Explorer II 216750 Conundrum.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by LPan

I don't understand why this watch receives so little attention and is considered the unloved step child....

Thoughts?

I have had multiple people who aren't a WIS tell me that it looks cartoonish and like a Mickey Mouse watch (I don't one own, this is when I tried it on in-store with them). It doesn't carry the same serious, luxury watch presence that a DJ or Sub does.

[Mr. Superlative]

The Explorer II polar was the first Rolex I purchased. I’ve owned this since 2012, and the novelty has not worn off. Despite its larger case size, it is an understated piece. The ‘pop’ of the crisp white dial is very sharp, and the bright orange GMT is full of character. It also happens to be the most versatile watch I own - it can be worn with a suit, on ‘casual’ weekends, to the beach, and to the mountains if you ski. Like other owners, I LOVE mine and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[bojinns]

My U serial 16570 was the first watch I've ever purchased. Still own it and still love it; understated and undercover for sure. Its no where near as flashy as other rolexes and I love it so...

[LPan]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

I have had multiple people who aren't a WIS tell me that it looks cartoonish and like a Mickey Mouse watch (I don't one own, this is when I tried it on in-store with them). It doesn't carry the same serious, luxury watch presence that a DJ or Sub does.

I think this has hit the nail on the head. The black accents against the white make it look a little 'Japanese Manga' and not as jewellery looking. It works for me though....

[bob78h]

My personal theory why it doesn't appeal to the general population - no clicky bezel like the Sub and not blingy like a DJ. I like the polar explorer but I'm actually a big fan of the black 216570 too. The "floating" hands is a nice nod to the vintage Exp2. Just too big for my wrist at 42mm.

[KeithP]

It’s my favorite reference by a country mile. It’s the purest expression in the lineup of their now fading tool watch heritage.
It’s not shiny enough for casual fans of the brand.

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

Replaced my 16570 Polar with a 216570 Polar. WOW! The legibility is outstanding for my old eyes.

Great point! At 45 I’m starting to understand this more by the day. I can’t even read the date on my Onega SMP because it’s so small and no magnifier.

Am I correct that the Explorer II has a slightly bigger date wheel to account for its larger size overall? I thought that was the reason for the 3187 movement.


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[2nastie]

I'm indifferent on the piece, but I do think it's underappreciated. It has a niche that it fills with the color combination (dial, GMT hands, bezel) and size.

However, I think the watch's greatest struggle is it's own family competition as well the market recognition.

It's not quite a GMT, not really a Sub, and not an Explorer 1. It's kind of everything all into one (which isn't always a bad thing). But, when we as consumers identify with something its all about public perception, sentimental value or historical events, etc. Most people correlate that with other models easier. The Explorer 2 doesn't have the same public recognition as of this moment. A lot of people see it as one of the only obtainable SS piece from Rolex right now.

[Maverick_1908]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

Plus, people forget that it has more traditional lugs which balance out the size with the Maxi-Lugs on the Sub/GMT.

This, it has thinner lugs.

The only Rolex that is more comfortable than my Explorer II is my Daytona.

It’s 42mm but the case is super comfortable. I was not a fan until I tried it on. I love it!


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[Colin G]

Originally Posted by Uga2007

Mine’s barely left my wrist since I picked it up Friday night!

Mine has not left my wrist since buying it in March of 2018.

[Uga2007]

Originally Posted by Colin G

Mine has not left my wrist since buying it in March of 2018.

Touché!

[kl07rph]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

For me it wears too large. I like the 5 digit version 16570. I just got mine back from a service.

I tried to pick up the ExpII as a daily watch but the size is much too large for my wrist as well. Not too interested w/ the 5 digit one unfortunately.

[Colin G]

Originally Posted by Uga2007

Touché!

I was not trying to compete. Honest.

I just could never seem to take the darn thing off except when bathing or sleeping.

Still can't.

[Uga2007]

Originally Posted by Colin G

I was not trying to compete. Honest.

I just could never seem to take the darn thing off except when bathing or sleeping.

Still can't.

Haha no no it’s all good man I didn’t take it that way at all!

[Swaye]

My Explorer II will never leave my small but growing collection. It is my favorite, by a wide margin.

[Harry-57]

Unloved? Not here.

It was my first Rolex. I still love it as much today as I did when I first met it.