.

Such is the power of the Sub.

[Dompropat]

I'd go Sub

[westsideclock]

I vote the Sub, but if you like them equally or like the Explorer more, buy and save the $.

[G'ed]

I owned quite a handful of Rolex and imho, this is the cleanest and best looking watch.

[4BostonB]

Originally Posted by M1911a2

Get the Sub, it holds value MUCH better. Not to say you buy the watch for invesment

This is true but the Exp IIs are undervalued and the market is compensating, even in the last 6 months.

Get whichever speaks to you more. Don't worry about resale value or any of that - you're buying used, so you don't need to worry much about taking a depreciation hit. I'd definitely recommend going to try them on - the bracelets from the 16570 and pre-ceramic subs have a lot of ... character compared to newer ones. I was originally looking at an Explorer II but ended up with a GMT ceramic because of the bracelet quality. I skipped the sub because of its ubiquity.

[DylanFox]

[sab9259]

After owning both the EXP II and the sub, I find myself wearing the Explorer II most often. The ruggedness and simplicity make it seem more like a tool than a watch. Plus there aren’t as many to be seen in the wild. But of course,YMMV!