The Best Rolex Explorer II

That's right: it's still the best Explorer II is the Polar 16570... for me.
00:00 Intro
01:28 Reason 1
02:52 Reason 2
05:25 Reason 3
07:24 Reason 4
08:10 Epilogue

[@jacobducksbury6711]

Just wanna say, I came across your channel the other day with one of your Tudor videos and have binged at least 7/8 of your videos since, your style of witty commentary over great shots is addictive. My new fav watch channel, keep it coming man!

[@YoureTerrific]

Thanks so much

[@spektrograf]

Gotta say your lighting does a great job showing dimensionality and form of the watch. It's really difficult to do, and few manage to do it well. The way it showed off how light played off of the Cartier Tortue dial through the crystal stands out in my mind too, in addition to how that steel bezel interacts with light. Well done, and great video, as always! (…and that book needs to be an audiobook that you narrate. It'd be the only acceptable form. :) )

[@WatchGeek]

Haha loved the video!!! The Polar explorer was my first Rolex I fell in love with! It was also one I thought I can save up to buy, as it was cheap compared to others. By the time I saved up, the hype was already at full swing and it once again went out of my budget 😢

[@joeluker4635]

So pleased to see another video on your 16570 in my feed. Great camera work and amusing narration as always. I own this piece with the 3186 and for me it’s the perfect GMT from a brand I’ll not likely own another watch from due to where the prices have gone. I shall treasure it!

[@remus2001]

Awesome video, as always. I’m really hoping that sometime in the future you’ll treat us to a side-by-side review of the modern 36mm Explorer and the new 40mm Explorer.

[@michaelfierman3256]

And you got the engraved rehaut which is something that I irrationally love. chef's kiss etc.

[@LeoRomanusFilms]

I admit to not really being a fan of this one until I saw it more frequently, in person. Now, I think it’s one of Rolex’s better looking watches. Love the white dial.

[@881410]

The newest Exp-II is best for me (1) 42mm is great for my 8-inch wrist (2) the bracelet is 22mm ...up from 21mm.. also great for my 8-incher. This is my go-to watch. I have "better" ones, but I love my Polar Exp-II. Honestly, I often contemplate buying the black one as well. Also, the easy-link works perfectly for me - and it's quickly manipulated. Obviously, the glide-lock is (or should be) superior, but I have no issues with the easy-link here.

[@davidbram]

I absolutely love my 16570 (M serial) that my wife got me for my 40th birthday in 2009. Great video. Thank you.

[@Aceofswe]

Agree 100% Best GMT (for me) The size, and how thin it is for a GMT makes it stand out among the rest

[@Amaru_r]

As an owner of a black 16570 (2000) since only two months i must say FOR ME everything you said is true, i agree, i have other rolex like ceramic submariner, datejust.. but this damn watch feels and sits incredible and has that vintage feel with still a modern package, since i have it it hasnt leave my wrist , i just cant .

[@bettbulldog05]

Your use of various measurement examples cracked me up. Although the weight difference is 20% heavier, not 17%. Love your videos and love this watch. You add so much to this incredible hobby we love. Keep it up!

[@thomasturfait2601]

Funny. The Batman is 20% heavier than the EXII or the EXII is 17% lighter than the Batman. Depends on the reference. Both are correct.

[@watchcurtisn]

Typical KZbinrs are so predictable... you however are not - it's great! The KZbin algorithm seems to only respect absolutes, so everyone speaks as such (get out of here with that haha).

[@gimjyu]

As an owner of a 14060m no date sub, the exp ii was going to be my next watch... But I'm actually looking at getting a grand seiko SBGN005 which to me would fill the same functions - time, gmt fixed bezel, date. I'm also not a fan of the cyclops, and don't mind a quartz in the collection, especially if it's watchmaker assembled and only needs a cheap battery change every 3 years.

[@TOCANTES]

I am going to get one from 2004 in black to change from my 116900 AK. No comparaisons. Fo your prefer this one to the gmt or sub ?

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

I also have a 2009 model polar, purchased in 2011. Always the unwanted stepchild until recently. I think it's the perfect Explorer2.

[@acethis]

I concur with your love for this Polar 16570. I have 1 myself and it's my favorite Rolex, period. No other models can replace this, For Me (too).

[@jethrojacinto2798]

I have to agree personally. If I were to get an Explorer II it would be easily the 16570 no question. Perfect case shape and dimensions and all and I also am biased with 5 digit Rolex as I have the 16710 GMT pepsi and a 16610LV Kermit and will look to add this beauty in the collection one day!

[@ayeaye28690]

Great video! Incidentally i bought a 1998 polar 16570 yesterday and agreed to your reasons in this video. Another reason for me is the aged cream tritium look on the polar dial, it has this zen feeling when I look at it.

[@jimmuisenga5025]

Great video! My 226570 is the best Explorer for ME. Though I must say, yours on the jubilee, I’m having thoughts. Thanks!

[@analogueinterests4161]

I owned and sold the 16750 black dial, bought it for under $4k... I've never regretted a sale so much. Would you buy it for $9k today? For you.

[@alonsocordaro4880]

Hi, do you know if Rolex is still producing the 16570?

[@fire_watch7735]

Fabulous content as always! Take this from a unabashed Rolex fanboy with an 8.5” wrist that has just crossed the double digit threshold of Rolex’s in the collection which I admit makes no sense… But in terms of the 16570 polar, it is one of the favourites in my collection, which took me by surprise because I didn’t expect to like it so much and I thought it would be too small on my wrist.

[@goldenarm009]

What I love about my 216570 is the maxi dial, the large hands and markers. It’s just so visually appealing to me. Less negative space on the larger dial. I love the easy link feature I use it daily. Either way, the Explorer II is the best Rolex in their entire catalogue. For me.

[@georgfeichtinger2600]

Hi! This is a really great video! I fell in love with that series 2 years ago since then i have been looking for a full set in good condition yesterday i bought it from a very nice gentlemen from Germany. I completely agree to all your arguments. This watch is such a rocker!

[@trdaniel37]

That you'll wear a 36mm explorer and ploprof is awesome. Wearing whatever you like. The 3186 to boot. Great timepieces. I have the newest Polar and it's becoming my favorite watch. Subscribed

[@ericmoss8344]

I LOVE'd my 16570 Polar... but it's just a bit too small for my 8" wrist. You're spot on w/the 39mm vs 40mm. I had to pick up a 216570 Polar and it's my new favorite. Is on my wrist 95% of the time... :)

[@elizabeth_grant]

You're pretty much the best Watch KZbinr out there.

[@YoureTerrific]

You must have me confused with someone else.

[@tricky92x]

@@YoureTerrific Definitely the most funny.

[@slashdotism]

I have one from 2007 with the 3186 I got from my dad on my 30th. He bought an 116610ln and passed the polar 16570 on to me. Still my favorite watch almost 10 years later.

[@GaryColecchio]

Great video. I have a first generation 1989 that I bought new and have worn daily since. I'm looking for a Jubilee bracelet similar to the one you have on it. Do you have a source for one?

[@0kkin]

Do you find that your lume plots have patina’d at all? They appear off white in some shots which I like a lot, I’m wondering if they look that way in person. Thanks!

[@_Vissal_]

Outstanding video brother. I've been saving up for the 42 mm style. All of your points are relevant and helpful. The larger style is right, "for me". Cheers.

[@joeschlicht]

yup, it's 39mm, perfect size. I am kicking myself for passing on a tritium dial black dial on consignment from my local watchmaker, that I could have bought for way _way_ less that they are currently going for. My issue is that it was a bit too beat up (was an unpolished, one owner example)... but oh did it wear and look great on my wrist... and deep down I really wanted the polar dial though.

[@bscott3223]

Just bought myself a G series, the very last ones made before they went to 216570 I love it. I was surprised how slim it is. It’s not tall at all. It just grips your wrist and hides under a sleeve. I’m still getting used to it, as I’m used to thicker cases. But I am loving it

[@Danyukon3443]

You have great taste! In a watch draw full of choices, my white dial 16570 with the 3186 movement ( a must), gets the most wrist time. Its also a strap monster and fun to experiment with different looks. I never tire of looking at it. Are the other watches in the draw jealous? You bet they are!

[@dubsbridge]

First time watching one of your reviews. Great stuff; funny, informative, and useful. Subscribed 👍🏽

[@yanivrofe3499]

Would you ever consider buffing out the scratches on the bezel? Great video bro, as always.

[@gplayer01]

Great video! I have recently purchased a 2004 Explorer 2 16570 Polar and I love it.

[@tylerhollman587]

The Rolex Explorer 2 16570 with a black dial is my favorite. Ive been saving for a year now and plan to get it for my 40th

[@BBPlasSVT]

I traded a 216570 Polar for a black dial 16570 "Swiss" only variant. Love the polar, but for me, the black dial is just more versatile when it comes to dressing it up.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I just got my Explorer II 226570 black dial a week ago, as my belated milestone birthday present. For me, I love the monster indices and hands, and the orange hand (vs. red) and the style of the GMT hand. The size is great, for me. I have a slightly bigger wrist than yours, but just slightly. For people with a big enough wrist/body type to pull off the size, I think it's a great watch. I absolutely love mine. The cool thing was another sales guy at the AD saw me getting my watch and let me try on his black dial 16570 Explorer II he's had for 22 years. He said it still keeps great time despite never servicing it (this is not watch maintenance advice). I get the appeal of the 40mm size for a lot of people out there though. It's interesting that the actual measurement is 39mm for yours, but also not surprising based on other models. Rolex seems to play fast and loose with supposed dimensions at times. Much like the Explorer I now comes in 2 sizes, I think it would be great if a 39mm Explorer II came out with modern specs. The AR on the crystal of mine was immediately apparent over the old model.

[@edipisreks5535]

I regret selling mine in 2017. I regret selling it in general, but I could have used the extra money at the time (obviously or I wouldn’t have been selling a Rolex). Wears great.

[@edipisreks5535]

Same time frame and same reason for me selling mine. Miss it.

[@ccw5886]

Eureka! Nice to see a review being positive about this beautiful watch. I have been wearing a 16610 sub fro the last 32 years and its just beautiful....For Me! Love the vlogs and in the style of old telegrams....please please please, don't ever.....STOP

[@titititi2549]

Tritium or super luminova ? I will have to make a decision :)

[@robklein1981]

I just purchased a 2005 polar Explorer, has been on my wish list for some time. Great video!

[@aleincostarica]

Aloha! I own the same watch since early 2003 when I bought it new. I love it! I think is my favorite Rolex ever still today. I wear it with its original bracelet or like now with an awesome Rubber B black and red stripe that uses its original clasp. Best watch!, and yes, the GMT function is one of the most useful, specially if you like to travel.

[@steelsteez6118]

6:26 The money shot right there. I needed that comparison.

[@defresh4612]

This is the one that got away… I was mulling one of these a few years back when they were just 5k. When I finally decided to pull the trigger they jumped to 8k. Decided to wait. They jumped to 10k+. Finally prices are cooling a bit but still more than I want to pay for it. Maybe someday…. In the meantime, thanks for the great content!

[@4liter]

Has one and wanted to love it, 7” wrist here as well. It looked girly to me with the white dial and super slim hands. In the end, couldn’t get past how flimsy/cheap the bracelet felt. Love the look of it on other people though 👍🏼

[@spanishjohn420]

hey where did you get that green leather mat @ 8:21 from? thanks

[@actnaturally388]

Looks great on your wrist! What’s your wrist size?

[@YoureTerrific]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cohan.forcer]

Love it! Saving for a black one.

[@SignalCorps1]

Get the white one. It will age better and depreciate less

[@cohan.forcer]

@@SignalCorps1 Good point!

[@donkeystonky5362]

So you buy watches you like less because you can sell them for more? Seems silly. I like the white one better but that’s because I like it more, not because it’ll be worth more

[@YFEmaxi]

I own a 1999 one. and planning on getting the newer version of it.

[@fan-jo2je]

I had gone back and forth for 2 years on what one I wanted the 16570 or 216570. I knew I wanted a white dial watch and a true pure white not off white or anything with designs. I found complete set G serial 2010 16570 and it is my favorite watch. Yea I paid for it but like you said that really don’t matter if it’s what you have been wanting for a long time. Keep up the great work love the channel!

[@dibyabhutiarai5916]

does your 40mm Rolex Explorer II have a solid bracelet

[@NJPS2023]

Yeah, love my swiss only polar. So much I had to get a 16570 in black, love them both, the most versatile low key, functional Rolexes out there. Great video!

[@ianscorey5293]

Brill video......, but I purchased the Rolex explorer ll in 1993 and I went with the black dial!!!! More masculine and goes extremely well with a suit!!!! Regards Ian 👨‍🎤🇳🇿👍🏉

[@hbmex1928]

That’s a Rolex jubilee bracelet? How much was it? I have a 216570 and would be interested in acquiring a jubilee bracelet

[@williamumbach592]

That does look amazing with the jubilee bracelet (and hidden clasp to boot)

[@sstanforddpt]

I like the white dial, tried it on multiple times knowing I was going to get a 16570. Every time trying on the wrist it was a no, for me. Didnt look right to me. White dials say "sporty" or "dress" in my minds eye and are more cohesive with the likes of my white OP 39. White dials on tool watches just dont mesh with me. Amazing pictures and hype of the white had me under the spell, but I bought the black dial 6 years ago with the 3186, Rolex rehaut, and no case holes. I wear it Every Where, with Every Thing. 122 grams. Put a jubilee on it for a week, but went right back to the oyster permanently. Love it. Unpretentious and stealthy unless your into watches, handsome and tooly at the same time. Enjoy yours, and thanks for the vid.

[@allenjlo]

Polar Explorer II’s are SO underrated. I love how it’s essentially the only white dialed Sports watch Rolex makes. If you want a white GMT master, this is it!

[@MH-eu9iw]

That is the best explorer ever! I used to have the 42mm and I got rid of it due to the size. I wish they would make the explorer 2 in 40mm

[@NateHurwitzBikes]

Love your videos! Hope you mention the Oris Kermit in an upcoming video! Certainly interested in your take on it.

[@YoureTerrific]

Your hope will be fulfilled.

[@boatdetective]

I have a black dial 16570 and get it. This is just a very wearable, functional watch with near perfect proportions.

[@DougRobison-s5e]

Great video! I also own a 2009 16570 and I agree with your every point. It is a perfect watch for me too. It is the only Rolex I own, and the only one I ever care to own. It will be a heirloom to my son.

[@gabefore]

I've owned both the 16570 and the 226570 and I agree the 16570 is best... *for me* (for reference, I have an 18cm wrist, which means 39mm and 42mm both work, so it's not really about size compared to my wrist). I think it's all about the proportions -- the watch as a whole -- and that totally changes from piece to piece. For example, I love my 42mm Tudor Pelagos and I think it is better in every way than the Pelagos 39. I agree that Rolex does not make a bad watch, so you can't go wrong, but you definitely have to experience both to make the best decision for yourself. When I first bought my 16570 (back in 2019) I felt at first it was too small. When I then bought my 226570 (in 2022), I felt at first it was too big. After a few days with each, neither was too big or too small. It really comes down to what you like in a watch and/or what fits in your collection (that is, if you obsess -- like me -- on whether you have too many, or too little, of a given size, dial color, complication, etc. LOL)

[@arijon98]

I love my 16570! I bought a rubber strap for it and it made it so much more versatile.

[@ivan7.978]

great video! the 16570 is growing on me. it looks superb on the jubilee! was that a Datejust bracelet?

[@AntoineThisdale]

Agreed. Have the same model from same era. Its my favorite. I also feel that this is the most Rolex watch of the brand. Its unique enough, very different (for once), is the "unsung hero" and the black sheep of the brand as well. I really like it.

[@iSomska]

I‘m a bit curious…. What was the price of this banger in 2010?

[@rickjason215]

I don’t sell my watches. I could make a few bucks, but I bought them because I like them.

[@ignacioa3698]

Great looking piece. And the black face I tend to like more and looks better I think.

[@WatchWeeb]

Terrific video Evan per usual. How have I not been subscribed to your channel yet? 😂 love my 16570 as well. Ngl I blame you for influencing my decision to buy one!

[@CraigG21]

I love my Polar 226570! But I have a 7.5+" wrist. Well done with the video as usual.

[@drwindsurf]

This is an awesome video - Thank you. It is so refreshing especially now, during the hype machine that is Watches and Wonders.

[@brysoga]

I got mine for £2800, it accompanies me on every ski holiday. It's a brilliant little watch.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

I love the hands and face of the 226570, but the size... Why did it have to be 42mm? I tried the 226570, and I wanted to love it soooo bad, but I can't. So the 16570 it is.

[@paulbonaventura4969]

how can you tell the links are hollow? I don't see the lines.

[@Bianuni]

😂 I felt the PASSION 😂 Love it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@michaelriera6277]

It just looks so balanced and elegant.

[@christopherbazaka1564]

glad someone else out there with a 180,000 micrometer wrist is making videos. We exist!

[@rphiliprogers]

I have a a 16550 from late 1906 with the cream face, white gold surrounds and rail dial why is your 15570 so popular on KZbin?

[@gelmibson883]

Definitely! The dial with the hands and the bezelprint is really translucent or something. The last two ones, the outlines and the bezel numbers are to thicc back like painted with a edding. I really wanna hear your opinion on that opinion. U can reach me at the possum asylum, ask for warden Benjamin.

[@murraypollard]

I have the same watch, but I bought mine in 2008 for $5k Canadian. Great watch in every way; I'm not impressed by the bigger size or different hands of the new model, but that's my personal choice. I like that yours has "battle scars". Mine too; I wear it in all kinds of situations like my other Rolexes as to me they are not investments, they are tough watches made to be worn and used. I also like that it is more "incognito" than my other Rolexes.

[@ProfessorPesca]

For those of us that like sensible units of measurement, the 165270 is 0.00019 furlongs in diameter.

[@corychecketts]

I keep coming back to this watch. I missed the boat when these were affordable. I have a hard time justifying the cost of the 16570 now at $8k+. Oh well. Thanks for the video regardless.

[@edipisreks5535]

I used to own a 16570. Sold it five years ago. I should buy one again now that prices are down some.

[@charles_1523]

what delugs strap is that? ive been looking for that style in black ever since i saw that seiko komodo

[@rickythomson808]

I wear my 16570 as a beater ,different class.Had the 116570 with black dial the ghost hands looked like a 5 year old painted them,needless to say it’s sold.I’m going back to 5 Digit models.

[@lawrencel1964]

I love this watch

[@joespart4782]

I have a polar 16570 that my dealer was dying to give away, bought it in 2010. Probably best value rolex I ever bought.

[@amsp79]

It’s a lovely watch, I prefer the latest iteration because it has more of a presence and the orange fat arrow is a must for me. The size increase wasn’t needed but it doesn’t bother me either. I think the best rolex is the one you connect with and feels like it was made for you.

[@jayjonas]

wow! On the jubilee bracelet it looks absolutely fantastic!

[@seanfitzgerald3986]

What jubilee bracelet/endlinks did you use? I want to put a jubilee on mine

[@YoureTerrific]

Check the text in the video

[@chenchina4577]

For me too, mate. On my second one and had the 216570 in between. This one is pretty much perfek.

[@nicolapriano4796]

Ciao io sono italiano,bel video anche io ho un 16570 polar seriale v cal3186 è stupendo e mi piace sempre più.Sono d'accordo con te vorrei che rolex facesse ancora orologi come explorer 40mm Ciao Nico

[@JosepHayes]

The combination of red GMT hand and solid end links sells this to me as the very best execution of the Explorer II

[@watchpuppy123]

I hope when this Tour de Force wins Best Oscar Nominated Short Film next year, that you reference the little people (in nautical miles) who love your videos in the acceptance speech. Bravo!

[@tacosaretasty]

This is one of my grail watches. Beautiful.

[@moon3173]

EXACTLY. Many sports models were 38.5-39mm BUT marketed as "40mm". Daytona is still 38.5mm