New arrival, Rolex "Polar" Explorer II 16570

**Joppers** · 13th July 2017, 15:32

It's been a little while since I added something to my collection. The last incoming was a 1960 Vacheron Constantin 6394 that I bought a couple of years ago, but I'd really missed owning a Rolex so had been on the look out for something from that brand that was a little different. I'd owned a Submariner for a few years, and it felt solid in a way my vintage Omega's don't (although I love them), but I didn't want to get another black or silver dial watch, so I decided on a 16570 "Polar" Explorer II.

As I didn't have a huge budget, and because I like the look of drilled lugs I started looking at the older models. This 1997 model turned up today, in great condition with a lovely looking tritium dial and punched papers. It came in a newer style green box which I assume isn't correct for the period?

Very pleased indeed!

The only negative is the bracelet is too short, so I will need to get back to them about it or pop into RSC next week sometime.

Will probably pop it on a light grey Perlon strap in due course.

**demonloop** · 13th July 2017, 15:37

These are unbelievable value* in my opinion. I bought a black dial recently, and am extremely pleased with it.

Hasn't been off my wrist since it arrived. Yours looks a cracker too!

*If a watch worth 4 figures can be considered value

**Harry Smith** · 13th July 2017, 17:16

Originally Posted by demonloop

These are unbelievable value* in my opinion. I bought a black dial recently, and am extremely pleased with it.

Hasn't been off my wrist since it arrived. Yours looks a cracker too!

*If a watch worth 4 figures can be considered value

Same for me. Put it on the ABP strap I threaded a couple of weeks ago and it is understated but classy. Tough watch as well. I've always been a bit precious about my GMT but I feel less concerned about the Explorer fsr.

**berin** · 15th July 2017, 10:51

Originally Posted by Harry Smith

Same for me. Put it on the ABP strap I threaded a couple of weeks ago and it is understated but classy. Tough watch as well. I've always been a bit precious about my GMT but I feel less concerned about the Explorer fsr.

Would you mind posting some pics of this please? A black dial explorer was my first Rolex, bought from Mallory's in Bath years ago and it's a firm favourite. I tried some other straps a while ago but went back to the bracelet but in general I prefer a strap.

Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

**demonloop** · 15th July 2017, 11:20

Leather for me today again

And on NATO

**Harry Smith** · 15th July 2017, 13:07

Originally Posted by berin

Would you mind posting some pics of this please? A black dial explorer was my first Rolex, bought from Mallory's in Bath years ago and it's a firm favourite. I tried some other straps a while ago but went back to the bracelet but in general I prefer a strap.

Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

Ok

Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

**berin** · 15th July 2017, 14:20

Nice - thank you. What's the deployant? I know you said the strap is ABP, is that a calf leather?

Originally Posted by Harry Smith;44

20746

Ok

Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

**Joppers** · 13th July 2017, 23:07

Originally Posted by demonloop

These are unbelievable value* in my opinion. I bought a black dial recently, and am extremely pleased with it.

Hasn't been off my wrist since it arrived. Yours looks a cracker too!

*If a watch worth 4 figures can be considered value

Thanks!

They're definitely at the lower end of the Rolex sports price range. I wonder why? Were many more produced than the other models, or are they just unpopular?

**gee_cee** · 13th July 2017, 15:37

Nice. I prefer the white over the black dial on these, but the other way round on the newer model for reasons I've yet to fathom. Enjoy it.

**Xantiagib** · 13th July 2017, 16:00

a beaut - I almost got one recently and will regret not doing so as when the time comes to do so the price would have gone whooooosh over my head

**gbn13** · 13th July 2017, 17:38

Originally Posted by gee_cee

Nice. I prefer the white over the black dial on these, but the other way round on the newer model for reasons I've yet to fathom. Enjoy it.

I agree - perhaps because on the 42mm the white dial makes the watch look larger than the black.

OP - a lovely watch, congratulations.

**Itsguy** · 19th July 2017, 11:57

These certainly seem to have an ever increasing following on forums. For the 'one watch' guy who does't know too much about watches and just wants 'a Rolex', a pleasantly understated and older model is not the one they'll be drawn to. They won't be comfortable buying pre-owned either, be aware of the advantages of a more classically sized older model on many wrists, and won't be able to spot value for money when they see it. For these reasons, something of an insider's watch? At least while it remains relatively affordable and available compared to the obvious alternatives.

**Itsguy** · 13th July 2017, 16:04

Looks like a nice one! My black dialled version has never been out of rotation since I've had it, they just work. I kind of wish I'd picked up a tritium dial, something to look forward to. Then again, the lume works so they're all good really!

If there weren't so many of them they'd be well on their way to being a sought after classic imo, but maybe (relative) affordability is even better.

Hope you give the bracelet a decent go before going perlon though - it's part of the appeal for me.

**mantaray** · 13th July 2017, 16:48

Agreed - these really are great watches, and my first Rolex. I have a 1996 white tritium dial on a flip lock bracelet (which was I believe an option rather than the default bracelet on these at that time), and the plots and hands are turning a lovely cream colour, which contrasts very nicely with the white dial. Still really enjoy wearing it .....

**Joppers** · 13th July 2017, 23:09

Originally Posted by Itsguy

Looks like a nice one! My black dialled version has never been out of rotation since I've had it, they just work. I kind of wish I'd picked up a tritium dial, something to look forward to. Then again, the lume works so they're all good really!

If there weren't so many of them they'd be well on their way to being a sought after classic imo, but maybe (relative) affordability is even better.

Hope you give the bracelet a decent go before going perlon though - it's part of the appeal for me.

Oh, I'll definitely rotate between bracelet (once I've picked up an extra link) and strap, as I used to do with my Submariner.

I tried it on a NATO earlier (grey, sand, green), and it definitely didn't work!

**grailseeker** · 14th July 2017, 19:19

Originally Posted by Joppers

Oh, I'll definitely rotate between bracelet (once I've picked up an extra link) and strap, as I used to do with my Submariner.

I tried it on a NATO earlier (grey, sand, green), and it definitely didn't work!

It took me a while but I think my black dial 16570 looks great on a nato

Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app

**J J Carter** · 14th July 2017, 20:28

Had my "Polar" for getting on for 2 years, bought from GMTMaster. It gets most wear of all my watches, as I work in the 3rd sector it's discrete but people who notice these things will notice.

**raptor** · 13th July 2017, 17:25

Very nice indeed

**relaxer7** · 13th July 2017, 17:29

Been on my radar for a year or so but keep getting side tracked!

**RAJEN** · 13th July 2017, 17:43

Congratulations.
It seems it is quite a popular watch here but I fail to like this inspite of trying.
One of the few 'sports' Rolexes that just doesn't do it for me. I am sure it is more me than the watch as it is quite popular.
Enjoy it.👍

**Dave+63** · 13th July 2017, 19:00

Yeah, it's you Raj!

It's probably the only sports Rolex where I'd prefer a tritium to a luminova.
Amazing value too especially when compared to a GMT with the same movement!

**sean** · 13th July 2017, 19:12

Originally Posted by Dave+63

Amazing value too especially when compared to a GMT with the same movement!

The only difference in functionality being the GMT's moving bezel, is that right?

**Dave+63** · 13th July 2017, 19:43

Originally Posted by sean

The only difference in functionality being the GMT's moving bezel, is that right?

As far as I'm aware, yes.

**Gomers** · 13th July 2017, 21:56

Had my black 16570 a week today and love its subtle nature as opposed to the rest of the Sports range. Mine's running like a dream at +2s p/d and I'm loving it more as each day goes by.

Came about it via sad circumstances I guess, both my parents recently passed away within 3 weeks of each other and I bought it as a way to remember them both, a watch that will never be sold and one worn everyday so that I'm reminded every time I look at it how I was able to afford it. My Dad would probably say "HOW MUCH ????" but I'd remind him that it was him that taught me tell the time, so it's his fault 😋

Enjoy a wonderful watch, I will.

**woodacre1983** · 14th July 2017, 09:22

Originally Posted by Gomers

Had my black 16570 a week today and love its subtle nature as opposed to the rest of the Sports range. Mine's running like a dream at +2s p/d and I'm loving it more as each day goes by.

Came about it via sad circumstances I guess, both my parents recently passed away within 3 weeks of each other and I bought it as a way to remember them both, a watch that will never be sold and one worn everyday so that I'm reminded every time I look at it how I was able to afford it. My Dad would probably say "HOW MUCH ????" but I'd remind him that it was him that taught me tell the time, so it's his fault

Enjoy a wonderful watch, I will.

So sorry to hear that. I lost my mum in December and that has been hard, to lose both in such a short time my heart goes out to you! Take care.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**topcat666** · 15th July 2017, 07:47

Originally Posted by Gomers

Had my black 16570 a week today and love its subtle nature as opposed to the rest of the Sports range. Mine's running like a dream at +2s p/d and I'm loving it more as each day goes by.

Came about it via sad circumstances I guess, both my parents recently passed away within 3 weeks of each other and I bought it as a way to remember them both, a watch that will never be sold and one worn everyday so that I'm reminded every time I look at it how I was able to afford it. My Dad would probably say "HOW MUCH ????" but I'd remind him that it was him that taught me tell the time, so it's his fault 

Enjoy a wonderful watch, I will.

Sorry to hear your news,Gomers.
My parents both died at Christmastide last year.
As someone told me on another forum,"That's a hard knock and no mistake".
Time will heal,I am told but not a day passes without me thinking of them and I am sure the same will be true of you.
Like you I am buying a watch to remember them, a Rolex OP,which should arrive from the AD in the post today.
Wear your watch with pride in your parents and in celebration of their lives.
Take care.
Regards,
Topcat666

**turbonick84** · 13th July 2017, 22:00

That's a nice example man, I've a swiss only black dialled one, didn't think i was a big fan until i tried it on, one of my favourites now, gets more wrist time than my sub.

**helidoc** · 13th July 2017, 22:29

Congratulations on a lovely watch.

The (black in my case) 16570 is my absolute favourite watch ever, I think it is the combination of Professional Rolex, best in class GMT movement, yet subtle in a way that the GMTs and Subs aren't. They are also somewhat of a bargain. My Sub Date and Speedy would go before the Explorer II

Enjoy it

David

**RAJEN** · 13th July 2017, 23:28

Sorry to hear about your recent bereavements. Guess that makes the watch that much more special.

**Gomers** · 14th July 2017, 09:02

Thank you gents, appreciate the thoughts. It's been a tough 6 weeks.

**J3w3ll3r** · 14th July 2017, 20:42

Probably the most undervalued and under appreciated watch in the Rolex collection, when you consider the relative prices of Subs and GMTs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Aleem** · 14th July 2017, 21:27

Completely agree with the last point. Superb watch.

**marksh** · 14th July 2017, 21:35

I'm a fan of Explorers and also think they are undervalued, I've thought it for while to be honest .

Versatile wear great on the wrist and in comparison to Subs they are just that bit different and you don't see that many knocking around .

Wish I still had my full set unpolished polar that I sold for mental justification when I got my 1016 .

**Aleem** · 14th July 2017, 21:54

Originally Posted by marksh

I'm a fan of Explorers and also think they are undervalued, I've thought it for while to be honest .

Versatile wear great on the wrist and in comparison to Subs they are just that bit different and you don't see that many knocking around .

Wish I still had my full set unpolished polar that I sold for mental justification when I got my 1016 .

I agree, the Explorers are very much undervalued and great at creating the understated yet elegant look

**Plake** · 15th July 2017, 07:42

Probably the Rolex I wear most - had a couple of polars before and I never really liked them tbh. Too much whitey blacky stuff for my eyes. Found this - time has mellowed it a bit, warm tritium, stealth bezel, not to everyone's taste - but for me it's perfect. (I did source a new looking age appropriate bezel when I first got it but changed my mind on fitting it!!)

**rgwarden** · 15th July 2017, 13:40

Originally Posted by Plake

stealth bezel, not to everyone's taste - but for me it's perfect.

I love that bezel, and would love to turn mine into one, but have no idea how it was done. Thoughts? Anyone?

**Plake** · 16th July 2017, 07:50

Originally Posted by rgwarden

I love that bezel, and would love to turn mine into one, but have no idea how it was done. Thoughts? Anyone?

Ha, another heretic ;)

I'm guessing that it naturally lost so much of the paint that it became easier to tidy up by removing the rest of it than filling it in with the humbrol/toothpick technique. Quite how one does it at home without scratching the metal, no idea. Initial thoughts are wooden or plastic toothpick and gentle taps.

I'd expect that there are plenty of loose exp ii bezels with partial paint loss around - I'd probably pick one up and have a go, and if no joy then ask a watchmaker to beadblast it out then refinish with the radial brushing the rest of the bezel needs.

**rgwarden** · 16th July 2017, 08:26

Originally Posted by Plake

Ha, another heretic

Don't tell anyone on here but I've already tried a couple of times... with a toothpick, with nail polish remover, but that paint just won't shift one iota. I like the idea of picking up an old one and working on it though, then having the option of both so I can finally scratch this itch.
My black face one is currently back with Rolex because it's been running too fast (+5) since its service, and I miss the thing like crazy.

**Joppers** · 16th July 2017, 15:06

Originally Posted by Plake

That looks great! Looking forward to seeing how the dial plots and hands age on mine.

**demonloop** · 18th July 2017, 13:20

I've jumped on the wagon too, will try both for a while before deciding.

I've always been a black dial fan, but the black markers and hands are very legible on the polar

**dice** · 18th July 2017, 16:22

This still remains my perfect watch. Maybe one day...

**topcat666** · 15th July 2017, 10:40

36 blue.
I came close to buying the 34 blue in shop but held back as the dial seemed a little small.
That's the problem with having a 6.5 inch wrist but the 36 has just been delivered today on approval and I think it's a keeper so will advise AD who will send box and papers (including I trust the warranty card - it's not like it's a high end sports model!).
The 39 both in OP and Explorer I (which I really wanted to like) just seemed too big for my wrist.
Take care.
Topcat666

**bigvic** · 15th July 2017, 11:53

I had a polar version but always felt it was a bit too conspicuous if I ended up some place that my mum would have warned me about when I was younger! I like the way no one notices my black version.

Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

**rgwarden** · 16th July 2017, 08:32

But have you seen how expensive used ones are on eBay...and who knows if they're original or not??

**Plake** · 16th July 2017, 08:39

I'd put up a wtb for one on VRF and see what's offered.

**weaselid** · 18th July 2017, 17:21

The polar is spectacular. The black dial is spectacular. Ahhhhhhh they're all spectacular

**IdiotAbroad** · 18th July 2017, 17:25

Love how clean and legible the Polar is. Both black and white caught my eye when updated a few years back... Remaining on my future list!

**Robsmck** · 18th July 2017, 17:58

A very underrated time piece IMHO.

Sent from my SM-G920F using TZ-UK mobile app

Thread: New arrival, Rolex "Polar" Explorer II 16570

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

Hybrid View

New arrival, Rolex "Polar" Explorer II 16570

Posting Permissions