The Design Problems of The Rolex Explorer ii 216570
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2019
- A brief discussion about the Rolex Explorer 2. The conversation looks at the watches design development, starting with the 1655 and follows how the series of watches changed over the years.
#polarexplorer #rolexexplorer2 #explorer216570
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Well, i’m a mountaineer and my 216570 get the job done perfectly. Maybe all the suit guys should get a daydate 🙄. Explorer is a toolwatch !
Great video by the way 👍
Trailblazer_man very true, I’m a world traveler and I’m often in ancient ruins and in caves and the first watch I grab to travel with me is the 216570 👍🏾
Well I’m not as adventurous as you two, I’d get lost, hurt, or lost and hurt if I tried either one of those activities, but I am a commercial pilot and love my 216570. I know, I know, I’m supposed to be wearing a GMT, but I find the 42MM size of the EXII so much easier to read.
So it hard to get any job if I wear a Casio g-shock?😂😂
Yeah just get a daydate. $35,000 is no big deal. Am I right fellas?
Simply put, I love my 42mm polar. My 12 watch collection includes 4 Rolex (explorer 2 polar, gmt II black, stainless Yaughtmaster II, 2tone datejust) The Polar is my daily go to watch. I’m 73 and this one is the easiest on my eyes. It’s precise, simple and understated. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment M. I've owned a number or Rolexes over the years but the black Explorer II has been my go to watch for years. I'm 46 years old and I've always wondered how the Explorer II and I would age together. I thought over time I might find it too big, but your feedback has alleviated that worry! Glad you're enjoying your polar Explorer II!
The Polar EXP 2 is a basic, bold but a great looking watch. Im not much of a spring chicken myself, so your comment about the watch being easiest on the eyes is one of the main reasons why I would buy one.
Yacht
You are pressure fueling us with knowledge the industry won‘t like us to have.
Your videos are lessons, compared to your concentrated input other UA-cam authors just chat about their watch passion.
In this case it was just the right thing to put the old version next to the new one: self explanatory 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you Giorgio! I always wanted these discussion to be more focused on insight...even though they can be heavily opinionated at times. But it's so fun talking about watches like you would Art or Design instead of just objects that are a part of a hobby. I just hope that the subjects keep everyone else interested! Thanks for the comment, man. Greatly appreciated
The unloved Rolex sports models... we all know how this story ends, right?
Hahaha! Maybe that's what they're going for? It's a genius idea! Why not bring out a "Tudor P01" style line that deliberately splits the fan base (and let it skyrocket in value over the next decade) Thanks for the comment, Nicholas
This format is what we’re been missing. Thank you!
Thank you ID Guy for the comprehensive videos on the Rolex Explorers. As a proud owner of both the 39mm 214270 Mk 1 Explorer, as well as the 42mm 216570 Explorer 2 Polar, I can tell you that they are both fantastic tool watches. While I don't agree with all of your conclusions, I do agree that for the larger wristed person (I have a 7 1/2" wrist) they are close to perfect both proportionally and legibility wise. They are prized pieces in my collection.
Thank you for the fantastic comments, Blueshirt. It's just my pedantic, OCD brain that sees these "issues" and I know that I'm in the minority here. Who am I kidding? All of the watches are excellent performing machines with so much to offer and I hope you enjoy wearing them in good health!
Blueshirt Buddah me to
This is a nice watch. But if i would choose, I would go for the Explorer 1. I love the simplicity of it. I love you videos and the way you look at the watches from your perspective.
Would it be possible to make a video about the Seiko Marinemaster ?
Can not wait for the next video. Have a good weekend
Thank you so much, Hicham! Support always means a lot. And I also have a draw to the Explorer 1 over the 2, but the 1655 is just something out of this world. And yes! I am going to make a point to discuss the Marine Master. Excellent suggestion! Thank you again for the comment and have a great weekend, man
Hicham Benmira
Its simply ‘the explorer’ and not ‘the explorer 1’ 👍🏻
@guess what not as low as a UA-cam troll like you though
Ex. 2 is my favorite Rolex. Any of them, but the current black dial in 42mm is so charming in the metal.
This is very compelling...thank you for the perspective.
It's a pleasure, Paul! Thank you for watching!
I bought my first new Rolex (Submariner) 40 years ago, and my only Watch regret is NOT buying a 1655 back then too.
I’ve bought the 16570 and gave it to a kid after wearing it 20 years, and purchased multiple 216570 in recent years.
My favorite Rolex one-two combo is a 214270 Explorer and the 216570 Explorer-II.....over ANY watches they’ve ever made.
Thanks!
So many people are kicking themselves about the 1655...I would love to know how they were considered back then. And it's great to hear that you are a dedicated Explorer enthusiast! They sure beat the usual GMT's and Sub's of this world as being more nuanced. Thank you for the great comments as always, man
I own both a 214270 and a 216570 Polar. My only watches.
I really appreciate how your videos always bring about intelligent critical thinking about watch design in your audience. Even if I don't agree with everything, you help me to understand better what sort of design approaches I find truly inspiring and attractive and why.
Thank you, Scott! And that is exactly it. I try my hardest to keep my opinions out of it (as much as possible) and try to centre the discussions around the approaches taken. It just makes the whole "watch experience" that little bit more layered and I hope engaging in some way. Thanks for the comment, man!
@@ID-Guy for sure. Your stuff gives a very interesting invitation to the mind and a way to ponder things that no one else I've seen is offering. Even an analysis of a watch I doubt I would ever be in a position to buy, or may not find that appealing, is still worth watching because I can still discover new trains of thought, new design frameworks, that I can bring with me to thinking about other watches. For most other watch reviews, if I'm not personally interested in the specific watch, there isn't much reason for me to watch it. Not so for your stuff!
Thank you for your wonderful videos. But, as a person with a larger wrist, I need a larger watch, like 42 mm. If the Explorer 2 was not 42 mm, I would not own it. I do agree on your other points.
Completely understandable! All of us wish to be blessed with larger wrists and I'm sure the watch works perfectly for you. Who am I kidding? The 216570 is a fantastic tool. It's just my OCD, Pedantic brain that sees a few peculiar things with its proportions. Thanks so much for the comment, Chris! Keep wearing your Explorer in good health!
The 16570 Polar got me into the hobby but I replaced it with a 216570 Polar as it is a better watch with its solid instead of hollow bracelet, solid clasp, better movement and blue lume, if it had been 40mm it would have been perfect, I have a 7 3/8 wrist, my Polar Daytona I can barely read but the 216570 is so bold and legible it serves it's purpose and get's the majority of work wrist time as intended.
It's great to hear that the watch serves you well! And I feel the same way about the dimensions. Hell, the watch might have looked amazing if they had given it a Supercase instead, or just fattened up the lugs slightly like they did with the 1655. 40mm's is such a golden ratio size. Thank you for the comment, René. I hope you continue wearing both pieces in good health
@@ID-GuyThank you and to be honest my Explorer II gets the most wrist time and the Z Blue Milgauss on the weekend since my Porsche is a Smurf Mexico Blue and I see Gulf Livery in the Z blue, great channel and content as always, looking forward to the next, 116619LB? :-)
finally a comment that makes sense. ty for the wrist size
I wanted and am still looking for one. I was looking at the older one because the newer ones were out of my price range but then the older ones exploded in price ... so the hunt continues. Thanks for the perspective :)
It's unreal just how popular the 90's and early 2000's pieces have become recently. Keep hunting and consider your options about wearing the watch (if it's going to be a daily wearer, you wouldn't necessarily need box and papers etc.) Thanks for the comment, Fil!
Thoughtful, concise, objective ... awesome!!
Thank you so much, Markus. It is hard trying to take the heart out of the conversation (but practice has made it a bit easier) ;) Thanks for the comment, man!
@@ID-Guy , I watched several of your videos and liked them all. Great job! Adds a fresh and much-needed perspective into evaluation and appreciation of watches. For whatever it's worth, I got seduced into horology by an IWC MkXII and it were primarily the design characteristics of that watch that I found so interesting ... ;-)
I own both. I prefer the 42mm.
Very interesting, Mike. Do you prefer the modern feel of the newer reference? Fully understandable. Thanks for the comment!
@@ID-Guy My 2019 black dial feels more substantial, in regard to build quality. I have a 2004 Polar, which looks beautiful, but doesn't feel as robust. The 40mm looks good in Polar although, the 42mm looks good in black. A white dial on the 42mm makes the watch look big.
What size is your wrist?
@@austinzizzi1142 7.5cm
@@grandsicko8580 well thats the thing, I would love a modern take on the older polar.
Keep it at 40mm, new bracelet, same red hour hand style and maxi dial the markers. Thats it.
I'm actually drawn to the design changes you made to the Explorer II in this video. This is beautiful IDGuy
I think (after I seeing it in person) it’s perfect as it’s right now. The legibility is the best you can have in any Rolex and actually it’s very comfortable in the wrist (no like the SD43 or Deepsea Blue which are totally uncomfortable) I hope Rolex don’t change the design or do not add a ceramic bezel ...
I have the reference 16570 black dial circa 2010 and just purchased the 226570 black dial. Both watches are fantastic in my opinion and made to be worn without worrying about scratches or dings. A proper tool watch that will last a lifetime no problem.
Thanks for your knowledge and time.
I don't know so much about "knowledge" haha! But thank you, Jim. And thank you for taking the time to watch the video.
Love your videos but have to totally disagree with you. The large hands and clear dial are the 216570's best features. Of the 18 Rolex watches I have owned, none is as clear and legible as the current 42mm Explorer II. That is what makes it my go-to watch. It's also why my black dial 216570 has received more wrist time than the other 17 combined. True wasted space is a bezel that's too thick. You can't have too much dial.
Hi ID Guy....great video! I have a black dial 16570 and love everything about it. I have thought as you, wishing there was some type of lume in the bezel for better use in low light or no light conditions. I specifically chose the version from the year 2000 due to the amazing lume (and drilled lugs). The thing that i have noted about this watch is that the GMT hand's triangle pointer is in exact alignment with the circular marker. Along with being the same size as alignment, it will actually cover up the round marker. I've learned to use my version in the dark to tell time with the bezel from memory as it is not rotating, i.e. 6 is at the 3; 12 at the 6 and 18 at the 9 position, etc.
Again, great video review!
So well done with no BS and extra talking. Thanks!!
I have the polar 42mm and love it! To me much better than the 40mm
I like the explorer 2 and considered it strongly when searching for my one and only Rolex. I was lucky enough to have a friend let me borrow his new model for a couple of days and I just didn’t connect with it. I loved the idea of the date and gmt function but it was just too big and, for lack of a better term, odd on wrist. I went with a 114270 from 2008 and 6 months later I am 100% certain that my humble explorer in 36mm is the greatest watch I will ever own. A customer of mine who shares a passion for watches saw it and summed it up perfectly when he said “Ahh you got an explorer? That’s a watch that says you’re so good, you don’t have to let anyone know it.” That’s the only person to ever compliment that watch and I just love that.
Love that comment from your customer, Mitch! And it's exactly right. Since the brand is so recognisable nowadays, it is infinitely more cooler to wear watches that the average joe wouldn't recognise. That's why I feel so strongly for the 1655. It has such a crazy, outlandish design...but at the same time doesn't look like a Rolex in the slightest. Great comment, man and thank you for sharing! Continue wearing your 114270 in good health, brother
IDGuy too bad that reference is so crazy expensive or I would have loved to have one. I may eventually procure another Rolex some day but it took a long time and a lot of luck buying and selling watches to get my little explorer and I’m just so over the moon about it I can’t see the need for anything else. I kind of feel bad for the other watches I have in my collection as they have been in the safe a lot more since I got it. The decision was made easily when the one I bought had box and papers, was in mint condition and had the words “ENJOY YOUR TIME” engraved on the case back. One day I’ll pass it down and I’ll be proud to do so and even that fact makes me so happy to own it. Your videos are amazing and I hope you keep up the phenomenal work!
Love your channel!👍🏼 I’ve been think of purchasing this watch but can’t decide which reference to get. I’m trying to find a watch dealer that has both and I can go try them on.
I like the Explorer II in 40mm. The 42mm seems like a much larger watch. I like the smaller case on the older 5 digit ones. I wish I would have bought one back in the day when they were far less expensive. Was kind of an oddball at the time and not all that popular. It's a great watch and thank you for your effort on this video. I did enjoy it.
Thanks for the comment, Scott! I am going to play with a concept of putting the watch into a semi-supercase just to see how the proportions would change. And it's insane to see how far the prices of the 90's and 2000's pieces have skyrocketed lately...it makes my wish of owning one of these pieces more and more distant haha!
Man it sure would be nice to know what your wrist size is. Everyone keeps saying the 42 is big but if you have a 6.25 wrist then of course
Its 6.8 inches last I checked but might be smaller, I lost 30 lbs in weight@@jcnole77
Steinhart seems to make improvements on where Rolex left off. I like their version of a 1655. Also their Dual Time with its fume' polar dial within a Pepsi GMT color scheme.
It is stunning. I'm no so much of a fan of the 42mm size of their 1655 though (there seems to be way too much open space on the dial) but I would like to see one in person. How cool would it be to see the watch return, being made by another brand? Thanks for the greats comments as always, Jēzus!
I agree, the Steinhardt explorer is top of my list and better than an old Rolex, cheaper too!
xpusostomos
It's till called an Ocean vintage 'GMT'. They could have made it a rotating bezel. Better still.
My first luxury watch , i chose this over a Sub due to the cleanliness, and it has a bit of elegance to it. At the time i found the Sub too butch and common and simple wherein the E2 had 3 complications (time, gmt and a date) which gave more bang for your buck. The new one lost the elegance (metro sexual) which i liked and went full drag, but i guess for the sake of better functionality it could not be helped
The complications definitely add a lot of value to the watch and I can see your reasoning. Again, it's just my pedantic eye that sees these 'clashes' with the proportions, but the watch is no where near to being a slouch. I hope you are still enjoying it every day and thank you for the comment, man!
Great video once again - thank you. I have had the Polar since buying it new in 2002, sadly I will be letting it go to make room for a circa 2007 Pepsi 👍
I'd be interested in knowing the reason why you're selling it, Mark! And thank you for the comments as always
Mark P Might be interested - drop me a line and some pics
IronFather Sure. How
Very insightful excellent review. I own a 16570 and had the same almost visceral reaction to the 216570 when I first saw it. You put my feelings perfectly into words. I also own an Explorer 39mm and while I suppose you can make a similar argument that all it is is a blown up 36mm, I don't see it that way. It's really more wrist size dependent. While certainly most men were wearing 36mm and smaller way back when, it just doesn't fit many very well. To my eyes the 39mm Explorer doesn't have that same bloat that the 216570 has..The 1655 is just on another level. It's gorgeous and I want one badly...Such great commentary, thank you for making it.
My personal favourite is the short-lived 16550. A future classic for sure. Nice vid 👌🏻
I love my Ex2 polar. It’s fabulous - I have GMT2; Daytona; SDDS B; Pepsi and Bluesey Sub. The Ex2 gets more wrist time than any of the others. This watch isn’t too big - it has presence; it’s readable and beautiful dial are perfect. I much prefer it to the previous 5 digit model. The 42 is much better - the orange GMT hand is a significant enhancement and more legible that in inconspicuous red GMT hand on the previous model. Yes your view does differ from the majority; furthermore, your view won’t change a thing.
Same. John mayer Daytona. Rootbeer. Dssd.
Hulk and ex2 gets the most wristtime.
Everytime I put on the ex2 I feel like I'm ready for an adventure :p
i love the design of 1655, and it bring me to Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT
I think they’re both fine watches, although my preference is for the Explorer I, based on its beautiful aesthetics. A watch must feel right on the wrist, not only look right.
it takes a special skill to spout your opinion as thought it was fact and not feel weird about it.
Another great vid IDGuy! The polar dial really makes this piece special for me. Black dial, just another Rolex, white dial WOW
Thank you, brother. I really enjoy the polar too. It is so unique in the Rolex family...where the black dial just looks like a GMT Master 2...
@@ID-Guy as if that is a bad thing?
Totally agree Mr T bone, but it would be better slightly smaller
Thank you for a very clear comparison. And now that I see what you mean it is hard to un-see it. Especially the bezel. Though I am guessing someone in marketing told them they had to make the proportions different from either the Subs or the GMTs. But helpful video.
What is the lug to lug wingspan on the 42 mm Explorer II ?
Agree, in love with my 1655...I hope that 2020 that Rolex bring back a new version of it as they are gearing up to release a complete new range of the Explorer in my view.
My first time watching your reviews. Excellent timing! Thanks. I am currently making a decision between the Explorer 2 and another Rolex model, GMT or Yachtmaster. Of course I can't find them to actually put on my wrist so I have to rely on videos like this. I have yet to find a video which prefers the new version of the E2. The 5 digit model seems to be what is prefered and still relatively attainable at a reasonable (if that can be said of any Rolex purchase) price. Thanks again.
I couldn't agree more. A few months ago I was in an AD here in Atlanta Ga. In the case was a brand new Explorer II. Before the salesman had it out I had my wallet out. I'd been wanting the watch for while. I'd been looking for a decent five digit reference but I hadn't found one fairly priced. I truly thought my search had ended then I tried it on an my heart sank. It was too big on every way. Maybe if I had a 7 inch wrist I might have taken it. But the smaller the wrist the more the issues you point move to the front. Great vid. I've since settled for a GMT Master II G code just fully serviced by Rolex. But I still favor the Explorer II Polar. But that's a first world problem😊
That is exactly what I experienced a few months ago. And the sad thing is that 42mm's can work so well with small wrists! I can't imagine how devastating it must have been trying it on and realising that it was too much...Thanks for the comment, Robert. Keep searching for a good Polar and keep wearing your GMT in good health!
@@ID-Guy oddly enough your review of the 50 Fathoms 5015. I've tried it on and it fits well for its size while at 45mm bigger than the Explorer II. So many variables in watches make them wearable or not.
I love the 42mm Polar. More wrist prescence and the orange gmt hand gives it some pop.
And it's a great choice. The watch is insanely unique in the Rolex family (I'm also in love with the Orange hand on the white dial) Thanks for the great comments as always, Rooted Rotor Ramification ;)
@@ID-Guy You got it buddy. Love the channel and your perspective - good stuff.
Great Video, I entered the Rolex family in 2017 and I purchased my first Rolex, the Rolex GMT Master II (Batman) because of the blue part of the bezel, instead of buying a Submariner with all Black bezel. The Sub was always a fantasy watch for me, but the half blue bezel drew me to it. At the time I honestly didn't know what I was really buying. Then after UA-cam video after UA-cam video , plus traveling overseas and going on vacation in different time zones, did I fully understand and really appreciate the watch. The attention it draws is a little crazy too at times. I do wear it everyday. I even got my wife her first Rolex as well.(Datejust 31MM black dial with Diamond # and Diamond Bezel). Now because of my Batman I only want GMT function watches.
I have been looking at the Explorer 2 for a while now and have been having a hard time crossing over because of the same functions of Batman(thinking same manufacturer , same watch). I am ready to buy an explorer. I have been looking at the Polar because it would give a new look on my wrist, but at the same time the 40mm is the real size I think I would want to have. I see your point that you made which is right on the money and honestly has only confused me more in which one to buy (40mm v. 42mm). If I was going for the used 40mm watch I think the last years of the watch before they changed to the 42mm would be my choice, but I been trying to figure out the year of the final upgrades to the 40mm watch before they did the upgrade to 42mm. You have differently helped in making my choice even harder. Again thank you for a great video, great opinion and all the best.
What is the size of the older explorer 2 watches?
Excellent analysis!
I was obsessing about this watch for a while but ultimately 4 hands, 2 of them fat, and a cyclopse are crowding the dial too much for me. Also the cyclopse does not make sense, I have been caving and you scrape and squeeze between rocks so the last thing you would want is a part of the crystal standing out. Rather a watch for caving should inlay the crystal and use the bezel as protection.
Caving watches...I hear you, man. It's interesting to think that Acrylic glass would probably hold up way better than Sapphire against rocks. Imagine the cyclops popping off? The watches definitely aren't perfect for their application. And again the proportions just turns me off completely from them. But it seems like the haters are in the minority ;) Thanks for the comments as always
I see what you mean about the sizing, but for me it suits as I need large hands to easily tell the time without my glasses!
A white dial submariner would be perfection, but I feel like that will never happen since it would compete too much with the Daytona white dial, hence lower its value, which would affect the Rolex brand negatively since the Daytona is Rolex bread and butter pitch for a store of value investment.
It would be unreal. And you're right, the contrast would be too similar to the Panda Daytona. I made a video about the new Omega Seamaster "Great White" a few months ago that might just be something to pay attention to (and I'm sure Rolex would never go so far to introduce a white dial Sub unfortunately). Thank you for the comment!
@IDGuy Maybe a limited edition run that regular ppl can't afford, who knows! Ye, exactly.
I feel like Omega just throws out watches though and sees what sticks and not, never liked their bezels though, they look cheap. Thank you, and good luck w/ the channel!
Nothing beats the 1655 imho. It's superior to its successors in every single way except for it not having GMT functionality. The lucky owner would simply be wearing a museum piece, a true collector's watch. Dankie for another great analysis, boet.
I'd wear the watch as my only watch for the rest of my life (and it sure would be a happy life haha!) I'll be making another video about it in the future just for the hell of it. Thanks for the great comments as always, boet!
Talking about how the unoccupied space on the dial is a wasted, what are your thoughts on watches like Breitling Superocean II (e.g. A17365D11C1A1)? Better to have the additional digits, or is that a step too far? Thanks!
Excellent question and I want to do a video about it. I really, really enjoy the numerals on the dial. And it doesn't take a trained eye to see how well they were considered (having the 24 hour time placed in the inside is just another touch) In its current state (many would say it's cluttered) but I find it extremely well balanced and the space has been used very well, keeping the emphasis on the larger numerals first. Thanks for the comment, man!
@@ID-Guy Heh, and I thought I was being weird for liking the SOII. Forum opinions sway more towards how Breitling lost their minds on this one. I'm somehow drawn to the partially cut off numerals on the 24 scale. Where they really dropped the ball was the choice of brushed finish on the 44mm only - should have been 42, or even universal for a diver line. Thanks for the response and look forward to more videos of yours, they're always high quality and informative.
In terms of design, the Omega Railmaster was so much more homogeneous than the Explorer I. The Explorer II white dial with the orange GMT and the blue at night is in my oppinion incredibly nicely done. Best looking white dial watch I know.
Great independent analysis!
A welcome attempt to improve the dial to bezel ratio in my view at least. My problem with the brand is their dials are tiny (27-28mm) and their bezels are too thick (5+mm). I prefer the proportions of the latest Exp II. What I don't like are the thicker hands.
Hope there is a new explore II in the works
Or an Explorer 3? I'm going to work on some concepts for the watch and make a vid about it in the future! Thanks for the comment, Calvin
Great review! I am considering trading my 1987 GMT for a polar Explorer II and am torn between the 216570 and 16570 and I agree that the 42mm might be a deal breaker. I have a smaller wrist and I think that 42 would be too much. But I love that large 24hr orange hand. Thx for making this video.
216570 awesome watch. Everything is build for legibility. Black on white. Chromalight lume. Orange hands ( makes the difference )
It's a watch you can read from 10 metres away ;)
I own both the 40m and 42m l prefer the White 42m dail it is awesome watch in person its got a nice Warm feel to it. Definitely understated watch in Rolex Sports Model range for me it's the best Rolex Sports model out there.
For me this is the best Rolex because the other designes are copied by so many other brands. It is also a great everyday watch . However at certain times the hands get too crowded.
It is definitely an original watch in that sense. You don't find replica's of these anywhere (and the steel bezel has been used by so many other brands at this point) Funny, but I find the many hands makes the dial look more interesting / engaging. An interesting watch nonetheless. Thank you for the comment, Marcin
Big Agree, 42 is way too big, and the old dial pattern and hands look better. I do love the new gmt hand and bright color. Im praying for a new slimmed down explorer II at basel 2020, hopefully with a purpose built dial as youve mentioned.
It would be so great to see and evolution. I'm going to play around with a concept of a Semi-supercase and see if a proportion change makes a big difference with the watch in a future video. Thanks for the comment, Stacks!
100% agree with you on that I one sir 👍🏻
Great video. Keep up the good work. 👍
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch it! And thank you for your comment. Greatly appreciated
ID Guy I recognize your dislike of negative space.On the other hand the maxi dial with enlarged markers is more readable and especially at night. In other words more functional. Its prime function is time keeping after all.
I mentioned a few times that the size increase helps overall legibility but it just bugs me that the proportions seem all over the place. That's not saying that the 16570's are perfect either (their plots are pin pricks in comparison) All of these small areas can be tweaked in the future though and maybe the next generation will come with a fully lumed bezel (here's hoping) Thanks for the great comments as always, man.
Completely agree with you my friend!
Oyster Perpetual 39 the perfect Explorers watch. Nice video 👍
A great exposition of the Explorer II. Can't disagree with any of it. My only Rolex is a late 'middle' version, and I'm pleased enough with it, but yes, it is basically a GMT II with a fixed bezel, and has lost touch with its roots.
Rolex will never do lumed bezels. Which is a shame, considering that would be the only beneficial use of ceramic in my opinion.
It really is a shame...So many people have highlighted how great a black ceramic bezel would be on these newer generations of watches (even though it sort of detracts from the historic steel bezel) It might make the watch all the more charming and would push the functional aspects through the roof. Thanks for the comment, Alex!
@@ID-Guy Owning the 16570, I am of a similar opinion on the matter. I really dislike the use of ceramic by modern Rolex but would really appreciate a lumed Submariner (and potential 216570C) in the future given their apparent continuous use of the material.
I am an explorer guy as well as a designer and I concur with your critique of the exp II the 1655 is so unique where as the 16570 polar was a fresh look and gave the watch a new feel ..but with the black dial looks too much like a gmt master The newest models are like you said bloated and uninspiring , the orange hand is a nice touch but overall lacks any creativity . Vintage is where its at and I hope that one day you do get your 1655 my friend.! Cheers!
Couldnt agree more. I saw a 42mm explorer once, it looked absurdly big on the person's wrist and had none of the charm of the previous 40mm polar dial. My brother had one a few years back that he sold, i wanted to buy it off him at the time but didnt which i very much regret
Personally I'm not a fan of the explorer 2 over the E1. For me anyway the most recent Explorer 1 looks amazing, but I really like the E2 GMT, date, and date magnifier function.
Hell, you've given me an idea...Take the E2 components and fit them to a E1? That might make for one interesting watch! Thank you for the excellent comments as always!
I ❤️ my 42 polar...👌🏼
you can obviously make much of the same criticisms of the modern submariner and its maxi-case which has been very polarizing but I love the explorer 2 in all sizes for its genuine tool watch nature and I'm simply not a fan of glossy modern ceramic dials. I do agree the bezel is too thin - they got that wrong
I love my black dial 216570. Perfect in every respect.
Excellent. Polar 16570 owner.
The bezel on the Explorer II is not intended to track 24h time, although it can be used for that purpose
Great analyses, given the choice I went 42mm simply because of the orange 🍊 if I could get a 1655 I would be content for a very long time
I think that would be the only reason I would choose the 42mm. The Orange hand is stunning and so eye-catching. There needs to be a recreation of a 1655. I would love to lead the charge in making that happen. Thank you for your comment, Gareth. Keep wearing your 216570 in good health!
This is one opinion. Many feel differently.
There is no need to clutter the dial with 24 hour markers. That dial is to busy. If you keep the GMT hand and regular hour hand synced it’s easy to tell at a glance if it’s a.m or pm. When the 24 hour hand is on the right side of the dial it’s am. When on the left side it’s pm.
Lol nah, you must have dainty wrists. The 216570 has great proportions and is much more visually stunning than the previous gen. Don't be so afraid of change man. Entertaining rant though.
I hear ya’ brother 👊
The older 39mm Explorer II with polar dial is my favorite Rolex. If I were to become fortunate enough to own one, this would be my choice.
The older explorer 2 is 40 mm is it not? Which one is a 39????
Yes, 40mm is the one.
I've heard Tim M argue that the magnifier is much better porportioned on the 42mm, as magnifier dominates the 40mm... Especially for people who, like me, are large and Lukewarm on magnifiers.
That is a good point! But it's really splitting hairs when you need to compliment a watch for its better sized date magnifier hahaha! I agree that the magnifiers need to be adjusted to watch size though...some really do overpower the aesthetics of a watch. Thanks for the comment, man!
I finally put a Polar Explorer II on my wrist in 2000. Atlantic Pacific mountains surfing and it is 100% timeless. The new larger face is just too in your face.
Great video….I agree with all of your points. With the release of the 16570, the Explorer II became a hybrid, or a diluted GMT Master. I think it was a mistake to uncouple the 24 hour and the hour hand….not to mention also loosing the quickset date feature at the same time. It stopped being a cave explorers watch and just a watered down GMT,
You spoke about the 1655, 16570, and the 216570… but nothing about the 16550, which is what the cream dial Explorer-II is.
The new Explorer 2 Polar is a phenomenal watch, but it requires a larger wrist. Those with chic wrists stick with the previous 40mm design, which btw wears smaller than 40mm. If you have hobbit wrists, get the explorer 1, 36mm.
I adore both the 5 and 6 digit reference. This is the watch that ignited my passion for horology.
I owned a 16570 polar and it is a stunning watch. I bought it as an investment piece (which was a good call) and sold it recently for a 16600 Sea Dweller. No regrets at all. I never really connected with the Explorer 2. It's a great piece just lacks soul IMHO.
Yes, “evolution for the sake of evolution.” Perfectly put. And applies to so very many of not only Rolex but also Omega, Tag, and even Sinn & Tutima. Sad indeed. ✅
I would love to see a polar explorer 2 with a black ceramic bezel. I hope Rolex is taking notes and watching this video.
Video Idea: Black bay 58 with different designs. ( bezel inserts, dials, etc )
Cream rail dial, a beauty. @ 5:00
The 1655 looks great and really encapsulates the 70s design ethic. But it's not practical. The extra lume plots have a function but in reality make it harder to tell the time. I think there's definately a reason why they made the changes they made from the 1655 to 16550/16570.
The 16570 is the most understated watch of the lineup. A perfect daily tool watch that won't catch anyone's attention while the 216570 is a more aggressive/bold take. The modern 216570/226570 is still the most tool watch of all the modern rolexes but it's a bit more flashy than the 16570 for sure.
Look at that Rolex explorer ii 16570 Polar. It is a damn good looking watch and I might be wrong, but I am pretty sure it will rise in value. I just bought one before it's too late :-) Well made and informative video, thanks :-)
Definitely much better the 16570, one of the best looking sport watch ever 😍. I had the 42mm but it hasn't the great proportion of it's older brother.
Two pence a from mine: if you didnot get hold of a real 16570 black (ignore hours of watching them on Internet - you could not give appropriate valuation of the esthetic of the watch). It’s so unique in its deeeeep pitch black dial (I still wonder how they managed to get it looked so amazing: so sharp looking without AR coating). My piece of advice: get 16570 on your wrist and
Wear it for 10 minutes: nothing can be
My first desire is for a 1655, I also like the black dialed 216570 but now what has been seen (told) cannot be unseen. The bezel is too thin. Was justifying the purchase of a 216570 black dial until I watched this, time to hunt for a 1655. Also on the lookout for a birth year 5512.
Can you please do a video on Panerai .
A Glycine Airman looks more like a 1655 than any of the other Explorer IIs do.
My polar 216570 on a black rubber strap is stunning, comfortable and a useful 2 time zone tool. I am 6'2" 190 lb Texan. Bigger is better as it's more legible.
The development trend of Explore 2 is sport watches instead of both sport and dressy as the old(#1) resign.
They do seem more focused as Sports watches (which is great) it definitely gives them an edge and keeps them as tool watches. Thanks for the comment, Tan!
I agree with the bezel illumination factor but subjectively believe the later 42mm is a more attractive and better quality peice in every way.
The black even more so