New Explorer II Looks Right!!

[dukie748]

Image resized so the bezel sizes match.

[dukie748]

Actually prefer the proportions of the 'old' model.

In terms of other differences - if I have to hunt for them, it means they are negligible.

[CanPam]

Prefer the dimensions and the more reliable movement of the older one too although it has less power reserve. You can't have it all...

[Pharaoh_83]

I've got the black 216570 and LOVE IT. not flashy and wears real comfortable.

I did, and still do, have a hard time seeing any difference between the old and new. I would have expected more tbh.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by dukie748

Image resized so the bezel sizes match.

They could have moved Orange writing EXPLORER II at the bottom atleast in the new model to differentiate like how they do it for Explorer alternatively. That's my only change in Explorer II.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by dukie748

Actually prefer the proportions of the 'old' model.

In terms of other differences - if I have to hunt for them, it means they are negligible.

I agree on the white dial. For the black they removed the two things that made me sell mine. Matte dial is now gloss. Funky black painted chunky looking hands now all white gold.

[Sonos]

Can any of you photo wizards do a black dial comparison set of photos. I always liked the hands on the black dial.

[SS Oyster]

Looks the same ... what a disappointment as the only anniversary watch ever completely blown off by its brand.


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[GMT Aviator]

Proportions come down to personal opinion. For instance I love the DJ2, looks perfect to me, but others don’t agree.
This Exp2 update is almost un-noticeable to my eye.
I don’t like they removed the phantom hands and replaced the dark brown mat dial of the black face with a gloss dial. That seems like change for changes sake. I also can’t see the benefit of the wider SEL between the lugs. It’s a suble tweak but I don’t think the reference needed it.
I’m glad I have mine. I don’t think the phantom hands on mine will ever become less desirable than the model that’s on offer now and this new reference is still a good buy for anyone considering the explorer.
I’m just glad they left the bezel alone. The last thing Rolex need is another ceramic black bezel reference. It’s perfect as is in that regards.

[toneafficianado]

I love the 216570 so much that a few years after I sold my first one i bought a second. Love the short low crown and minimal guards. Love the way the 21 mm bracelet tapers to the same 16 mm at th clasp that a GMT clasp has.
Love the flat profile on the wrist and the overall case length of 52 mm.
Glad most of these features are still there. What a shame to widen the lugs though. Not needed. They already had a lovely vintage style taper unlike a Maxi Case sub.


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[Uhtred59]

Glad I have the floating hands.

[RolexFlyFisher]

Seconded, toneaficionado.
Happy with my back dial 216570! Still pleased they didn’t mess with either variant too much. I have to squint to see a difference, but maybe in person it will be more obvious. The 216570’s lugs were not nearly as chunky as the first ceramic gen subs, so I don’t think this reprofiling is as dramatic as with last year’s sub refresh.
I still think an olive dial “field” variant would be a winner, at some point.
In any event, happy they didn’t mess with the aesthetics too much - the new polar is calling.

[steveclr]

The aesthetical changes are almost non existent, but I favor the wider bracelet. The power reserve can be important to folks that don't rotate many watches. I'd appreciate a 48+ hour power reserve to get me through the weekend.

[Beto737]

If it fits a bit smaller because of the reworked case and bracelet, I consider this a win. I’ve been in the camp of “keeping the steel bezel.”

[Frank McKay]

Originally Posted by Grapenut

I think your reference photos have slightly different angles to them. I don't see any noticeable difference.

They look identical to my naked eye. I don’t see any discernible differences.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Is the crown "flatter"? Same with the crown guards, not as pronounced?? Looks a little less chunky. But, I like the proportions of the old model better. Thoughts??

Good observation. The crown does look less chunky.

[Tell44]

Does anyone know if the lug to lug changed?

[904VT]

I really like this Exp 2 update and it is on my shortlist. I still though think that Rolex downsized the wrong Explorer. If they would've downsized the Exp2 to 40mm, that would've been perfect imo. Then add a third dial option that is a Polar with Red GMT hand since SS GMT Masters are not white dials. In fact, I think Rolex should've introduced a Polar Explorer 1 in 41mm sizing too (I know crazy to increase larger than the 2 but makes sense borrowing from the OP41 if possible).

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Where's the ceramic bezel!

[Prism]

Originally Posted by uhtred59

glad i have the floating hands.

+1

[zengineer]

The pic of the new is distorted. I tried to crop and put together side by side. Look how much longer the bottom lugs appear compared to the top lugs. Its a view from well below center.

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[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Frank McKay

They look identical to my naked eye. I don’t see any discernible differences.

The brightest post in this thread .

[Prism]

Originally Posted by Frank McKay

They look identical to my naked eye. I don’t see any discernible differences.

That's also what the monochrome editors said when they saw the watches in the flesh, the changes are really minimal and the worst part is that it is still as heavy as the previous version it replaces. 41 or even 40mm would have been perfect!

[Prism]

what I am wondering is if the diameter of the dial is actually smaller than the model it replaces?

[rover26c]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LBy3vYy8oE&t=778s
New Explorer II
Lug to lug 50mm
Bracelet 22mm taper to 17mm
Case thickness 12mm

[Beto737]

Isn’t the outgoing model 12.4 mm thick?

[Prism]

Wait, no AR coating on the inside of the crystal??

[chloebear]

Not sure if anyone has noticed this, but the hands on the old polar were inky black. Very glossy. The hands on the new one have a sandpaper type finish like the hands on the Speedmaster Professional. I'm sure the new ones will be easier to read but I sure loved the glossy hands on the old model.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Prism

Wait, no AR coating on the inside of the crystal??

I’ve read that the entire crystal has an AR coating rather than just the cyclops (the Rolex norm for many watches

If I can find where I saw it I’ll post it back here


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[myporsche]

Looks like the exact same watch, it really shouldn't matter if you love this watch and buy it for that reason weather you have the old version or new version. It's the perfect daily watch for me along with the green sub. No one is going to go up to your wrist and look for micro differences in lug guards and be impressed.