White polar 226570, being more available now?

[EdwardC]

Been to a few ADs in Asia and they offered this model the spot. Coincidence or they are more readily available now?

[robertengel]

I feel like they were always a short wait watch if they wanted to get you it. Now with normal demand they should be on shelves in the back once the waitlists are depleted

[omar-rye]

The Rolex market is flipping right now. During the pandemic, and even just before it, the most in demand stainless steel models, like the Sub and GMTs, were the first to disappear from the display cases. Then the Explorer II, Datejust, OP, Explorers, Milgauss, two-tone, full gold, and ladies’ pieces became waitlisted as well. But as things change, we’re already seeing two-tone and full gold models become available again, even trading below retail. It’s a sign we’re heading back to a more balanced market, where most references can be had with little to no wait time. Availability is improving, and the shortage craze is easing up, starting with the models that became hard to purchase at retail most recently and working its way back to those that first became hard to find about five years ago.

As for the Explorer II, it was never the watch that flew off the shelves before Covid, and it’s not going to be flying off the shelves post Covid.

[1William]

Very cool watch and glad it is more available.

[Mr Ben]

Originally Posted by 1William

Very cool watch and glad it is more available.

Couldn’t agree more.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by 1William

Very cool watch and glad it is more available.

I agree. I've owned both a 5 and 6 digit of the Exp II and couldn’t ever understand why it wasn’t more popular. It has the same functionality as the GMT II but never entered halo status for some reason.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 1William

Very cool watch and glad it is more available.

Another

Great watch indeed. I had a chance to try one on last week while in Chicago. I would’ve walked out with it if they had one to sell me

[StocksnBlondes]

I think it’s a cool watch so it’s nice to see more readily available.

[funkright]

Sold my 116710LN and picked up 226570 Polar, at retail several months ago. Wasn’t readily available at the AD it was purchased from, but happenstance occurred and it ended up on my wrist. Glad to have moved to the Polar from the GMT.

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

...But as things change, we’re already seeing two-tone and full gold models become available again, even trading below retail. It’s a sign we’re heading back to a more balanced market, where most references can be had with little to no wait time. Availability is improving, and the shortage craze is easing up, starting with the models that became hard to purchase at retail most recently and working its way back to those that first became hard to find about five years ago.

As for the Explorer II, it was never the watch that flew off the shelves before Covid, and it’s not going to be flying off the shelves post Covid.

Tell that to the ADs in California, New York and Florida!
Can't find anything available at all, they're all still behaving like its an absolute privledge to get a watch from Rolex. The SA at [a very big AD] in NY litterally said to me, take whatever is offered to you. That's their mentality.

See...

[ct79]

I was on the list since October 2023 and no sign of one being offered to me, even though I bought before at that store and that chain. had myself taken off the list some two weeks ago after I could take a look at it besides watching videos about it. Reason is: Rolex ruined the dial design by putting a 40 mm date movement into a 42 mm dial. The first 6 digit reference, which I own in black, has a proper bigger 3187 movement to make the date wheel be properly aligned. The same problem exists for the Panerai quarantaquattro submersibles. Movement is too small for the dial. I look at both watches and cannot convince myself to like it. So will not spend money on it.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by NAUI1982

Tell that to the ADs in California, New York and Florida!
Can't find anything available at all, they're all still behaving like its an absolute privledge to get a watch from Rolex. The SA at [a very big AD] in NY litterally said to me, take whatever is offered to you. That's their mentality.

See...

That’s messed up. It’s clear these a-holes are going to try to stretch it as much as possible. F-them and their Rolex. They can keep them.

[TheVision]

Originally Posted by NAUI1982

Tell that to the ADs in California, New York and Florida!
Can't find anything available at all, they're all still behaving like its an absolute privledge to get a watch from Rolex. The SA at [a very big AD] in NY litterally said to me, take whatever is offered to you. That's their mentality.

See...

Hmm... I'm in CA and 2 of my local AD's push the Exp2 more so than gmt2 master. Was qouted 6 months in Sacramento and 3-4 months in Walnut Creek AD (place where I got my sub from with zero purchase history).

They are more than happy when a customer decides NOT to ask for the gmt master and settle for the Exp2 ;).

That being said, I handled the black dial Exp2 and quite liked it but the lug to lug makes it sit like a saucer on my wrist. Like many here, I wish Rolex had done the redesign in the older 40mm case. If they did, I'd easily choose that over my sub date.

[Mr. Superlative]

I’m glad the watch is becoming more readily available/ accessible. It’s great! And in a sea of 40mm’s, I personally prefer it being a 42mm.

[worldofoyster]

many times you can walk in and buy it

[CarlOver]

42mm case size and 22mm lug width results in great looking proportions. Not for everyone size size, but it’s a great package.

[2loaded]

Sure seems like Rolex pumps them out in batches...

[colonelpurple]

everything is more available now. Except for a few pieces, folk should be able to get anything in a few months. That is the case in Europe anyhow.

[Harry-57]

In 2018-19, Professional models available to buy at my AD in order of disappearance were Polar, Z Blue and SS YM. Now that the insanity has passed it is not surprising that the Explorer II should reappear early on the curve. It's a great watch, the lack of hype around it fits well with it's honest, straightforward, business-like vibe. It's good if they are getting easier to obtain.