Explorer II 16570 vs Speedy Pro & small brief review

[jdlc1406]

So, I just got my first Rolex, the Explorer II. Here is a little bit of commentary after owning it for a few days.

I only have one watch to compare it to, the Speedy Pro (hesalite, latest model with the big goodie box).

I had to sell the Speedy to get rid of a little debt, and also help fund the EXPII. I took a hit on it, of course, which I can get past, but I can't help but to keep comparing the two and how vastly different they are. Not better, but different. For example:

EXPII: Date feature! I like this over the Speedy Pro. I like the GMT hand. I like the band. But the Sapphire glass is really reflective. Why isn't it coated with an anti-reflective treatment? Manually winding the watch feels... Weird and gritty, almost. Very much unlike the Speedy pro which is nice and smooth. I love the fact that this watch has the screw down crown, though and is actually water tight, unlike the Speedy.

Also, the EXPII seems to be a little more difficult to read at a glance. For only four hands it does seem a little bit cluttered. It could just be the smaller size compared to the Speedy. The speedy had a SUPER clean dial that was so easy to read. However, the lume on this EXPII is AMAZING. I can read it throughout the night. All night long. In the dark. I couldn't ever do that with the Speedy. I did like the larger presence of the Speedy, but I am getting used to the smaller EXP quite nicely. This doesn't bother me anymore.

All-in-all, If I had the Speedy back, I don't see myself wearing it over the EXPII on very many ocassions. But for some reason, I do still find myself missing it. I miss hand winding. And I miss the pushers. But other than that, I am adjusting and very happy with my EXPII purchase :)

Picture since no one wants to read all that without a little visual reward.

[socialpro]

Love the explorer! Congrats on your first rolex!

[hoppes-no9]

Congrats on the Exp II. Loved your thoughts and comparisons.

I think the Speedy Pro and Exp II are both superb, and they compete with each other for the most wrist time among the ~dozen watches in my collection. And if I had to narrow it down to just two watches GASP it might just be these two that remained.

[Wingman244]

Originally Posted by jdlc1406

Also, the EXPII seems to be a little more difficult to read at a glance. For only four hands it does seem a little bit cluttered. It could just be the smaller size compared to the Speedy.

I have the Explorer II 42mm Polar - 216570. Legibility is what this reference was designed for. You could read it from across the room. Best part of this watch.

[joe100]

The flat rolex sapphire is hard to read at certain angles, that is very true. However the 16570 is a fantastic, no-nonsense reference. The one to have

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by hoppes-no9

Congrats on the Exp II. Loved your thoughts and comparisons.

I think the Speedy Pro and Exp II are both superb, and they compete with each other for the most wrist time among the ~dozen watches in my collection. And if I had to narrow it down to just two watches GASP it might just be these two that remained.

Nice pair!

[Watch Rob]

Both are great watches!

[jdlc1406]

Originally Posted by joe100

The flat rolex sapphire is hard to read at certain angles, that is very true. However the 16570 is a fantastic, no-nonsense reference. The one to have

Yeah it is a little odd. Are these not AR coated?

It makes me wonder, because my cyclops is a little tiny bit crooked, and I also can't find the etched crown anywhere. Wondering if it was ever replaced or aftermarket. Not sure how to really know that.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by jdlc1406

Yeah it is a little odd. Are these not AR coated?



It makes me wonder, because my cyclops is a little tiny bit crooked, and I also can't find the etched crown anywhere. Wondering if it was ever replaced or aftermarket. Not sure how to really know that.

very common that the cyclops is a little of as its not easy to get them on perfectly straight. What year is your piece, Rolex didn't start with the laser etched crown until around 2002. If the piece is newer it could have gotten a replacement crystal that was oldstock, no crown doesn't have to mean it's aftermarket


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[amg55]

I've never had to manually wind any of the Rolex that I've owned. Why do you need to?

Nice watch, buy the way! Congratulations !