For 11 years I had Black face previous version 7:25 and recently traded it for new Polar 226570. As a pilot one could not get better tool watch. 42 mm, orange GMT hand, adjustable hour hand. Reliable, decent, relatively affordable watches with no frills. Looks like an old model, in fact completely different with tiny adjustments Rolex have made. To say nothing of 3285 movement. It took me a years to find thè best watch for my job. Here we are. For 13 years I have real friend on my wrist.
I owned it for 3 months. I waited this for 10 years, for some reasons, but never forget it from my wishlist. It.s so special as you mentioned. My 6.5 inch wrist surprisingly suited well. Thanks for your superb clip review. Nice picture!
I have to say the 40 mm is the sweet spot for me with wear ability but I think this dial is far more superior. Great Bday present. It is def the most utility watch of the all the Rolex models.
Disagree. I like the 42mm diameter. This adds an element of exclusivity to the model,…suitable for men with larger wrist (e.g., 8”). This will make this a future classic. All the best.
This is my favorite watch in my collection. It's just a great under the radar, everyday watch. Plus the fact that it runs +5/sec every 7 days is great.
Great video and great watch. I hadn't seen the difference in crowns with the sub before and enjoyed that comparison. It was between this in black or the sub for me and I am so happy I went for the explorer. I find the 5mm extension perfect - it's snug on my wrist when resting without leaving an imprint, but when flying/exerting effort/getting warm it gets uncomfortable so popping the extension gives me the perfect amount of added size. 42mm wears so well too, it has the heft we look for in a stainless steel tool watch without going over the top.
e Rolex Explorer II is an outstanding watch. The build quality is impeccable, with a rugged yet refined design that feels perfect for both adventure and everyday wear. The GMT function is incredibly useful, and the luminous markers make it easy to read in any lighting. It’s comfortable on the wrist and keeps accurate time. Overall, a timeless piece that combines functionality and style effortlessly.
great video, great watch...tried it on yesterday at an AD and I liked it even more than on pictures and videos......gonna get me this watch in the next few weeks....prices are now just a tad over MSRP on the grey market, so I´m just gonna pay the +/- 500 € premium and get it immediatly, not gonna play the waiting game.
Glad to hear that you are getting the watch you want without playing silly ad's games, I can see rolex being sold at the ad's with 10percent discounts in the next 12months people will be offloading their watches like crazy which will bring down prices, good luck with your watch and wear it in good health my friend
@@Andy-ys8sj Ah, just bought one yesterday, 10.350 €, so 450 € over MSRP.....waiting and denying yourself to enjoy wairing it immediatly is more expensive than paying this "small" premium :-), it should arrive be the end of this week. Well let´s hope prices will keep coming down....that would be great, Cheers!
@@marcod.r.3299 glad to hear that you have gotten the watch you wanted, enjoy it, wear it, and be proud of the milestone of having a beautiful piece that you can pass down, all the best Andrew
@@BrokeWatchFanatic same! i just received mine an hour ago and i couldn't believe how well it fit my small wrist. Ive read endless comments of how big it is but i couldnt be happier. Such an underrated model and I like it like this. Glad to see others agree as well.
Greatest watch ever! I traded my 216570 Polar to fund a 126613LN from Rolex and my watch collection always felt empty, I was able to get the call after 1 year wait for the 226 Polar and couldn’t be happier, they’re my only watches in the collection and it’s given me 0 desire for any future watches. If one day I had to only keep one watch the Polar is it! Enjoy them both cheers 🍻
A rotating bezel would go against functionality and operational requirements under which the timepiece is asked to perform. Unlike diving, Mountaineering, rock climbing and spelunking are activities that require a fixed bezel to eliminate risks of bezel reading change on frequently almost unavoidable watch case knocks with rock surfaces.
@@BrokeWatchFanatic Yeah it’s just a bit galling when it’s already in worse condition than a Tag Carrera I bought 16 years ago and wore daily for 12 of them. But hey, this is life 🤷🏻♂️
This is my dream watch. I went into ad to like at Rolex watches, never even got to see one up close or try one on. I always was in love with the daydate and more recently the sky dweller. But….. when I tried one of these on (black dial) that was it, new favorite. Can’t decide on black or white dial. But seeing how I’ll have to wait for this lotto ticket to hit before I can afford it. By then guess I’ll just get em both!
Congrats! Such an awesome journey to get this piece. This is my favorite Rolex design but the dimensions look too large for my wrist. I have the wrist to handle it but because the dial is large and the endlinks aren’t female it just looks too big to me. I’m waiting for the update on the BBpro and hoping for a white dial since that fits my wrist perfectly but is just to thick right now.
The dial is the exact same diameter as the dial on the Black Bay pro I own them both and have measured them. Definitely an optical illusion it sure does look bigger but it isn’t, the extra girth is in the bezel/case.
Owned one for a week after picking it up from the AD. It just didn't do it for me compared to my 16750. I really hope the Explorer II goes back to 40mm again and I'll be back. The orange GMT hand returning is awesome and the larger power reserve is great too. All that being said, if you have larger wrists, there isn't a cooler watch Rolex makes right now. Congrats on the watch and 40! Your reviews are some of my favorite on YT.
Gorgeous watch! I can’t wait to receive mine on Friday & think it’ll be the perfect companion to my black DSSD & blue Skydweller-I also think it’ll be my daily! Great video & thanks for posting
Congratulations! I got a small flat 16 cm wrist and it fits comfortably. I worn the watch when I ran a marathon in Antarctica. The legibility of this watch shone throughout the expedition!
I am in the boat of this being a total banger of watch but wishing it was brought back down to a size 40mm. It wears larger than the Omega SMP 300M Diver, despite both being a 42mm case size due to it's lugs. Rolex makes perfect 36mm (DJ, Explorer, OP) and 40mm (Current-Master 2, 16570 Explorer 2). Wishful thinking would be having both a 40 and 42 Exp2, or discontinuing the 42 and replacing it with a 40mm.
The cerachrom bezel on the GMT's and the Sub look cheap to me for some reason. The steel bezel on the Explorer 2 makes me feel like I can bump this around with no worries! I also enjoy the weight of this watch! It feels very expensive. It 's a fun watch to wear because you can wear it in any scenario (i.e. grocery store or office) without feeling like an a**hole! Lastly, every sub feels "dainty" and small after wearing this watch alot. Not sure if you've had the same experience. Nonetheless, great review and great choice!
It looks great on you congratulations!!! I I got mine 2 months ago and I love it, perfect watch for summer vacation and casual events, it’s a very masculine watch full of testosterone and ready for anything
I have the 40mm and the previous 42 versions. A 40.5mm would have been perfect for my 7.5 inch wrist (in my opinion). The gloss finish on the hands has never been an issue on the previous model. Either way they are all great!
I have a good relationship relationship with my ad. I’ve bought two watches from them and when I went to put my name on the list, she said it’s a popular model and that it would be available a few months from January so I’m thinking between March and April
I just got my polar dial 226570 a week ago and am absolutely in love with it. Initially wanted the black dial sub but am super glad I went with the explorer II instead
it looks amazing - got the call from the dealer today to say mine has arrived. Just not sure on it with all the price drop talks. So torn. Love this piece so much... But is paying retail for one now worth while?
Only you can answer that. You’ll get peace of mind when buying from an authorized dealer but if you find a reputable gray market dealer with the condition and price you like, that’s a good option as well.
Enjoyed your video. Been thinking about adding an Explorer II (polar) with the updated movement to go with my 50th Anniversary Sea Dweller. Also like the GS GMT Spring Drive you showed
You want your dream Rolex? Here is the secret 🤫. Buy other watches! Works every time. Shorty after you do and you’re watch broke, you’ll get the call. Never fails.
I love the aesthetics and functionality of the Explorer 2 and would be tempted to buy it if it came in 39 or 40 mm. At its current size, it would be too large for my 6.5 in wrists. I daily an Explorer 36 mm.
Congrats! I have also been considering the GS SBGE285 and have several GSs. How do you think it compares to the polar explorer. I am debating between the two.
The SBGE285 is the more elegant piece and the Explorer II being more sports. Finishing on both is quite excellent. Explorer II has a better bracelet and clasp, but the GS wears smaller and lighter (obviously, titanium). You can't go wrong honestly. Good luck!
Sorry but if you look under micro rolex finishing is terrible for the money, a Chinese company called San Martin won a finishing and metalwork comparison with rolex and they cost three hundred bucks. I'd go with gs, better finishing better dials better movements and half the price plus you can actually buy them. No brainer
So I ended up with an SBGN005 as an impulse buy. Was in Toronto and the AD had one of the last new ones around. Got a nice deal, plus favorable exchange rate. Was a no brainer. Scratches the itch for less than 1/3 of the price. Sure it quartz, but it’s the best quartz made and lifetime serviceable.
You got the Sub date, you should go with the traditional Sub because the Explorer II already has a date and you don’t see them everywhere (the Sub Date)
Rolex makes a superior movement over the Seiko NH34. I have an 85 dollar watch I built from aliexpress that looks exactly like the 42mm Rolex Explorer 2, minus the Rolex logo. I love my cheap homage. If it breaks, it's no big deal, I'll just build another one.
I don't know why people criticize the size of the Explorer II 42mm. After all, the size of a watch is a matter of taste. Some prefer smaller watches on the wrist, while others like huge ones. Just look at other manufacturers like Omega, Breitling, there are sizes 42, 44, 45mm and no one complains, but in the case of Rolex everything revolves around the Submariner. If something looks different it's ugly or if it's bigger it's too big. It's ridiculous. We'll wait a bit longer until we see the new Submariner 42mm and see if anyone criticizes it.
Its funny how taste changes as you grow, when i was younger i was all for the more flashy watches. But as I've grown thats changed. When i get to the stage of getting my firs rolex i woukd like to get the exploer. Its my style of watch the more plain jane style, after that id like to get the explorer ll. Dont get me wrong i still like the hulk but I've moved away from the styles of fluted bezel 2 tone rolexs or flashy dial's. With the acception to a meteorite dial its a bit of both.
Just curious how many links you removed & which of the 3 positions you have the buckle micro adjustment set too? I can’t seem to get the perfect fit on mine
I recon in years to come this watch will have a huge premium! Rolex’s least produced watch and if it follows trends it’s always the ones that’s aren’t wanted at the time that become so wanted in the future
It is nice. But 52mm lug to lug is too big for a holiday watch for me skiing, outdoors etc This watch should have a glidelock too. A 39mm Pelegos with GMT would be a sweetspot though.
Technically the new Explorer 2 is a good watch. But when it comes to wearability and aesthetics the modern Explorer 2's just can't compete with the 16570.
I am on the "wait list" for a black dial Explorer 2. If anyone has purchased one in the last 6-12 months, could you tell me about how long you had to wait for one?
got my black 226570 Exp 2 last December. visited AD, expressed interest (I think they were surprised I liked black > polar, but black flies more below the radar and can blend with any look), and got the call just days later. easier to attain then GMT or even some Subs in my limited experience. if you wait too long, try another AD. worth the wait, it's a great travel watch, and tough enough for any activity
I think the dial is much more alive than a submariner dial, the orange hand certainly does it for me. Some areas in the Netherlands you have to be careful with rolex watches because many people get robbed. my explorer 2 was only recognized by enthusiasts, my submariner unfortunately by everyone, I feel more comfortable with my explorer 2 than with my submariner.
@@J144. thank you yes that makes sense. I had a BLRO and sold as I did not feel safe as well and too much of an attention seeking watch. Sold it and now mostly wear a Tudor Pelagos 39 but starting to get the itch for a new watch and I think the black exp2 will be it. Thanks
For 11 years I had Black face previous version 7:25 and recently traded it for new Polar 226570.
As a pilot one could not get better tool watch.
42 mm, orange GMT hand, adjustable hour hand. Reliable, decent, relatively affordable watches with no frills.
Looks like an old model, in fact completely different with tiny adjustments Rolex have made.
To say nothing of 3285 movement.
It took me a years to find thè best watch for my job.
Here we are.
For 13 years I have real friend on my wrist.
Hope you continue to enjoy this magnificent watch!
I love this watch, what strikes me the most is its comfort, its slim, very well proportioned and refined
Very thin for a GMT movement as well.
Had my black one for two years.. awesome watch.. reliable, well weighted and functional. Those that know know…
Agreed!
..know that it wears badly on sub 7.5 inch wrists.
My wife bought me a 16570 for my 40th birthday. That was 15 years ago. I love and cherish my watch.
Love hearing these stories!
@@_Pearls4SwineJesus Christ you’re acting like he got divorced ffs
Underrated watch . I have the black version and love it
Killer watch as well!
Agreed, I have an OP 41 and a GMT Root Beer and my black Explorer II gets the most wrist time.
Congratulations on this wonderful acquisition. And happy 40th birthday! 🎉
Thank you!
Just got mine for my 30th birthday, and is gorgeous I love it!!
Great video!
Awesome! Thank you!
I owned it for 3 months. I waited this for 10 years, for some reasons, but never forget it from my wishlist. It.s so special as you mentioned. My 6.5 inch wrist surprisingly suited well. Thanks for your superb clip review. Nice picture!
Thank you! I’m glad you finally got it after all those years of waiting! Congrats! 🎊
do you think for a 15.2cm wrist size like 6 inch wrist it would be ok ?
I have to say the 40 mm is the sweet spot for me with wear ability but I think this dial is far more superior. Great Bday present. It is def the most utility watch of the all the Rolex models.
This dial in the 40mm would be superb. Thank you!
Totally agree
Disagree. I like the 42mm diameter. This adds an element of exclusivity to the model,…suitable for men with larger wrist (e.g., 8”). This will make this a future classic. All the best.
This is my favorite watch in my collection. It's just a great under the radar, everyday watch. Plus the fact that it runs +5/sec every 7 days is great.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it as much as I am! Mine is on the minus side but it’s 👌.
Sheesh ... +5 sec/day would drive me nuts... I love Omega's now with METAS certification like my new Speedy .. +.8 sec/day!!
@privateinfo4820 That's every 7 days my friend. I think you misread my comment.
My favorite Rolex. One of the reasons is the perfect size for men.
Great video and great watch. I hadn't seen the difference in crowns with the sub before and enjoyed that comparison. It was between this in black or the sub for me and I am so happy I went for the explorer. I find the 5mm extension perfect - it's snug on my wrist when resting without leaving an imprint, but when flying/exerting effort/getting warm it gets uncomfortable so popping the extension gives me the perfect amount of added size. 42mm wears so well too, it has the heft we look for in a stainless steel tool watch without going over the top.
I’m glad you’re taking full advantage of the 5mm extension! For me, it’s too tight or too loose.
Wearing a 216570 black dial every day since more than 12 years and so happy with that watch 😊Great in every aspect for me !
I hope I get to enjoy it for as long as you do. 🙂
I love me a good contrast dial, what an incredible watch! Congrats!
Thank you!
e Rolex Explorer II is an outstanding watch. The build quality is impeccable, with a rugged yet refined design that feels perfect for both adventure and everyday wear. The GMT function is incredibly useful, and the luminous markers make it easy to read in any lighting. It’s comfortable on the wrist and keeps accurate time. Overall, a timeless piece that combines functionality and style effortlessly.
Very well said! I don’t think I’ll ever let this go.
I own both Rolex Polar and grand Seiko. I love both along with Omega moon watch.
Congrats on your Polar! I agree with all your points. This was my second allocation after getting a BLNR and it gets tons of wrist time.
Thank you! BLNR... wow!
It’s on my wish list. I have a no date sub, this would compliment it well
💯 hope it comes to fruition!
great video, great watch...tried it on yesterday at an AD and I liked it even more than on pictures and videos......gonna get me this watch in the next few weeks....prices are now just a tad over MSRP on the grey market, so I´m just gonna pay the +/- 500 € premium and get it immediatly, not gonna play the waiting game.
It surprised me on how well it fits me. That’s not a bad premium! Best of luck!
Glad to hear that you are getting the watch you want without playing silly ad's games, I can see rolex being sold at the ad's with 10percent discounts in the next 12months people will be offloading their watches like crazy which will bring down prices, good luck with your watch and wear it in good health my friend
@@Andy-ys8sj Ah, just bought one yesterday, 10.350 €, so 450 € over MSRP.....waiting and denying yourself to enjoy wairing it immediatly is more expensive than paying this "small" premium :-), it should arrive be the end of this week. Well let´s hope prices will keep coming down....that would be great, Cheers!
@@marcod.r.3299 glad to hear that you have gotten the watch you wanted, enjoy it, wear it, and be proud of the milestone of having a beautiful piece that you can pass down, all the best Andrew
@@BrokeWatchFanatic same! i just received mine an hour ago and i couldn't believe how well it fit my small wrist. Ive read endless comments of how big it is but i couldnt be happier. Such an underrated model and I like it like this. Glad to see others agree as well.
Greatest watch ever! I traded my 216570 Polar to fund a 126613LN from Rolex and my watch collection always felt empty, I was able to get the call after 1 year wait for the 226 Polar and couldn’t be happier, they’re my only watches in the collection and it’s given me 0 desire for any future watches. If one day I had to only keep one watch the Polar is it! Enjoy them both cheers 🍻
Thank you! Enjoy yours as well! 226>216. 🙂
I love the polar dial!
Nice birthday present. It just edges out the pair socks that I received for my birthday.
Thanks! Only by a little. 😆
Beautiful watch but I wish the bezel wasn't fixed. I like the hefty size too since I'm a big guy. 🥰😍
A rotating bezel would go against functionality and operational requirements under which the timepiece is asked to perform.
Unlike diving, Mountaineering, rock climbing and spelunking are activities that require a fixed bezel to eliminate risks of bezel reading change on frequently almost unavoidable watch case knocks with rock surfaces.
I've had my Polar for about 6 months now and also got it for my 40th! I absolutely love it.
Twins!
@@BrokeWatchFanatic :)
My only grip with this watch is I don't get to wear my 1675 or 1016 as much as I used to. This thing is amazing!
Looks like you have an amazing museum exhibit at home!
Great video, thank you. I love the Explorer II but I’m surprised at how easily I’ve scratched it considering its “tool watch” moniker.
The beauty of tool watches is that it looks just as good if not better with scratches. Or at least we like to tell ourselves that lol
@@BrokeWatchFanatic Yeah it’s just a bit galling when it’s already in worse condition than a Tag Carrera I bought 16 years ago and wore daily for 12 of them. But hey, this is life 🤷🏻♂️
This is my dream watch. I went into ad to like at Rolex watches, never even got to see one up close or try one on. I always was in love with the daydate and more recently the sky dweller. But….. when I tried one of these on (black dial) that was it, new favorite. Can’t decide on black or white dial. But seeing how I’ll have to wait for this lotto ticket to hit before I can afford it. By then guess I’ll just get em both!
That would be awesome if you can get both! Best of luck!
Thanks for the video. I’m considering the Exp II for my 6.75 inch wrist and have been going back and forth given its lug-to-lug.
As was I... Glad it was helpful!
Too big for your wrist. Get the older one.
Congrats! Such an awesome journey to get this piece. This is my favorite Rolex design but the dimensions look too large for my wrist. I have the wrist to handle it but because the dial is large and the endlinks aren’t female it just looks too big to me. I’m waiting for the update on the BBpro and hoping for a white dial since that fits my wrist perfectly but is just to thick right now.
Thank you! A white BB pro would be awesome, with the thinner movement please, Tudor, make it happen!
The dial is the exact same diameter as the dial on the Black Bay pro I own them both and have measured them. Definitely an optical illusion it sure does look bigger but it isn’t, the extra girth is in the bezel/case.
I have the explorer 2 polar. I love it
42mm is the sweetspot for me.
Best watch ever ❤
Couldn't agree more!
Owned one for a week after picking it up from the AD. It just didn't do it for me compared to my 16750. I really hope the Explorer II goes back to 40mm again and I'll be back. The orange GMT hand returning is awesome and the larger power reserve is great too. All that being said, if you have larger wrists, there isn't a cooler watch Rolex makes right now. Congrats on the watch and 40! Your reviews are some of my favorite on YT.
40/41mm would be the sweet spot. Thank you for your kind words! 🙏
Had my for years, love it and will pass it on when I go!
I also own an Explorer II and love it - such a underrated watch. i feel it's a mixture of a GMT and Daytona
Gorgeous watch! I can’t wait to receive mine on Friday & think it’ll be the perfect companion to my black DSSD & blue Skydweller-I also think it’ll be my daily! Great video & thanks for posting
Thank you and congratulations! Great collection you got there!
Congrats on a lovely piece for your milestone!
Thank you!
I feel the same way and favour mine over my Sub date also, it’s a great piece and a relative bargain in the Rolex market, a real sleeper.
Weirdly, the sub has become the dressy piece for me…
@@BrokeWatchFanatic I know what you mean but I have a two tone DJ41 for that role, but the Sub is a good halfway house between the two.
Best Rolex by far. Watch for real man.
It really is!
Beautifully made video
Thank you for making this.
Thank you 🙏
Congratulations! I got a small flat 16 cm wrist and it fits comfortably. I worn the watch when I ran a marathon in Antarctica. The legibility of this watch shone throughout the expedition!
Marathon in Antarctica?! Must have been nice!
Yes! One of the craziest thing I ever done! Enjoy your watch! I love mine a lot!
I am in the boat of this being a total banger of watch but wishing it was brought back down to a size 40mm. It wears larger than the Omega SMP 300M Diver, despite both being a 42mm case size due to it's lugs. Rolex makes perfect 36mm (DJ, Explorer, OP) and 40mm (Current-Master 2, 16570 Explorer 2). Wishful thinking would be having both a 40 and 42 Exp2, or discontinuing the 42 and replacing it with a 40mm.
That would be my ideal Explorer II as well. 16570 case with the 226570 internals.
Love mine too, juat picked it up and I love the totoughness and legibility. Also the Luke is awesome. One rugged looking adventure ready watch!!
Good choice twin! Congrats!
The cerachrom bezel on the GMT's and the Sub look cheap to me for some reason. The steel bezel on the Explorer 2 makes me feel like I can bump this around with no worries! I also enjoy the weight of this watch! It feels very expensive. It 's a fun watch to wear because you can wear it in any scenario (i.e. grocery store or office) without feeling like an a**hole! Lastly, every sub feels "dainty" and small after wearing this watch alot. Not sure if you've had the same experience. Nonetheless, great review and great choice!
💯! My sub feels very small after wearing this one a lot.
It looks great on you congratulations!!! I I got mine 2 months ago and I love it, perfect watch for summer vacation and casual events, it’s a very masculine watch full of testosterone and ready for anything
Had a long 24 months waiting before I got my polar Explorer 2 in July 30 2024 and have no regrets.
I’m glad it arrived, hope you create a lot of memories with it!
I have the 40mm and the previous 42 versions. A 40.5mm would have been perfect for my 7.5 inch wrist (in my opinion). The gloss finish on the hands has never been an issue on the previous model. Either way they are all great!
Agreed 💯
One of my favorite models, congrats!
Amazing watch. I’m on the lift for this. Ad said a few months after January
I have a good relationship relationship with my ad. I’ve bought two watches from them and when I went to put my name on the list, she said it’s a popular model and that it would be available a few months from January so I’m thinking between March and April
It’ll happen. The watch market isn’t what it was a couple of years ago. Good luck!
I just got my polar dial 226570 a week ago and am absolutely in love with it. Initially wanted the black dial sub but am super glad I went with the explorer II instead
You made the right choice! Now go get that sub too lol
@@BrokeWatchFanatic hoping that’ll be my next milestone piece!
Lovely watch, my next one to add to the collection 🔥
It’s on fire right now!
Great info. Can you put on a nato strap or rubber strap?
Yes you can.
it looks amazing - got the call from the dealer today to say mine has arrived. Just not sure on it with all the price drop talks. So torn. Love this piece so much... But is paying retail for one now worth while?
Only you can answer that. You’ll get peace of mind when buying from an authorized dealer but if you find a reputable gray market dealer with the condition and price you like, that’s a good option as well.
Any idea where I can get one for retail ?
Enjoyed your video. Been thinking about adding an Explorer II (polar) with the updated movement to go with my 50th Anniversary Sea Dweller. Also like the GS GMT Spring Drive you showed
Thank you! I hope it works out!
The Explorer II makes you feel surreal and intimidates you. Lol. Damn bro, grow a pair
What an awesome piece 🤘🤘🤘
Have u tried it on NATO? The E2 looks so good on straps
I haven’t. But one day I definitely will!
Adrian Barker’s Explorer looks good on it.
Love this piece!
Great video. Underrated in my opinion.
Thank you 🙏
Agreed friend, this and the no date sub. Are the only tool watches that rolex have left, the rest are blingy fashion watches
You want your dream Rolex? Here is the secret 🤫. Buy other watches! Works every time. Shorty after you do and you’re watch broke, you’ll get the call. Never fails.
Great video editing
Thank you!
I love the aesthetics and functionality of the Explorer 2 and would be tempted to buy it if it came in 39 or 40 mm. At its current size, it would be too large for my 6.5 in wrists. I daily an Explorer 36 mm.
A great daily indeed!
Explorer in 36 ? You are a man or a Woman ??
I have an explorar 42mm and I love and like it much better than my Submarina.
My submariner has been on the back burner for sure.
Congrats! I have also been considering the GS SBGE285 and have several GSs. How do you think it compares to the polar explorer. I am debating between the two.
The SBGE285 is the more elegant piece and the Explorer II being more sports. Finishing on both is quite excellent. Explorer II has a better bracelet and clasp, but the GS wears smaller and lighter (obviously, titanium). You can't go wrong honestly. Good luck!
@@BrokeWatchFanatic can’t go wrong…..In the watch world that translates to….going to buy both!
😂😂
Sorry but if you look under micro rolex finishing is terrible for the money, a Chinese company called San Martin won a finishing and metalwork comparison with rolex and they cost three hundred bucks.
I'd go with gs, better finishing better dials better movements and half the price plus you can actually buy them.
No brainer
So I ended up with an SBGN005 as an impulse buy. Was in Toronto and the AD had one of the last new ones around. Got a nice deal, plus favorable exchange rate. Was a no brainer. Scratches the itch for less than 1/3 of the price. Sure it quartz, but it’s the best quartz made and lifetime serviceable.
Great review!
Thanks!
You got the Sub date, you should go with the traditional Sub because the Explorer II already has a date and you don’t see them everywhere (the Sub Date)
I’d miss the date complication to be honest!
Rolex makes a superior movement over the Seiko NH34. I have an 85 dollar watch I built from aliexpress that looks exactly like the 42mm Rolex Explorer 2, minus the Rolex logo. I love my cheap homage. If it breaks, it's no big deal, I'll just build another one.
It’s a great watch, and thank god they bezel has not been given the ceramic treatment
I love a good steel bezel!
Hopefully they will redesign it back to 40mm
I have the same watch. It wears very comfortable.
Agreed!
I don't know why people criticize the size of the Explorer II 42mm. After all, the size of a watch is a matter of taste. Some prefer smaller watches on the wrist, while others like huge ones. Just look at other manufacturers like Omega, Breitling, there are sizes 42, 44, 45mm and no one complains, but in the case of Rolex everything revolves around the Submariner. If something looks different it's ugly or if it's bigger it's too big. It's ridiculous. We'll wait a bit longer until we see the new Submariner 42mm and see if anyone criticizes it.
It’s amazing how people make the 1mm difference seem enormous.
Its funny how taste changes as you grow, when i was younger i was all for the more flashy watches. But as I've grown thats changed.
When i get to the stage of getting my firs rolex i woukd like to get the exploer. Its my style of watch the more plain jane style, after that id like to get the explorer ll.
Dont get me wrong i still like the hulk but I've moved away from the styles of fluted bezel 2 tone rolexs or flashy dial's. With the acception to a meteorite dial its a bit of both.
Hope you get them both! I always say my collection is evolving. It is never done. 😆
I own this same one. I still say it would look a bit more proportional at 40mm.
I agree.
You dont have to play the build relationship game with AD as 226570 can be had for a pretty good deal in grey as it dip below retail now
Got links?
Fantastic watch great review.
Thanks for watching!
Very nice review, thx!
Thank you!
I actually find it a beautiful watch (esp the white one)
I love it 😍
Just curious how many links you removed & which of the 3 positions you have the buckle micro adjustment set too? I can’t seem to get the perfect fit on mine
I removed two links. Micro adjustment is at the middle point with the 5mm extension shortened. Hope you get the perfect fit!
This is a very nice watch. Congratulations!
Thank you very much!
I recon in years to come this watch will have a huge premium! Rolex’s least produced watch and if it follows trends it’s always the ones that’s aren’t wanted at the time that become so wanted in the future
Is it really the least produced? That would be an interesting fact.
How long is your wait at the AD? Is it cheap than the gray market?
I believe it was a month or two? The 226570 is slightly above retail if you go gray.
I picked this up for my birthday in 2023 😊
Hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am!
Watching the video and looking at my polar… 😍
I do the same while watching other explorer II video reviews lol
I wanted it but once I found out it didn’t have the glide lock it was a no go. I picked up the Starbucks
Yeah I understand, but I’m able to get a good fit without it. Maybe you can too. The Starbucks is so nice, congrats!
A beautiful watch, I own a 2003 & a 2022 model both with black dials. The 2022 is still unworn and will probably stay that way.
A work of art 🖼️.
Did you buy the GS mistflake from the same AD that called you a month later for the Exp 2?
No I did not. It was purchased elsewhere.
It is nice.
But 52mm lug to lug is too big for a holiday watch for me skiing, outdoors etc
This watch should have a glidelock too.
A 39mm Pelegos with GMT would be a sweetspot though.
Pelagos GMT could be in the works after seeing the BB58 GMT…
If the orange parts and text were red I’d like it a lot more.
I thought this exact same thing. I wish it was red like its predecessor.
Technically the new Explorer 2 is a good watch. But when it comes to wearability and aesthetics the modern Explorer 2's just can't compete with the 16570.
You’re right. The size on the 40mm is a lot more manageable.
@@BrokeWatchFanaticpas quand c’est aussi bien proportionné
Had mine for nearly 7 years, been everywhere with it including the sea. Worn every weekend and holidays. Robust, not in your face. Ment to be worn.
I am on the "wait list" for a black dial Explorer 2. If anyone has purchased one in the last 6-12 months, could you tell me about how long you had to wait for one?
I got this 9 months ago. Took a couple of visits and about a few weeks. Check out my video on getting a Rolex for my 40th. Best of luck!
Purchased mine about two months ago now. Took me one week for my beautiful Black dial Explorer II !!!! Had no purchase history neither
got my black 226570 Exp 2 last December. visited AD, expressed interest (I think they were surprised I liked black > polar, but black flies more below the radar and can blend with any look), and got the call just days later. easier to attain then GMT or even some Subs in my limited experience. if you wait too long, try another AD. worth the wait, it's a great travel watch, and tough enough for any activity
I waited for 24 months
No waiting here! Just got into the Rolex dealer and asked for it: Got it immediately 😊
The ONLY Rolex I want. One day…👍
Let’s make it happen!
The Explorer 2 is the only Rolex I like. 40mm max.
This is my grail watch. Maybe someday.
Hopefully sooner than later!
I sold the black explorer 2 216570 and bought the new submariner, now i want it back.
Now you have the option of the 226…
@@BrokeWatchFanatic yes that is certainly true, I am thinking about it because that model is very attractive.
Can you explain reasons why ? Thks
I think the dial is much more alive than a submariner dial, the orange hand certainly does it for me. Some areas in the Netherlands you have to be careful with rolex watches because many people get robbed.
my explorer 2 was only recognized by enthusiasts, my submariner unfortunately by everyone,
I feel more comfortable with my explorer 2 than with my submariner.
@@J144. thank you yes that makes sense. I had a BLRO and sold as I did not feel safe as well and too much of an attention seeking watch. Sold it and now mostly wear a Tudor Pelagos 39 but starting to get the itch for a new watch and I think the black exp2 will be it. Thanks
Nice biceps buddy
💪😆
i like it lets face it Rolex has been getting boring same old same old, the Explorer 1 & 2 is a breath of fresh air.
I don’t disagree!
I rock my 26570 on a nato exclusively
Have you experienced the 32xx low amplitude problem?
No, I don’t have a timegrapher.
Very nice video!
Thank you very much!
It’s the last tool watch by Rolex. It hasn’t been updated with precious metals like the Explorer 1 (two-tone). Thanks for the video!!
Thanks!