Help Me Pick: 16570 Polar Explorer II, Black Bay Black or Pelagos?

[joshuagull]

I currently have some affordables along with a Speedmaster Professional 3572.50 and a Rolex Submariner 14060M.

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On my own personal time, my Submariner is my "go anywhere, do anything" watch while I wear my Speedy to mix things up or for special occasions that don't require dressing up too much. Currently the few times a year I have to really dress up I wear an affordable dress watch that I'm planning on upgrading down the road (NOMOS Ludwig or Orion), but I want to get one more "nice" tool watch first. Which brings me to the topic at hand...

I'm trying to choose something geared toward my specific work needs which are a bit unique. I work at UPS (district/regional) and everything I'm considering will work well with business casual, but at work when I have to wear the UPS "browns" uniform there are a lot of watches I like that simply look out of place. I'm wanting a watch that's complimentary to that uniform when I have to wear it without it sticking out like a sore thumb (the modernness and shininess of my particular Speedy and Sub models just looks a little too much with the uniform IMO).

NOTE: I don't have to do any specific package handling so I'm not worried about damaging a nice watch. There isn't a need to take that into account like there would be if I were a package delivery driver or warehouse employee for instance.

As such, I'm considering a few specific models--particularly the Tudor Black Bay Black, Pelagos and the Polar Explorer II ref 16570 from Rolex--and have put together some panels of photos. In colder months I wear pants and work boots with my "browns" and in warmer months I wear shorts and all black sneakers with my "browns" (I threw the photos of the Wayfarers in the panels since I needed to fill that space in the collage and those are the sunglasses I've always worn).

Colder Months:
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Warmer Months:
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Here are my thoughts...

• Tudor Black Bay Black: I'm thinking the warmth of this piece's chocolate/gilt dial goes well with the uniform and it's also the most classy of the three for business casual. It's fairly close to the look of my Sub but in a way that works a lot better for my work purposes. Going BBN also adds in a gilt dial and snowflake hands to my collection, which I don't otherwise have, and those are two stylistic elements that I really enjoy. I could see me wearing this to work daily and being very happy with it, but not getting much wear away from work since I'd grab the Sub for it's smaller size and comfort (which is okay). But maybe I'm wrong about that since it does have such a different vibe from the Sub. Only ding is lack of date but that's VERY minor as I have the date around me somewhere all the time anyways (and I could always use the bezel pip to mark the date if I wanted--but a lack of date doesn't bother me at all on my Sub, Speedy or any of the affordables that I wear that are dateless).

• Rolex Polar Explorer II 16570: I feel like this is the best option aesthetically with the uniform for colder months. It's always been said that the Polar Explorer II flies under the radar and it's a big benefit for my needs. It also gives me the GMT feature as I do have to travel from central to eastern time zones periodically, so that could be helpful. Also has the date which could be helpful. It would be the 16570 40mm reference specifically because I prefer the older bracelets and size, so this one gives me the best fit/footprint. It wouldn't be the single solution though because it's going to look weird wearing a white dialed steel watch on bracelet with black sneakers during the warmer months (just my opinion). Other drawbacks are that I already have the 14060M Sub which has the same basic case and hands (different finish obviously) so it would be more of the same in my collection in a way, BUT it's a watch I could see me wearing away from work more often than the other two choices because the white dial adds some variety to my Speedy and Sub. I could actually see this being my go-to vacation watch so where it restricts me in ways during summer months at work, maybe I could just wear my Sub or Speedy to work during the summer months and add the Polar Explorer for variety's sake since it brings so much versatility. But then again that's not really the point of acquiring my next piece and rather a bonus, and as a result I'm really torn on this model and how it would fit my needs.

• Tudor Pelagos: With its matte titanium finish and larger size this is the most tool watch of all the choices obviously. I can make it work in business casual just fine and it wouldn't get much if any wear away from work as it doesn't really go well with my personal style, but that's okay as that's what the Sub and Speedy are for anyways. In a way this would be a benefit as it would have the specific purpose of being my work watch. For work purposes the date and especially the strong lume and fully lumed bezel are benefits over the other choices (as I work odd hours and some of those hours are in the late evenings or early mornings). The titanium weight and finish are also bonuses for the watch to feel smaller on the wrist despite it being the largest of the three, and for the finish to not be too eye-catching nor to show scratches as easily as the other two. The ceramic bezel also being scratch resistant is a benefit. It works well stylistically for summer months but looks a little off for winter months (maybe a warm leather strap would help to make it look more fitting?). I feel like this may be the best overall "jack of all trades, master of none" pick for my needs, and I do really like the Pelagos, but I'm not sure if that should be the reason I pick it. In a vacuum with my specific needs not considered, I like the Black Bay and Polar Explorer II equally, with the Pelagos a half step behind them for me. But if it's the best fit for my specific needs, shouldn't it be the right choice? It leaves me torn.

I do realize the value differences but that's not a major concern. I'm more concerned with making the right choice, and as I intend for this watch to last me a LONG time, the price difference isn't that much of a factor overall.

So if you were in my shoes, which would you pick and why would you make that choice? Thanks a ton for any help.

[asleep]

Explorer II for me, ymmv.

[Dubarzy]

Of your choices, my preference is the 16570, and I think you could wear all year round without a problem (not only in the winter).

But have you considered a Ranger, North Flag, or Explorer? You could put the Ranger on a brown strap that matches your uniform- I think that would look great. Same with a North Flag, though not sure if the yellow matches the UPS yellow or not. And if you prefer a Rolex, the Explorer flies under the radar nicely in my opinion. All three of those watches seem to be more of a "tool watch" for your application.

[Wcdhtwn]

Well... Any of those watches will meet your needs, but if you don't buy a Rolex now you might (probably will) regret it later. Tudor does not equal Rolex, regardless where the former is made. My main question is the sunglasses... Go try on and buy a pair of Costa Del Mar's. I've owned many pairs of sunglasses, name the brand, and my Costa's are by far superior anything else I've ever worn. No I don't work for them...

[sickened1]

This one..

[bkertzer89]

Thats the crazyest post ive ever seen

Id say pelagos

Why not just a gshock...i know i know its only a gshock but its alot cheaper and can use the funds for a dress watch

[Investr]

Liven up that collection- Polar white EXPII!!!!

[ColRam425]

I'd say a 2015 Pelagos.

[arguetaoscar]

You have a Diver and a Chronograph, I think you need a white Dial with GMT function, Polar is the one!


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[mikelcch]

I love your reading your post OP. Excellent!

Like many has said, I agree on the 16570. Nothing to do with brand or price because the Tudors are fantastic at their price point. For the simplest reason you need a GMT function watch that would help in your travels. Unless you really like dive watches, then there's not much of reason to get the Tudors other than the different design since you have the Sub.

[joshuagull]

Originally Posted by Dubarzy

Of your choices, my preference is the 16570, and I think you could wear all year round without a problem (not only in the winter).



But have you considered a Ranger, North Flag, or Explorer? You could put the Ranger on a brown strap that matches your uniform- I think that would look great. Same with a North Flag, though not sure if the yellow matches the UPS yellow or not. And if you prefer a Rolex, the Explorer flies under the radar nicely in my opinion. All three of those watches seem to be more of a "tool watch" for your application.

For some reason I just can't see the Polar EXP looking good with a brown shirt, brown shorts and black sneakers. If I thought it would I think it would sway me more towards it than the others. I can always wear the Polar during colder months and Sub during warmer months, and still save the Speedy for special occasions. I have highly considered the Ranger and North Flag, and to a lesser extent the Explorer I. I actually think the Ranger would be a good stylistic fit but at it's size and being all dial I think it'll be a touch large for my tastes but I should really go check one out at the local AD. Love the integrated North Flag bracelet but don't know if the design is too modern for my tastes. I'll have to check it out too. I can't justify an EXP I simply due to it being so close to the Sub stylistically.

Originally Posted by sickened1

This one..

You make an incredibly strong case. :)

Originally Posted by bkertzer89

Thats the crazyest post ive ever seen

Id say pelagos

Why not just a gshock...i know i know its only a gshock but its alot cheaper and can use the funds for a dress watch

Not to be dense or brash, but it wasn't a post about G Shocks. I do have several G Shocks and enjoy them for what they are so I'm not knocking them or your suggestion of them. Just looking for something different for this specific purpose.

Originally Posted by Investr

Liven up that collection- Polar white EXPII!!!!

I think a large part of the appeal of the Polar EXP II to me is that it would liven up my watch box a bit compared to the others.

Originally Posted by arguetaoscar

You have a Diver and a Chronograph, I think you need a white Dial with GMT function, Polar is the one!


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The change of pace it offers in my collection is no doubt a huge draw. I just can't see it working with my summer uniform attire. I could always start wearing my Speedy or Sub to work during those months though (and already do from time to time, just not regularly). I guess the more year-round universal application of the BBN or Pelagos is the counterpoint to the change of pace the 16570 offers.

Originally Posted by mikelcch

I love your reading your post OP. Excellent!

Like many has said, I agree on the 16570. Nothing to do with brand or price because the Tudors are fantastic at their price point. For the simplest reason you need a GMT function watch that would help in your travels. Unless you really like dive watches, then there's not much of reason to get the Tudors other than the different design since you have the Sub.

I do really like divers, specifically for their ruggedness and water resistance. Fortunately the 16570 also is rugged and water resistant making that part of the equation a moot point. That's what's making the choice more difficult (along with the fact that the EXP II Polar fits my personal style very well and would serve double duty as an excellent vacation timepiece in addition to being great for wear during the colder months at work).

[sdwtchlvr]

Polar for me too.

[jshepard]

Explorer II... I think black and white dials pretty with anything, it's the different strap colors that is an issue and since the explorer II is on SS bracelet it shouldn't matter. And since your profession deals a lot with time zones, the GMT function is a nice nod.


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[subtona]

Blue Pelagos

[hdrazor251]

Add me to the Exp II list.

[pinkelle21]

You may be overthinking this one, exp ll is the easy choice😉😎


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[Gasoil4ever]

If you need next to airplanes you need a watch with a GMT function so ExpII all the way.

For the shades look at Randolph...

[Ckci]

Why not black face Exp II. I was planning on polar version but on the wrist I preferred the black dial. I suggest it here because I think it addresses the issue you've raised about your summer attire.
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Brown jacket in background.

[Touring]

No brainer: 79220N. If not, then then 25600TN.

I love the 16570, but since aesthetics plays such a significant role, I would take it out of contention...don't think it looks good with your uniform.

The 79220N however goes great and is very versatile with the gilt dial and black bezel. Also, like you said, you don't really need a date function and you could always use the pip as a surrogate.

Best of luck with your final choice!

[Old Expat Beast]

I thought your post looked familiar....how did the last one end up?

www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=430654


edit: ok you went with the Sub.

[JCLerit]

polar 16570 for me...

[HogwldFLTR]

It'd be EXPII for me given the choices. I'd get that first and then likely the Tudors.

[joshuagull]

Originally Posted by pinkelle21

You may be overthinking this one

It's a bad habit of mine. :)

Originally Posted by Ckci

Why not black face Exp II.

I've only seen the newer EXPII in black and I'm not keen on the orange dial details. For some reason I'm not big on the black dialed Rolexes and cyclops too, yet they don't bother me at all on the white dialed models.

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I thought your post looked familiar....how did the last one end up?

www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=430654


edit: ok you went with the Sub.

I did go with the Sub (flipped my 2201.50 Planet Ocean for it) and the input was helpful (as have been some of your posts regarding Tudor's newer offerings, particularly the Ranger which is on my radar as well--but I need to see it in person first before throwing it in the mix here). Being able to see things together visually and hash it out is how my brain works best, and it also saves me any buyers remorse because I *hate* the hassle of flipping a piece I thought I'd love but end up not getting along with. Looking back, since then I have come around on the 16570 EXPII Polar. I had only seen the newer, larger ones in person at that point and didn't love the size or the orange accents, but the smaller size and old school bracelet of the 16570 paired with the red GMT hand fix all the problems I had with the new Polar EXPII and I've really become quite taken with the piece. If I could wear pants and work boots for every occasion that I needed to wear the uniform I'd pick the 16570 no questions asked, BUT it gets pretty hot and humid here in Nashville and that's not really an option when I have to be out in it some days. Ultimately I'm trying to choose between having a single "work watch" that's versatile enough to work for me year round (likely the BBN or Pelagos) but that may be somewhat redundant in my collection and that wouldn't get much personal wear time, or adding another watch to my collection that's perfect for the colder months at work and that also will work as a nice change of pace for personal wear away from work and as the perfect vacation watch but that won't be quite as versatile year round for work.

Last time in the post you linked I ultimately chose to go for the more expensive option up front, knowing both spoke to me and that I could always sell the Sub and move to a Black Bay more easily than the other way around, and that may end up being the case here as well. But if I decide the BBN or Pelagos is the better fit I can also get a NOMOS, so I'm approaching the decision with a slightly different mindset this time around.

[Singslinger]

Since you already have two watches with black dials, the white Exp II would be the logical choice so as to introduce some variety into your collection.

It's probably also the best value sports Rolex anyone could buy.

Good luck!

[thefatboy]

Hi, I'm a noob here and I'm going to be the first, by the look of it, to champion the BBB. I can see that the Polar would work perfectly within, and balance, your collection but I have to say for the criteria you supplied, and for the sartorial restrictions under which you're operating in this case, the BBB would be perfect.

The warm brown dial and gold trim complement the uniform and winter boots, and the black bezel then allows for the inclusion of the black sneakers (we call them trainers here!) in the summer.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices however, I'd be proud to own any of the three and I wish you the best of luck in choosing. It's a nice dilemma to have. Cheers.

[wuyeah]

Deja vu? why I feel like seeing this thread some where?

I like the modern Explorer II in white.

[capote]

Polar sounds like a good complement

[travisb]

16570 would do the trick for me.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Ckci

Why not black face Exp II. I was planning on polar version but on the wrist I preferred the black dial. I suggest it here because I think it addresses the issue you've raised about your summer attire.
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[Stratos]

16570 at any day...

it is the best option .
plus it is has GMT function which will fit perfectly to your current lineup