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Old 27 August 2019, 12:30 AM   #1
scubadds
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Polar Exp II, seems like the bargain?

I traded my 2004 Daytona for a New Black Dial. Awaiting getting it sized.
I want something to wear around more frequently to keep the Daytona in better shape than my last one.
I was thinking of a SD43, but I figure unless my dealer steps up soon; I would grab one of the forum here for around $13k (So, I will end up with more in it than I have in my Daytona; not exactly a beater)

I see a local Black or Polar Dial; both a few years old Ballparked around $7500.

Over the past few weeks, I did try to read and watch Explorer II reviews; I think I would be drawn to the newest model;
But after that, I decided the SD43 was more for me. But now I find myself circling back as it seems like a good value?
I could
1. Hold my breath longer and use the money for a SD43
2. Go ahead and get a nice used one and not fret wearing it around as much

I think it would be a great watch to take with my son on our two week Philmont, NM hike; and eventually, give that to one of my sons.

My thoughts on Polar vs Black; I have a black dial Daytona (and my old one was black) there are less white-faced pro Rolexes, and it looks extremely easy to read.
Any other words of wisdom?

Addendum: I called a local dealer (not AD); he does have a nice Sea Dweller (if I recall 2004 or so); That might be a good option too
Thanks
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Old 27 August 2019, 12:53 AM   #2
Explorer2polar
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Explorer 2 Polar or Black are both worthy of prolonged wrist time, I love my polar and wear it most out of my small collection.

I never worry about damaging it and that lifts some pressure off you thinking about every time you move your hand.
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Old 27 August 2019, 12:59 AM   #3
rolexryan329
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Polar owner here, I say go for it. Extremely legible dial, the lume is incredible and it's certainly one of the best valued watches on the market rn
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Old 27 August 2019, 01:38 AM   #4
burnthesehills
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I don’t own either, but have always thought the Polar has more pop than the black dial. It’s a special watch for sure.
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Old 27 August 2019, 01:42 AM   #5
watchtung
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value of polars is quickly dimishing as older 16570 have been increasing. So if you want one I would snap one up.
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Old 27 August 2019, 01:48 AM   #6
Captain Lee
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I went with the black. Have seen the polar a few times and it looks great in pictures but was just not for me in the flesh. To me the black is much more versatile, I love the "floating hands" effect on the dial and it flies under the radar much more than any other Rolex I own. I also have it as part of a small collection and it gets significant wrist time.

Bottom line: this is a great reference if you don't mind the size and can't miss with either color.
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:00 AM   #7
dkast85
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i want the black explorer 2 and almost bought one online this morning for MSRP. But i'd really like a new one from an AD if i am going to pay MSRP.
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:27 AM   #8
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I think the Explorer II is one of the most underrated Rolex references out there - I have the Polar in my collection and wear it quite often.

Also really enjoy the 42mm size as well - sets it apart from all other Rolex references I have.


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Old 27 August 2019, 02:30 AM   #9
brandrea
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I’ve been eyeballing this reference as well. I can’t decide between black or white though
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:31 AM   #10
lawrence1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Lee View Post
I went with the black. Have seen the polar a few times and it looks great in pictures but was just not for me in the flesh. To me the black is much more versatile, I love the "floating hands" effect on the dial and it flies under the radar much more than any other Rolex I own. I also have it as part of a small collection and it gets significant wrist time.

Bottom line: this is a great reference if you don't mind the size and can't miss with either color.
ditto. white looks killer in pictures but in real life, the black is even nicer. That said, not sure i would call it a bargain at its $8,100 MSRP.
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:35 AM   #11
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I wear a white 216570 almost every day. Understated, and proportional to my wrist. Legible, with a splash of orange for some flair. Great lume and suitable for taking a dip into the ocean during beach vacations. Durable to a fault.

Can't go wrong with one.
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:50 AM   #12
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42mm Polar and you may find yourself forgetting about the little daytona..
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:57 AM   #13
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Love my polar, and second the great legibility. Fantastic watch all-around - and ironically I've received more compliments on it than any other watch I own.
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Old 27 August 2019, 02:57 AM   #14
ltmgeller
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Go for the explorer, its a great watch.
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Old 27 August 2019, 04:11 AM   #15
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Polar is so nice, I bought it twice
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Old 27 August 2019, 05:13 AM   #16
Oreo0817
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Personally, I can't get the explorer 2 cause my wrist is too small for the 42mm but if your thinking about a SD43 thats clearly not a problem.
The polar explorer 2 i think is the way to go! Beautiful watch
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Old 27 August 2019, 05:41 AM   #17
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2. Go ahead and get a nice used one and not fret wearing it around as much
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Old 27 August 2019, 07:24 AM   #18
drthornton
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With a Black dial Daytona in hand I too think the Polar would be a very nice companion piece. 216570 is great, especially if you have a larger wrist!

I have both the SD43 and the Polar and I wear them fairly equal.

The SD43 is an awesome watch and if I only had 1 watch that would be it.

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Old 27 August 2019, 09:05 AM   #19
scombs263
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SD43 is by far my most favorite watch. Not to mention it has a special meaning to me.
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Old 27 August 2019, 09:08 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scubadds View Post
I traded my 2004 Daytona for a New Black Dial. Awaiting getting it sized.
I want something to wear around more frequently to keep the Daytona in better shape than my last one.
I was thinking of a SD43, but I figure unless my dealer steps up soon; I would grab one of the forum here for around $13k (So, I will end up with more in it than I have in my Daytona; not exactly a beater)

I see a local Black or Polar Dial; both a few years old Ballparked around $7500.

Over the past few weeks, I did try to read and watch Explorer II reviews; I think I would be drawn to the newest model;
But after that, I decided the SD43 was more for me. But now I find myself circling back as it seems like a good value?
I could
1. Hold my breath longer and use the money for a SD43
2. Go ahead and get a nice used one and not fret wearing it around as much

I think it would be a great watch to take with my son on our two week Philmont, NM hike; and eventually, give that to one of my sons.

My thoughts on Polar vs Black; I have a black dial Daytona (and my old one was black) there are less white-faced pro Rolexes, and it looks extremely easy to read.
Any other words of wisdom?

Addendum: I called a local dealer (not AD); he does have a nice Sea Dweller (if I recall 2004 or so); That might be a good option too
Thanks
Yep the 42mm Polar Explorer II is the one to get. Almost every Rolex has a black dial, get something different!
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Old 27 August 2019, 09:13 AM   #21
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Go polar! I’ll be adding one in the future myself
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Old 27 August 2019, 09:24 AM   #22
Jerrocop
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain Lee View Post
I went with the black. Have seen the polar a few times and it looks great in pictures but was just not for me in the flesh. To me the black is much more versatile, I love the "floating hands" effect on the dial and it flies under the radar much more than any other Rolex I own. I also have it as part of a small collection and it gets significant wrist time.

Bottom line: this is a great reference if you don't mind the size and can't miss with either color.
I love the black over the polar. To each his own, but my BLNR alternative (since I'm tired of waiting) will likely be a black dial EXII!
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Old 27 August 2019, 09:26 AM   #23
inadeje
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OP - I have the polar, SD43 and Daytona.

Polar is a pretty unique Rolex and wears flat on the wrist with almost no protruding case back. For that reason it wears smaller than its 42mm size.

SD43 is rather top heavy. I wear mine tighter than I wear any other watch to keep it centered. It has a bulbous back, which if your wrist has upper flesh, will help cushion the back into the flesh. My wrists are boney so, the back just rests and needs the bracelet to be tighter.

Daytona wears much like the polar, albeit it looks quite a lot larger than just 2mm greater circumference, primarily due to the optical illusion white dials provide.
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Old 27 August 2019, 10:21 AM   #24
cannawatch
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Try out the 216570 at a local AD first. I have small wrist and I settle down with the 16570. Good luck! Can't go wrong with Exp II! Keep exploring!
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Old 27 August 2019, 10:38 AM   #25
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All I know is there’s barely any black 216570s for sale in the market here. Many more polars, so this should tell you something.. Personally those ultra black hands make the watch look cartoonish.
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Old 27 August 2019, 06:28 PM   #26
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I think the Explorer II is one of the most underrated Rolex references out there - I have the Polar in my collection and wear it quite often.

Also really enjoy the 42mm size as well - sets it apart from all other Rolex references I have.
What he said.
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Old 27 August 2019, 06:35 PM   #27
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I bought mine just two weeks ago. Amazing watch.

Read more here. Been wearing it every day.
https://luxurywatches635.wordpress.com/2019/08/14/1270/
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Old 27 August 2019, 06:43 PM   #28
Jamie1111
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Go for the explorer, its a great watch.


Have to agree


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Old 27 August 2019, 07:33 PM   #29
mray6375
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I picked up my polar a week ago. I just Love it. Very comfortable on the wrist and the white dial pops.
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Old 27 August 2019, 07:51 PM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by watchtung View Post
value of polars is quickly dimishing as older 16570 have been increasing. So if you want one I would snap one up.
216570 with Polar dials are selling above MSRP, ............ diminishing ?


https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=24021791


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