How Rolex Perfected The Explorer II - 16570 Review & Comparison
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Today I finally get to review the successor to my favorite watch of all time. That’s right, we’re talking about the Explorer II.
Unlike most stories of triumph involving Rolex, this watch had a stormy development that was fraught with marketing failures, quirky unsuccessful designs, and poor sales.
Why was this? Why did the famous original Explorer field watch become a watch with a multiple time zone GMT complication? How did this troublesome evolution culminate in one of their best value, most under appreciated, everyday luxury and tool watch hybrids? Join me at Philadelphia's iconic Penn's Landing for my review and comparison of reference 16570 to find out how Rolex perfected their Explorer.
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Best bit of this video? Trying to convince director to let them go on a swan boat with equipment that costs more than a car and a rather expensive timepiece 😂
What's the worst that could happen, really?
equipment costs more than a car, the final video looks just as good as a DW watch. nothing special.
That’s rather snarky. The video looks professionally shot and edited-sort of PBS documentary-style. The tone is not exciting, but comparison to Daniel Wellington (i.e., fraudulent crap) seems inapt.
@@jazzbeaunola -THW0RZTTHiNGTHATC0ULDHAPPENiZMRMCD0NNELC0ULDMAKEAN0THERC0MMENT++++////
The clasp on that explorer ii is officially scratched to hell after this.
My dad had the 16570, but he give me it and now it's my favourite watch which i use every day and if I'm without it I don't go out, love this watch
Explorer 1 = perfection
The only watch you ever need
Can I have an Amen to that?
Agreed
Sold my Explorer two weeks ago. Horrible decision and I’ve been looking for a new one since that day.
Here is an example with the original Explorer1 of “Less is More”.
TGV needs a gopro in a waterproof case, for those adventure shots, his desire for swan boats should not be denied lol
Tyler Colvin Agreed! He coulda used a cell phone camera as well...
I bought a 2000 Black Exp2 this past winter. I went to the AD to see a Sub Date and the Exp2 was next to it. I tried them both on, and had to fight the fact that I came to get the Sub but quickly fell in love with the Exp2. First, it has the same dial and cyclops as the sub but also has the 24hr hand of the GMT. Then, I put it on and it was over! The watch just blended into my wrist and the steel bezel was just enough to add some casual class to the watch in contrast to the sport look of the Sub. Thanks for doing a video on this “under the radar” steel Rolex. One of the best watch buys I ever made.
If you're really in luxury, you gotta be into '66 Buick Riverias
Cam Rackam 😂
And phree tee shirts
Apex Kuntery there
Sneaky respectos
I bought my black dial Explorer II just last month and couldn't be happier with it. It's such an understated watch with genuine tool heritage. I don't mind that its less appreciated because it means you don't see many in the wild compared to submariners, DJs etc
I`ve only owned the 216570 Rolex Explorer II a few weeks! I`m super happy, over the moon! I got it for my 50th birthday, the watch performs perpetual excellence and is so versitale. It can easy be a one luxury watch collection!! 👍🏻👍🏻🤩🤩
A watch designed for spelunking, but made for people who won't go near mud.
or floating swans...
Gotta love the 40mm Explorer II. I just wish Rolex didn’t make it jumbo for the current generation.
Per Johansen you nooooob ?
Per Johansen the new explorer II looks ugly and stupid with that chunky size
For cameras that cost a car you'd think they'd match white balance...great shots though nice vid.
Buy A Rolex for Life!
Such high production quality! Crazy to see how much this channel has grown. Keep up the great work!
Hi TGV, forgive me for being slightly negative. But personally, I’m not really a big fan of the 45deg B-roll. Somehow it negatively effects the normal directive-ness of the TGV ‘brand’...for want of a better word! Direct, concise and to the point, is what I’ve come to appreciate, if you get my meaning?
Sorry for being negative, when you’re trying very hard to push and expand your channel.
It certainly won’t stop me watching, it just felt a little...forced or dare I say false?
Sorry matey.
Best regards,
Dazza. 🇬🇧
Not a problem at all, the great thing is, all formats of my reviews will continue,
So if you don't appreciate all the hard work that went into this, the table top/white glove format will always still be there, along with my top 10s, and GIAJ etc. As for forced, far from it, I only ever record what I feel in my heart is right and true.
Enjoy!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry - Cheers bud and all the best for that!
To slightly redeem myself, my favourite watch is also my Explorer 114270, so I’m not all bad!😆
Best regards,
Dazza. 🇬🇧
Btw TGV, I wanted to thank you for your reviews of the Victorinox Inox and Casio G Shock DW5600E as a result I've purchased both and I'm very pleased.
Speaking of Explorers, I just bought a new 214270 mk2 in celebration of my new son, love it!
I bought an Explorer II because it is absolutely the most watch for the money that you can get out of a pre-owned Rolex. You get a GMT without the GMT Master price with a BETTER bezel.
Well said,
Thank you Orwly,
Best regards,
TGV
There really is something so much cleaner about the Exp II vs. the GMT due to the steel bezel. I walked in with my heart set on a GMT, but by the time I walked out, I was firmly on the hunt for an Exp II in black.
This guy is awesome! Plus he knows more about history than most Americans 😅
40 years ago I bought a new Submariner, but ALWAYS obsessed over the 1655 Ex-II.
It has been my only watch regret over those decades.....not buying a new one back then.
In the early 1990's I bought a white-dial-16570. I've since given both to my twin daughters.
These days, my favorite watch is the one on my wrist; which ever I happen to be wearing.
I own the modern Ex-I & Ex-II; 214270 & 216579 respectively, and are by far my favorite Rolex Sport offerings.
PS: I've watched your Day-Date video a hundred times since last week!
Thanks and be well...
Thank you my friend, especially on the DD video re-wathcing, it means a great deal to me to hear that.
You have excellent taste, your daughters must be proud to have you as a father, you are a true gent.
O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Great video. The explorer 2 is actually my favourite Rolex of all. I'd go polar dial but saying that the black dial looks fantastic too. Gotta say though I don't care at all for the newer 42mm references, the case, hour plots and hands are far too large, almost comically large, the proportions have been lost.
I'm glad you mentioned the newer "Gargantuan" gen can also suit medium to somewhat smallish wrists as well. It really is a very versatile and beautiful piece.
"Derrière" is just a plain french word, which means "behind". All pretty simple, really. Thank me later for the arsesistance.
Seriously, the most memorable point of this video was that TGV’s derrière is on fire, and it’s ok that I didn’t understand what that meant.
I've said it before, but the switching back and forth between the front facing camera, and a side shot of you talking to the front facing camera is unnerving and distracting. I blame the meanie who wouldn't let you go on a boat ride. I do like the Explorer, but the Explorer II not so much. I cannot say why, it just doesn't do anything for me. Always enjoy your videos.
This is one of the most comprehensive Explorer II videos period! Great job brother 👏
This is my favorite option if I were to get a rolex as a daily wearer. It's simple and not showy like other rolexes. And it has a date complication which for me is essential for a daily wearer. The only negatives is setting the date (sometimes can be more tedious than a standard quickset). But as an added bonus, you have an AM/PM, GMT, or dual time function!
This quality is absolutely amazing! Would love to see more content like this. Goodnight T
Such a shame... this is the first time I felt like you’ve changed since “signing on”.. not the true feel of TUG.
Hope it’s a one off..
Another cool watch. This is one is now more popular because people cannot get the Rolex they want and no longer want to pay the exorbitant re-sale prices. Love the banter with the camera crew. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the good work.
My wish is for Rolex to re-release the 1655 mk1 exactly as it was back in '71; straight seconds hand and all! It is an absolutely perfect watch, and my all time favorite. I just can't afford an original 1655, so a re-edition would be nice! I do like their efforts with the newer 42mm version with its 1655 style orange hand, but it still looks odd to me with the Mercedes hands etc; plus I have a small wrist. I can only dream I suppose....
I like your channel, but ever since you have started working with watchbox, you have stopped making videos about the affordable pieces. Plz try to bring those alternatives on stage as well.
Thanks 👍
2 yrs. ago my nephew graduated from high school and I took him to pick out a Rolex and the Expl.Ii was his choice (white dial). Love the review so clean and fact driven. Thanks !
When I graduated from college my uncle bought me a pint of beer of my choice (Stella Artois) in the pub.
Stop, doing videos on my next grail watch, I'm going to be bankrupt. :)
nick burns you are absolut right, it`s. the Perfect Grailwatch!! I`m a happy owner for only a few weeks. I was offered a Polar Rolex Explorer II from an AD here in Sweden, and I took it, I bought it the same day as a gift for my own 50th birthday!👍🏻🤩 You can see it on Instagram @tobbensvensson.... I hope you get yours!👌🏻👌🏻😉
@@torbensvensson2093well I'm on the hunt for one!
I bought mine pre-owned from Crown and Caliber in Atlanta back in December. They had a sale AND a $500 off deal.
@@torbensvensson2093 ..........Congrats man! The Polar Explorer II is by far my favorite watch in there current lineup
Void Boy986 Wow, Thanks!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 It truly is an amazing timepiece! It really gives us Perpetual Excellence!!🤩🤩🤩
Hi TGV,
How are you? I hope that you are doing well. I am a huge fan of your’s and watches in general. I was born in 1981 and since I could remember, I see and appreciate my Dad’s manual wound Rolex Oyster date Precision which he has since the 70’s to this very day. He wears it often and still treats it in sublime fashion. I learned all about the greatness of this brand from him.
I am from India (In Australia presently) and a Mechanical Engineer (Which explains my interest in watches and it’s mechanisms) and the first watch I bought was when I got an overseas job-Seiko SKX007. The second was a Certina DS Podium chronograph quartz and the last one here in Australia-Glycine Combat Sub (Inspired by your review). Great watches to say the least! I wish my next watch to be an Automatic chronograph. My options are-Victorinox Airboss 241620 or the Fortis Aquatis Marinemaster Chronograph.
Would highly appreciate it if you could review both of these watches as I know how much respect you have for these brands and their products. Please try if you could.
Thanks and Kind Regards
Renoy Scaria
I like the idea of linking watches to actual places and stories while visiting the spots. Please consider making a video featuring the Mason-Dixon line, great amalgamation of American history, astronomy and exploration.
Thank you Klaus,
I will certainly look into your suggestion.
Best regards,
TGV
Dear TGV, thanks again for an amazing cinematic experience and thoughtful insight with regards to one of my favorite timepieces. In a world where mundane is becoming more acceptable, your punctilious watch reviews are extremely refreshing.
Just when i thought i was out ....but they pull me back in!
was that a Seinfeld (George) reference ? And if yes, how come i'm the only one who got it? 😂
Thank you for the great content as always! I have been watching your channel for almost a year now. You’ve got me started on my journey with Horology. Thanks again!!!
Some images look very familiar 🤔
Shame isn’t it ☕️
Respecticos
A joy to watch... Nice & relaxed video with soft transitions... better than the flashy changes which give some people headaches !
I have both Explorer 1 & 2 polar (114270, 16570)
Best 2 piece rolex Collection IMO.
Explorer 1 is great for work, to dress up,
The Polar is amazing weekend, travel, beach, sport watch.
Maybe I will add a datejust/day date to the collection as a pure dress watxh
Come on people! TGV is wearing an Explorer while exploring!
The Explorer is a great timepiece! but I’m not so fancy about the ExplorerII
Thanks for your videos and greetings from zurich
I can totally understand that.
Great to hear from Gentry in Zurich!
Thank you Sandy,
Best regards,
TGV
Explorer 214270 mk2 is my new grail, even though I thought the Speedie was my grail. Got that. LOL. Love it.
I also love me a Polar Ex. II
Taylor W. I also want 214270 and a speedie. I just bought a 16570 Polar 2 weeks ago from Federico and love it
The white dial explorer two will always be one of the nicest rolex sports watches.
Great video! I don’t always want a seven course meal on a watch, but, when I do, it’s your videos that I go to.
Love the loose, relaxed, yet professional style of videos👍🏼
Enjoyed this one TGV! liked the shout out to the battleship New Jersey! My parents took me to visit my uncle who was serving on the New Jersey while it was in port in San Francisco back in 1969!
Ditch the camera crew. Shoot it yourself. Too much worrying about focus on them. Focus thru the lens on your audience. 😀🍺
Couldn't agree more 👍👍
On the cards
Hello! Any thoughts on vintage ORIS pointer dates? I love the look but are they worth the money?
All the best,
Tom
Thank you Tom,
I actually talked about them recently in my top 10 iconic watches under $500 video,
Deffo check it out.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Of course you did! What an idiot. Sorry to inconvenience you with a stupid question.
Tom
Great vid as usual! I Iove the stories you connect with the watches and it really is why I love this hobby. Cheers!
Tooltastic! We needed this word; so thanks for the neologism! Speaking of Ian Fleming, I just watched a video on his role in convincing the Germans the Allies would invade Greece rather than Sicily. Worked like a charm!
Excellent presentation, as always!
Thank you Roger, you are a gent!
Best regards,
TGV
On this episode of Asses of Fire, with Terrence & Phillip...
I was expecting tosh, and you didn't disappoint:
- the 16550 was introduced in 1984
- the 16550 black dial shown from 7:54 is in fact a 16570. It's very easy to see from the bezel font
- asserting that luminova is more functional than tritium for night time reading, especially in those small indices / hands that were designed for tritium, is simply incorrect. Plus it's not even a choice Rolex made, they were forced to drop tritium due to safety concerns and regulations
Rolex are the Kings of marketing. Those explorers could have worn a Seiko5, an Invicta or even some chinese Tevis and those brands could have claimed this achievement for themselves.
It' not like the watch itself has to climb those cliffs 😅
Still love Rolex over the moon. Genuises.
Another great review. Love it when you’re outside moving around and we get to see different parts of the city. I personally don’t really like the look of the stainless steel or white gold bezel. Somehow it looks cheap to me. Obviously I am showing my lack of exposure to these quality Rolex. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, these just don’t appeal to me. Glad to see you having so much fun TGV, You were almost giddy at times.Great fun.
Gotcha! At 8:45 the seconds hand runs into the wrong direction ;-) Cheers
You, my friend are going to kill my bank account. One of the guys at my work has an explorer 2 in white and it looks fantastic in person.
my heart dropped every time the clasp hit that damn picnic table
I like the 216570 Exp II, mostly because of the return of the orange 24-hour hand. Now, if Rolex put a bezel on that one that looked like the bezel from the 1655, they'd have an AMAZING watch. There was an unofficial (not endorsed by Rolex) release called the Rolex Explorer Hillary Tenzing Edition with this combo, and it is STUNNING.
Sir,,,Pennsylvania is not a state but a commonwealth.....by the way...how many states are in the US. 50,,,?...no 46,,,,MA,VA KY and PA are not states but commonwealths...just for your info..
Do you préfère compare to a sub or gmt ?i hesitate
So according to the video the 16550 was introduced in 1985 and the 16570 in 1981? It doesnt make sense please someone xplain
I am currently homeless. I’m in a state of no return as these videos make me purchase my dream watches every now and then.
I wear my Rolex explorer 1 while sleeping. It is the low ticking sound that puts me to sleep every night under a bridge.
Good evening.
Great video TGV but... my God... why are you slapping that Oyster clasp on a picnic table! Made me flinch!
The two watches i’ll love to own.
124270 & 226570
❤
Great video as always 🙌🏾
Good video, but I just can't get into the ExII - now that there are only twelve lumed markers, it's actually less useful for its original purpose (caving etc). The black outlined-markers on the Polar version look a little "off" somehow too, though they do make it very legible!
Also for exploration of polar regions where the sun doesn't rise/set?
Cool vid- my only Rolex is one of these, and you're dead right about it being something of a do-it-all watch - when I go on holiday I don't want to take more than one watch, and this is invariably the one I select.
And yes, it's gorgeous on a black perforated sailcloth strap, and a black/grey striped Nato as well.
Agreed also that if you're after perfection, it has to be the Explorer (One), but I can't justify having both. My simple 3-hander sports watch is a Black Bay 58 (which ticks the diver box for me too).
TGV, I just want to thank you for having a small wrist. If you had a big wrist like me, I would have to go out and buy all these watches you review. Instead I get to just fume about how they all don't fit me and continue being able to pay my rent.
Paul Durham The new one is 42mm.
Personally I’ve never seen the attraction of the Exp II as I can’t see the value of the 24 hour complication. That said I saw the polar 42mm version in the wild a while ago and thought it had a nice understated character. Not the everyman Rolex and most likely part of a larger collection. If I was going Explorer I’d opt for the 369 version which has more or less been perfected with the latest iteration. Nice video.
Hi TGV
Your WHAT feels like it’s on fire???😂
Rolex is a conservative company in the respect that they tend towards slow quality development rather than revolutions. It’s more “Omega’ish” to do what they did in the early 70’s when they launched the Explorer 2. A completely different animal but, really, more of an explorers watch than the original model. If I was to climb Mount Everest, which one would I choose...?
I do like both models. That I would choose the Explorer (“1”) has more to do with my being a dressy kind of man. More of a timeless classic...
Rolex do stick to their conservatism in the respect that they continue to develop and sell both models. That’s the way to build an maintain an image.
Keep up the good work👍
Nice review. I love my 16570 Polar. Was my first Rolex.
Finally a TGV video on the 16570!
Nice Glycine Airman homage ;-)
LOL
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Great video 👍🏻. I much prefer the Explorer, maybe that’s why my Explorer 2 is going to be sold (only 1 careful owner) 😂.
The Explorer is a timeless timepiece, does one thing extremely well, simple in it's design, and versatile. My Grail which I hope to obtain in the near future. Nice video..
Drives be crazy when I see reviews of the explorer II. I wanted one and searched for months for the perfect one and never pulled the trigger then a GMT Master II Black fell in my lap and I grabbed it. Im thinking I'll always perfer the Polar Explorer to the GMT. But the GMT is a better investment and I have it. Great video been to the Philly water front a few times its a very nice place to explore.
Dear TGV,
I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel. You truly inspire me to become a better version of myself.
You also introduced me to a new hobby! I am looking to buy an Orient Bambino as my first watch, I cannot wait.
THAT makes my day. Thank you my friend and welcome to the Gentry!
The Bambino was a classy choice, enjoy.
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV - I finally got my Explorer 1 and agree it's the best all around watch in my opinion. Thanks for the video that inspired me to save for it. Best Regards, John
TGV I spent well over a year trying to find my birth year watch, in the end I decided on a 1655 with box & papers from 1973 which only had one owner, with all its original patina, scratches & so forth, then a week later a 1972 model came up with box & papers which happen to be my wife's birth year, so I was able to purchase that as well - still to this day I do know why the 1972 model was so much less than the 1973 other than the Steve McQueen connection to the 1655 in 1973, regardless it is not an investment for us but a purchase for our collection for life.
Very nice video TGV..really liked this type of on the go review and some of the table top shots displaying the watch beautifully..keep up the good work Sir..👍🏻👍🏻
Hi loved how are used to do things now it’s all high-end I like high-end but I like the cheaper watches also.
Far from it Joe, the next review is a $40 watch.
I always have covered all levels and always will.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Tenuous connection yes, cool video yes. Good choice in location keep it up.
Btw, the way to REALLY know that's New Jersey is to use binoculars to see all of the people scrambling to escape...
FYI 😉
Great video presentation. I am glad you shot this at Penn's landing. It has changed a lot since I was on the scene there in 1976. I was working on a ship which was in the background of many of your shots - the four masted barque: Moshulu, which unfortunately was turned into a restaurant. I helped rig a restaurant. One of these days I will have to travel to Philly and renew my acquaintance with old haunts, especially at Penn's landing. Keep on exploring and showing us Philly - all the best. RKL
Well done! Great vid. Make one for the Milgauss next...
Excellent idea!!
Thank you Prnuv, I will deffo add it to the list.
Best regards,
TGV
That production value. Dayum.
Awesome review!! I was at the museum there last August. Absolutely spectacular spot there. I have my first Rolex Explorer 2 incoming 😊👍
A great video for some inspiration to start off this school year, wonderful video as always and the explorer II has been a watch I’ve been waiting to see you review, I’m so happy you finally were able too!!
Best regards,
Conner
Thank you so much captain :D
O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Ha! At 18:11 you said "...its simplicity is what I adore about the Explorer...." My daughter listening in the background said "He likes Dora the Explorer?"
You are one of my most loved expert in watches. I should ask you about dilemma. I’m planning buy Tudor north flag but I need something more suitable for suit. Problem, I’m 6 foot 6 with 8+ inch wrist. Should I go with 39 Explorer? Air king? Tudor Heritage ranger looks and feels Like first explorer but in my size. Or , it is better to go with homage as Steinhart Ocean one Vintage
Calmati fratello lol, 1000% the Rokex Explorer is my favourite Rolex. Simplicity goes so much further. What a fantastic day you had, great review😊🇮🇹🇺🇲🇨🇦👍⌚
Great video! Love the outdoor shooting and the info. Good work!
Did the 3186 not get introduced in 2008?
You should do sometimes videos exactly like this, it's different and refreshing and a whole new level! Really nice timepiece thank you for all facts and information. Cheers
Thank you sir, you are so right, this is exactly always the plan, to switch it up so it's not always just the same style.
People always panic an think it is JUST one style, but there will always be vids like this, table top with white gloves, vids with Hugo, top 10s etc... etc.
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you for your time TGV! You really care about feedbacks and your audience! I think it's good to maintain your own style that you already have, no doubt that audience like it (including myself), but you know, some extra content like this at least 2 times per month would be perfect! Best regards my friend.
Great video! Just a question--what's the video you're the most proud of?
Dude what a video. Love the presentation style and videography. I definitely think you could have your own TV show.
I Love many watches from Rolex, my favorite is the Dayjust 36.
But i never really liked the Explorer II.
I know many people are obsessed with it and it must have something appealing, but i dont really get into it.
Its just my personal opinion and i dont want to be offensive, but everytime i look on the Explorer II the only word which comes to my mind is "hideous".
Anyway, great video,i learned a lot about this interesting watch.
best regards from germany
Love this sort of content, beautifully executed and astounding quality. Personally my favorite is the review you did on your very own yellow gold day-date.
God do I love The Explorer II. That tad of red...One of these days... Thanks for the content T!