The Next Watch Dilemma: Panda, Pepsi, or Polar?

[Linuxpenguins]

The Next Watch Dilemma: Panda, Pepsi, or Polar?

Ah, the never-ending quest for the perfect watch collection. As a proud owner of the Rolex Sky Dweller (Ref. 326934) Blue dial, Jubilee and the Sea-Dweller 4000 - SD4k (Ref. 116600), the itch for another timepiece has begun to scratch. But the question is, which one?

The ever-elusive Daytona "Panda" (Ref. 116500) is undeniably tempting. Its chronograph functionality and iconic black-and-white sub-dials hold a certain allure. However, the prospect of joining the waiting list at an Authorised Dealer (AD) and potentially facing years (and years!) of anticipation doesn't exactly thrill me.

The GMT-Master II "Pepsi" (Ref. 126710BLRO) offers a vibrant aesthetic and the practicality of a second time zone complication. But again, it would require the waitlist purgatory. The grey market prices currently sit quite high due to the rumour of discontinuation, but I suspect prices will likely come back down should this model not be discontinued, as I expect.

Then there's the Explorer II "Polar" (Ref. 226570) with its clean white dial and an orange GMT hand. While not as "flashy" as the others, its functionality and timeless design resonate. Whilst not much over MSRP on the secondary market. I am unsure of its availability at an AD. Does anyone know the wait list expectations?

So, what's the next move?

Embrace the wait: Joining the waitlist for the ExpII Polar - as the other two are certainly illusive.

Pay the premium (once saved up!): Going the grey market route for the Pepsi offers faster gratification, over the significant cost of the Panda but both would require a period of squirrelling money away.

Explore the Explorer: Venturing outside the "hype" and potentially securing a Polar from an AD could be surprisingly rewarding. I have the money to buy one if one were to become available. Or just go straight to grey considering not much of a mark-up?

Ultimately, the decision lies in personal priorities, I know. Do I prioritise the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of getting another "grail" watch in the Panda or Pepsi? Or perhaps the Explorer, with its blend of functionality and relative ease of access (I would expect), presents a compelling alternative.

This is the beauty of the watch collecting journey: it's a continuous exploration of personal preferences, market realities, and the thrill of adding a new piece to the collection. The decision may not be easy, but the process is undoubtedly engaging.

Whilst it seems that my preference is larger watches, I only have a 6.5inch wrist. Albeit, a 6.5inch flat wrist - so the pieces I own do sit perfecrtly.

What are your thoughts, fellow watch enthusiasts? Share your experiences and advice with me below!

[watchwatcher]

Bang for the buck, it's hard to beat the Polar. Not to mention, it's the only white dial in the line up with that has black outlines on the hands so you can actually them.

But sometimes in this crazy habit, value and the ability to tell the time aren't the real drivers. Only you will know that, however. Good luck and keep up posted.

[Deep18]

Either the Exp II or maybe go for a PM Daytona.

[turfmanjon]

Got myself a Polar for same reason recently. Texted my AD to put on my wishlist. Got a text 4 days later that ready to pick up. They are relatively easy to obtain from AD. Love it and wear often!


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[acorn]

Did I hear squirrelling ?

[Kenny G]

All of these would make great additions to your collection so it’s going to come down to personal preference. I lean towards the Daytona given the choices as it adds the most diversity to your collection and will fit your 6.5 inch wrist perfectly.

I would also advise against instant/early gratification only to sacrifice what you truly want.

Good luck

[ShamRockNRoll]

I was told by my AD that the polar was "hard but not impossible" to get, as it's much more popular than the black dial. No timeline on that, and obviously each AD is different with how they choose to engage with us mere peasants.

[nyc2la]

If you want the 116500 (now retired), you’ll have to go grey.

You also could buy a top example of either the 16710 or the 16570 in the secondary market. I recently added a NOS 16570 to go with my 16710, and both are worn regularly and are among my favorite watches in my collection.

[B2 Stealth]

BLRO will always remain my favorite model.
Surprised how much I enjoy my polar ExplorerII--Rolex last "tool" watch and my everyday.
No desire whatsoever for a Daytona.

I would purchase a 42mm Polar and put myself on waiting list for BLRO!

[Bill2e]

Explorer II Polar would be a nice add to round out the 3.

But so would any of the others.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by Deep18

Either the Exp II or maybe go for a PM Daytona.

Agreed.

My guess is that with your current watches, you will prefer the size and viewing pleasure of the polar, more than the other two

[Greg.A]

Panda is the next level compared to the rest. I would go in order of your post..Panda/Pepsi/Polar

[shalako]

The new 226570 Polar is a stunning watch and terrific value, the herd are busy chasing the over hyped ‘investment’ purchases so you can actually buy one from an AD without the usual BS

[Wilco68]

Polar all day long.

I find my interest waning in the Daytona vs other models these days.

Regarding the BLRO, the hype around this model simply escapes me. I don’t get it, & don’t find it aesthetically particularly attractive. Personally wouldn’t buy it at retail, let alone inflated grey prices.

The Polar is the best looking of the three, great as a daily, cheaper, & more easily attainable. What’s not not like.

[EEpro]

You need to see them in person. Daytona is popular for a reason.

[brandrea]

The Explorer should be relatively easy to get compared to the BLRO or the Daytona.

I’d start there and see if your number comes up on the other two

[travisb]

The Explorer is definitely more attainable whether it be at an AD or grey but I wouldn't base the decision solely on that.
Easy to make an argument for all three. Enjoy the ride and decide once there is a clear winner.

[1William]

A two part discussion. The first is money. If you do not have enough to go secondary for the Daytona or the BLRO then they are off the table as a purchase, right now. The Polar Explorer II is a great choice and a very nice everyday watch that could serve you well for years and can be purchased now with a slight premium with money you have on hand. If you wait and save you can buy the Daytona or BLRO in the secondary market but you do not know the prices in the future or availability. If they do discontinue the BLRO that one will blow up even more than now, price wise. Another consideration about getting on the list at an AD is if you were to get the call can you buy the watch right now with the funds on hand? If not, don't ask because it will be the kiss of death if you pass. In the end, I would buy the Polar Explorer II in the secondary market and enjoy the watch and start saving for my next one. One on the wrist is worth 10 on the list. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[acorn]

Originally Posted by Wilco68

Polar all day long.

I find my interest waning in the Daytona vs other models these days.

Regarding the BLRO, the hype around this model simply escapes me. I don’t get it, & don’t find it aesthetically particularly attractive. Personally wouldn’t buy it at retail, let alone inflated grey prices.

The Polar is the best looking of the three, great as a daily, cheaper, & more easily attainable. What’s not not like.

I’m of the complete opposite opinion, the only Explorer I’d squirrel away would be a Steve McQueen

[jb335]

You already have two very large watches, get a Daytona.


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[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Linuxpenguins

The ever-elusive Daytona "Panda" (Ref. 116500) is undeniably tempting. Its chronograph functionality and iconic black-and-white sub-dials hold a certain allure. However, the prospect of joining the waiting list at an Authorised Dealer (AD) and potentially facing years (and years!) of anticipation doesn't exactly thrill me.

I would love to see a new REAL Panda!

[Nairn1980]

Having experience with all 3, my choice would be the latest BLRO.

The Daytona is just a bit too dainty for me, and whilst the Polar explorer is a beauty, it doesn’t come close to the BLRo for me.

[AI bot]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

I would love to see a new REAL Panda!

The numerals ruin that dial, way too busy and incongruent. On the other hand the datejusts with that F.P. Journe style look incredible.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by AI bot

The numerals ruin that dial, way too busy and incongruent. On the other hand the datejusts with that F.P. Journe style look incredible.

I agree about the numbers. I was just keying in on the full black sub-dials on a white face. THAT is a Panda.

[GrailTime]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

If you want the 116500 (now retired), you’ll have to go grey.

You also could buy a top example of either the 16710 or the 16570 in the secondary market. I recently added a NOS 16570 to go with my 16710, and both are worn regularly and are among my favorite watches in my collection.

Great combo. Two references i have been obsessing over recently.

OP could buy both watches for less than he would the latest Pepsi.

[Saxonite]

The explorer 2 would be easier to obtain than the others. I would go to an AD and try them on to see which you prefer. You do have larger watches which makes me lean towards recommending the polar. I did see you listed the 116500, which is the discontinued model so if you want that one you will have to go grey for it.

[FloydRedford]

I’d recommend the polar. Personally, I’ve never cared for the Daytona due to it wearing small, poor legibility and the PCL’s. The Pepsi is a better choice, however the six digits don’t have any soul imho. They pale in comparison to the 16710.

The latest polar wears rugged and masculine with its bigger case size and broader bracelet/clasp along with an all brushed bracelet and bezel. The legibility is amazing and the crisp white dial makes the orange logo and gmt hand pop. Pictures don’t adequately capture its presence and appeal. But I’ll attach one anyway=)




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