Rolex Explorer II : Two Years on the Wrist

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

The previous version of this watch was my first Rolex back in '09. I still wear it as a kick around watch, at work, etc.

[@cheynewalls]

All ref numbers of this watch are so good and I love how Rolex as maintains the soul of this watch as a do everything, kick around watch. Cheers

[@ianness8277]

I purchased the Rolex explorer 2 because of your videos and it is by far one of the best watch purchases of 25 plus years of collecting. Thank you, without your videos I wouldn't have even given the Explorer 2 a second look.

[@cheynewalls]

Great to hear! Cheers

[@bernsdavids]

Proud owner of this amazing piece, fits my active lifestyle and wrist. • Rugged and reliable for extreme conditions. • Classic, understated design with high legibility. • Advanced movement with excellent precision. Overall, the Rolex Explorer II Polar is a standout timepiece that combines Rolex’s legacy of durability and precision with a sleek and modern aesthetic.

[@cheynewalls]

@@bernsdavids An amazing timepiece

[@jaredwolf9638]

Been considering a Rolex Explorer II for awhile and stumbled upon your channel. These are great videos - insightful and I love that a lot of the wrist shots are not in a studio with perfect lighting; they are in the wild while in use. Been looking at your artwork as well - really incredible! Keep posting. Appreciate the content. Cheers! 👍

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you Jared, very much appertained. We do our best to show the watches in their element, its what they are designed for. I couldn't be happier with my Rolex Explorer II, I spend the majority of my time outdoors and the Explorer II has been the perfect fit. Durable, rugged and accurate for when I'm out in the field, with just a touch of luxury so I can wear it to my art gallery unveiling or up-scale events. Cheers

[@cheynewalls]

Hi Jared, if your interested in some of my fine art photographs, something just came up that now might be an opportune time. Email us at [e-mail] for more info. Mention your a KZbin Subscriber. Cheers

[@cheynewalls]

If your still interested in some artwork, Join our email list to receive access to our Holiday Special Offer. Email details about the offer will be sent on Thursday. cheynewalls.com/contact/ - Cheers

[@darellhunter2205]

I've had my polar Explorer II for just over a year now and it still gets at least 2 days on the wrist in rotation with my Batman and Starbucks. To your point it fits so many use cases. It fits in very well in the office (won't draw attention like the other two), it's perfect for keeping up with a toddler (dirtier than people think), and perfect for the yardwork and house projects. No buyers remorse and would recommend. It is big but i like that about it because it's a pretty plain watch. It does wear larger than the two previously mentioned but still really comfortable. Great video, keep up the awesome content!

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks for that, yes that is a very good point that I should have mentioned, it wears very well and don't feel like a 42mm watch. Great watch collection. Cheers

[@sambo76]

Thanks Cheyne! fellow Exp 2 owner here, 226570 - I got mine in black as it just felt not quite as loud / bright as the polar and a bit more under the radar - like you also a sub owner, but find Exp 2 is the watch to grab for travel or serious time outdoors. just feels tough as nails and i really like that it is a toolish, nerdy, less common rolex out there. have yet to see another one!

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, it is the go anywhere do anything watch. The black dial is a bit more elegant and probably more fitting for high-end events. Cheers

[@bubbajones7486]

This watch, to me, is total testosterone. It's pure steel. The highly tapered steel bezel works great against scratches when banging it around, working on cars (I'm a mechanic). I get oil and grease on it daily. I beat the bag out of my explorer 2 and it always keeps accurate time. Because it's so thin, it makes reaching for tight areas easy. Any other watch and I might get stuck or ruin it, pulling my hand out of tight areas. The other mechanics scratch their heads at why I would wear such an expensive watch while fixing cars. I love my little Rolex. It's badass.

[@cheynewalls]

It's a great watch, its so versatile, tough and accurate. Cheers

[@kernlee]

This is simply so cool!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers

[@Paul-ic2ki]

I feel the same way about this watch man. It's a great "tool" watch in every sense of the word. 226570 has a little more taper to it, which I own. It's one of my favorites to wear. I overpaid for mine, but since I'll never sell it, amortized over my life, that doesn't mean a lot to me. Cheers.

[@cheynewalls]

The Rolex Explorer II is such a great watch, can't believe the hell I've put my through, and just keeps asking for more. Cheers

[@quickerthandrawing2822]

my 216570 holds a special place in my collection. great for the outdoors and when I wanna fly under the radar

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers to that, we are in the same boat.

[@musclechefkull7021]

Great segment thank you .

[@cheynewalls]

@@musclechefkull7021 Cheers

[@Frinntintin]

Just discovered your channel, as I've been looking into whether I should sign-up for the 'list' at my local AD. Thanks for the review!

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks for checking out the channel! Getting on the list at your local AD can be a great step if there's a specific model you're after, especially with how sought-after some pieces are these days. Feel free to ask if you have any questions about the process or the watches-happy to help where I can! Cheers

[@josephs.7496]

Awesome review and such an iconic watch. I just registered my interest and saw it in person after waiting 10 years. Even nicer in person!

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, fun to do reviews on such an amazing watch. Cheers

[@krugmeup2162]

Great review mate with real heart. My goodness your photos are so beautiful. Would it be cost prohibitive to send to Australia? Most people outside of the US don’t realise the amazing nature you have. Greetings from Sydney.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you for those kind words, very much appreciated. Yes, we work with an international art shipper and do whats called "bulk shipping". The art shipper waits until they have a few orders, from all different artist, going to a similar location. This helps keep the shipping costs down by combing orders, with only minor delays as they wait for enough orders (an extra week or two). Once in that country its divided up and delivered to your door. We do this a lot with our Europe, South America and Asia Collectors. Email us at [e-mail], we can give you pricing and answer any other questions. Cheers

[@TimeBaum]

Love that you use your watches and don't baby them, excellent review man!

[@cheynewalls]

@@TimeBaum Cheers, thanks for that. They are great tools, ones I can say I fully can rely on.

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

Such a cool watch! Perfect to wear any occasion as well

[@cheynewalls]

A 100%, such a killer watch. Cheers

[@ricflair8863]

I wear my Polar every day. The GMT function is really nice when traveling multiple time zones. Metal bezel > Ceramic bezel. The scratches make the watch look even better. Agree with the glide lock comment. I’d so prefer a glide lock bracelet on my Polar. But with a Bergeron tool I’ve gotten really good at dialing in the bracelet.

[@cheynewalls]

The Rolex Explorer II is indeed a very specials watch, the glide lock would be a nice touch, but a great all a round watch. Cheers

[@Aaron-dt9pu]

I work on the railroad and last fall I saw an engineering service boss with an Explorer II. Was seriously badass to see in person. It definitely had been put through its paces too. Killer watch, but a bit too big for my wrist

[@cheynewalls]

Indeed, a killer watch. Go anywhere do anything. Cheers

[@mileswoodard4278]

Thanks for the info Cheyne, have a Polar Explorer II coming to join my Mark 2 green bezel sub! What are the dates to the Laguna Beach event?

[@cheynewalls]

Very good, great watches. I'll be displaying at the Festival of Arts from July 5 - August 30, hope to see you there, Cheers. For More info cheynewalls.com/exhibitions/

[@igorr2d2]

spot on - owner to owner!

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers

[@ericmoss8344]

My 216570 Polar has been my go-to for years!! I never thought it would replace my No-Date Sub as a daily, but that watch stays in my safe more than on my wrist these days. The Polar flys under-the-radar and only get's recognized by people who are watch aficionados. I do wish the Exp II had the glide-lock clasp... but I make do. I also think the black-painted dial markers make the Polar dial incredibly easy to tell time at a glance.

[@cheynewalls]

It would be the prefect watch with the glide-lock clasp, but you are right it works as it is. Yeah, it is my daily as well and I enjoy the under-the-radar and only get's recognized by people who are watch aficionados. Have meet some fun watch aficionados over the Rolex Explorer II. Cheers

[@johnt2694]

I agree with what you said about the white gold indices being painted back. I get it, the black on white is better contrast. Wonder what it would look like if yellow gold was used instead against the Polar dial?

[@cheynewalls]

That would be interesting to see yellow gold. I just think it is fun fact that no one talks about. Also credit to Rolex, they say white gold is the least corrosive so that is why they use it. The best functional material I guess. Cheers

[@2K9s]

Have you tried a Tudor pelagos FXD? I think you’d appreciate them and their accuracy.

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks for that, I have only spent a short period of time with the Tudor pelagos FXD, would love to try out over a long period of time. Hopefully in the near future.

[@venturout]

I’m not a fan of Rolex EXCEPT for this model, it’s friggin beautiful with the white dial and orange GMT hand. If I were to buy one, I think I would replace the bracelet with a colour coordinated NATO strap to really make it stand out.

[@cheynewalls]

Its an amazing watch, and doesn't look like a Rolex.

[@WornDownCrown]

I own the black dialed version, and my thoughts echo yours. Personally though, I would prefer that Rolex not change anything else about this design in the coming years. You simply don’t mess with perfection.

[@cheynewalls]

I agree with you, don’t mess with perfection. Cheers

[@RedwoodAggie]

I still love my black dial after about 15 months with it. I see Submariners all the time, sometimes GMT Masters. I've only seen one Explorer II outside of somebody working at an AD and that was a black dial 216570 about 5 years ago. I have had a couple people notice it, but not frequently. I wouldn't be upset if they discontinued it as I already have mine and it would make it that much less common, but I do think a titanium version would be cool.

[@cheynewalls]

Indeed, A titanium Rolex Explorer II would be cool, but I think the titanium would be a bit of a novelty. We will have to see if it is discontinued or changed up with a different metal or even a ceramic bezel. Yeah, after two plus years I still love my Rolex Explorer II Polar dial. It is an amazing watch, I'm still waiting to see a Polar dial in the "wild" Cheers

[@RedwoodAggie]

@@cheynewalls The only polar I've seen on somebody's wrist was at an AD the other day. He bought it to eventually give to his son and had his son's name engraved on it. We bonded over Explorer II ownership. It's not really the "wild" but at least I did get to chat with another Explorer II owner.

[@cheynewalls]

@@RedwoodAggie Oh that is great to hear, fun story. Cheers

[@williamumbach592]

Love the metal fixed bezel

[@cheynewalls]

Indeed, Cheers

[@seanrim7515]

진짜 이쁘다

[@cheynewalls]

It is a gorgeous watch, Cheers

[@dalewood6361]

Hi Cheyne, great video and very interesting to hear your views on two year ownership of your Explorer 2 Great to hear you have had a positive experience of the watch but that is what I would expect of a quality watch like the Rolex You know you really do deserve more subscribers because how you use your watch’s is quite unique

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks you Dale, We will keeping working away to grow this channel, its become a fun project for me and the team. Yes its a ton of work, but this channel is sometimes a good temporary reprieve from the art world. Yeah, I couldn't be happier with my Rolex Explorer II, such a great tool watch. Cheers

[@johnhollowday5208]

Thanks from the UK.Great review and I'm looking forward to picking mine up soon . Got "the call" today! Subscribed to you you, mate

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you. Good to hear you got the call! You are going to love it, its an amazing watch. If you don't mind me asking, how long did you have wait? I'm getting a lot of questions about the current wait times for the Rolex Explorer II. Cheers

[@johnhollowday5208]

@@cheynewalls Hi Cheyne. I literally can't wait! I registered with the AD, less than 6 months ago, so I find myself very fortunate.

[@cheynewalls]

@@johnhollowday5208 Thank you for that info. Enjoy your new Rolex Explorer II! Cheers

[@marcod.r.3299]

I got one 6 weeks ago, bought on the grey market, prices have come down now and the premium was only 350 € over MSRP, so no need to play the waiting game at the AD. I wore it since then for 15 days.....but somehow I don´t connect with this watch....I am already thinking of selling it....but I am gonna hang on for while...give it some more wrist time....perhaps it is a slow burner and needs to grow on me.....but it certainly is not big love from the beginning as I sometimes have with other watches.

[@cheynewalls]

@@marcod.r.3299 it’s different for everyone, I fell in love with it right away and it is probably my favorite watch in my collection. But also I have about 3 years of beating the hell out of it, and it just keeps on going, keeping nearly day accurate time.

[@joerghomberger9194]

Great video again. Every time I see you with that watch I plan to buy it also :-) And in the future I will buy one of your amazing fotos. Cheers.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you Joe, much appreciated. I can't recommend the Rolex Explorer II enjoy, such a great watch. Cheers

[@cheynewalls]

Hi Joe, if your interested in some of my fine art photographs, something just came up that now might be an opportune time. Email us at [e-mail] for more info. Mention your a KZbin Subscriber. Cheers

[@WayneBallew]

Great video and content. Please keep up the awesome reviews, especially the Exp 2. It is a great all around, do it all piece of art!

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you Wayne, will do, Cheers

[@cheynewalls]

Hi Wayne, if your interested in some of my fine art photographs, something just came up that now might be an opportune time. Email us at [e-mail] for more info. Mention your a KZbin Subscriber. Cheers

[@Watchfreak1]

Love this Watch ❤

[@cheynewalls]

Its an amazing watch. Cheers

[@chiguyxi8992]

I have the same explorer II Accuracy for me (daily wear) is +0.3 seconds/day. Very happy with this watch

[@cheynewalls]

Great to hear, yeah I hear a lot about how accurate the Rolex Explorer II are. Great watches. Cheers

[@DerHerthaner]

Hi Cheyne! A phenomenal movement, I do totally agree. And you can easily manage the accuracy by laying the watch down at night on the dial or crown up. And for sure: Even if I love the ceramic bezels - this tool watch MUST have the stainless steel bezel to remain what is is: The last real ROLEX tool watch! PROST! 🙂

[@cheynewalls]

Yeah, must have that stainless steel bezel, it just fits this watch so perfectly. Right there with you, the last real tool watch from Rolex. PROST!

[@jiaweilwee8483]

Great long term review. I am looking into its older brother myself the 216.

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you, All ref numbers of this watch are so good and I love how Rolex as maintains the soul of this watch as a do everything, kick around watch. Cheers

[@mahdiahmad]

Awesome review. Are your other Rolex watches as accurate as the Explorer?

[@cheynewalls]

Thanks, They are all about the same, it just interesting (to me at least) depending how you wear them their accuracy is different. I'll break this down in a future video, but on average all my Rolex watches are about a 1/4 second to a full second fast over 24hours. Closer to a second and a 1/2 on some occasions.

[@mahdiahmad]

@@cheynewalls definitely impressed by the accuracy of Rolex watches. In your case, over a 24 hour period, on average how many hours a day do you wear your watches? I wonder how much does the resting period of your watch balances out the accuracy over a 24 hour period.

[@cheynewalls]

@@mahdiahmad I'm in the middle of testing that now and will have a video out about it in the future, but its a lot like what I talked about with the Rolex Explorer II in this current video with wearing time and resting period. Cheers

[@EdmundPorter-ju8kd]

I love the metal bezel!

[@cheynewalls]

Indeed, the metal bezel is perfect for this watch. Cheers

[@Andrewprez777]

I don't. But I can live with it. I want his watch for the GMT hand and polar dial. But I think I'm leaning towards the submariner for the glide lock and ceramic bezel. I'm so torn between the two.

[@nikolastojanov8749]

This is a great watch, we already know that. At this point I'm way more interested if you will be a chronograph to test in the wild, either Speedy or Breguet Type 20. Explorer II is the tank of the tanks

[@cheynewalls]

All that will be unveiled soon, I'm still working on getting that next watch. Its been a bit of a delay due to a Boutique changing what was originally agreed upon at the last second when I went into to purchase the chosen watch. Stipulations had been add unbeknownst to me, I'll explain all that in the upcoming release video of the new watch.

[@AnonYmous-hu6jd]

Appreciate the attention and care you show to the Explorer II! It was because of you that solidified my decision to buy the watch a year ago! Also, the production of your videos is incredible, and I’m confident that you’re the only reviewer that actually goes outside with your watches! Thank you for what you do and keep up the great work!!!

[@cheynewalls]

Thank you very much for those kind words, very much appreciated, we do our best. How are you liking your Rolex Explorer II after a year? Cheers

[@cheynewalls]

@@AnonYmous-hu6jd Yeah, the do everything watch, I'm the same and will as be sentimental toward my Rolex Explorer II. When I first got the Explorer II, that was going to be my "one and done". However, since it is such an amazing watch it actually created a watch "itch" that wasn't there before. An almost pursuit to see if there is a better timepiece out there. My Rolex Submariner just made that worse as it too is an amazing watch for different reasons. I don't want a big collections of watches, I'm looking to adding a dress watch, chronograph and vintage timepiece over the next few years. The Explorer opened my eyes to the fun history, craftsmanship, design and ability of wristwatches. Plus, I'm telling myself it is beneficial to have 3 or 4 field watches to help spread out the wear and tear so the watches will last many many decades. Cheers

[@bernardwadding6290]

Explorer 2 baaaybaayyyyy. I'm a 16570 man myself ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cheynewalls]

An amazing watch. Cheers

[@edx21x]

Love this watch. I prefer the black, I know i’m in the minority on that one. My AD offered me a Sea Dweller two days ago, but I think I’m going to hold out for the Explorer II.

[@cheynewalls]

It is a great watch and I think looks good in both black & Polar dials. Yeah, hold out for the Rolex Explorer.

[@cHiLi1282]

Been waiting from my local AD since September 😢

[@cheynewalls]

Really, I had no idea it was that long of a wait for a Rolex Explorer II these days. Where do you live, also do mind keeping me posted on when you receive the Explorer II? Cheers

[@cHiLi1282]

@@cheynewalls Stockton, CA

[@cheynewalls]

@@cHiLi1282 Interesting, thank you

[@parabolic.community]

thanks Cheyne

[@cheynewalls]

Cheers