Vintage or New Rolex Explorer? | Watchfinder & Co.

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@MrAsimomytis]

My black 216570 never left my hand since I tried it. It is a Rolex understatement wrapped in every Rolex value you can possibly imagine. A future classic and a winner for Rolex.

[@jspacone]

These aren’t reviews. They are eloquent stories about watches. I love them!

[@jessedawson9654]

i know im asking randomly but does someone know a method to get back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot the account password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@albertjesiah9813]

@Jesse Dawson instablaster =)

[@lopina]

To me, a snowy white dial of 16570 will always be perfect for that line. There's just something with that model, especially when you see it in snowy environment.

[@jonnybreakz]

Great video!! I am all about the vintage!! The 1016 and 1655 are where its at for me!!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChibaCityBlues]

The 1016 is my grail watch...

[@athmaid]

6:08 what a beautiful shot of the seconds hand passing under the cyclops and the finish on the minute hand. Wallpaper material right there!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks!

[@enriqueborunda]

The 42mm Rolex Explorer ii in polar white is the best looking Rolex I've ever owned. really versatile.

[@michaelbishop9157]

for all we know it's the only Rolex you've ever owned !! Its a great watch but the 40mm is still better

[@enriqueborunda]

@@michaelbishop9157 Good for you…

[@shinjiro212]

I admire the camera work in all of your videos, the close-ups are amazing. No matter what watch you are reviewing I end up lusting after the piece. Also, remarkable that you are able to show even vintage pieces that are absolutely flawless in condition, aside from the patina.

[@WatchGeek]

Firstly another wonderful video with macro shots that made me drool!!! That first explorer is breathtaking and I have to admit it looks better than anything offered today!! The second one, the '70's Explorer II, I find strangely attractive and like it more than the later iteration with the round markers and classic Mercedes hands, so it makes me scratch my head on why it was a flop and not selling well?! The third watch, although very good looking just can't stand next to the first 2, at least in my opinion. Anyways thanks again for a wonderful video and I am glad go see your channel marching to 100K subscribers, god knows you deserve it 👍😊

[@watchfinder]

Thank you for your continued support! We were lucky to have all three of these amazing watches available at the same time. The planets aligned!

[@abrategiovanni]

I bought one of the orange hand watches as soon as the new look was announced. I did not like the newer version. I love my watch.

[@yotomyo]

You should have included the 16570!

[@Cobra83.]

I actually like the original better than most of the rolex's of today.. Ive actually brought from watchfinder in London(from the lovely Lace) and the buying experience was second to none. Will 100% buy from you guys again.

[@watchfinder]

I'm glad you had a good experience, and thank you for using Watchfinder!

[@Tone_Jammer]

Same here, great company and a pleasurable buying experience.

[@alexanderhillary7682]

I often wear these two watches, they're fantastic. Great to see such an interesting and eloquent review! Thanks

[@raymondnewton2388]

Great.A reviewer who keeps the watch in the picture and not himself.

[@stationplaza4631]

He does have a most beautiful narrative voice as well.

[@tomthompson7400]

my daily wear , just so understated , a 36mm classic , the bling ring brings just enough flash to the show , but quietly.

[@andrewholt3849]

Got the same floating hands as the 1655. The dial layout for the 1655 should be adopted for all GMT-Master II as there are 24 marks around the dial: 12 for the 12 hours and 'even' 24Hr hours and the remaining offset 12/24 for the odd 24 hours. You would be able to use the GMT function in the dark. I would get two 216570 versions and the two versions of the 116400GV Milgauss: Rolex's best watches.

[@007Chancellor]

I bought the 1655 original Explorer II in 1978 (and unfortunately sold it before it reached its current $30,000 collector's status). I'd gone in to buy a Submariner - but that 1655 caught me eye. It was, and for me still is, the best looking watch of all time. Or at least a close second to the Omega Moon Watch! The current Explorer IIs miss the mark for me. The faces look too much like a Submariner with the round markers and std mercedes hands, etc. The 1655 Explorer II was unique. A shame they went away from it.

[@MrRedmania]

I bought an explorer 2 a few weeks back. It wasn't a watch a lusted after. However, once I saw it in person and tried it on I fell in love with it. It's a watch that looks so much better in person and on the wrist. It's unique and can be worn for any occasion.

[@jameswilliams9167]

Excellent video and solid history. Glad you all finally got come explorers in the shop to discuss!

[@watchfinder]

Thanks very much! Not often we have all three of these available at once!

[@far0ashgar]

No one understands this watch. The way i see it, is the watch has all the interesting aspects of rolex sport lines in one. The explorer ii and daytona are the only two sport models from rolex that comes with white dial and steel bezel. It has the gmt function and cyclops from submariner. And lastly the smart decision of them all is the oyster bracelet. Size (42), thick hands and orange color are the unique identity of this lovely watch.

[@jharris947]

The original Explorer is still the best looking Rolex EVER.

[@7774710235]

You mean the ugliest.

[@verdict1163]

Milgauss 1019 or Daytona

[@muhammadalirawjee4589]

The most beautiful Rolex is the daydate with the fluted bezel...

[@omarsaletovicprins9632]

jharris947 yeah its very slick i agree :)

[@tomkhong9828]

Explorer 1 is just an OP in drag

[@BijanIzadi]

I absolutely love it, also, I watched this video a while ago and I remembered every word because each video is so well written.

[@ce7575]

In the 1970's there was a glossy expensive science magazine called 'OMNI'. From memory, there was a full page Rolex advert. It had a photo of Steve Mqueen, sipping coffee and smoking. On his wrist was his Rolex Submariner 5513. The advert band at the bottom of the photo - was advertising the Rolex 1655 Explorer.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I love the original Explorer II so much more, they should bring it back just like that with only very little changes and the new materials sans the silly ceramic nightmare.

[@edmundwyss]

In my opinion, most vintage Rolexes are gorgeous while modern versions are clunky and heavy-handed, period.

[@yllai4284]

I have the latest version, white dial, my first Swiss watch and I love it the moment I saw it.

[@flamadiddledoo]

I had both the 40mm and the new 42mm side by side and after trying on both I went for the older 40mm version, love it

[@johnjonesj6876]

I've owned both,4omm,42mm,got rid off 42mm,I love my 40mm

[@Khanh2khanh]

1655 is my take 100%. I hope Rolex will put out the next Explorer 2 inline with the 1655.

[@tonyren6897]

Love 216570 which I personally owned, it is truly the successor. love the explorer II series.

[@arslanian]

what is the difference between the Explorer II and GMT Master II other than the case size

[@joa2944]

Thank you very much for a great informative review and comparison. Very nice time piece. Please could you do a review on the Rolex Day Date. Great Channel.

[@josephdebenedetto3331]

My next watch will be the new Explorer II with the Polar White dial, and I think the watch would look absolutely fantastic if it had a “fluted edge” (for lack of a better description), bezel, similar to that of a YachtMaster II or the GMT Master II. Even if it didn’t rotate (which if it could would be very cool), I think it would look great. Just not sure what color bezel insert would be best? Gray perhaps? Do you think that is a possible modification? Anyway, thanks for the great videos, they are very much appreciated! Cheers! - Joe.

[@davehan241]

Thx for the history lesson and beautiful macro shots. Can you do a breakdown of the green bezel submariners (Kermit/Hulk)?

[@ce7575]

Re: my last about Omni - the tag line for the advert was something like "What's good enough for Steve!!"

[@markgiles7660]

Hi. Is it possible to put on the Explorer II a crystal without the cyclops?

[@palmeadia]

yes

[@johnvanboolen7820]

Hi, I have an Explorer that I bought maybe 1971/ '72, the strap has basically worn out, I wondered where the best place for a replacement strap would be (cost wise) ? Thanks John

[@ibrahimhakan]

What price did u pay at that time ?

[@ianwoollard2063]

Could you do a comparison between the latest versions of Omega’s Planet Ocean 8900 and Rolex’s Submariner date?

[@cavavision5547]

Explorer II 216570, right size and legibility, plus a very clear date window. The perfect sport Rolex for me, even over the Daytona.

[@motoriety]

Great video! Found this after the release of the Black Bay Pro, as I wanted to learn more about the watch that inspired it. Also, I've been a subscriber to the channel for years, and while the production quality has always been top notch, watching older videos just shows that you can improve on perfection 👌🏽

[@henriklindqvist661]

Would be interested in hearing your take on the 214270 mk1 or mk2 discussion. Obviously its all a mater of taste, but still would be interesting. Thanks!

[@loukasantoniou8054]

Pollar explorer 2 is one of my favirite rolex watches

[@steverushaw8761]

Love the Explorer 1 it's very understated and looks great casual or with a suit..for me it's the perfect Rolex but those under 40 may disagree ...I personally dislike any watch with a cyclops

[@Timberjagi]

its the best rolex, but for most people under 40 are missing the show factor that makes Rolex the brand they think off

[@zanechan6295]

My thoughts exactly. I’m 25 now. The ‘369’,explorer 1, is my all time favorite. I decided to have an explorer 1 as my first luxury Swiss watch when I was 19. That’s my dream watch!

[@anarchyseeds4406]

what are you waiting for tat

[@SHALI-ne7zy]

Excelllent analysis of the explorers. Can you kindly do a review of the Milgauss GV? Much appreciated

[@jeanlefranc3817]

The radical change from the elegant design of the 1950’s Explorer to the gaudy 1970’s Explorer 2 Mark I is quite telling about the taste evolution in the past sixty years.

[@lukec7921]

Super video. A video with Reverso classique, Grande Taille and xGT case references to compare would be interesting

[@watchfinder]

Thank you for watching, and for the suggestion!

[@jhatgotagat300]

I know I’m late like 2 years late but that 1st explore is absolutely beautiful I’d pay lots of money for a vintage example in that shape

[@jacopolorenzi9214]

What can I say, this is a great video, it’s an amazing channel and you have a super charming way of conduct the show. I’m about to buy a new sport Rolex and I was thinking about explorer 2 ref 216570. What do you think about it? Can you give me an advice about the color? White or black? On the wrist I prefer the black one, but I think white stands out more. I already have no date sub 114060. Thank you very much!

[@tobynagreanu]

Why wasn't 16570 included?

[@podium6063]

Lovely video. Looking forward to the review of the Rolex Deepsea Blue!

[@TheCyclingCardio]

With the recent release of Blackbay Pro..this video has become more relevant than ever..the original Explorer 2 is actually my favorite, it has so much character

[@robertsullivan4773]

Great video. I have been interested in the explorer for awhile but the reviews I have seem have never mentioned the Everest connection. Just cave exploration. They were also weak on the history. Great job.

[@Andy-ri1ns]

I’m a simple guy, I see Watchfinder and I press like.

[@impact0r]

And apart from being simple, you are also not particularly original as this tired statement can be found under a nauseating number of videos.

[@Andy-ri1ns]

impact0r ooo-eer

[@trevillyan5515]

Dude make an original comment for fucks sake Jesus christ

[@salvaavlas5757]

And the simple guy will certainly buy a overvalued watch in Watchfinder shop.

[@watchfinder]

Appreciate the support!

[@nicktubby3768]

I love these videos - all about the watches, the makers, the history and technology and not about the presenter (though he presents very well!). I am looking for a pilot watch with GMT function that can survive what daily life has to throw at it and I'd really like to see a comparison between the Rolex GMT Master II (Old, tried and tested) and a Bremont MB III (new, but certainly designed to withstand pretty much anything)

[@caszdiggla]

The 216570 is one of the first Rolex's I simply had to have (and could actually afford, just about) which is why I bought one. As its my first Rolex I intend to keep it forever to remind me of the reasoning and thought process I had during that time leading up to the decision to finally buy. Absolutely love it, as do I the original.

[@stardust4711]

Nice historylesson Good work as always. For me,the explorer 1 is the best looking watch of the 3

[@dior67762]

New polar explore 2 is best in Rolex. So great and nice size

[@keithcadby6961]

I have the polar dial and I think it looks great, especially with the orange strap to match the 24 hour hand👏👏

[@charlesfield9286]

Good info in a concise format. Love it. Thanks

[@johnburrow4124]

I am a bit new into the high-end watch world, but why do these newer watches have issues with finish? I see some black coloring not aligned very well on the hands of the newer model here. I hope I am not the only one seeing that. Again, newbie to the high-end stuff; just asking!

[@thatsbod1041]

When they updated the 1016 to the 14270 there was a definite link so you could appreciate the update. There’s just too big a leap that I don’t think you can say that the modern II has any real link to the Steve McQueen. A bit of a knockoff if you like.

[@andrewbrown5636]

Just bought a 216570 from Watchfinder after owning 2 DSSDs which I couldn’t get on with the ‘pebble held on with string’ ergonomics

[@watchfinder]

Hope your enjoying the Explorer, and thank you for purchasing it! The Deepsea is certainly a tall wear.

[@Brizzy-ul3gy]

Hi Andrew I bought the 40mm version from watch finder but found it came up a bit to small exchanged it for the 42mm and my word what a difference in every department it's just the perfect one watch collection for me and just to add watchfinder gave me an excellent service would highly recommend 👍

[@impexRQ]

Best of both worlds - that’s exactly what the new Explorer ii is about - best of both worlds 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@rickj8859]

The latest Explorer II is just superb. Despite of it's size (42mm), it fits snuggly even on the small wrist. Unlike the GMT II Batman, which seems to be far more in demand (long waiting list), the Explorer II, black or white dial, is readily available in Rolex boutiques. Which means only one thing i.e. in few years time, Rolex would have made far fewer Explorer II watches (with the latest in house cal 3187 movement), due to the lack of demand and my black dial Explorer II will attain the collector status. It wouldn't be first time, that I have made killing buying the Rolex watch. In 1990 I bought the new Seadweller for £650.00, only to sell it last year for £5000.00, after wearing it daily for first few years of ownership. The Seadweller wallet with carendar, screwdriver and anchor alone, seem to sell for £650.00 these days.

[@soniacampbell8325]

The first watch is perfect! These films are wonderful, thank you.

[@LeonXOV]

The explorer 1 looks almost the same as the black bay bronze and explorer 2 gave the P01 vibe. Tudor really is bringing back the retro models!

[@kenstyle6]

This 216570 is spot on. I love it

[@ER1CL33]

Please review the Tudor 79170. Thw Daytona lookalike thank you

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Love it. It's a far better watch as it has a timezone function. The original did not for some reason. I bought one expecting it and took it back to the person I got it from.

[@goldendawn7]

Howard Bamber the original had a slaved 24 hour hand only to indicate whether it was day or night in low light conditions like doing research in a cave. I guess there weren't enough cave dwelling scientists (spieologists) that bought them, so the next reference changed it to a second time zone indicator that could be independently adjusted. I'm really surprised he didn't mention that in the video.

[@rtomson]

GREAT video as always. Loved the history there. But the new Exp II misses the mark for me entirely. The hands are crazy wide in person and look out of place in the whole Rolex lineup. I do like the nods to the past that you mentioned but share your frustration with the hybridization between the models. I would have liked for them to keep it at 40mm, lines on the bezel, and anything other than a mercedes hour hand, which feels out of place on this watch. I also don't really care for the matching detail of the black paint partially onto the hands. The lines aren't crisp enough for Rolex and it looks silly. Overall I've passed on this watch numerous times because it's just an odd duck. I do love my 16570 Polar though :)

[@olarksundkinn4329]

Have all 3 in black,but it was when I bougt the last 42mm my friends,kollegeas,kids and at last my wife notis that I had a Rolex at my wrist. What does that tell me,yes that tell me if you want peopel to know that you have a Rolex buy the new one and it is also the only of them peopel had give me kompliments about and all have been positive. Now I have notis that 2 of my collega have also and we all wear them when we are working and shooting training and other training because of the shock absorbing system we can as a part of a S.W.A.T. team in Norway. Fantastic watches all tre,but the new I use and the two others are collekting watches. Thank you very much for the best channel of all. The way you manage to make me listen is amasing and I hope you soon will past 1mill. subscrivers. A big thanks from my 2 friends also. We all want more watches to learn about.

[@______-im2cn]

i love the 216570 only because i own one, also the fact it 42mm and does not look tiny on my wrist. love your vids keep them coming.

[@arthurstube]

Great video as always magnificent editing

[@watchfinder]

Thank you for watching!

[@tomta1467]

Can you expand on what happened to the milgauss?

[@ericmal5055]

I totally love it. I just picked one up from my AD. Super watch!

[@ccw1961]

the latest incarnation is fabulous and for someone like me with failing sight a great advantage. It's robust and striking. Yes, so a marmite design and I do agree the smaller variants are prettier and showier. However, it's an Explorer and its meant to be worn as an everyday tool watch, to take the knocks, a constant companion on your travels and I think will become very collectable in a decade or so. I love it!

[@Chiento]

I would like to see more reviews of the watch brand patak phillipe, that would be awesome.

[@gavinducco7915]

Is the narrator here Armand the Watch Guy? Great review, as always.

[@kailen98]

I served a guy a work wearing an old explorer 2 it was amazing.

[@dippin1523]

its great to learn a little about the history of these great watches. great channel.

[@desertdermatologics7032]

I had a 1655 that I purchased second hand from a jewelry shop in Scottsdale in 1984. I loved it but it was stolen and replaced by the 6570 through insurance. I’m so glad that the Orange hand came back around the time of the theft. I love the new model. Will never sell. Just had it serviced.

[@alexdrastico7840]

great, thank you very much buddy.... and now I have.. yet another watch up on my list!.. Explorer II 1655 baby

[@danielcalvocamacho4538]

The version of the Explorer II is quite nice, except for its case size. I like a lot the old version as well. However, my favorite one is the original Explorer since I feel it is more classic.

[@raffaelschutzenhofer4222]

I‘m pissed that I didn’t see a 214270 mk ii. How could you not put it in this video? Also the polar dial would have made it perfect. Great video nonetheless

[@joshuadaniels8744]

I think that the 16550 &16570 were perfect and going back to the orange hand was a step backwards

[@BraidenSunshine]

I know it's not what you normally do, but I've been looking at "budget" automatic watches for a while now. I would love to see an established watch channel do something on the seiko 5 series, preferably the seiko 5 SNXS77. Any budget automatic or mechanical would be great though. I'm a bit too young and broke for a rolex just yet haha.

[@phcastilho]

The Explorer II is way better then the previous generations and it looks really nice, specially the Polar White version, which I own. Love it.

[@mstislav007]

Please, shoot video about Rolex Explorer I. Do you think that this watch is a quintessential of watch itself?

[@tigerbyte0]

Super video. I quite like the 1655 and feel its more balanced in design, while the 16550 achieves more functionality and blends in with all of Rolex..

[@faizsani]

The 1655 has the best appearance of all Rolexes, vintage or modern

[@A.I.9000]

Those macros made my day!! The Explorer II makes the original looks so anemic and that's for a standard 40mm Rolex case. Such a shame Rolex won't deviate in this day in age of +45mm cases - *sigh*-

[@watchfinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@zzyzxzee6374]

Love this series, i learn a lot here

[@Eric-le8wu]

I like the Explorer II more than the Submariner. The Sub is becoming too popular now amongst most hipsters (and their grandmothers).

[@BlackAnvil47]

Where is the first Rolex Explorer that seen the summit of Everest? What Rolex digital watch?

[@Brizzy-ul3gy]

Just bought the 42mm from watchfinder excellent service would highly recommend.thank you 👍

[@TimG--]

Excellent Video. Not on board with the larger size. It’s not needed. Buy a no date or date sub.

[@watchfinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@sdm107]

I so wish Rolex sold the Explorer like the one at the start of this video.

[@kenstyle6]

sdm107 they do...

[@i1p2p3o4c5a6m7p9o9]

Both beautiful versions!

[@trevbarlow9719]

Why hasn't that vintage Explorer 1 developed patina?

[@marcd7332]

Superb video as always

[@watchfinder]

Much appreciated

[@serajwheda1436]

please the name of the music in this amazing v

[@pedrosaenz2800]

Thank you. For me the Exolorer I is the best option. Simple and reliable.