Explorer II

[Daveh3196]

This watch seems to be one of the most polarizing pieces in the modern line. It is either loved or hated and even the love it group seems pretty divided over white vs black dial. I’ve been looking at pics online for the better part of a year and felt as though the white dial would be my next purchase. I was hoping to see one in person and finally located a white dial a few weeks ago. For me, it just didn’t pop the way it does in photos even though I was sure it was the one. I now began to search for a black dial. I spent the holiday in Alexandria VA, and strolled into a place in Old Town. Browsing the displays at Kings Jewelry and there sat a fresh arrival - the black dial Explorer II. It may not be the most popular, but something about that watch in person looks really good. I’m holding off on making the purchase but if any one happens by Kings, ask for Ken. He was really helpful and spent quite a while showing me that watch and then a bunch of others to my wife and brother in law.


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[watchwatcher]

It's a difficult choice, I agree. Although with you, it seems like the black fits your eye better, so I would go with that.

I would probably give the nod to the black, except I just can't get warmed up to those darned phantom hands.

That said, I don't think there's a wrong choice between the two. And, along with the Daytona-C, one of the few models that getting both colors is a logical choice. Well...logical in the WIS sense of the word, anyway.

[lightingball2]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It's a difficult choice, I agree. Although with you, it seems like the black fits your eye better, so I would go with that.

I would probably give the nod to the black, except I just can't get warmed up to those darned phantom hands.

That said, I don't think there's a wrong choice between the two. And, along with the Daytona-C, one of the few models that getting both colors is a logical choice. Well...logical in the WIS sense of the word, anyway.

You might want to wait a couple more months.....There might be a change for the new model coming from basel world this spring. I've heard that there is gonna be a few new changes on some items this year, and the Explorer II might be one of them.....

[Sublovin]

Interesting...I feel like my white dial looks better in person. Buy what you like

[Daveh3196]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It's a difficult choice, I agree. Although with you, it seems like the black fits your eye better, so I would go with that.



I would probably give the nod to the black, except I just can't get warmed up to those darned phantom hands.



That said, I don't think there's a wrong choice between the two. And, along with the Daytona-C, one of the few models that getting both colors is a logical choice. Well...logical in the WIS sense of the word, anyway.

Funny you mention the phantom hands. It was one of the reasons I was against the black dial and was set on white. Interesting how photos, no matter how many are viewed, can’t do justice to holding this version in person. Once seeing it, the phantom hands went from a negative to a positive.


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[Daveh3196]

Originally Posted by lightingball2

You might want to wait a couple more months.....There might be a change for the new model coming from basel world this spring. I've heard that there is gonna be a few new changes on some items this year, and the Explorer II might be one of them.....

I definitely don’t have a time frame as Santa added to my small collection with a Speedmaster Professional. Could be a big change though for the 50th anniversary.


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[tlbarrs]

It’s a fantastic watch, I was 100% sure I wanted the white one until I went to pick it up and was shown them both next to each other. I ended up going with the black dial but would love to pick up a polar aswell at sometime ��

[Innocenti]

I love the black explorer II and could learn to love the white one.
But for me they are just too big. 39/40mm would be perfect

[Sweetswisssteel]

Not for me. Looks ridiculous IMHO,. Much prefer the look of an explorer 1.

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[JLM3]

Polar ...great watch you will love it

[Cabinetman]

I prefer the polar. The dial is super easy to read. However, the size is just a little too big for me so I sold mine and went with the GMT2.

[dwjez14]

I am very fond of my
Polar. It is my daily watch.

[jay9]

I'll end up with the Black dial definitely. haha

[scottgekko]

I picked up a black dial 16570 back at the end of October.

It's just a classy watch. I love it. It's subtle enough to go with everything I wear from dressy to weekend. The contrast between the black and stainless makes it pop to me.

I had an Oris Aquis Date that I loved but there's just something about this Rolex....

[mirror]

I love the white dial white has always been my thing.

[Nikrnic]

I love both equally but chose the Polar. The rest of my collection did sway my decision being I wanted to add a white dial.

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[BigJoe]

In your picture it is very hard to see the hands on the black face. It may just be the lighting but the polar's hands are so much easier to read in the same light.

[DHISTORY]

With the current shortage causing the ridiculous premiums on pre-owned subs and gmt’s the Explorer II seems like a great deal pre-owned. My only issue with this reference is how easy the beze can get all scratched up compared to ceramic inserts. Otherwise, stunning watch.

[dwjez14]

Originally Posted by DHISTORY

With the current shortage causing the ridiculous premiums on pre-owned subs and gmt’s the Explorer II seems like a great deal pre-owned. My only issue with this reference is how easy the beze can get all scratched up compared to ceramic inserts. Otherwise, stunning watch.

This is good to know since my explorer is my daily watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It's a difficult choice, I agree. Although with you, it seems like the black fits your eye better, so I would go with that.

I would probably give the nod to the black, except I just can't get warmed up to those darned phantom hands.

That said, I don't think there's a wrong choice between the two. And, along with the Daytona-C, one of the few models that getting both colors is a logical choice. Well...logical in the WIS sense of the word, anyway.

Kill two birds with one stone

[squrrlz]

I love the Polar II just got a 16570 last week. I have to say from the beginning I have always preferred the Polar, however the black dial has really grown on my lately especially with the 216570 which with that Orange hand is a great throwback to the original. I would say go for which ever sings to you!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by scottgekko

I picked up a black dial 16570 back at the end of October.

It's just a classy watch. I love it. It's subtle enough to go with everything I wear from dressy to weekend. The contrast between the black and stainless makes it pop to me.

I had an Oris Aquis Date that I loved but there's just something about this Rolex....

I have to agree; mine is currently getting a spa treatment at RSC; I'm anxious to have it back. It's been close to a month. Regarding the OP's post, I think in the six digit the black looks better. Congratulations!!!

[Thines]

I prefer the Black dial, the Polar dial looks “comic-bookish” to me. It’s the black outline on white, that doesn’t appeal to me.

[Grimm]

Personally partial to the black dial but both winners in my book. Good luck with the hunt.

[173rdabn]

I've had both black and white. I love the Polar and it's really easy to see, especially with my old eyes.

[Zuger]

All this talk about Explorer II makes me miss mine - sitting inside the safe for the past 6 months. I will go show it some love tomorrow.

[nsxnext]

Love mine although considering a flip for the new GMT Master 126710 Ceramic Pepsi

[inadeje]

Love mine but the 40mm

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by nsxnext

Love mine although considering a flip for the new GMT Master 126710 Ceramic Pepsi

The Exp II will pay for the box.