Explorer 2 - A Year Later - Review 226570

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So is the Explorer II Polar 226570 42mm too big? Is it worth it? What's it like to try get one at the AD?

[@thecameronscott]

Nice review! Love the 226570. They're coming really close to MSRP now and I'm very tempted to pick one up from a secondary dealer

[@JL-OnwardandUpward]

I really enjoyed your review and casual approach. I was on the waiting list for about (6) months and received a call over the weekend. Excited to collect it and keep it for my collection.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Amazing! Wear it in good health, and like myself... slowly find it displaces many more days of wear from your other pieces!

[@gregsaga682]

Always great information!

[@michaelriera6277]

Great observations, great channel, subscribed

[@artaudcharles]

Insightful review. Thank you

[@Pete22222]

Been waiting for this for 1.5 years. I’ve made multiple other purchases and played the game for a long time with frequent visits to keep the interest known, always wearing the watches that I’ve bought from them so they know I don’t sell them. The stupid thing about the “list” is that you’ll never truly know if you are on it until you get the call

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Id say move on, go grey for the ex2, ask your ad for a watch thats more common, even a gmt or daytona...

[@mofo9900]

just got the call today for black dial after 6 week wait, still not sure if i will go for it, i have sub and sea dweller already, wanted the exp 1

[@shawndoughty8909]

Really love this watch and I'm on the wait list for it as well. Great review, enjoyed hearing about the watch. Hope you do some more :)

[@aussieexpatwatches]

That's the plan!

[@yahyakhoja]

I'm currently selling a brand new unworn 2023 Polar White Explorer II if you're interested.

[@erickobetitsch6055]

Great review. Love it.

[@lookingglass5867]

Got it this January. Took me almost 7 months. I have had it on ever since.

[@beetrootjunkie4178]

I waited just over 2 years for my 226570 polar. In the end I told my AD I was going to buy one from the grey market, and all of a sudden one became available…🤔 I don’t resent the watch, but the dance is galling.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

2 years wow! It's literally rare afaik. I guess they just weren't prioritizing you like they should have.

[@TN48005]

When I see this watch on wrist I generally think the person’s got stealth wealth. Actually, looks more expensive on wrist when it’s not loud (ostentatious) Perfect under the radar daily!

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Very likely not this person's first piece!

[@bigmeech8715]

To me seeing someone wearing a explorer 2 gives off I couldn’t afford a Rolex GMT so I settled for this.

[@TN48005]

@@bigmeech8715 but I chose the ex ii over the gmt? Far more versatile in business settings. Don’t disagree, just not the case for me

[@EscapePlan97]

@@bigmeech8715no way. It comes down to personal preference.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Great details on the lug width and shaping of the new 42mm variant. Glad Rolex didn't replace the iconic bezel. This watch model is probably their most timeless design. Still looks fresh and contemporary today as when it was first introduced. I just ordered an homage version of the Explorer II 'Steve Macqueen'. That face and dial design is most definitely vintage Rolex. But still lovely.

[@ricflair8863]

Just got a Polar this week at the AD after a 2 year wait. Worth it.

[@louisacaro1065]

I just purchased mine and I love it I think looks different You don't see it so often.

[@jiroyamada7983]

My Explorer II crown sits upright when screwed down as well. Pretty happy about that 😁

[@RedwoodAggie]

Lucky! Mine does not on my 226570, but I don't dwell on it.

[@GregShieldsOutdoors]

I ordered this watch from my AD in October 2023........still waiting. Its a watch I am going to wear for my life and never sell so I am content to wait as long is it takes. Not going to pay 3-4 thousand premium for it. I am fine with waiting. Hopefully wont be much longer. Great show.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Good luck! It will come eventually but depending on where you are it could be 6 months to many years. They simply don't get a lot of deliveries of this piece.

[@GregShieldsOutdoors]

@@aussieexpatwatches Long as Im still alive......Ill go get it./

[@AllanCampbell-nf3go]

I have a brietling superocean heritage, looking to upgrade to rolex ex 2 ... in your opinion, how is the lum ... as expected or less? ... thanks for your enthusiasm

[@Barbecuejag]

Lume is pretty good. My third Rolex - I also have a Bluesy and a Milgauss. I have Breitlings and Omegas and Tudors - this one holds it own with any and all of them. I have a super large collection (400+) and I'm so glad I recently added the Explorer II.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Ex2 is ont of the best. Only the tudor pelagos beats it for lume.

[@grahamwatts368]

I was extremely fortunate that my AD had a polar 226570 on display, so I snapped it up.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Incredible!

[@josevasquez1781]

I went grey in mid 2023 but my grey dealer surprised me with polar fully in plastic with barcodes not one piece of metal was naked. I wear it with plastic only on the case but will remove it soon and use it fur it's intent.

[@Barbecuejag]

Just got this model - same day purchase in Las Vegas Caesar's Rolex boutique. No purchase history! It can be done. Such a great watch.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Thats awesome! One of my favorite pieces. Wear it in good health!

[@Casa1000]

I waited a year for my black Exp2, my AD said fewer come through as the movements are held back for the GMT (?)

[@aussieexpatwatches]

That's a LONG time. I assume you have a good relationship regardless?

[@Casa1000]

The Exp2 in black was my first Rolex request (UK AD) of course ‘waitlisted’ but walked out with a Wimbledon DJ 41. They knew I also liked the Exp1 and got the call early on like yourself. Then came another Datejust 36 (wife’s, although I much prefer the 36). So I wasn’t necessarily still expecting to be down for the Exp2, I wasn’t reminding them about it and then randomly got the call. I go in for general watch geekery, picking up random stuff from their pre-owned (recent purchase is a Santos) I think I have a good relationship - I have a ton of Rolex freebies, get a warm greeting from all the SA’s and have been invited to 3 or so events/dinners etc - I’m down for a Batgirl (birth of our first child) but right now I’m pretty contented with what I have.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

@@Casa1000 wow solid run. Good luck with the Batgirl! I've only been to one official outing, but I don't think my store really actually organizes anything.

[@Casa1000]

Thanks man!

[@RB-xv4si]

It sucks that 90% of the time I see a Rolex video, the conversation revolves around how to get the watch and how difficult it was, instead of the watch itself.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Some of us actually like the chase!

[@user-vj6vo8pv6u]

Not sure what to make of your comment @RB-xv4si bc there was plenty of conversation about size, wearability & durability, the dial & chapter ring & bracelet & clasp - it was an honest and informative video for collectors looking at acquiring this Rolex. Nice job A.E.W

[@Casualcollector2024]

I was able to try it at an ID…it was just too big. for me. I love the Explorer II but not in this size. So for me, the older models are the perfect fitt.

[@Silverback303]

Great review! For a two Rolex watch collection wich of these watches would you pick? Explorer 2 Polar 42mm Submariner no date 41 Gmt batgirl. Thank you .

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Wow thats a great question... ex2 and batgirl. Neither i consider a gada watch, but together, they make a good pair (despite running the same movement).

[@Silverback303]

@@aussieexpatwatches thanks a lot

[@Cloud_Ken]

I think most should get the 216 grey, probably below retail 95pct same watch, no wait, no allocation used.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Can't argue with that at all. I like the changes of the 226, but really, not worth the premium. The REAL choice is wether to pay HALF for the 16570 instead of the 216570.

[@Cloud_Ken]

Half I'd be a bit worried, I think one needs to pay around 7k for a good example. For collecting I'd pay 2k more for the 216, it also is the only watch with a 3187 movement if that matters later on.

[@realchuckp]

i think availability may vary a lot. i got mine in about two weeks.

[@galaman12001]

Same here, two weeks.

[@danielbercovici5202]

They might also discontinue it in a couple of years hold on to it ❤

[@Anonymouslyme1]

Lovely watch I have a black one and a Tudor Black Bay Pro also. I prefer the Tudor to the Rolex!

[@aussieexpatwatches]

I'm soooooo close to pulling the trigger on the pro. I think the height is fine, but I also know I'd be kicking myself a little bit if they shaved 1mm off it in a new release. I also love that opaline GMT.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

@@aussieexpatwatches they won’t be doing that anytime soon the watch has only been out 18 months. They’ll stick with a thick movement in the Pro it’s already better than the Explorer 2 overall.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

@@Anonymouslyme1 I'm patient. The GMT movement has been complained about for a long time, they are for sure working on it. When we see a new BB pro could take a long time though.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

@@aussieexpatwatches I don’t think they’ll slim down that movement for 7-8 years the watch is new and it sells really well as it is, they won’t encroach on the Explorer 2, no chance. Tudor will only give you so much.

[@HansZarkovPhD]

I can get one from ebay in 7 days, why wait so long?

[@aussieexpatwatches]

I agree. And you wont pay much of a premium either.

[@SSI1911]

Some years ago I lusted the Polar Explorer II 16570, and once I got it, I sent it back as I did not like the tin can punched bracelet, the 40mm size though is perfect, then decided to get the 216570 which I still own and enjoy but when the 226570 was released I really liked the new lug tapering and wider bracelet, still on the fence as unless you really compare them and know not much visual difference, still my favorite daily Rolex.

[@aussieexpatwatches]

It's an incredibly good daily. No fuss, no stress, just super cool and straight forward. I agree, it can be hard to stomach the older bracelets if you know what the modern ones feel like. I think 16570 did have later production models with no holes case and proper bracelet.... but I also could be mistaken...

[@deskdiversthlm]

@@aussieexpatwatchesCorrect; the 16570 came with the 3185 movement and the lug holes but removed them with the 3186 movement.

[@chaosad4508]

​@@deskdiversthlmno. hole case was till 2003 and new movement only came in the last couple of years of production circa 07-08.

[@djmanosv]

gifted 2016… daily watch… scratched the case but who cares 😂

[@djmanosv]

wonder how service will fix the scratches on the bezel

[@Jack-S4097]

Think it’s more of a 24 hour watch than a GMT due to the fixed bezel

[@realchuckp]

why?

[@TruthTeller00]

It’s a GMT mate.

[@TN48005]

Yeah mate…shares the exact same gmt movement as the gmt master II. The 24hr bezel truly serves its original intended purpose; nonetheless, the gmt function it contains is a fact. cheers !

[@aussieexpatwatches]

With the advent of the gmt master II movement, i would say most use the jump hour Complication rather than rotate the bezel.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

Not true, it’s a very competent GMT watch you are talking about the first Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 where you couldn’t jump the hour hand independently of the GMT hand as they were slaved together. That is not the case here. This watch is ideal for telling the time in any 2 time zones, but not 3 like the GMT Master II.

[@delp54]

3mn in and I get no useful info ...

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Sorry. Most channels don't show what it takes to get some of these watches and that's what my channel is about, the experience of actually obtaining, owning and enjoying these watches in a personal collection. My channel will be unlikely to be one in which you find me reading spec sheets and wikipedia articles.

[@deskdiversthlm]

I know this is only a hobby and should be fun and ligh hearted. But this is probably the most conceded watch review I have seen in a long time. You claim that you lost the interest because you had to wait for six months? Really? A lot of people wait a life time and save for a life time to get one. What a champagne problem! And meanwhile you complain that it is too toolish and only work as a beater. Why not get a neo-vintage then? Another youtuber with too much money and free time. Yawn! 🥱

[@aussieexpatwatches]

Oh boy. Just got soul read. For me getting a watch in this environment isn't just waiting.. i put a lot of time in over those 6 months. It was a miss in expectations for sure. I'm still greatful. But when they've been delivering GMTs and daytonas mere weeks after asking, 6 months is an outlier.