Explorer 2 opinion?

[deansot53]

I maybe in the minority but am lucky to own a number of Rolex models but the Explorer 2 black dial is my favourite daily wear watch and has all the attributes of a classy but modest Rolex.
Am I alone to think this underrated and modest piece is an iconic watch to grace anyones collection?
I am interested in the forums opinion to see. What is thought of the Explorer and it’s pros and if any cons.

[Goatrope]

Agree with you, although I’ve got my eye on a polar. I like the black dial too, I just prefer the added legibility of the white. It’s a somewhat understated look, yes, but the 42mm version can be a bit large for some folks. That’s the only “con” I can think of.


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[chapmpe]

I agree also. I bought a black face waiting on a polar but have come to really like it. Also I wish other spots models had th full brushed bracelet

[Harry-57]

I think the Explorer II is a great watch, but then again, I would.

My favourite is the Polar. I particularly liked the floating hands of the discontinued black dial model.

[904VT]

It's amazing. I wouldn't hesitate to wear one

[CarlOver]

The 22 series Explorer II polar is my favorite Rolex. Size, contrast, non rotating dial. Just excellent all around.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I have a 42mm Polar and my next watch will be the black dial. I agree with your “underrated and modest” assessment. The Explorer line is not ubiquitous yet has all of the credibility of more mainstream models. The black dial Exp II will complete my Explorer hat trick.

[thesharkfactor]

I'd have a 40mm polar in a heartbeat.

[Kinnakeet]

I have a white dial that I wear most days. I love it. I feel it’s Rolex best watch. Currently waiting for a black dial to come in. Even though I have a small wrist, it fits nicely.

[MJFinelli]

I believe the explorer ii 216570/226570 are like the Daytona back in the day. No one cared for them, now everyone wants them.. I think they will be the watch everyone wish they bought.
my everyday is the back dial 226570

[GGGMT]

Favorite



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[dba]

I like the Polar so much, I've bought it three times.

[Armis]

Originally Posted by dba

I like the Polar so much, I've bought it three times.

What’s the thinking behind that decision x2, David?
Are you aiming for the black dial as well?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by deansot53

I maybe in the minority but am lucky to own a number of Rolex models but the Explorer 2 black dial is my favourite daily wear watch and has all the attributes of a classy but modest Rolex.
Am I alone to think this underrated and modest piece is an iconic watch to grace anyones collection?
I am interested in the forums opinion to see. What is thought of the Explorer and it’s pros and if any cons.

Can't really be underrated and iconic at the same time. It's a good watch that has become more popular as the better-known Rolex models have been harder to obtain. I own two (black and white dial) but they don't get much wrist time these days.

[BiG JeEzY]

I have the 40mm model with the black dial and just wanted to give my honest opinion about it.

I've had the watch now for about 20 years and I remember when I first got it in 2002, I was in love, it was my first Rolex. I had no knowledge of collectibility, I just went with it because it's what the sales associate suggested for me back then.

Fast forward to today and now, the watch hardly gets any wrist time anymore. Over time, I feel like I've fallen out of love with it, but it took all those years for it to happen. I think its the bezel, while I originally liked the look of the steel bezel, over the years it has come to look boring and very plain to me. I much prefer rotatable bezels like my GMT and fluted bezels like my Datejust.

There are times where I would wear the Explorer II for a day and then swap back to my Pepsi GMT the next day because that's the watch I'd rather wear.

I thought about selling the Explorer II for another watch but being my first watch, it has sentimental value. So I've keep it for that reason but sadly it gets almost no wrist time as I've gravitated to other watches in my collection.

[Innocenti]

I really like them but they are too big

[Urosfan]

I love my polar, it’s a great peice


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[winst]

Originally Posted by Goatrope

Agree with you, although I’ve got my eye on a polar. I like the black dial too, I just prefer the added legibility of the white. It’s a somewhat understated look, yes, but the 42mm version can be a bit large for some folks. That’s the only “con” I can think of.


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Agree with this - on my 7 inch wrist it looks like I’m a kid with my Dad’s watch on. Luckily for me, Tudor brought out the BB Pro which I managed to get on bracelet and love. I have the 124270 Explorer and then at least I can get a bit of Exp II vibe from the BB Pro.

[travisb]

Agree. A terrific watch in any collection or as a one and only.

[BumbleB]

They’re the most versatile travel companions.

The fact that they’re fully brushed make them less ‘flashy’ and they have dual timezone functionality, so ideal for frequent travellers.

The polar dial is my most recent addition and currently my favourite.

The white dial brings something completely different to the watch.










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[BumbleB]

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

I have the 40mm model with the black dial and just wanted to give my honest opinion about it.

I've had the watch now for about 20 years and I remember when I first got it in 2002, I was in love, it was my first Rolex. I had no knowledge of collectibility, I just went with it because it's what the sales associate suggested for me back then.

Fast forward to today and now, the watch hardly gets any wrist time anymore. Over time, I feel like I've fallen out of love with it, but it took all those years for it to happen. I think its the bezel, while I originally liked the look of the steel bezel, over the years it has come to look boring and very plain to me. I much prefer rotatable bezels like my GMT and fluted bezels like my Datejust.

There are times where I would wear the Explorer II for a day and then swap back to my Pepsi GMT the next day because that's the watch I'd rather wear.

I thought about selling the Explorer II for another watch but being my first watch, it has sentimental value. So I've keep it for that reason but sadly it gets almost no wrist time as I've gravitated to other watches in my collection.

My story is the opposite.

I started back in 2009 with a Milgauss GV and as my collection grew I added a black dial Exp II and ended up choosing it over my GMTs and SkyDwellers.

The polar dial is my latest and I’m wearing it most of the time now.

The brushed bracelet makes it perfect in my eyes.


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[rmagoo57]

I'm lucky to have these two in my collection - wear them both often. I wear the 22 often in the evening/at night since it's so easy to read, including lume mode in the middle of the night!

[pk552502]

I'm with you OP. I love my 16570. I find it's low key but wears and looks great. One of my favorites.

[Fletcher's Dad]

I owned the polar 216570 and loved the look and feel.....the all-brushed SS, the bright white face, how flat it sat on the wrist, the glide-lock clasp, etc. Overall incredibly comfortable...except it looked huge on my 7" wrist at 42mm. Incredible how much of a difference 1-2mm makes but it did unfortunately. If they ever return to the 40mm size with all the same elements that make it great now, I would be all over it....again.

[Newt]

i have the polar as well and love it. I kinda got white because I have 3 other rolex sport models with black dials. good to shake it up. and I really love that watch.

[CarlOver]

Current Exp II is the 50th anniversary model BTW.

[Tools]

The Explorer II Black is my go-to whenever I have adventure planned where something else just doesn't make sense.

[MattGMT]

Love my 226570 Polar, its getting a LOT of wrist time-- (but also my newest watch to be fair)
The Dial: so easy to read, the matte hands and satin dial minimize the shine, I love that.
The Black Dial 226570 is also great, but a different thing, it's more than just a white or black dial change, the experience is different-- Black has a lot more sparkle and reflection coming off that deep shinny black dial with the polished white gold markers and hands.
SO much Value in these watches with the full GMT movement... what's not to love? (I prefer the 42mm size)

[Dirt]

I love them.
Well at least I did until they became over bloated.
5 digit Explorer II's are great for all the right reasons

[Baiv]

It's a cool watch