The Explorer II (16570) - In Depth Review

[JasoninDenver]

I have just returned from a local AD where I was finally able to see the new ExpII 42 in person.

Let me say that I am generally in the group of people that do not like the new cases that Rolex has been introducing into the mix. This is primarily because I have small wrists at just 6.5'' and larger watches tend to look clownish on me. In addition, I have not liked the lug width on the new supercased GMTII C and Sub C. I cannot seem to get over the step down from the lugs to the bracelet.

The new Explorer II does not have any of these problems. I was VERY surprised how much I liked the changes to the new case. Overall, I have to say it felt every bit as comfortable as my 16570. Even though it is billed as 42mm, it looked fine on my wrist. The biggest surprise was how Rolex has preserved the classic look of their sports line by tapering down the lug ends as they approach the bracelet. Had they done this with the Sub C, I would have one tomorrow.

The new dial indices and hands were surprisingly well-proportioned. They always seemed to look a little too large in photos but they are nicely matched to the watch face overall in person.

One of the biggest improvements for me is the AR coating under the cyclops. It makes the date wheel pop out at you instead of throwing off so many reflections that you have to twist around for just the right angle to be able to read the date on the old model.

All in all, I really am surprised to state that I would be more than happy to have the EXP II 42. I went in prepared to hate it and walked out wondering if I should buy it. I definitely liked it more than the SubC.

If I did not like the way the 16570 looked so much with the red hand, I would not hesitate to buy the new ExpII. I will have to wait and see if I have the urge to flip.

[TuonoRider]

Thanks for the review, Jason! Definitely appreciate the comparison between old and new. I got my hands on a 16570 a few weeks ago and found the case to seem almost "small and delicate" compared to my Speedy Auto. I really liked it, but wasn't quite sold. I figured it would be a good idea to see the 216570 before making a decision.

You've now confirmed my need to see the new!

[BonitaBeast]

Great review! Potential Exp II polar owner 25 years in the making.......just registered to this board today.

Don't know why I waited so long to join the boards.

[Psmith]

Old thread, but a good read

[donateloss]

Professional review on this timepiece.
I love it !

[rkven]

Very nice review. Professionally written.

[anttiwi]

Good review.

[mitch57]

Nice review.

[Tudor66]

Great review. To the original poster, is the watch still one of your favorites?

I was out surfing recently, the guy next to me had your watch on a rubber strap...Nothing cooler than surfing with a polar explorer!

This is the perfect sport's watch because it is lighter and has a easy to read white dial, though I I'd be afraid to take it out long distance running..., though I am tempted to buy a polar and take it out my long distance running adventures....

Al

[TypeR]

I love it!!!

White dial is the color of this Rolex......

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[phdezra]

Unbelievably detailed review. Bravo.

[Montre-Moi]

Excellent review, thank you!

[hikokwei]

Great review! Loving the 40mm Rolex Exp II!

[Karbo]

Nice review ...
Do u still owne it ?

[GTC]

On the other hand, I think what Rolex has done with the new (≥2011) 42mm is perfect. The Exp II in it's latest form is understated, still classic, but brings the style forward enough to shake off any perception that it may of been my father's watch (nothing wrong with looking like my father's watch).

(It has also taken a real beating with no complaints in training during my part-time gig in state law enforcement including sustained direct weapon recoil. And, the black dial works great with suits.)

A couple of tools:

[De Sisti]

Here's my collection (a rubbish picture, I know). My Explorer was returned a couple
of weeks ago after having a service and new (white) dial. The previous dial was
repainted black in 2012, but to my eyes, didn't appear authentic enough. I then
decided I wanted it back to original. Rolex agreed to supply a new dial, but said
the watch would have to be serviced too. A service was £430 and the total, inc
a new dial was £940. The local jeweller even gave the bracelet a nice polish too.

[strafer_kid]

Great review of a great watch! I had the new 42mm version (black dial) but flipped it as the case just felt too big for me. Definitely now considering picking one of the 16570s up though - just not sure whether to stick with black or go polar? Great all round watch and at a good price!

[De Sisti]

Here's my collection (a rubbish picture, I know). My Explorer was returned a couple
of weeks ago after having a service and new (white) dial. The previous dial was
repainted black in 2012, but to my eyes, didn't appear authentic enough. I then
decided I wanted it back to original. Rolex agreed to supply a new dial, but said
the watch would have to be serviced too. A service was £430 and the total, inc
a new dial was £940. The local jeweller even gave the bracelet a nice polish too.

[GFLRolex]

I'm thinking about getting a 16570 BD, but not sure about one thing:

My daily dress watch is a silver dial 116200, so I would wear the Explorer II mainly on weekends and holidays.

To you owners out there: Just how much a hassle is it to always adjust the time and date after picking it up again? (That's where I start thinking of a nice 214270...)

[DuFrank]

If you're only planning on wearing the 16570 Exp 2 on weekends/holidays, I'd get a watch winder or wear it at home after work/wind it.
Reason being is that adjusting the minute hand also adjusts the GMT hand on this movement (3185/3186), which could be annoying to get "just right" on both the minute and GMT hand each time. Then you'd have to jump the hour hand to the correct hour and in this case the correct date (you'd have to jump 24 hrs to jump each date) each time you picked up this watch on the weekends/holidays if it hasn't been running or is several days or hours off.

Given the above, I'd still buy at a good price then pick up a winder as well -- this watch is worth it in my opinion as it's very functional, versatile (rugged, classic, dressy, casual), and undervalued.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Margarinkungen]

Thank you, great review. A explorer II found it way to me too. Thanks