Explorer II 216570 or 226570...which one?

[Kev M]

Caveat up front, I'm not climbing Everest or anything nearly as interesting. :) Been in an Explorer mood lately and have an eye towards the Explorer II. I know about the upgraded movement and the matte vs gloss dials (older model). What draws me to the older model is the proportions of a 42mm case with 21mm lug width, which in my mind is the perfect ratio- 2:1. The newer model has the extended power reserve, but I'm confused if the older movement and whether it gets regulated to the same standard +2 to -2 daily?

Also any insight from Explorer aficionados on which model to go for is welcome :)

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’ve owned them both at the same time and I prefer the wider bracelet of the 226570.

[Kev M]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I’ve owned them both at the same time and I prefer the wider bracelet of the 226570.

I'm considering getting the current Polar and then adding the older black dial. I do love that models handset with the blacked out inner part of the hands. :)

[OG1982]

I'd go for the older version with the 3185 movement. I actually like the smaller bracelet of the older model, it offset the size of the case.

[Daveh3196]

Originally Posted by Kev M

Caveat up front, I'm not climbing Everest or anything nearly as interesting. :) Been in an Explorer mood lately and have an eye towards the Explorer II. I know about the upgraded movement and the matte vs gloss dials (older model). What draws me to the older model is the proportions of a 42mm case with 21mm lug width, which in my mind is the perfect ratio- 2:1. The newer model has the extended power reserve, but I'm confused if the older movement and whether it gets regulated to the same standard +2 to -2 daily?

Also any insight from Explorer aficionados on which model to go for is welcome :)

Both older and newer movements are tested to meet Rolex’s qualification of a superlative chronometer, so both should run with equal accuracy.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Kev M

Caveat up front, I'm not climbing Everest or anything nearly as interesting. :) Been in an Explorer mood lately and have an eye towards the Explorer II. I know about the upgraded movement and the matte vs gloss dials (older model). What draws me to the older model is the proportions of a 42mm case with 21mm lug width, which in my mind is the perfect ratio- 2:1. The newer model has the extended power reserve, but I'm confused if the older movement and whether it gets regulated to the same standard +2 to -2 daily?

Also any insight from Explorer aficionados on which model to go for is welcome :)

Had a few modern ones but they wear very wide and flat for my taste.

The big watch craze (2002-2023) is over lest we forget and Panerai, Hublot, YM2, Franck M, AP etc all have 37-39mm watches in development as their big stuff now outside the watch size discussion 'overton window'.

An early tritium 16570 with nice brown markers is the Goldilocks Explorer 2 imho if 16550 and 1655 out of budget.

[ct79]

Hi,

I only saw the 226570 through a window but in this way got confirmed what I suspected (feared): the date window has moved from the edge towards the center of the dial just so much, that it becomes misplaced. In the 216570 version there was the 3187 movement, basically a 3186, which had a a wider date window, as the dial of a 42 mm watch with bezel is simply bigger than the typical 40 mm sports watch.

The 226570 has very likeable improvements otherwise, but for the price which these two variations command nowadays, I am not willing to accept negative details. And by detail I do not mean neglectable characteristics. Misplaced date windows are an attribute of much cheaper automatic watches, where standard movements are used to equip the entire model line up ranging from smaller to bigger dials without remorse. A Rolex 42mm sports model in the past had a movement which supported the visual design of the watch. Today it does not anymore.

Unfortunately the used 216570 models are quite expensive nowadays. I recall in 2016/17, you picked up a new polar 216570 from grey dealers for as low as 6100 EUR. A more than 1000 Euro price difference to the 7350 EUR RRP.

[brandrea]

If you’re going black dial I prefer the ghost hands of the previous gen

[watchwatcher]

Can't go wrong either way. In black, I like the 226- not a fan of the phantom hands. In white, it's pretty much a toss up.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by brandrea

If you’re going black dial I prefer the ghost hands of the previous gen

LOL, this may be the first time we don't agree on something.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

LOL, this may be the first time we don't agree on something.

Go buy a lottery ticket today my friend


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[1William]

I prefer the 21 and have both the black dial and the Polar. The black dial gets the most wear and I like the hands and everything about it. I would not replace them with the newer model and if buying now the 21 is a bargain.

[StanCho]

If black for black, I'd choose 21 because of the matt dial and the hands.

White for white, I'd go with 22 for similar reasons but also because of the small touches to balance it better visually.

[Ravager135]

I own the previous generation white dial. If someone handed me the newer model, I'd gladly take it, but it wouldn't make much of a difference to me. I think this is one of the Rolex updates that has been the least significant.

On the newer model, I do like the matte finish to the hands. However, I don't like the bracelet proportions as much. These are minor, minor gripes.

[RCC watches]

The black dial 216570 is such a good looking watch. Relatively modern with some of the warmth of vintage. However, the bracelet taper when using all of the links was a little too much for me. Looks so substantial on one side (the watch) but so dainty on the other (the clasp).

I have a polar 226570 now. I like the bracelet much better, though I may still like the black 216570 watch more.

[Oxfordian]

As the proud owner for the last 24 hours of this beauty I maybe slightly biased but the 226570 would be my recommendation.

[Jackie Daytona]

Between the 21 and 22 series I’m going 22 series.

I had the 21 series, and have been a lifelong Exp II fan, but the 21 series just didn’t quite do it for me. They seemed to correct a few of the issues I had on the 22. I may try the 22 series one day, I like orange of the 6 digits but pretty content with the 16570 at the moment.

[ChronoZach]

Try them both and see which one works for you, the bracelet is main thing , thinner versus thicker.. the movements are both very robust with 22 having a higher power reserve. The dials.

Neither one is a bad choice.

Congrats! On which ever one you choose.

Cheers,

[FL2024]

I really can’t tell the difference for the life of me between the two. Therefore I the 216570 is a steal at a much discounted price. Only thing is the power reserve is 48 vs 72 which isn’t the biggest deal imo

[Kev M]

Originally Posted by StanCho

If black for black, I'd choose 21 because of the matt dial and the hands.

White for white, I'd go with 22 for similar reasons but also because of the small touches to balance it better visually.

Oh! I'm so glad that I posted here. I had no idea that the dial on the 216570 model was matte, which is exactly what I want. I think this helps my decisions. Get the 216 in black and possibly the 226 in white since that one also has a matte dial. I prefer muted dials to gloss. :)

[StanCho]

Originally Posted by Kev M

Oh! I'm so glad that I posted here. I had no idea that the dial on the 216570 model was matte, which is exactly what I want. I think this helps my decisions. Get the 216 in black and possibly the 226 in white since that one also has a matte dial. I prefer muted dials to gloss. :)

Then you know what to do. :)

This is mine:

[Mr Ben]

If you’re buying a black dial, focus on the hands - for me, the 226570 all day for black due to the hands. I’d be happy with the older 21 model in polar for the cost saving.

[jacowestt]

Choosing between the two models depends on your preferences. The 216570 offers the proportions you appreciate and has a proven movement. The 226570 provides a longer power reserve and subtle design refinements. Both are excellent choices within the Explorer II lineup.

[CarlOver]

For me, the proportions of the case and bracelet of the 22 series are excellent.

[luk4s83]

If you're considering a Polar dial, and aren't interested in the black with 'floating hands' then the newest 226570 is definitely superior. The slimmer lugs are nicer - making the case more proportional, and 22mm lug opening allows for more strap options. Movement is superior with longer power reserve. Not sure how the idea of matte dial originated in the Internet, but the dial on my 226570 Polar has some light gloss to it, it's not matte for sure. It plays beautifully with matte hands. The current Polar is a fantastic watch!

[TNT009]

Black

[garyk]

Black

[chris242]

The newer reference has a 22mm lug width… you’ll find a lot more options for aftermarket straps than the older reference, not sure whether or not that plays a factor with your purchase


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[Texex]

This is not going to be of much help but here goes. I have the older 42mm version in white and my buddy has the new version. I prefer the older dial in gloss white and the older gloss hands. Not a fan of the new matte dial and hands. That being said the new case and bracelet are a huge improvement.

[Rosie39j]

My older black exp II has been my favorite wearing watch forever. Just picked up a polar. Any reason having both in collection is overkill?