I have the now old version. When I got it, I had a Submariner and a Milgauss Z blue. The Milgauss and the Submariner are already gone. The Explorer II Polar is going nowhere.
Same here. My sub c date and my ceramic Pepsi are gone. My new 226570 (black dial) will stay forever. I’m a big (not fat) guy, and the Explorer II 42 fits me perfect. The sea dweller 43, or even the deep sea aren’t an option for me, because I already disliked the thick case back on my 116610. It never sat flush on my wrist and kept sliding about no matter how I placed the links or fiddled with the glide lock. I just love how flush the Exp II sits on my flat 7.5 inch wrist, although the Pepsi with jubilee was also very comfortable -just too small for me. Plus it feels so good to have decoupled from all the ceramic hype.
Great intro Ben. Most popular watch youtubers got kicked in the teeth with that one. I think Rolex is targeting the ladies with the 2 tone explorer as much as they are targeting the most nostalgic watch enthusiasts.
Hey, thank you 🙏. I have seen a few comments on forums saying the 2 tone may also be targeting the Chinese market who absolutely love precious metal watches apparently
The 226570 is now such a refined watch, especially with the black dial. From the hands, bracelet, lugs to the movement. Oh, and I’m so glad they didn’t put a ceramic bezel on there. Everywhere I go I see ceramic subs and gmt’s. As for the tt Explorer 36, for me, it couldn’t be any cheesier.
I don’t think I will ever own a Rolex. Enjoy it and cherish it, special watch. I would love an OP and could put my name down for one, but my head has been turned by Grand Seiko recently….. 🤔 💭
@@WonderofWatches Prices have gone crazy, back in those days, we get 28% discount from the AD! Yes, the OP is a simple and beautiful watch. I like the SBGR317 and the SBGW231.. Simple designs..
Spot on. I like the Explorer 2 the way it is too. All it needed was a movement upgrade. Why change it's design DNA because of all the hype of people that don't even care about that model. There are fan boys of the original design that will continue to love it and buy it. All the punters out there that don't like it should stick to the GMT or the Sub or whatever other watch they prefer. Porsche wouldn't change the design of the 911 just because a few Ferrari lovers prefer the look of a Ferrari. They'd just upgrade the engine so it can compete with it. I'm glad Rolex didn't tinker with the Explorer 2. And sucked in to all the dealers that stockpiled on the outgoing model, punting on the price hike of the discontinued model. I bet they're the same people who hoarded toilet paper during the covid pandemic
Couldn’t agree with you more. Explorer 2 is an icon. Yes, I agree, it benefitted from the movement upgrade but otherwise the watch was absolutely perfect. When have Rolex made dramatic changes to concur with the opinion of the pundits. It’s always incremental an Explorer 2 is Explorer 2,is Explorer 2 just as sub is a sub is a sub. All Explorer 2 owners since 1971 should be rejoicing
@@WonderofWatches For me, as a child growing up reading National Geographic magazines, I remember aspiring to own a Rolex from seeing the ads in the magazine, as worn by adventurers & explorers promoting them. Specifically I remember the ad featuring volcanologist Haroun Tazieff standing on the edge of a live erupting volcano with the ad suggesting you can wear a Rolex to the ends of the Earth and it will not fail you. This watch was the Explorer II and that was the watch I dreamed to own. It looked tough and reliable with the black dial, contrasting red GMT hand and solid case made out of a block of surgical steel. The red hand against the black dial reminded me of the molten lava on the black ash of the volcanic sand. Rolex hit a home run with this ad. The Explorer II was for me a real man's watch. Also, the fact that not many have bothered to learn is Ed Viesturs, the American mountaineer has climbed 8 of the 8000m metre highest peaked mountains wearing his polar explorer II and has achieved this without aided oxygen. What other watch can claim that kind of achievement? That a man can rely on his watch as a tool to navigate and trust his life on it in such rugged, harsh, extreme temperatures is no small feat. It's a tough tool watch, not a fashion statement! So I hope it remains so in the Rolex catalog. I own the polar Explorer from the same year 1994 as Ed Viesturs. I also own the pre-ceramic 16600 Sea-Dweller. Another killer watch which was the pinnacle of Rolex achievement. In my opinion the 40mm Sea-Dweller & Explorer II represent the values and innovation on the what the brand was built on. Tool watches to conquer the highest peaks and the depth of the ocean. The only two watches you'll ever need. ...Maybe you should make a video about them?
Thank you so much for this. I really enjoyed reading it, and in particular about your relationship with the Explorer 2. The ad you are talking about really conjures up so many ideas of adventure and daring in my mind. Amazing. I did not know about Ed Viesturs either. I recently watch Sherpa on Netflix and the idea that he climbed those peaks without oxygen is unimaginable. I’m glad my video struck a chord with you and it is wonderful to hear your story. And, aside from its incredible history, I had an occasion once to try on an explorer 2, and I absolutely loved it aesthetically too. Rolex would want to be crazy to make drastic changes. The movement deserved to be upgraded too. Now, I’m off to find that Explorer 2 ad. Thanks again for this, I loved reading it.
@@WonderofWatches Thanks for the great content! I also enjoyed your video about space watches. I own the very underrated Speedmaster MK2 & Bulova Accutron. Here's a video about an Explorer II commissioned by the SAS. These command a heavy premium. I'm surprised Rolex are making these. ua-cam.com/video/j2ghGfxKt94/v-deo.html
I get why they wouldn't put a ceramic bezel on it, they don't want it to be the Sub... but it is still massive at 42mm and it is literally the same thing... while raising the price, never seen someone cheer on something that is just a gimmick hype release. It doesn't wear well and least they could do was change the gmt bezel numbers or added lines between the numbers to really make it a throwback to the 70's... but they did nothing.
The lines on the bezel would have been cool, but Rolex never go backwards. A movement upgrade is great and I am celebrating the Explorer 2 here. It is an icon and imho doesn’t need any change.
@@WonderofWatches funny you say that because rolex literally took the explorer 1 back to 36mm, despite you saying they never look back. that's so funny.
@@FreddyMacT You know what is funny too? The reaction of the pundits and the a$$ holes from the grey and preowned market that were ready to overcharge people for the old version. Additionally, at 42mm it fits perfectly on my wrist. In fact, it doesn't look much bigger than my Pepsi or much smaller than my Deepsea. With that being said, all the fanfare was not worth it for just some subtle changes.
@@hugohernandez3651 Pundits were right though, they made no changes and it's frankly been a pretty horrible rollout. The Palm Datejust? Horrible. The Grey market has always been and will always be bad... they're vultures and Rolex along with the AD's have been allowing it for too long. I do agree that the Explorer fits well, for some reason I thought the steel bezel was too big, but once I tried it on my wrists I found out I'm above average at 7.5 in or 19.2 cm... so for me it fits well. But still... it's the same thing with a new movement... that's it.
I'd love it if they kept the gold on the bezel and the dial, and not on the bracelet. I'd still snap one up if it was offered to me though. Hope you're well Ben, Kev
I’m in great form Kev, hope you are good too. Arrggh, the whole 2 tone thing just feels like blasphemy to me on the explorer. I know quite a few who love it too.
@@WonderofWatches just something about it. It's slain the royal oak for me, that mix of sportiness and dressiness, love it. It doesn't need the two tone bracelet but sure theres always aftermarket options for that
I think rolex watches all the rumors on the internet and then they decide to make the new releases the opposite so just ti create the illusion they never leak info 😅
Thanks Mike, your not the first to say that to me today, there’s a lot of love for the 2 tone out there. I just can’t believe they did it to the Explorer
Personally when I tried to get a Polar explorer II and failed got lucky and was able the get the GMT Master II Black. When that happened the Explorer II was dead to me. If they had done what everyone predicted I might have made a swap but not for this warmed over old design.
The gmt master 2 is amazing. And the black is the best of them imho. I think it was maybe that watch that led many to believe Rolex would change the gmt hand to green
I have the now old version. When I got it, I had a Submariner and a Milgauss Z blue. The Milgauss and the Submariner are already gone. The Explorer II Polar is going nowhere.
Same here. My sub c date and my ceramic Pepsi are gone. My new 226570 (black dial) will stay forever.
I’m a big (not fat) guy, and the Explorer II 42 fits me perfect. The sea dweller 43, or even the deep sea aren’t an option for me, because I already disliked the thick case back on my 116610. It never sat flush on my wrist and kept sliding about no matter how I placed the links or fiddled with the glide lock. I just love how flush the Exp II sits on my flat 7.5 inch wrist, although the Pepsi with jubilee was also very comfortable -just too small for me.
Plus it feels so good to have decoupled from all the ceramic hype.
Great intro Ben. Most popular watch youtubers got kicked in the teeth with that one. I think Rolex is targeting the ladies with the 2 tone explorer as much as they are targeting the most nostalgic watch enthusiasts.
Hey, thank you 🙏. I have seen a few comments on forums saying the 2 tone may also be targeting the Chinese market who absolutely love precious metal watches apparently
Well done 👍 Ben, fantastic introduction loved 🥰 it.
😂 thanks Meghan 🙏
Oh what an intro! Superb vid, subbed!
Thanks so much, really appreciate the sub
Same!
I love how rolex disappointed the complaining UA-camrs and hoarding dealers
The 226570 is now such a refined watch, especially with the black dial.
From the hands, bracelet, lugs to the movement. Oh, and I’m so glad they didn’t put a ceramic bezel on there. Everywhere I go I see ceramic subs and gmt’s.
As for the tt Explorer 36, for me, it couldn’t be any cheesier.
Still enjoying my Polar 16570 Tritium. Totally beat up tho! Almost 3 decades old..
I don’t think I will ever own a Rolex. Enjoy it and cherish it, special watch. I would love an OP and could put my name down for one, but my head has been turned by Grand Seiko recently….. 🤔 💭
@@WonderofWatches Prices have gone crazy, back in those days, we get 28% discount from the AD! Yes, the OP is a simple and beautiful watch. I like the SBGR317 and the SBGW231.. Simple designs..
Great video as always love the intro !! 😂
Cheers Eoin
Spot on. I like the Explorer 2 the way it is too. All it needed was a movement upgrade. Why change it's design DNA because of all the hype of people that don't even care about that model. There are fan boys of the original design that will continue to love it and buy it. All the punters out there that don't like it should stick to the GMT or the Sub or whatever other watch they prefer. Porsche wouldn't change the design of the 911 just because a few Ferrari lovers prefer the look of a Ferrari. They'd just upgrade the engine so it can compete with it. I'm glad Rolex didn't tinker with the Explorer 2. And sucked in to all the dealers that stockpiled on the outgoing model, punting on the price hike of the discontinued model. I bet they're the same people who hoarded toilet paper during the covid pandemic
Couldn’t agree with you more. Explorer 2 is an icon. Yes, I agree, it benefitted from the movement upgrade but otherwise the watch was absolutely perfect. When have Rolex made dramatic changes to concur with the opinion of the pundits. It’s always incremental an Explorer 2 is Explorer 2,is Explorer 2 just as sub is a sub is a sub. All Explorer 2 owners since 1971 should be rejoicing
@@WonderofWatches For me, as a child growing up reading National Geographic magazines, I remember aspiring to own a Rolex from seeing the ads in the magazine, as worn by adventurers & explorers promoting them. Specifically I remember the ad featuring volcanologist Haroun Tazieff standing on the edge of a live erupting volcano with the ad suggesting you can wear a Rolex to the ends of the Earth and it will not fail you. This watch was the Explorer II and that was the watch I dreamed to own. It looked tough and reliable with the black dial, contrasting red GMT hand and solid case made out of a block of surgical steel. The red hand against the black dial reminded me of the molten lava on the black ash of the volcanic sand. Rolex hit a home run with this ad.
The Explorer II was for me a real man's watch. Also, the fact that not many have bothered to learn is Ed Viesturs, the American mountaineer has climbed 8 of the 8000m metre highest peaked mountains wearing his polar explorer II and has achieved this without aided oxygen. What other watch can claim that kind of achievement? That a man can rely on his watch as a tool to navigate and trust his life on it in such rugged, harsh, extreme temperatures is no small feat. It's a tough tool watch, not a fashion statement! So I hope it remains so in the Rolex catalog. I own the polar Explorer from the same year 1994 as Ed Viesturs. I also own the pre-ceramic 16600 Sea-Dweller. Another killer watch which was the pinnacle of Rolex achievement. In my opinion the 40mm Sea-Dweller & Explorer II represent the values and innovation on the what the brand was built on. Tool watches to conquer the highest peaks and the depth of the ocean. The only two watches you'll ever need. ...Maybe you should make a video about them?
Thank you so much for this. I really enjoyed reading it, and in particular about your relationship with the Explorer 2. The ad you are talking about really conjures up so many ideas of adventure and daring in my mind. Amazing.
I did not know about Ed Viesturs either. I recently watch Sherpa on Netflix and the idea that he climbed those peaks without oxygen is unimaginable. I’m glad my video struck a chord with you and it is wonderful to hear your story.
And, aside from its incredible history, I had an occasion once to try on an explorer 2, and I absolutely loved it aesthetically too. Rolex would want to be crazy to make drastic changes. The movement deserved to be upgraded too.
Now, I’m off to find that Explorer 2 ad. Thanks again for this, I loved reading it.
Here is the ad you refer to, love it
www.rolexmagazine.com/2008/10/vintage-rolex-explorer-mark-ii.html?m=1
@@WonderofWatches Thanks for the great content! I also enjoyed your video about space watches. I own the very underrated Speedmaster MK2 & Bulova Accutron. Here's a video about an Explorer II commissioned by the SAS. These command a heavy premium. I'm surprised Rolex are making these.
ua-cam.com/video/j2ghGfxKt94/v-deo.html
Nice Review Buddy! Thanks so much, MK
thanks a million MK
Puttin the pundits on blast! I love it!
Thank you Rolex for keeping this piece the way it is Who want ceramic bezel on ExplorerII or green dial? ^_^
Yesss sir, agree 100%
I would
Brilliant video Ben!
Cheers 🍻 Ivan
I get why they wouldn't put a ceramic bezel on it, they don't want it to be the Sub... but it is still massive at 42mm and it is literally the same thing... while raising the price, never seen someone cheer on something that is just a gimmick hype release. It doesn't wear well and least they could do was change the gmt bezel numbers or added lines between the numbers to really make it a throwback to the 70's... but they did nothing.
The lines on the bezel would have been cool, but Rolex never go backwards. A movement upgrade is great and I am celebrating the Explorer 2 here. It is an icon and imho doesn’t need any change.
@@WonderofWatches funny you say that because rolex literally took the explorer 1 back to 36mm, despite you saying they never look back. that's so funny.
@@FreddyMacT 😬
@@FreddyMacT You know what is funny too? The reaction of the pundits and the a$$ holes from the grey and preowned market that were ready to overcharge people for the old version. Additionally, at 42mm it fits perfectly on my wrist. In fact, it doesn't look much bigger than my Pepsi or much smaller than my Deepsea. With that being said, all the fanfare was not worth it for just some subtle changes.
@@hugohernandez3651 Pundits were right though, they made no changes and it's frankly been a pretty horrible rollout. The Palm Datejust? Horrible. The Grey market has always been and will always be bad... they're vultures and Rolex along with the AD's have been allowing it for too long.
I do agree that the Explorer fits well, for some reason I thought the steel bezel was too big, but once I tried it on my wrists I found out I'm above average at 7.5 in or 19.2 cm... so for me it fits well. But still... it's the same thing with a new movement... that's it.
I'd love it if they kept the gold on the bezel and the dial, and not on the bracelet. I'd still snap one up if it was offered to me though. Hope you're well Ben, Kev
I’m in great form Kev, hope you are good too. Arrggh, the whole 2 tone thing just feels like blasphemy to me on the explorer. I know quite a few who love it too.
@@WonderofWatches just something about it. It's slain the royal oak for me, that mix of sportiness and dressiness, love it. It doesn't need the two tone bracelet but sure theres always aftermarket options for that
@@neddubh4529 interesting take Ned, wow, slain the RO, that’s high praise indeed
@@WonderofWatches just my opinion now! haha
I think rolex watches all the rumors on the internet and then they decide to make the new releases the opposite so just ti create the illusion they never leak info 😅
They definitely keep an eye to what’s going on with social media, I’m convinced of it
Great vlog but I think the two tone mite be a sleeper and go crazy in time will see. Enjoy
Thanks Mike, your not the first to say that to me today, there’s a lot of love for the 2 tone out there. I just can’t believe they did it to the Explorer
Know I think you are right but I think sometimes the ones people end up loving they don’t like at first. Enjoy
You speak truth
often the journey is better than arriving
never a truer word spoken
Personally when I tried to get a Polar explorer II and failed got lucky and was able the get the GMT Master II Black. When that happened the Explorer II was dead to me. If they had done what everyone predicted I might have made a swap but not for this warmed over old design.
The gmt master 2 is amazing. And the black is the best of them imho. I think it was maybe that watch that led many to believe Rolex would change the gmt hand to green
Love the intro Ben 😂👏
Cheers Mark, 🤣
@@WonderofWatches Hey Ben. Is all Ok?
@@Mark..P absolutely fine Mark P, I should have said something but just taking some time away from discord to concentrate on my channel
@@WonderofWatches No worries. 👍
sound slike you have a cold or COVID