Rolex Explorer II - Black Dial 216570 versus 226570

[SaintMickey]

Pulling the trigger on a 216570 Black dial Explorer II from March 2014 Box and Papers for $9700 almost close to current MSRP!!! I know its a used watch but sometimes getting close to MSRP feels like a win!

I now have a great relationship with an AD and this is one that I just might get a call on but...BUT that's no way to live sitting around waiting. I am looking to buy smart so that if I buy a new one I won't get too beat on this one.

I've gone down a rabbit hole and found lots of videos and this one makes me "think" I like the previous version. Now I know the crowd will be divided into those who have the previous and those who swear by the new one...but hoping to get some honest objective input.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYlBEgcFD-w


Hands - The "floating hands" do not bother me whatsoever. I think it kind of looks good and is more "retro" looking. Either way would be fine though.

Clasp/Bracelet - I was really taken aback at the size difference between the bracelet and clasps. Before I got my SubDate 41 I wold have said no way to the larger clasp but I know now much ado about nothing. Although leaning toward the previous smaller version.

Power Reserve - I might be the only one who doesn't care. I bought my Tudor Smiley happily with a 48 hour power reserve as well. They worked for me the last 25 years not sure why now I'd need 70 hours. When I'm wearing a watch the PR means nothing. know how I wear my watches so even with a 70 hour reserve...it ain't going to be running when I go back to it anyway.

Video says the new dial text is different but this means nothing to me either one would be fine. Lume is the same and dimensions are exactly the same. What else am I missing of importance?

Thanks for any input. I'm hoping the White Dial crowd can sit on their hands because I am not interested (like) the Polar version.

Let me know if you can see "small nick" at 23-25 second mark on the lug near 22/10 o'clock. They had a MACRO photo of it that made it look like the Grand Canyon but I think they did themself a disservice. Also they call me Mr. Ding so good to get the first one out of the way.

LINK to video of watch.

https://video.gmt-j.com/video/asset/...6c260dea3b.mp4


Thanks for any input. I'm hoping the White Dial crowd can sit on their hands because I am not interested (like) the Polar version.

[Eric88]

I recently got the Polar 216570, though I spent a long time debating the white vs. black and ALMOST got the black 216570. I strongly prefer the floating hands on the 216570 - I think that is one of the most defining attributes of the watch, and it ALMOST lured me to the black dial over the white.

At the end of the day, not that it matters to you, I simply wanted a really different dial and have nothing else in white. Sitting on my hands - that's why I chose white. Between those two watches, I'd get the floating hands 216570.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by Eric88

I recently got the Polar 216570, though I spent a long time debating the white vs. black and ALMOST got the black 216570. I strongly prefer the floating hands on the 216570 - I think that is one of the most defining attributes of the watch, and it ALMOST lured me to the black dial over the white.

At the end of the day, not that it matters to you, I simply wanted a really different dial and have nothing else in white. Sitting on my hands - that's why I chose white. Between those two watches, I'd get the floating hands 216570.

Thanks appreciate it. Floating hands it is!

I thought about the white dial but this is the one for me mainly because the orange hand is less in your face and its more versatile in my opinion.

Also at 42mm the white dial "looks bigger" to me on my wrist (which I don't like). The biggest decision for me on any of them was the fact that they were 42mm. Also I have a white dial DJ41 Fluted/Jubilee and that is my white dial Summer watch. If I got a white Exp2 I'd never wear it but in the summer time. I know, I know weirdo but that's just me.

No doubt the white a great watch just not for me.

[eonflux]

I've been thinking about the new black Exp2:
- Longer power reserve
- I don't like the floating hands of the previous model. Leaves the center of the dial with a "hole"
- The anti-glare coating on the inside of the crystal really helps w/ legibility

But wish Rolex made this new model more different given that it's an anniversary, that they did more with this opportunity for something more special.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by eonflux

I've been thinking about the new black Exp2:
- Longer power reserve
- I don't like the floating hands of the previous model. Leaves the center of the dial with a "hole"
- The anti-glare coating on the inside of the crystal really helps w/ legibility

But wish Rolex made this new model more different given that it's an anniversary, that they did more with this opportunity for something more special.

I was surprised...almost didn't believe it that it was the "Anniversary" version. Didn't feel differentiated enough....

[Cabinetman]

I prefer the new hands to the floating hands. I just never warmed up to them.

I'm actually hoping to get the call soon for the new black dial Explorer 2. I had the 42mm white dial at least twice back when they sold for under MSRP. However, it always started to look a little big on my just under 7" wrist.

[Cabinetman]

I prefer the new hands to the floating hands. I just never warmed up to them.

I'm actually hoping to get the call soon for the new black dial Explorer 2. I had the 42mm white dial at least twice back when they sold for under MSRP. However, it always started to look a little big on my just under 7" wrist.

[rmwill]

I have the new one in Polar. In addition, the case proportions are visibly improved over the old super case inspired model. Also, it is my most accurate watch. +1 every 2 weeks. I wear it more than my Ceramic GMT.

Originally Posted by eonflux

I've been thinking about the new black Exp2:
- Longer power reserve
- I don't like the floating hands of the previous model. Leaves the center of the dial with a "hole"
- The anti-glare coating on the inside of the crystal really helps w/ legibility

But wish Rolex made this new model more different given that it's an anniversary, that they did more with this opportunity for something more special.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by Cabinetman

I prefer the new hands to the floating hands. I just never warmed up to them.

I'm actually hoping to get the call soon for the new black dial Explorer 2. I had the 42mm white dial at least twice back when they sold for under MSRP. However, it always started to look a little big on my just under 7" wrist.

Agreed. I tried on the white several times and I understand its more of an "optical illusion" but the white was too big looking for my 7.25" wrist.

[GrantD]

216750 any day of the week, a watch needs a point of interest, be it anecdotal or physical. In the unique case of the Explorer the ghost hands and the orange GMT screams back to its linage of the Freccione, and I have the polar

[KBM]

I'd note that the dial on the new one is shiny, as opposed to the 216570's matte dial. Don't see this mentioned often, even though it makes a lot of difference in how the watch wears day to day, imo.

[Annan]

I bought the black dial 216570 in March 2021 and for many of the reasons you stated. I've not had a chance to see a 226570. Regardless, I did not want one because of the "updated" 35XX movement. Too many problems have been noted with this newer movement and I previously had personal experience with them in a DJ41.

Anyway......quite happy with my 216570 after almost a year now. Enjoy yours!

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by eonflux

I've been thinking about the new black Exp2:
- Longer power reserve
- I don't like the floating hands of the previous model. Leaves the center of the dial with a "hole"
- The anti-glare coating on the inside of the crystal really helps w/ legibility

But wish Rolex made this new model more different given that it's an anniversary, that they did more with this opportunity for something more special.

I agree. I half expected a ceramic bezel on the anniversary, but wasn’t to be. I do prefer the floating hands though.

[SaintMickey]

Originally Posted by GrantD

216750 any day of the week, a watch needs a point of interest, be it anecdotal or physical. In the unique case of the Explorer the ghost hands and the orange GMT screams back to its linage of the Freccione, and I have the polar

Originally Posted by KBM

I'd note that the dial on the new one is shiny, as opposed to the 216570's matte dial. Don't see this mentioned often, even though it makes a lot of difference in how the watch wears day to day, imo.

Originally Posted by Annan

I bought the black dial 216570 in March 2021 and for many of the reasons you stated. I've not had a chance to see a 226570. Regardless, I did not want one because of the "updated" 35XX movement. Too many problems have been noted with this newer movement and I previously had personal experience with them in a DJ41.

Anyway......quite happy with my 216570 after almost a year now. Enjoy yours!

Thanks guys...I've never seen them side by side. Even with saying that matte dial 100% over shiny for this watch.

[rmagoo57]

I love my 22 black dial - looks and wears great in my experience. I get a crystal clear view of the time every time I look down and in all different lighting conditions, especially in low light. I wear it a lot in the evening and it ends up on my nightstand since I can still read the time in the middle of the night. Really can't go wrong with any Exp II

[Comewatchme]

I've always loved the Explorer II the vintage is much preferable rather, but I'll go for the black dial.

[wuyeah]

Does matter if it is Black or Polar, I prefer 216570 over 226570 by external differences. I have many watches, the improvement on the mvt power matter very little to me. Mine I wear often but it is not daily wearer.

[dba]

I was never a fan of the "floating hands" I got the polar as I had all black dialed watches, and wanted one with a white dial. What's most important is that you like it.

Congratulations on your new acquisition. Wear it in good health.

[Jackie Daytona]

Personally had the 216570. I’ve always liked the Exp. II line and aesthetic overall and generally liked the 216570.

However… I liked that it had floating hands, but why on earth is the black in the floating hands gloss and not matte/satin like the dial? It just always made the dial feel underfinished/underwhelming to me being mismatched. Additionally the lugs were maybe just a hair too big. I think I may try again one day with the 226570 since they corrected my main gripe about the dial. It just kept me from fully bonding with it as no matter what I always saw it and it bugged me.

Also I love the polar, but just want to say the black dial is equally fantastic with the contrast of the orange.

[MJ EXPLORER]

I think the Explorer II is the best watch ever made. The floating hands on the 216570 are amazingly cool, but the newer model certainly seems more legible. I wore the black dial 216570 for years and absolutely regret parting with it. I'm on the hunt for the new polar dial now since I've never owned it.