Reply With QuoteI've owned a handful of Rolex watches over the years, but never found a 'keeper'. Oddly (given the thread) the 42mm white dialled explorer 2 I had probably came the closest.
Interestingly I keep having the exact opposite reaction with the 1655 (freccione). Looks great in photos and shop windows, but whenever I consider getting one and try it on, it just doesn't work on the wrist.Originally Posted by Robsmck
I've owned a handful of Rolex watches over the years, but never found a 'keeper'. Oddly (given the thread) the 42mm white dialled explorer 2 I had probably came the closest.
I wish you could still see the pics in this thread
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Nothing wrong with a shoutey watch, could well be my next watch to sit alongside my Ym2. It would have to be white as well
I know, horrible aren't they?
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On straps like that yes
I really like the white dial with that orange hand. Makes it stand out.
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Jealous?On straps like that yes
https://www.abpconcept.paris/
Last edited by Harry Smith; 10th October 2017 at 22:02. Reason: insult to injury
Yeah, I remember this - post #173 for those interested. One of the more intriguing threads on TRF.
I prefer the dial of the 16570, but the bracelet of the 216570 - it makes for a tough choice.
Had my Polar 16570 four years now and it has hardly left my wife’s wrist, she loves it. After reading this I really must try it, it’s only a quick swap of the bracelet on my 14060
Great to see so much love here.
Pitch
Expo 2 is a really great watch and left in the shadows at the moment with all the hype over the latest subs/gmt's but I agree on the strap, I prefer leather or Nato for comfort and looks on lots of watches but the 16570 is made for a bracelet and just looks better balanced.. but each to their own.On straps like that yes
The one for me if def the 16550 with aged lume -
Last edited by murkeywaters; 10th October 2017 at 23:37.
I really didn't need to see that!
Suits me fine.
White 42mm. It’s almost perfect!
It's just a matter of time...
I've said it before, but the black dial 16570 is my absolute favourite watch. I think what I appreciate is the blend of Rolex quality, excellent Rolex quality and a subtle appearance. It isn't an obvious watch on the wrist in contrast to the fat cased ceramic subs and GMT. The 16570 shared such a lot with the 16710, yet the GMT is a good 50% more to buy. That makes the Explorer II an easy used buy,and easier for me to wear than modern GMT or Dub at almost £7K. The 216570 is wrist size dependent, certainly too big for me. I do like the matt black dial with orange accents a lot, but size notwithstanding its proportions are off, and the dial and hands are too "maxi-plus".
Dave
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Another massive thumbs up for the Exp II, in my case the black 16570. I really like the 216570 too but do think it too big IMO. Think Rolex got the case proportions correct though, had it been 40mm, I'm sure it would have suffered the fat-lug syndrome of the maxi Subs and GMTs.
My 16570 has performed flawlessly in the 3 months I've had it, seems to run rock solid at just over +2s p/d. Wish the lume was a bit better though but I'm sure the previous gen Subs/GMTs are hampered somewhat in this department too.
I absolutely love the 16710 but the current used prices are eye watering. My Exp II came from WF and was reasonably priced but there are 10yr old 16710s on there now at nearly £9.5K !!!! Cheapest are around £6k for the same watch as mine but with a twirly bezel I wouldn't use.
I likes them. It's good to see a tool watch which isn't a diver and despite having written rolex off previously im seriously considering holding off a pelagos purchase and saving my pennies for an E2. Its not shiney either! Can't decide black or white but there's no rush!
What's the diameter of that one? Hopefully not another 42er as that's the nicest Ex2 I've ever laid eyes on.Expo 2 is a really great watch and left in the shadows at the moment with all the hype over the latest subs/gmt's but I agree on the strap, I prefer leather or Nato for comfort and looks on lots of watches but the 16570 is made for a bracelet and just looks better balanced.. but each to their own.
The one for me if def the 16550 with aged lume -
I've thought about flipping or trading mine plenty of times but there's just something about it that means I can't let it go. (A bit like the wife!)
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All the tritium dials are 40mm. You're looking at pre1998 if you're thinking of buying one.
Notice the "Swiss -T<25" not the dial at 6; later non tritium had "Swiss" or "Swiss Made" on the dial.
Brilliant - much appreciated
Just to add that the later 42mm models can be differentiated at a glance as they have much thicker hands.
Indeed, as others have said, the E2 is brilliant for actually wearing instead of just looking at in a box.
While I prefer the white dial option for the 216570, any black-dialled 40 mm is magic on the wrist, and a perfect one-watch-for-everything candidate. It doesn’t get any better for practicality, quality and versatility in an everyday watch than the 16550/16570.
That's handy to know for a quick suss, thanks
From a wearability perspective, I much prefer the 16570 with it's easily obtained replacement bezels. A 16550 with a new style bezel is a big no-no for me.
This ^
All of it
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Although I was holding a 42mm black dial only yesterday and thought it was great. Like they’d dragged the correct proportions into the larger model, lugs, crown, hands, plots and all. Struggling to think of Explorer II I don’t like, though (paradoxically given the OP’s initial post) the 1655 - by far the most valuable - has for me a dial I can’t easily read at a glance, and a complication that would kind of drive me nuts given that I use and enjoy the second time zone so much.
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I love mine 42mm black face.
TBH i was a hater until i tried it on.
Now its my daily wear.
Exactly the same here
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i hear that ! :-)
Good point. The 16570 is definitely the one to have for wearing, whereas an all-original 16550 would be far more painful to scratch.
On the other hand, I struggle to think of any watch that wears its scars better than a 4- or 5-digit Explorer II.
About ten years ago I wanted a black out Explorer 1 and a cream 16550. I should have bought both. They're so expensive now.
Well... I'm quite fond of my ugly duckling.
May well be 42mm but due to the slim profile/sloping bezel, for me at least, makes it an ideal daily wearer.
I'd fully intended to buy either a GMTc or polar 216570.... tried both... thought the GMTc was a bit too blingy for me as a daily (scratches on the PCLs would annoy me also). Thought the polar would be fantastic for summer. As soon as I put the black Exp2 on my wrist though, decision was made. I love how the dial in certain lights seems to pick up an almost coffee tone to it as well.
As others have already said, 42mm is a big NO for me. I have a bog-standard 16570 and find it the most universal and versatile watch I own. Also looks great on a 15 quid rubber strap.
Last edited by Raffe; 12th October 2017 at 07:48.
Someone who lies about the little things will lie about the big things too.
I agree with you re both the 40mm and 42mm (I've just bought a 16570) but the 116570 allows those with larger wrists to enjoy the explorer II too!As others have already said, 42mm is a big NO for me. I have a bog-standard 16570 and find it the most universal and versatile watch I own. Also looks great on a 15 quid rubber strap.
Everybody wins.
The Polar Explorer II is a kind of grail for me. Unfortunately, as others have said, 42mm is just too big for me. I’m looking for a good 40mm late in the series.
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I had admired the 116570 since my student climbing club days, suppose I bought into the marketing bs, but always felt it a little small. Just loved the 126570 and got one for my 50th birthday. Always makes me smile to wear it.
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Tried one on at schiphol air port today. The size is perfect for me. Despite the majority opinion, I preferred the black I think. Lovely watch.
And the GMT hand is quite different between 40mm and 42mm too
I've always liked the white dialled explorer 2 and reading through this thread has confirmed, and that I think I would prefer the 42mm.
This is my current GMT, but would need to make way for the Rolex.
I regret failing to pick up a cheap 16750 when they were great used value. The polar on a grey nato is a great combo.
Archie love a used ROOLLLLLLEXXXXXXX polar so they must be good.
Last edited by Middo; 13th October 2017 at 04:38.
I sold everything in my small collection and was left with a black 16570, a decision I have not come to regret.
The only watch I might add in the future is the Polar version, though I've tried them and the wife says white dials don't suit me.
Great watch, understated and very good value. The 42mm is too big for me though.
I would go for the 40mm Exp due to my wrist size 6.75" but recently I tried on a Speedmaster Professional at 42mm and it looked spot on.. funny how watches the same size can look dramatically smaller or bigger depending on bezel and dial size.
I think it's the steel bezel. Those with a black bezel insert like the Speedy, Seadweller and a 42mm Planet Ocean look fine to most, whereas many say the 42mm Explorer is too big.
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