Review of the Explorer II 216570 - Cornerstone in rebuilding the collection

[JupiterRLX]

Very good review, I just don't get why this watch is not more popular

I love mine allot

[Rogdogg]

I pulled the trigger on a polar 216570 just a little over 2 weeks ago and I love it. I had read your review fully before I actually got mine and was happy to hear our much you enjoyed your watch. I agree with your review and your update also. I think it is a really great watch. I am still trying to get my head around the part where you use it to find North but after a couple of reads I'm sure I'll figure it out haha.
Very interesting read and thanks for taking the time to do so.

[subtona]

great review / great watch

[josida]

Hope you are happy with this piece Very honest review.
I have multiple Pateks (some complications), Lange & Sohne, and a Rolex Day Date President in Rose gold. 9 pieces in all.
I am most likely going to buy your model. Would really be a proud addition. Looks great. Regards,

Jeffrey

e mail josida@aol.com

[tkhu888]

Great review definetly near the top of my modern Rolex list

[joejoe1225]

Great Review!!! I have both polar and black dial versions. 42mm is Awesome!!!

[Jack T]

Enjoyed reading your review. I think the EXP II fits a lot of needs/uses - sporty, time zone, date feature. The white or black dial would be hard for me to decide. Hope you enjoy it for many years.

[strafer_kid]

Jack T has nailed it! Fits a lot of uses and still a true tool watch!

[mattcantwin]

Can't say I read this review before getting mine, but having had it for
about 8 months or so can totally agree with the high rating you give the watch.

Thanks for posting such a well composed and insightful review.

[Eddie1]

Thank you for this great review. Check out mine on the black dial version! How do you feel about how instantly it was a hit in your mind? Feel marketed to? That was the thrust of my thoughts (and very happy with Mr Rolex as a result)!

[Eddie1]

Here it is. I will add to it soon. It's a "first impressions" review:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=307546

[bcy2290]

Thanks for the review.........I am getting a new 42mm in a couple of weeks still deciding on White or Black dial.......Any thoughts on Black dial would be appreciated. Do you think Black makes it stand out as opposed to the White flying under the radar? Thanks again

[strafer_kid]

Both dials are very nice though for me, black had the edge! Either way you cannot go wrong!

[chloebear]

Great review....For many of the same reasons this is the watch that I want. Although I am struggling with the white/black question big time. I do agree that the black stands out more, so maybe the white. Thanks for posting.

[Mithrilbike]

Thanks for the thoughtful, thorough review. I had a black dial Exp II and am contemplating buying one of these with the white dial so your review was great information. I am also wondering if the 42 mm will be too big for my 7 inch wrist.
Great review.

[d999ss]

Great view, I considered the polar but I couldn't resist the strength of the Dark Side.

[psychokandy]

Originally Posted by d999ss

Great view, I considered the polar but I couldn't resist the strength of the Dark Side.

Looks great on you. May I ask what is your wrist size? I have also been considering an Explorer II but was afraid of the size as my wrist is only 6.5

[Nicks]

Black dial for me all the way...

[roro]

Great review and great watch. Have been wearing mine non-stop since getting it a few weeks ago. Its the last of the non-random (G) serials.

[Rommel S]

Originally Posted by SPG8

Terrific review thanks.

My polar Explorer II is a favourite for similar reasons to your own.

But, thoughts of "upgrading" to the 42mm version raises concerns that it may be less flexible to wear on all occasions, whereas the 16570 will easily slip under a business shirt and yet be totally functional in outdoor activities.

However, enhancements to the movement, band and hands are very appealing.

Well done.

So I will have to ponder that issue. Obviously trying one on is critical.

Got mine a few weeks ago. I went for the black dial version. 42mm version fits better on my wrist.

I have been wearing the watch 24 hours since then, except Tuesday (Speedie Tuesday), going for a shower and any activity that could really scratch the watch.

I began tracking accuracy since 5 days ago and currently my watch is just -1 sec since the start. Really awesomely accurate watch.

Great review!!

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Rommel S]

Originally Posted by SPG8

Terrific review thanks.

My polar Explorer II is a favourite for similar reasons to your own.

But, thoughts of "upgrading" to the 42mm version raises concerns that it may be less flexible to wear on all occasions, whereas the 16570 will easily slip under a business shirt and yet be totally functional in outdoor activities.

However, enhancements to the movement, band and hands are very appealing.

Well done.

So I will have to ponder that issue. Obviously trying one on is critical.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[cooperfish]

Nice report which struck many of the same concerns and interests I had. I chose the polar as it somehow appealed more to me. It may have had something to do with the idea my other and recently past rolex was an '84 stainless steel datejust bought in Paris when the exchange rate was 9 french francs to the dollar which made my purchase a no-brainer. It has a silver face with a jubilee bracelet and that "brightness" resonated with me...again, personal taste. That watch shall pass from my ownership not for any failing of the watch itself, but rather because it's 36mm seemed too small on my 7 inch wrist. Not sure when the realization struck, but when it did, my daughter's repeated request that I remember her in my will for that particular watch rang in my ears. It is now serviced, polished, sized and repacked in its original box to take on the next few decades in her ownership upon her college graduation April 30th...my birthday. Part of the gifting ceremony will be my donning my own Polar Explorer. For those who might think my new watch appearing at the same time as her new/old watch, after walking her past the rolex counter and pointing out various possibilities which she might choose, she repeatedly said she wanted my old one and that wasn't going to change. Sometimes you just raise them right!

To the gentleman asking how the 42mm fits on a 7 inch wrist, I say "perfectly" with the knowledge that wrists may vary. On mine, the watch's flatness sits actually much better than the smaller 36mm did...the latter relied on the band to provide a proper setting on my wrist, but that kind of skewed the way it sat. With this explorer, that has not been an issue. I did try on the blue/black GMT Master 2 (I really appreciate a gmt, dual timezone watch), but it actually looked too small, and somehow busy around the bezel...that same bezel which had spurred me to look at rolex once more.

Anyway, for reasons the original review above has more than fully provided, together with many more I am unable to adequately quantify, I have chosen the Polar Explorer 2 as my primary daily companion...a beautiful and greatly appreciated watch.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by d999ss

Great view, I considered the polar but I couldn't resist the strength of the Dark Side.

Nice pic. Orange-on-black called strongly to me too

[drhanson]

I'm pleased to find this thread is still going as strong as its subject. The watch has been flawless and is still my constant companion. The watch's accuracy has never ceased to amaze me and has improved over these years.

Thanks for all the kind words and contributions to this thread. I throughly enjoy revisiting it.

[KentK]

Thank you for the helpful review. I'm going through the process of deciding between the Polar 42mm version and the prior version. I have a few sports Rolexes and agree that the newer bracelet and clasp is a big improvement but am still undecided about the case size. Thanks again for your thorough review and updates.

[fosbibr]

The 16570 Polar EXP II was my 1st Rolex. Still have it in the rotation. I'm amazed at it's value compared to the GMTs and Subs.

[KRVNRCH]

I just bought mine yesterday...LOVE IT! First Rolex in my collection.

[Denjac888]

I got mine in black in august 2016. honestly I didnt do any research about it. All i wanted is a rolex and its the only sports watch available at that time and tried it on and loved it. Though my wrist is really small at 6 inches, am not bothered by its size

[celticjohn]

great review, much appreciated

[vipereaper30]

Excellent review! My Polar ExpII has exceeded all expectations and is keeping time at +/- 0 for 6 weeks now! In a harsh desert environment to boot.