Black Bay Pro vs. 16570 ExpII?

[NYC2023]

Hey Guys,

Have been doing a lot of research on the BBPro, and love the watch. I guess my question is for ~$3k more, why it isn’t worth buying a 16570 Explorer II? Any pros/cons to either choice?

Thanks!

NYC2023

[Loop51]

I'm in the same boat as you. Been considering both and recently decided to get the BB Pro.

For me, being a newcomer to Rolex and used\vintage watches in general, I was honestly worried about finding a 16570 that is:

1. Genuine
2. Original (or at least, with correct parts)
3. In good working order

For me personally, it's a lot of money to sink in a watch that might be 20+ years old. I don't feel I have enough knowledge yet to properly source one that would be a quality piece.

As for the BB Pro, it is a modern watch with a warranty, great bracelet and all the functionality I would need. Not to mention, used, they can be had for half of a 16570.

I can buy it new if I choose which is a big plus. But even lightly used, it reduces some of the concerns I had of the 16570.

I might end up changing my mind but for now, its BB Pro for me.

[jbglx]

Here is a NOS - new old stock , never used with stickers

https://www.collectors1946.com/colle...mm-watch-16571

[Driver8]

It totally depends what you want on your wrist - Tudor or Rolex, modern or slightly less modern. In many ways they're functionally very similar.

That being said, on a technical level, the considerably more modern BBPro is the superior watch. More modern movement with a longer PR, solid bracelet links, machined micro-adjustable clasp, etc, etc. Plus it's available as brand new for not a lot of money (relatively speaking), while the 16570 is always going to be a used piece. The only potential downsides of the BBPro are the faux rivets (love or hate), slight fauxtina lume (again love or hate), and it is a little on the thick side (albeit massively over-egged on here) but on wrist it wears just fine IMO.

However (and this is a big "however"), here's the thing - it's not a Rolex, and to many people just the simple fact of a Rolex being a Rolex is worth the additional $3k (and more).

[winst]

Originally Posted by Driver8

It totally depends what you want on your wrist - Tudor or Rolex, modern or slightly less modern. In many ways they're functionally very similar.

That being said, on a technical level, the considerably more modern BBPro is the superior watch. More modern movement with a longer PR, solid bracelet links, machined micro-adjustable clasp, etc, etc. Plus it's available as brand new for not a lot of money (relatively speaking), while the 16570 is always going to be a used piece. The only potential downsides of the BBPro are the faux rivets (love or hate), slight fauxtina lume (again love or hate), and it is a little on the thick side (albeit massively over-egged on here) but on wrist it wears just fine IMO.

However (and this is a big "however"), here's the thing - it's not a Rolex, and to many people just the simple fact of a Rolex being a Rolex is worth the additional $3k (and more).

Absolutely bang on the money, excellent critique and would have given it an A+ if it wasn’t for the fact that you used to instead of too, as a result have to give just an A for this particular assignment.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by winst

Absolutely bang on the money, excellent critique and would have given it an A+ if it wasn’t for the fact that you used to instead of too, as a result have to give just an A for this particular assignment.

Soz for tha typo geezer. I dunno wot come over me like. Wots all dis spelin stuff abowt den?

[winst]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Soz for tha typo geezer. I dunno wot come over me like. Wots all dis spelin stuff abowt den?

Think nothing of it old fruit. Damn good show & carry on that man!

[Lu..]

BBP is a new model with vintage vibe that has great aesthetics but there is an important caveat....the thickness (14.6mm) vs the 12.2mm for the 16570.....so the wearing experience is different.....only you can decide if that addition 2mm+ in thickness of the BBP is OK....

[NYC2023]

Originally Posted by Lu..

BBP is a new model with vintage vibe that has great aesthetics but there is an important caveat....the thickness (14.6mm) vs the 12.2mm for the 16570.....so the wearing experience is different.....only you can decide if that addition 2mm+ in thickness of the BBP is OK....

Thanks. Great point. I will try on the Black Bay Pro, but the 16570 might be harder. For reference, is the 16570 the same thickness as my 16710 GMT?

Thanks!

[bosphorus]

Originally Posted by Lu..

BBP is a new model with vintage vibe that has great aesthetics but there is an important caveat....the thickness (14.6mm) vs the 12.2mm for the 16570.....so the wearing experience is different.....only you can decide if that addition 2mm+ in thickness of the BBP is OK....

+1

[kegan]

That’s a tough choice. If you were comparing the pro to the new model Rolex exp 11 I’d say go with the Tudor. But that old 16570 especially the black dialed one makes this choice really difficult to me. If you hadn’t had an opportunity to handle one in person I’d definitely do that before deciding. As far as Rolex goes they are to me among the most undervalued pieces available and I don’t see them getting any cheaper. The best way I can put is that either way you will have a really great watch and you will always wonder if you got the right one but I’m guessing you’ll wonder a little less if you spend the extra and find a really nice 16570.

[Guppydriver]

I certainly understand the debate.. it's not a horrible premium to get the name Rolex, especially when compared to buying any SS from a gray.

But from a percentage standpoint, a really nice example 16570 is about 100% more. If you were debating a 12K watch and another one was 15K, I could see you saying it's only 3K more, but in this case you just as easily say it's double the cost. That's (an understandably) huge premium for the vast majority of buyers.

My take is this. If 3K is isn't much coin for you, then for only another 3K more, you can grab yourself a 226570 and have the best of both worlds. Now if you can't wear 42mm, then a 16570 can be a special piece, and you'll always know the date.




ps.....just wanted to get the Tudor dudes BP up....I was kidding with the date part...kinda.

[kegan]

Since you have a 16710 you already know how the 16750 will feel. It may seem a little smaller because of the less pronounced bezel though. Pretty sure the overall thickness is the same.

[NYC2023]

Originally Posted by kegan

Since you have a 16710 you already know how the 16750 will feel. It may seem a little smaller because of the less pronounced bezel though. Pretty sure the overall thickness is the same.

Thanks!

[Loop51]

I was in a similar spot and decided on the BB Pro. Mostly because I am still very new to Rolex and watch collecting and I was concerned I might not be able to identify a good 16570. Spending that kind of money on something I am not 100% confident in what I am buying was a hard thing to accept so I moved on.

The BB Pro checks all the boxes I needed and is a brand new watch which can be purchased for about half the price of 12-15 year old 16570.

That said, in a few years when I have more knowledge, picking up an older piece will probably appeal to me a lot more.

[shammad10]

I would 100% buy a 16570 over a BBP.
Personally I would buy a good pre-1998 version with real tritium lime.
I tried on the BBP and the thickness was a no for me!

If you wanted a more robust 16570, you could get a 2007 16570 with the 3186 movement and the engraved rehault with solid end links.

[NYC2023]

Originally Posted by shammad10

I would 100% buy a 16570 over a BBP.
Personally I would buy a good pre-1998 version with real tritium lime.
I tried on the BBP and the thickness was a no for me!

If you wanted a more robust 16570, you could get a 2007 16570 with the 3186 movement and the engraved rehault with solid end links.

Thanks!

[-dustin]

I couldn't stomach the extra $$$ for a 5 digit Exp II unless I REALLY wanted a 16570, such that a BBP wasn't even part of the equation. There's just too much that I prefer about the BBP over 5 digits Exp IIs.

[subtona]

Only one has option of Lugholes

[Stevec14]

I bought a pro in may last year and loved it. It’s a great watch and for my money one of the best Tudor make. I liked the look that much, on Black Friday I picked up a black dial 16570 for a decent price (2005 watch). I much prefer the Rolex and it was one of the models I’d never really considered and is now among my favourites. For not too much more than a pro, id say it’s well worth it - and a great value way to get a sports Rolex if that’s what you want.

[NachoNeal]

I'm not an explorer 2 fan at all, but really like the BB pro.
As a skinny guy, my only concern would be the two millimeters.

[Redemption144]

I can only speak about the EXII. An exceptional watch for me. Does everything I want and I truly appreciate the low profile when wearing it traveling or hiking/camping. My backpack doesn’t catch in it whatsoever. I have never worn a BBP but I would suspect the extra mm would catch on backpacks or not fit under cuffs. But they may not ��

[CyberPaol]

The BB Pro is definitely too thick for my tastes, then I'd go for the Explorer II.

[Greglaw]

Originally Posted by NYC2023

Hey Guys,

Have been doing a lot of research on the BBPro, and love the watch. I guess my question is for ~$3k more, why it isn’t worth buying a 16570 Explorer II? Any pros/cons to either choice?

Thanks!

NYC2023

That would seem to make the most sense, or get what I prefer. Not sure why you would want to do the latter, however.

[GradyPhilpott]

I'm not really a status hound, but when push comes to shove, it's Rolex that I'm really interested in and I'm also fond of vintage or at least 5-digit pieces.

I have no experience with the BBPro, so I can't knock it, and my experience with the Tudor brand is excellent with regard to aesthetics, fit, finish, precision, etc.

However, if I had an opportunity to go with the 16570 that I felt comfortable with, because I like the watch and it has history and pedigree, I'd go for it without question.

I bought one at an excellent price, even though the bracelet was damaged and might need to be replaced, and the seller paid for a service under his warranty, because the mainspring broke just a day after I bought it.

It's a good thing that the price was low enough to cover a new bracelet or a repair, whichever I decide on, but right now that's not a priority, because I like the Everest strap that it's on now a lot.

Also, the watch looks like its given many long years of service to someone and I appreciat that as much as I like the history of the reference.

The strap has been on long enough to have developed some character of its own, too.

The most difference between me now and the me who jumped into vintage watches is that in the beginning, I was buying watches sight unseen from ebay and while I was pleased with the results, I could see the weakness in that method.

Then I found a local guy, who sells used Rolex watches and who also stands behind his products for the duration of his warranty, which varies in length depending on the watch in question, and in my experience over roughly a decade, he's never let me down.

[jb335]

When factoring in the additional upfront cost of the Explorer 2, also consider that the Rolex will appreciate more than the BBP will. Especially if you are buying the Tudor brand new from the AD.


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[JJGreen]

Personal preference obviously, but even for even money I would take the Tudor. I think it's a better looking watch.

[huba01]

100% 16570 no contest at all for me.

[the_wristlist]

Great watch I love mine




Collection

126610LN
126234 Silver Dial
126200 Blue Dial
Tudor Pelagos 39
Tudor Black Bay Pro

Instagram the_wristlist

[Ferdelious]

I think the BB Pro looks better but the case height is noticeably different. If that doesn't bother you then get the BB Pro.