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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 125
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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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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: uk
Watch: BLNR , Sub C, Exp
Posts: 459
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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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#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: NYC
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 195
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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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116610LN | 216570 Polar |
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#4 |
2025 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Real Name: Joe
Location: Western MA
Posts: 1,229
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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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#5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: San Francisco
Watch: 16700, bb 58, kira
Posts: 125
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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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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 94
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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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#7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Real Name: Dave
Location: Connecticut
Watch: Rolex BLNR 116710
Posts: 104
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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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#8 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Real Name: Roger
Location: ...
Watch: AP/Rolex/PP
Posts: 6,309
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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. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#9 |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 79,667
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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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#10 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: N. California
Posts: 356
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Quote:
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#11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Brian
Location: Kentucky
Watch: 116610LN
Posts: 2,037
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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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#12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: .
Watch: Daytonas/Subs/GMTs
Posts: 12,609
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42mm Polar and you may find yourself forgetting about the little daytona..
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Real Name: Ryan
Location: DMV
Watch: LVc
Posts: 2,168
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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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#14 |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Mike
Location: New York
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 22,939
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Go for the explorer, its a great watch.
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#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Real Name: Jack
Location: NYC
Watch: 16570, 16710
Posts: 1,535
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Polar is so nice, I bought it twice
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#16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Real Name: Aria K
Location: N/A
Watch: Air King 116900
Posts: 33
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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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#17 |
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2019
Real Name: Mike
Location: San Diego, CA
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 1,197
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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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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Danny
Location: Prosper, TX
Watch: Rolex SD43
Posts: 131
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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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#19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Real Name: COMBS#263
Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Watch: Rolex SD43
Posts: 2,193
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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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#20 | |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Florida, USA
Watch: Rolex/AP/Vin Omega
Posts: 1,972
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#21 |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 783
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Go polar! I’ll be adding one in the future myself
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#22 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Coast
Watch: EXP 39, GRNR, SeaQ
Posts: 971
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Quote:
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#23 |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Miami
Watch: me lose count.
Posts: 6,017
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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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♛ 218206 Roman ♛ 116689 ♛ 126710BLRO ♛ 16520 white ♛ 16523 white ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1R-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Bronzo 671, 111 & 183, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Cartier Santos XL - Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41 |
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#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 14
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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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#25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: States
Watch: and learn!
Posts: 733
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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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Instagram: vampin_ 126720BLRO 116710LN 126600 215670 |
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#26 |
2025 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Harry
Location: England
Posts: 10,930
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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Real Name: Juho
Location: Finland
Watch: Submariner 16610
Posts: 1,914
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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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#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 809
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#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Real Name: Mike
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Watch: BLNR, 116610LV
Posts: 312
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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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#30 | |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Don
Location: NC/WY
Watch: Me
Posts: 4,697
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Quote:
https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=24021791 ![]()
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