Rolex Explorer II - One Year on the Wrist

On location with his Rolex Explorer II, Nature photographer Cheyne Walls talks about his experiences with the Rolex Explorer II and about the importance of a good tool watch, how its an intrical piece of equipment. After one year on the wrist, is the Rolex Explorer II still the ultimate tool watch.
#rolex #rolexwatch #rolexexplorerii
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[@lincolnsuchit07]

I love the fact that you use your watch for its intended purpose. This was a fantastic video!

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you

[@duck853]

Don't listen to the naysayers saying it isn't a tool watch. I'm sure they haven't woken up with the LCD on their G-shock blacked out because it's 10-degrees in the tent. I have, and I'm sure you've experienced the same. By wearing the Explorer II you're keeping the origins of the brand alive. You and I won't make a drop of difference in the sea of materialistic and thirsty social media chasers, but it's nice to know there are some people out there that still see beyond the "luxury label" and see the robust watchmaking in the brand still. The "tool" in the original tool watch design as it was intended. I just got "the call". Reminds me of when I bought my Nikon F3T setup. 36-years later it looks like that 80s ad of the beat up F3. I used it as intended, I knew others that leather cased theirs and were so scared to get even a scratch on them. I plan to wear this Explorer daily as well.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, You will love it! That is great about the F3, I kept my Nikon F100. Its about 20 years old now, and still works great! Cheers

[@duck853]

@@cheynewalls got mine in hand now. Question, I'm not seeing the Rolex hologram etched into the crystal at the 6 o'clock position, or anywhere else on the crystal for that matter. Does yours have the laser etched crystal?

[@cheynewalls]

@@duck853 Yes, it is there, but you need a magnifying loop. It is very hard to see without magnification. Cheers

[@duck853]

Whew... after the 10th time looking (even with a 12X loupe) I finally found it. You just have to get the perfect raking light from "the bottom" and look from the top (at 12 o'clock) down. Tks!

[@cheynewalls]

@@duck853 Cheers

[@the_shadow_realm5110]

This guy is frixkin’ awesome! Out in the field, a genuine explorer. Hiking, mountaineering, diving, just putting that Explorer II through its paces. Also a very talented photographer! So good to see someone using this tool for its true purpose. Keep wearing it in good health man, and keep beating the ever living crap out of that watch!!

[@cheynewalls]

Will do, thank you, Cheers

[@riveravictor]

This is the best watch review I’ve seen in a very long time. Someone who actually uses the watch ❤

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you

[@gregorylewis2472]

I am looking at buying a watch , I have had many DOXA watches. I am looking at the Explorer 2. Your video could not be more spot on. I also own the Garmin for diving and other functions, but battery life sucks. That's why I am going back to having just a great watch. I am sold on the Explorer 2 thanks to you. Thank you.

[@cheynewalls]

You will love the Rolex Explorer 2. I went through a few Garmins & G-shocks, and like you just hated the limited battery life. Cheers

[@eijixperia]

Your watch should be very happy to be with you in the backcountry where it belongs😊 I am a hiker and a watch nerd. While hiking, I wear Garmin on my right wrist and Sinn EZM3 on my left. I don’t fully trust anything that runs on battery, especially when the temperature goes as low as below -20*C. And it scares the hell out of me to imagine being alone in the mountains not knowing how much time is left before sunset. I am now thinking about upgrading my hiking companion from Sinn to Explorer II - that’s how I found your video. I love my Sinn but it screams that it is a diver and feel a bit weird wearing it in mountains😂

[@cheynewalls]

I'm the same way, don't fully trust anything with batteries (especially in the cold) and on technical or new long hikes will have both my Explorer II and Gamin. The Rolex Explorer II has become a trusted friend. Cheers

[@chriseastwood8720]

Great video, love mine too. The crown problem you mentioned might be solved with the unique Rolex 1/4 clockwise turn after the initial counterclockwise unscrew. So right when it pops out from a counterclockwise unscrew turn, do a short clockwise turn to release. I just learned about it... hope it helps.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you for that Chris

[@krfrench55]

I like the lifestyle experience style review of the watch. A nice departure from the technical watch reviews online

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you

[@peterbriggs6857]

My Explorer 2 is 32 years old, and going strong.

[@cheynewalls]

Love to hear, great watches. Cheers

[@pkoster5874]

I got mine yesterday, absolutely beautiful in the flesh. The white dial really pops (a photo does not do this justice)

[@cheynewalls]

Enjoy, yes photos don't do this watch justice.

[@Bianuni]

Rolex should hire you to advertise this “last true tool Watch from Rolex” 😊✌🏼 Excellent video and hope you wear it in good health for years to come 👍🏼👍🏼

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you

[@123Thucydides]

Great video, just subscribed to your youtube feed. Love your pictures and your watch. Good to see a rolex doing what it should; getting beaten up in the field! I would love to see your 10 years on the wrist video!!!

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you Frazer, Planning to keep this Rolex Explorer II for the rest of my days, so there will be a 10, 20, 30 and maybe 40 years on the wrist. Cheers

[@TheSalsa1977]

Love my polar. But I’m more of a living room wearer. Regardless, makes me smile while reading a book; knowing what it can do in the wild is a huge bonus. Cheers!

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, Its ready when you need it. Cheers

[@whiskey6350]

I just found your videos on the Explorer II, I love mine too. If you’re looking for a second watch you might consider the Tudor Pelagos line, I like the titanium and feel it would fit your lifestyle perfectly. I got the FXD and it’s a great tool watch.

[@cheynewalls]

Great thank you for that, I'll look in to the Tudor Pelagos line, Cheers

[@config2543]

You should talk about how you can use the 24 hour hand as a compass, if it is set to local time with hour hand. I think that is what makes the explorer II more of a tool watch over the explorer I. And competitive against the submariner and sea dwellers.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, good point. I'll bring that up in a future video.

[@Martyhollow]

Im researching this watch to buy in a few months. Great video series on the 226570, the best I have found. Your actual use as a tool watch is awesome. Thanks 👍

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you Marty

[@NexDim.]

Love your reviews, please keep it up

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, out on location right now filming more. Cheers

[@philo2197]

For some reason certain people think something isn’t a tool if it passes a dollar amount. I don’t understand it.

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, I don't understand that either, It is a lot of money upfront, but you are getting something that is made of the finest materials and will last decades. Cheers

[@chriscon8463]

Your channel is unique in that you showcase that you’re out there using your watch. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate channels that do watch reviews sitting at a desk, but your style is certainly more interesting! That’s cool that you figured out that you get a lot less attention if not on a bracelet!

[@cheynewalls]

I appreciate that! Thank you Chris, Cheers

[@peterhoma6385]

Nice ! Looking forward to your 100k+ mile Tacoma review

[@alexsdg9765]

Thank you for this review, I think you convinced me to get an Exp 2! I really like the strap you show at 2:43 , do you remember where you got it?

[@cheynewalls]

Its an amazing watch, you will love it. I got that leather strap custom made when I was over in Taiwan. I think the craftsman has a website, I'll have to look for it. Cheers

[@alexsdg9765]

@@cheynewalls I’m actually on the hunt for a no date sub and a polar exp 2, wichever I can get first! Your videos helped me a lot to understand that both tick every box of what I look for in a tool watch.

[@cheynewalls]

@@alexsdg9765 Both are great watches, glad to help. Cheers

[@coronetmag]

For the crown being stuck occasionally after unscrewing, this is typical of all Rolexes: after you unscrew the crown and you feel it pop, twist the crown the opposite way slightly, as if you were screwing it back in, maybe a quarter of a revolution. That will help you pull the crown out to the next position.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, thanks for that.

[@dBsdecibels]

One photography benefit to a mechanical watch over a digital is the fractional second. I have the same watch, and I can look at the second hand and do 1/3, 1/2, 2/3rds of a second. Digitals don't usually show fractional seconds. I do a lot of landscape photography (just got back from the Faroe's not too long ago). I shoot digital. I'm way too lazy to manually do it, unless I have to go "bulb" for really long exposures.

[@waiheke109]

Wicked photos m8

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, check out our website for more www.cheynewalls.com

[@DS-fz9tx]

I really like that leather strap. Could you post the link to it? Thanks for many interesting videos!

[@cheynewalls]

Its a custom made watch leather strap that I pickup while in Taiwan. Go to Wotancraft website, there are instruction on the site on how to get there leather strap custom made to fit your watch. Cheers

[@TheSalsa1977]

Got mine in about 2 weeks ago a. Honey moon phase.

[@cheynewalls]

Congrads, the honey moon phase hasn't ended for me yet after a year. Cheers

[@VibrantMango]

Great video. I I have been following your journey since you got the Polar. Curious on the leather strap and how you sourced it. I have the same watch and was thinking of swapping out the bracelet. Rolex cases do have a habit of eating leather straps due to the sharp edge of the case so definitely looking for an option that bypasses that issue! The leather and the sailcloth options both looked good!

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you Vibrant, Yeah the strap has been a good edition to this watch. I got it when I was in Taiwan and I'm sorry to say, I'm still trying to find the name or website of the craftsman that made it for me. It came in a special box with their info, but for the life of me I can't find. As soon as I find it I'll let you know, and post it on a future video. Cheers

[@ptilli8876]

I agree. My Exp II polar is phenomenal and useful in all conditions. I put mine on a Rubber B strap for more comfort.

[@cheynewalls]

It what they build them for, Cheers

[@deech2086]

Great content. I am on the list for this watch (over 1 yr now) and am being told 2023 will be my year - most likely the second half. So great to see it out in the wild. Fellow Toyota owner here (FJ Cruiser 2011 Trail Teams) with 246K miles and still going. Watching this video, I love the strap choice, but could not help wondering how it works for you in the wet environments? Looked like leather? Again, fantastic video and love the shots and scenery.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you for that. Love my Tacoma, I'll have its 100K update video coming out in a few weeks. Strap is a mix of leather and canvas. So its fine if it gets wet, but you are right, if I'm traveling to a place we're all be in and out of the water a lot. I'll switch straps.

[@TheShane209]

I was just wondering when a video was dropping. Glad to see you back

[@cheynewalls]

Are you asking about the upcoming 100K Tacoma video? That will be out in a few weeks.

[@shawndoughty8909]

Love that you actually use your watch as a tool. Love that Exp II and is my next watch for certain. Btw, what bourbon are you drinking in the video?

[@cheynewalls]

Its is a great watch and built to be a tool watch. Colonel E.H. Taylor small batch, its good! Cheers

[@timjaynes933]

I came for the Tacoma but stayed for the Rolex . Time for a taco - please

[@cheynewalls]

Currently working on the 100k review on the Tacoma, will be up in a few weeks

[@molinatheexplorer7185]

with a loupe, do you notice that the hands aren’t 100% completely painted? almost look splatted paint on the sides…. Curious on your experience

[@cheynewalls]

I just looked through a loupe and I'm not seeing that. However my buddy has the ref 216075 Explorer II and he says he can see a bit of that. What ref number do you have?

[@molinatheexplorer7185]

@@cheynewalls 226570 but I looked on forums and they all say the same thing, that Rolex doesn’t paint their hands edges only the top

[@slyfoot0605]

Did you ever make a comparison video? 216570 vs 226570 If not, what were you thoughts in? Why did you choose the new reference?

[@cheynewalls]

I have not : I waited for the new ref 226570 because it was an updated movement from the older ref. The new movement is tougher, longer power reserve and most important to me it has a parachrom hairspring. I needed the new parachrom hairspring becasuse its completely paramagnetic and virtually unaffected by temperature changes. That all being said the 216570 is a great watch, its just not as good in sub-zero temps as the 226570. Cheers

[@atc_ed600]

The blue parachrom hairspring has been used on the previous 3186 and 3187 movements as well.

[@cheynewalls]

@@atc_ed600 Yes, but the 3187 was updated to be more more resistant to magnetism and big temp changes

[@atc_ed600]

@@cheynewalls Definitely, every new iteration is better indeed.

[@jarosawpawelec73]

Great Video……can i ask you what is the size of your wrist?

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers, Thank you. 7.25"

[@kirillmikhailenko]

I like scratches on my explorer

[@cheynewalls]

Me as well