Explorer 2..under the radar?

[TheVision]

I own the sub right now and on the waitlist for the gmt batman next year for my 50th.

I happened to be in the same city as my AD today and just walked in to chit-chat with my rep and also check out the '24 releases.

Stumbled upon the Exp2 on display and then rep said they had a polar in stock (customer picking up this Friday). So she let me check it out in person..I was not to wear it but just handle it in person.

To be honest, I was surprised how clean and bright the white dial is. The gmt master is basically just like my sub except with a colored bezel and a extra hand. The polar Exp2 on the other hand looks unlike any other Rolex. I have tan hands so the white really stood out....I'm now thinking to change my selection to the Exp2 polar instead. I mean gmt2 master is everyone's dream but I feel the Exp2 might see more usage and the gmt would be a "watch drawer" queen.

I was in Bali and Hawaii some weeks back and wore my Pam gmt and the gmt function is far more practical than a dive bezel. I've never used my sub bezel (even for cooking, I simply use the iphone timer).

I was also super taken back by a white dial DJ41 they had in store. Rolex makes very few white dials but they ones they make are really really pretty.

Rep hinted if I change my selection to the polar Exp2, she can make it in a few months (she got my sub date in only 7 weeks with zero purchase history!).

Funny I don't really see a lot of Exp2 related threads here so I guess the SS bezel and the whole "non-flashy" look make people pass it on?

[WatchTimes]

It's a great watch.
My wife bought me a 16570 Polar for an engagement present.
The Exp II is as under the radar of any Rolex you will find.

[Starhutch]

People don’t pass on this reference. Fantastic watch, one of my go to daily’s and my travel buddy to boot. Plenty of praise here on this forum for the Explorer II.

[CarlOver]

That is my favorite modern Rolex. Very unique in the lineup because of the white dial.

[RichM]

It’s not under my radar. I’ve let a few watches go but this one is still with me. Here she is after a bath.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by TheVision

Funny I don't really see a lot of Exp2 related threads here so I guess the SS bezel and the whole "non-flashy" look make people pass it on?

Depends on who you ask. There is plenty of love for it on this forum. It was my first Rolex and the only one I wanted at the time because it looked so different, particularly with the white dial.

That dial has another trick which you may not have seen at the AD. The lumes are fat and when the watch is in shade they can cast a blue glow over the dial. In darkness, once your sight has dark adapted, the dial is easily legible right through the night. During the day, nothing beats it for legibility.

At 42mm with the white dial I wouldn't call it under the radar but it's all relative I suppose. Probably harder to spot from a distance but the clasp, brushed Oyster bracelet and the cyclops would give it away to anyone who knows a bit about the brand.

[911cz]

Not under the radar at all.

[Mr. Superlative]

It’s a fantastic watch. Very versatile, and more subtle in comparison to a GMT. If you want an even more under the radar piece, try on the 226 with the Black dial.

[Apdl]

The EXP II Polar is a Stunner, crazy visibility, matte dial.. so good

[noshame]

I don't think it's under the radar, for those who know. It has Rolex DNA all over it, is bigger, and has a less common white dial that will be a conversation starter. Regarding the BLNR you are waiting for, I highly suggest you get it on the jubilee bracelet for some variety in your collection and it's damn comfy; otherwise, on oyster, it will feel similar to your Sub (even though I know it's not). Good luck!

[the dark knight]

No. 16570 was under the radar. The 42mms are huge on the wrist and extremely visible, esp the Polar version. Most people won't know it's a Rolex, but a lot of people will definitely notice the watch on your wrist.

[Cru Jones]

The large size and bright colors get the attention, while the cyclops and oyster bracelet say “Rolex”…. People know what it is.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s a nice watch!

[Roddypeepa]

The legibility of the polar explorer ii is next level good. It also looks very good seen at an angle on the wrist rather than face on if you see what I mean.

The lume is superb - easily the best of any Rolex I’ve ever seen or worn.


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[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

no. 16570 was under the radar. The 42mms are huge on the wrist and extremely visible, esp the polar version. Most people won't know it's a rolex, but a lot of people will definitely notice the watch on your wrist.

x2

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

No. 16570 was under the radar. The 42mms are huge on the wrist and extremely visible, esp the Polar version. Most people won't know it's a Rolex, but a lot of people will definitely notice the watch on your wrist.

Originally Posted by Gerardus

x2

x3

[John Doyle]

The black dial is my favorite watch in the professional line!

[Mr Ben]

For me, the best of Rolex is in the professional watches. I like them all but, realistically, for day to day use:

The divers have more water resistance than I need.

The GMT has more time zones than I need.

The Daytona has more hype than I need.

I don’t have a yacht. I’m not a scientist.

The Exp II is in a sweet spot - just the right amount of everything that’s useful. And as a bonus, you can actually buy one.

[StanCho]

Depends who is the radar operator, but yes, quit unique in the current offering.

[travisb]

Great watch. That dial really pops.

[1William]

A very cool watch that is one of my favorites. I am always going to be hooked on my Submariner but the Explorer II could easily be a number 2 or three behind a Sky-Dweller. I started with the Polar for many of the reasons mentioned above but really like the white dial as it is unique to me. I also became interested in the black dial version and picked it up. The black dial really gets more wear currently than the white dial. Don't know why but both work well. I would get the Explorer II and enjoy it OP.

[SMPc]

Great watch! The polar is definitely not under the radar but the black dial could be. Especially on different natos, etc

[Cassian739]

I love mine, it's my travel watch and wear it most days at home. The stainless steel bezel keeps the bling factor down, but the Polar white dial definitely makes it noticeable. Relative to the sub or GMT2, you see very few Exp2 in the wild.

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

x3

x4

[jamesbondOO7]

A great watch

[watchwatcher]

On TRF, maybe.

In the real world, nope.

[worldofoyster]

Stay on the GMT wait list and ask the SA to put you on the waitlist for the Exp2, you'll be surprise how soon they call you to pick it up. sometimes you can buy it as walk in

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Starhutch

People don’t pass on this reference. Fantastic watch, one of my go to daily’s and my travel buddy to boot. Plenty of praise here on this forum for the Explorer II.

Agree. There are many threads on this one, particularly the polar. You can do a search, if interested in reading them. More than a few incomings on this one, too. Great looking watch, but too large for me, unfortunately.

Kat


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[Guppydriver]

10 years ago for sure. Underappreciated and under the radar. However the current 226570 (particularly the white dial) is very difficult to get regionally) and instantly recognized and appreciated by even modest watch enthusiasts.

[BlondesNwatches]

I like this Explorer 2 as a first Rolex much better than most DJ configurations. I love the history and practical use of this model and meaning behind it.

[dba]

I like them so much, I've had three and three different times. I still always come back to 5 digit GMT. They're the best.