The Rolex Explorer II

[Chrisminus 6]

I have loved this model on other people. Haven't yet convinced myself that its for me tho. Its a complicated thing. What do you guys think about the long-term experience you've had with your Explorer II's? Black dial or white? Thx!

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by Chrisminus 6

I have loved this model on other people. Haven't yet convinced myself that its for me tho. Its a complicated thing. What do you guys think about the long-term experience you've had with your Explorer II's? Black dial or white? Thx!

It took me days to decide and finally pulled the trigger on the black dial. Ffwd 5 years later, when I started catching the vintage bug, I started to hunt for the white dial from the 90s because the patina in the hour markers are so pretty with the contrasting white dial. Hope I made you more confuse. Happy doubting my friend!!


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[BillH2121]

My first post - hello to all! I purchased my first Rolex watch last week - an Explorer II polar, vintage 2006. Several years ago, I became fascinated with the Explorer based on the belief that it was the "Steve McQueen" watch. I am of an age that Steve McQueen was, to me, the king of cool and I decided I would someday get this watch as a bit of an homage to him and, more importantly, because I really liked the looks of the watch. More recently, as I realized I was going to actually buy one of these watches, I did more research and found to my dismay that the Explorer is not the watch McQueen wore. So when I went to purchase, I compared the Sub to the Explorer and put both on my wrist. I left with the Explorer even thought I thought as I entered the shop that I would end up with the Sub. I love the looks of the watch and it turns out it was "my" watch even if Steve McQueen didn't wear one! I constantly look at my wrist to catch the lines of this incredible looking watch.

[Rascasse]

I had an Explorer back in the late '70s through the '90's. It was a great watch. I sold it for a Daytona.

As of late I have been feeling a bit nostalgic for the latest version of my first 'cool' watch. Voila.....

[Dframe]

I'm just having to drool over the explorers. Can't afford one right now, so my DateJust will have to do.

[Rascasse]

This is my second EXP 2... Great watch.

[De Sisti]

I have an Exp II purchased in September 1994. In 2005 I paid for a new dial (and hands)
as the lume had was virtually non-existent. A few of years later, harking for a black dial
version, I let a shop repaint to resemble that coloured dial. It looked ok(ish), but to my eye
It just wasn't right. So after putting up with it for a couple of years I sent it to
Rolex for a new white dial. 'Yes', they said. But if you want a new dial, it will
have to be provided with new hands (at a cost); 'oh, and we have to service it'
(at a cost).

So I bit the bullet and had it all done (to the tune of £945).
With dial painted black:
(Christopher Ward Trident sold and replace with Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military; below)


With new dial:

[is0lde]

Anyone explain why my 40mm 1655 only measures 38mm? I have asked a few AD's and none the wiser. Are they all like this or were there two sizes made?

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[JohnLT]

Originally Posted by is0lde

Anyone explain why my 40mm 1655 only measures 38mm? I have asked a few AD's and none the wiser. Are they all like this or were there two sizes made?

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You are measuring the bezel.

[218225]

Looks great


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[iliketime]

Originally Posted by De Sisti

I have an Exp II purchased in September 1994. In 2005 I paid for a new dial (and hands)
as the lume had was virtually non-existent. A few of years later, harking for a black dial
version, I let a shop repaint to resemble that coloured dial. It looked ok(ish), but to my eye
It just wasn't right. So after putting up with it for a couple of years I sent it to
Rolex for a new white dial. 'Yes', they said. But if you want a new dial, it will
have to be provided with new hands (at a cost); 'oh, and we have to service it'
(at a cost).

So I bit the bullet and had it all done (to the tune of £945).
With dial painted black:
(Christopher Ward Trident sold and replace with Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military; below)


With new dial:

whats that explorer 1 looking like thing there on the far right? im intrigued and have been after something like this myself. thanks

[is0lde]

Originally Posted by JohnLT

You are measuring the bezel.

The Case is even smaller than the Bezel. Did this model come in two sizes? What am I missing?

[JohnLT]

Originally Posted by is0lde

The Case is even smaller than the Bezel. Did this model come in two sizes? What am I missing?

Measure where lug curves to meet case diagonally across. Not sure that early versions where a true 40.

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by JohnLT

Measure where lug curves to meet case diagonally across. Not sure that early versions where a true 40.

i dont think anywhere. some places say 39.5mm http://clockmaker.com.au/rolex_case_size.html

[raheelc]

Just joined the Explorer club with a Polar dial 16570, Z serial. Will post up a picture once I reach the 10 post count. Does anyone know if the Rolex store/service center in NYC would take a look at the watch to authenticate the movement? Everything checks out with the watch (serial numbers intact, Rolex crown etched in crystal), and all paperwork and serial numbers match, but would just like the extra set of eyes to take a look, if possible.

[GTS Dean]

Originally Posted by JohnLT

You are measuring the bezel.

And the bezel is slightly larger than the case diameter across the lugs

[De Sisti]

Originally Posted by iliketime

whats that explorer 1 looking like thing there on the far right? im intrigued and have been after something like this myself. thanks

It's a Zeno Explorer. Cost me £149. Good looking dial (imo). Just had it serviced
(Oct 2018). I do like the Rolex Exp 1, but at £5000, it'll have to wait until I
retire and receive my lump sum cash payment.

[stanc1]

Lovely!!!!

[danwatchdill]

Posted about this in the general forum, but bought my first Rolex after falling in love with the Polar Explorer II and with a lot of help from you all on the forums/this thread too. I have a 30+ year old DJ Silver/Gold that I received after graduating graduate school from my father, but wanted a watch of my own that I could wear every day and never get bored of. It's only been a week, but I don't see that happening any time soon. Love the polar dial:





Perfect for Fall (and year round)!

[wx_073]

Love mines Polars. F series my daily beater and G series bought it NOS, so all its time sits in the box

[EndlessEight]

How likely is it that Rolex makes the bezel black ceramic?

It would be perfect for me.

I almost a polar dial last week while in Hawaii. Regretting it now.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

How likely is it that Rolex makes the bezel black ceramic?

It would be perfect for me.

I almost a polar dial last week while in Hawaii. Regretting it now.

Did you located one at an AD??? hey became much scarce available i think, didn't seen one since july or so anymore... AD i talked with also didnt saw one anymore :-/ but.. I think there might be some changes on the explorer.2 next basel...

[EndlessEight]

Originally Posted by crazymcmichael

Did you located one at an AD??? hey became much scarce available i think, didn't seen one since july or so anymore... AD i talked with also didnt saw one anymore :-/ but.. I think there might be some changes on the explorer.2 next basel...

Yes, the Tourneau AD in Wailea.

I walked in and asked for it. The gentleman said he was expecting one the next day and it came through.

I called my AD back on the East Coast and the rep told me to buy it because they are hard to get right now...

Like I said, I regret it...but if it comes out with a ceramic bezel, I intend to go all in on it.

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Yes, the Tourneau AD in Wailea.

I walked in and asked for it. The gentleman said he was expecting one the next day and it came through.

I called my AD back on the East Coast and the rep told me to buy it because they are hard to get right now...

Like I said, I regret it...but if it comes out with a ceramic bezel, I intend to go all in on it.

Exactly, something strange happening with this reference........ Before it was available in every AD in both, white and black.. Than they boosted their marketing on this watch with the Ed viesturs ambassador and after they werent for sale anywhere anymore.. Maybe they tried to get rid of excess stock and now stopped production for discontinuing? Or are they trying to make it scarcer and in such way more desirable as pure marketing tric? It is real strange in anyway.... Pitty that you havent bought it!!!

[makrxx]

Originally Posted by wx_073

Love mines Polars. F series my daily beater and G series bought it NOS, so all its time sits in the box

Out of curiosity, are they still making this series or have they been discontinued?

[wx_073]

Originally Posted by makrxx

Out of curiosity, are they still making this series or have they been discontinued?

Yes they discontinued I’d say at 2011 not sure 100%


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[Dayv]

After reading this entire thread and many others I decided to make the Polar Explorer II my first Rolex. I absolutely love it!

Ref. 16750 P-serial circa Feb 2000. Holes case with solid end links. Maybe not the most desirable for some, but the ability to easily change out the bracelet and still get solid end links was a big draw for me with this particular iteration.

Thanks to all the contributors to this thread for helping me identify the right one for me and sort out the subtle variations over the years.

Unfortunately post count is too low at this time for pics. :(

[technice]

First time posting in this community. My father-in-law recently gifted me his year 2000 Polar Explorer 2 (16570) and I absolutely love it. Curious if any of you have purchased leather straps for yours and where you would recommend buying from? I'm looking for distressed leather. Please let me know if there's already a discussion board about this topic. Thanks! And here's a pic of my new pride and joy...

[Alc]

what year did Rolex start inscribing "rolex" inside the bezel below the crystal?

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by Alc

what year did Rolex start inscribing "rolex" inside the bezel below the crystal?

the rehaut engraving took place during the switch over from the Z serials to the next letter