Rolex Explorer II - How I chose this watch for my vacation (and why I think it's a great watch)

How do you choose which watch to wear? What watch are you taking on vacation? What is your decision proces? I'm going to let you in on my decision making process and tell you why I love this Rolex Explorer 216570, how I got it and why it made it onto my wrist on my recent summer vacation.
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Cheers! 😀😀😀
Note: I say Maxi Dial and Maxi case in several places. I know there's a difference in the Rolex world. If you're a super enthusiast, don't kill me for being imprecise. I know the difference but after several hours of filming I didn't want to reshoot prior to my vacation just to fix that. Thanks!

[@artaudcharles]

In my opinion, the Explorer II is the preeminent summer vacation watch. I wish I owned one. Brilliant choice.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks... I consider myself fortunate to own it for sure... 😀😀

[@yahyakhoja]

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

[@MrHav1k]

I would love this in the black dial configuration. Seems like it could still fly somewhat under the radar.

[@luminthenight2120]

Really enjoyed the breakdown of your thoughts on this decision.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed this type of video 👍👍👍

[@fire_watch7735]

I love my Explorer 216570 and is one of my favourites in my Rolex collection. I just wore mine for a 3 week vacation and it was awesome as always. Congrats

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Very nice and thanks 😀🤜

[@ricflair8863]

Additionally, this was an excellent video. Well done, natural, and you over analyze everything- just like me. Good job!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you kindly 😃

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

I’m on vacation this week and I have a discount diver and the 39mm Explorer for everything else. Love the polar explorer.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice and have fun!!! 😀😀😀

[@bashirahmed2639]

Love the Polar Explorer 2, my favourite watch!.... This channel is very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Much appreciated! 😊😊

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

Great Vid. I chose the Seiko 5 GMT “Blueberry” for these exact reasons. It’s cheap too, so little risk of theft or loss etc.

[@brandenleshock9934]

Great video, I thought I was the only one who planned watches in advance of a vacation, spent many nights planning what 2 watches to bring on an eight day cruise. Omega Seamaster and G-shock combo won.

[@WestCoastAce27]

Excellent choice and logic. 226570 is my grail; procrastinated on buying it; now groveling at various ADs. One thing: there have only been a few watch crimes in So Cal - it’s nothing like London.

[@robertolira9843]

Amazing video and I loved you choosing my Home town Funchal for your holiday I am sure you had a great time. I am p/e my 2 tudors for this beautiful watch. I just come to a point in my life that 1 watch will do and I choose this model.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Funchal was great - Ended up buying a Seiko at the local AD to commemorate that trip .😀😀

[@atombomb6719]

​@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatchAlpinist, I hope

[@andersjensen1499]

My 16570 explorer II is the best watch for traveling. It’s so versatile and it is not that expensive and flashy compared to some other watches from Rolex. It works well with shorts and t-shirts and also dressed up going out for dinner.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Speak the truth sir! 😃😃

[@steelsteez6118]

Sir, I will give you a cookie for this achievement 🍪

[@lawrencehaines8103]

Great review. Wish you had shown the watch on the straps you mentioned at the end. I have the 226570 and am considering strap options.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks - Fair point. Didn't think to do that. Will remember for future videos 😃😃

[@swiergol79]

I was on Madeira this summer, great island. I didn't have a problem which watch to choose because I have only one watch - Hamilton khaki field mechanical bronze😂 Thank you for interesting videos😀

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice! . And thank you 😀😀

[@PGCAlmeida]

I really love the Explorer II and agree with everything you said. Too bad that I have skinny wrists - crossing fingers for a polar black bay pro in 2024. Greetings from Madeira; I hope you've enjoyed my island. :)

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Madeira was fabulous. Weather was great and had some really god levada walks 😀😀😀

[@WestCoastAce27]

Yes! White dial BB Pro. Love the blk one (wearing it now) but will buy the white in a heartbeat.

[@erickobetitsch6055]

Great vid.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thank you kindly 😃

[@harry-eto]

I'm probably going to use my recent Sub on Everest Rubber Strap or my SMP 300 on the OEM Rubber for the french riviera. That or the Tudor GMT - the versatility of it is phenomenal. Does it all, incl. watersports.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice. Those everest bands really change a sub. Outdoor, tool, summer - they work well together. Grand choice 👍👍👍

[@ColdComrade]

I like how you have only 1 action figure by itself on the shelf lol I love it 😂

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

If you ask nicely, I'll add a second one 😀😀

[@ColdComrade]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch for my birthday, could you add a second one? Thanks dad!

[@ricflair8863]

Just got my Polar E2 226570 from the AD. It was an 18 month wait but worth it. Your contrarian comment is exactly me. I love what others don’t.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol. 🤣👍

[@WestCoastAce27]

Congrats. I’m still waiting. Lost track of the time. The downside of living in a huge metropolis with a lot of rich people. And this was the watch Rolex couldn’t give away for a long time.

[@ricflair8863]

@@WestCoastAce27 if you live in a Metro I’m assuming you checked to see if there are multiple ADs with multiple locations. If not, hit them all up. I visited 3 different ADs across 5 locations. Never bought a thing at any of them. Ironically, the AD I only visited one time was the one that gave me the call. Don’t give up.

[@berdeauxlaveau6515]

I LOVE THE ORANGE HAND ON THIS WATCH

[@onifrakimarq7663]

Always a good choice! I'll take my navy bb58 with me to Lake Como and Milano, soon.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good choice on watch and vacation destination. Como is gorgeous - Hope it's not too hot though.... 👍👍👍

[@gremlin76]

Truly I envy your high quality problem of choosing the watch, especially your collection is vastly superior to mine. 😂 I have 2 activity type of watches I took with me this year - Tudor Ranger 39mm for general purpose and Scurfa D1 as a rugged option for everything I’d rather not do with more than $1k on my wrist. Hope you enjoyed Madera, thanks for a nice video. 👍

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Ha ha. I know. Total luxury problem for me. But your Ranger is definitely no slouch either - Really a cool watch Madeira was amazing. Highly recommended 😃😃

[@dannycph]

Good choice👍

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks 😃😃

[@D6EH]

Well done video. I like your logic and typically follow same for travel; primary watch, Apple Watch, back-up/beater watch in case primary has issue. Typically this is a solar G-Shock or quartz diver.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Thanks for sharing! 😀😀

[@mmbrey4973]

good morning, really appreciate your content a lot , you always nailed it pure and simple… one question : not a rugged watch at all, just a classic one ( i know) but in the next days i get the opportunity of getting my hands on a 2023 rolex date just( normal AD price around 8 grant) 126300 silver dial, soft bezel and jubilee bracelet… cause i appreciate your opinion a lot, it would be very nice just to tell me your opinion about: can i do anything wrong in buying that… would help me whatever your answer is ( pro or con the buy) thanks from berlin, marc🍀✌️

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

It’s a fabulous watch. Pure and simple 😀

[@lookingglass5867]

I had my AD put me on the list 2 weeks back. it's in a big city and I have good purchase history. I am wondering what the wait time is now? I picked up a Steel/Yellow gold 41MM Sub about 5 months ago. I waited about 3 months for the Sub.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lot's of models are coming in faster at the moment for sure 😀😀

[@evanc1974]

A bit out of my price range but one of my favorite Rolex pieces. Was thinking of the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT. Any thoughts on that watch? Thank you as always

[@victorfernandesvieira7883]

And I thought I’ve overanalyzed trivial things… this is on a whole other level 😅… but it’s comforting to know I’m not the only one. BTW, be thinking on getting this watch for the same summer purposes but since my collection is still quite small (sub, speedy, a custom Zodiac Super Sewolf, a few g-shocks but no dress, no GMT and no integrated bracelet), I think I still need some essentials before getting my first Polar… But man I love this watch!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Overanalyzing is kind of a thing for me 😂

[@foodfamily9984]

I have this watch but I never change the bracelet. For a 2 week holiday I would take my current gen no date sub. The on the fly adjustability of the bracelet makes all the difference. For the beach of course, nothing beats my G shock

[@Jassethi03]

Nice video. Can you please hear a link to the strap you were referring to?

[@t28mcd]

Doxa Sub 300 is my favourite holiday watch.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Excellent choice. Colour? ORange? 😃😃

[@Reese1105]

everyone- buy the 226570. i have it and it is absolutely the best choice I have made in my 14 years of collecting.

[@MegaThucydides]

So basically you're the George Costanza of watches, picking your timepiece and outfit based on the mood of the day? 😂Cheers!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

"Please, A Little Respect, For I Am Costanza, Lord Of The Idiots" 😂

[@almeladze]

In the reverse order: On a 10 day trip, you are planning to swap rubber straps based on color? LOL I would also go crazy about a 1 mm gap between the lugs and the strap. Of course, you notice it! Traveling with watches is always a dilemma. I totally get it why you're taking this watch, although explorer 2 isn't my watch of choice. Dont get me wrong if I walked into a store and they had it, I would grab it too but not for keeping.. But it makes sense to travel with a metal bracelet, GMT watch (I was a bit surprised that at the end of the vide you said that you put it on the rubber). Also, summer swelling has never been an issue for me, a least not to the extent that I would notice it. But the travel dilemma is there for sure - attire, activity, mood, etc. For summer seaside trips I always take my Ulusse Nardin diver on a rubber strap (for sea swimming) which also works well as a general summer watch and something else on a rubber or a metal as a 2nd watch. My UN can work as a dressy piece for the restaurant but who can travel with only one watch? LOL For across-the-Atlantic trips a GMT watch is a must for me, plus a one dress and one sports watch plus a pilot on the wrist for those long flights and airports. I am currently struggling with the choice as I'm about to go on a long trip from Europe to America (incl. beach), then back to Europe and then returning home. How many can I take, for them not to be too many? LOL

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Lol - The dilemma of choice. So many options you end up being unable to choose 😂😂😂

[@almeladze]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I took 4 with me - a chronograph on a metal to time long drives and flights (12 hr counter is a must), a diver for the beach, a GMT for workdays across the Atlantic and a Laco Venedig which has become my fav daily wearer (outside of the office) since I got it in Dec. Htere is something about its luminous dial that I cant have enough of ;) Plus an Italian provenance dress watch to go out when in Italy. Wait, it's 5! LMAO

[@VibrantMango]

I have the same Explorer II Polar (exact reference) and love the way it feels on wrist. Just so much more substantial and tank like build. It always end up being my vacation watch and I wear it more often than the NTTD Omega (looks like we have similar tastes!) or my current ref Sub or DJ 41. Also I have never seen a Polar in the wild but plenty of Subs and DJs!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Right on! 😀😀👍

[@bern83]

Just got the 226570 for my travel/adventure watch. Hope I made the right choice :)

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Can't go wrong with the Exp 2. 😊😊

[@farside117]

Heading out for a vacation soon to Europe. Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer espresso. Marathon Pilot navigator (brown), Tag Heuer Carrera reverse panda Glassbox.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Nice selection for a trip 👍👍👍

[@void1984]

I've always though about Explorer, as a medium sized 36mm watch. I don't see the connection between this one and Explorer I. I understand why you compare it with the Submariner.

[@user-gv2qx1je1m]

The color of the dial is a matter of taste. I chose Explorer II 226570 black dial because it looks better on the wrist than polar. I like white more in photos and videos 🤣 I

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Exactly - we like what we like 😀

[@NikonFM2n]

I've got a 42mm eta 1655 Rolex homage by Steinhart. ❤

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Very nice! 😀

[@whatchamatcha]

How big is your wrist for reference? How would it fit for a smaller wrist like 6.5”?

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

You're terrific knows the size of my wrist 😀😉

[@whatchamatcha]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch SEVEN INCHES?!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

METRIC inches (In a 50c Sauna) 😂 But yeah. Thereabouts. Slightly under but close enough

[@anthonylake7581]

On my last holiday, which was to Morocco, I took one watch, an inexpensive Seiko Turtle. Before that, my go to travel watch was my even cheaper SKX007. I live in London and most of my travel is to cities in various part of the world, which means the possibility of street robbery, so I am careful. My more expensive watches stay safe at home or in a safe deposit box at a local facility when I am away. Most years, I pass through Manila. I would not wear any watch there at all. The only city I have been to that felt more dangerous than Rio. I like both cities, but wearing any watch, let alone an expensive one, in those places is asking to be robbed.

[@Sirkelsag666]

I took with me my Squale 1521 COSC and casio «mission impossible». Ended up only wearing the Squale, in the pool, in the ocean and it felt so good. Lots of memories pops up when looking at it now.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

A Squale. Don't have one now but hade a Squale 1521 blasted with the blue dial. Very cool watches... Good choice 😀😀😀

[@n.a.s1096]

Who is the transformers/robot guy in the backgrond

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Bumblebee of course 😃😃

[@neznamtija8081]

Where does he live then ? Is it a village ?

[@Ten.to.one.handmade]

Great choice. Im flying to Cambodia tomorrow and would love to take my exp1, but with all things considered, I will be taking my skx013 on one of my strap prototypes. It’s taken me about a month to settle on the 013, so you are not the only one who agonises over these decisions! 😅

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I feel less weird already 😂😂😂😂 Thanks 😀

[@jaysterling26]

Destination this year: east Asia; Watches : old new stock Seiko 5 'OP' or Casio Oceanus ( integrated bracelet in humidity!?) plus either Citizen 'Ray Mears' or Citizen NY0085. Will match 1 solar & 1 automatic No battery quartz for possible letdown. Boa viagem !

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good options 😊

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Hope you enjoyed your vacation! I feel your pain haha! The nice thing about the Explorer is that it is a true tool watch but doesn't look out of place in most situations. It doesn't look like a typical Rolex Submariner so no one will target you for one either. I agree with you. This is a watch that is ready to go and do things not a status symbol like the others in its line up... I feel the same way about the Milgauss. People hate it but its the only one I would actually buy. Out of the three you had listed I think you picked the best one. I tend to agree with you. Its not overthinking a luxury problem... Its setting the mood. If I wear my G-shocks I know I am going to exercise or swim ect.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

I'm back and yes I did - It was way too short though. Didn't get the watch stolen and almost ended up wanting to buy a watch while on the trip, but decided against it (new Tudor - Video incoming) G-shock got more time on the wrist than the explorer though - but that's more because of water and swimming time....😂😂😂

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Good to have you back! Sounds like you had a blast!

[@dstjoe]

I'm planning a vacation to Maui Hawaii and can't decide whether to wear the BB GMT or the Explorer 2 (new model). Please help me decide. My plan will be wearing shorts and t-shirts so the watch will be in full display. I really like the Explorer 2 for being lighter than the BB GMT, but I'm a bit worried about the safety of wearing a Rolex in Maui Hawaii. Thanks

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Tough choice. It's been over ten years since I last was on Hawaii, but I don't remember it as super dangerous theft wise - but like I said, that was ten years ago. I would go Explorer 2 because I'm totally rocking that vibe right now 😀😀😀

[@saladbowl85]

Whish I could have seen it on the mentioned straps

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Sorry. Will remember that for some other time 😀😀

[@europaexplorer1]

I will bring Explorer 40mm (or EZM3) and Fenix 6 Solar Pro..

[@Ashpinkbeige]

GW-M5610U-1ER??

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Yessum! 😀😀

[@stuartbrand5617]

Great choice. The cyclops always reminds me of a drop of water. This video helps me think about my Osaka trip in september. Weather, crime rate, activities to be considered.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Osaka! Lucky you 😀😀😀

[@a.j.e4349]

Uno! First!.No.1. Gold!!

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

yet again .😃

[@pruteanu6]

Beater watch Pelagos FXD , garmin Descent G1 for diving ( I am a diver )and fitness , main one submariner no date on rubber B strap … no date complication … no hustle, your explorer 2 is next on my buying list and it will be my “work”watch … great video by the way

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cool that you have the FXD - I'm putting up a video tomorrow on the FXD Alinghi. Curious what a MN - FXD owner thinks of the new watch... 😉

[@pruteanu6]

@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I like the chronograph one … using Breitling movement… thinking of pulling the trigger… the 3 hands one is ok … but MN is better … full titanium …

[@chriscardwell3495]

Thanks for the video. The Explorer II is one of my grail watches, yes duty-free shops provide extraodinary opportunities. I think the latest Polar Explorer II has hands with black lines that are too thick - so the ideal Explorer II would be an earlier model. A friend was warned by his wife not to wear his OP Rolex in Capetown . . . he ignored her and was held up at gunpoint for his watch and wedding ring. My friend later revealed the gunman fired a bullet near his foot to make it clear His wedding ring could not be easily removed . . . he now has a nondescript cheap quart watch. At least 2 people have been killed in the UK for their Rolex watches

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

IT's a shame that you have to consider those kind of concerns, but it's the way it is in some places...

[@HydrogenAlpha]

The comment about contrarianism is very interesting. I have similar feelings about the somewhat quirky Air-King, and I think it also falls in the rugged category.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Good point about the air king... TBH I sometimes forget that it exists - it's that "odd" in the Rolex lineup 😀😀😀

[@joesimpson4655]

You’re overthinking it. You just need an explorer it can do everything. You realize it has screw down crown and is perfectly adequate to go swimming ?

[@oysterman962]

Great watch. I own the older generation 16570 and find it one of the most versatile, wearable Rolex models of my collection of 8 Rolexes. With the GMT function and it's ruggedness it's probably the reason why the British SAS have chosen the E2 as the commemorative watch of their unit, having special commissioned Rolex to inscribe their motto 'Who Dares Wins' on an undisclosed limited production issued only to members of this elite unit. It's possibly also the only Rolex I need if it weren't for my disease of collecting wristwatches. Make no mistake, this Rolex is not your social media pin up poster boy. It's a no-nonsense pure sports tool watch. This and the Air-King are the only current Rolex sports watches available in steel. No gold, two tone, titanium or platinum. This is what Rolex cut their teeth on as a sports watch brand before they became a fashion accessory. You want proof of that? Look no further than the achievements of Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge, the Lawyer turned polar explorer who wore the E2 16570 to both the North, South poles and to summit Everest. And also the American explorer Ed Viesturs who summited 11 of the world's highest mountain peaks with the earlier model reference 16570 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXvRo2ukhLh_o8U Another interesting factoid about the E2 is that it was the very first 'men's' sized Rolex officially advertised being worn by a woman, when fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini wore it in a Rolex print ad in 1997. Enjoy and wear yours in good health!!😂

[@patsmith3894]

Archieluxury took the same watch with him on his American adventure. Are you a fan of Archie? Are you following his lead?

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

Nobody can keep up with Archie.... He is imitated but never replicated .😃😃😃

[@caseysporer]

😑 "Promosm"

[@samb8996]

You go to the gym ?😂

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

That's the wrong question. What you meant to ask was "Do you even lift, Bro?" The ", Bro" piece is important. Otherwise the comment falls completely flat on its' face. 😊

[@3000waterman]

Hum. Arrived here after watching your excellent Cartier vid (which was very impressive). This vid stopped me from subscribing. The silly, nerdy plastic figure reduces my inclination to take you seriously. And saying you don't know what 'mood' you'll be in before choosing a watch to wear is just too precious, and strange. Pity.

[@thegorn]

The 216570 is shockingly bad. So long lug to lug, thin and too wide. Wears so bad. The older 40mm polar was infinitely better.

[@niklas4031]

Depends on wrist size

[@geedee2326]

Excellent choice!! Enjoy it.

[@matthewdadson7598]

A beautiful watch. I love wearing my one....

[@robertbishop1609]

Tough look for the ladies to pull off.

[@torontowatches9709]

Yeah agree if you have midget wrist!