POLAR vs BLACK | Why the Explorer II 16570 is my Favorite Rolex Sports Watch
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- It seems that the Explorer II has always lived in the shadow of its clicky bezeled cousins. But the prices are rising because enthusiasts are discovering these gems with a quirky history and wrist presence for days. Today We put the more popular polar dial against the more versatile black dial and dive deep into the stories of these robust tool watches.
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“This is the watch you buy because you love watches, not because you want other people to love you for it.”
This is probably the best statement ever made about the Explorer II and the very reason that I just bought a polar 16750.
How much was it?
Not just best Rolex Sports watch for your ‘money right now’, but the best full stop. Perfect size, perfect usability, robust, and (most importantly) understated. No black bezel, no chronograph dials/buttons screaming, no two-tone bezel with associated nickname, all screaming “look at me, I own a Rolex”. This is for the man or woman who understands what a Rolex sports watch does, how it is built and why they are so important in the history of watch making, but without the desire to be seen or noticed. Subtle, timeless, beautiful.
You seem full of anger. There's a variety of rolex watches for a variety people. You buy what you want.
I fully agree. This the best Rolex for me too. I like it so much that I instantly bought the black dial 216570 with fantom hands which I love and then added a 226570 polar. But my favorite remains the black dial 216570.
That's your opinion, dude. I own a 41mm sub and it's an amazing watch. Yes, with a beautiful black ceramic bezel that is more versatile, iconic and will look good as new when your metal bezel explorer is scratched to hell.
@@Dranreb865 Why anger? I'm full of joy. I'm also full of confusion about sheep buying watches with silly nick names just because everyone else wants the same watch with silly nicknames. The E2 is the opposite of those fads. T'is all.....🤔
@@rafaeloliva6425 It is my opinion and that's yours. As for my metal bezel being scratched to hell, perfect. It's called the Explorer for a reason and my personal watch has been all over the world, been through all kinds of activities (including war) and been bish, bash, boshed. Which I like, as it has lived. 👍
I know the Polar is more in demand but i really think the black dial is nicer.
I agree. Tried on both and found the black dial suited me better having originally thought it would be white dial.
Me too, the black one makes it look smaller more conservative
💯
100% I just picked up the black one. It’s more versatile for daily wear and I think it just flows better. The black dial really is done so nicely I think people sleep on it. Also there is a reason Tudor BB pro went for black it’s more faithful to the original Rolex explorer II.
Agreed….the black is a nice look.
I can’t be happier with my 16570 black dial, bought in an AD back in 2004. Those days were you walk in an AD and pickup a watch like this for $4k. Almost 20 years and still running strong. Crazy how things have changed since then.
Love that ur showing the watches from a distance too and not just close ups.
Thanks I'll keep your feedback in mind 😁
Hey Max, just to voice my experience, I had bought a white dial explorer 16570 because it was different and unique for Rolex but after owning it for several months and wearing it everyday I found that it wasn’t very easy to pull off and also it wore big because of the white dial. Ultimately I decided to trade it in and “upgrade” to an older, black dial 16550 which I’m thrilled I did. It wears so beautifully and is so versatile, it’s truly my one watch collection. Not to mention the square-font bezel and older font date disc is an added plus for that vintage feel!
Amazing Joshua! The black can be an everything watch for sure, it's so classically sporty 😎
"one watch collection" is a contradiction in terms. I appreciate one-watch guys (like I was for many years), but to be talking about "collection" you must have at least 3+ watches..
@@greycats99 It's a deliberate paradox. "One watch" because it's one watch. "Collection" because it's all you need for all occasions.
I bought my 16570 right before the price boom on them, 2006 model everything I wanted in this reference. I couldn’t agree more with you on this video. This watch in my opinion is something I couldn’t get rid of . I later bought the 114270 and I think they’re the perfect pair . I love seeing videos on watches I own, it’s oddly satisfying. Thanks for the content.
Great video! One thing I strongly disagree with though is the versatility of the polar dial, which pairs much better with the majority of outfits. Historically, black was used for formal occasions, and somewhere along the line there came a misconception that it is a casual colour that pairs with everything which it really doesn't. If you are wearing colours other than black, including jeans, brown shoes, any type of colourful shirt, or even suits that aren't black or charcoal, the polar 16570 is going to look better almost all the time. Just my opinion 🤙
I bought a NOS black dial Rolex 16570, M series, 3186 movement, nine years ago. I like it more than any other watch made...wear it skiing, wear it with a suit...the detail and quality of the dial is stunning!
I think the 16570 is a huge sleeper watch, and has gone very underappreciated for years now.
The black dial is neat, professional, and clean.
The white dial is more daring and challenging, and arguably more exotic, yet harder to pull off in a more professional setting.
While this watch isn't as iconic as the submariner, I think the five digit explorers will become immensely more popular over time as people discover how sporty and versatile they are.
Great video, as always. Cheers!
Completely agree Chris! The black one will age well 👌
I like the aesthetic of the black more.
Yeah honestly it's the one I'd choose as well.
This is an incredible channel - quality video production, audio, and really fantastic watch reviews. Thanks for making great content!!
Really appreciate the high praise Spencer! Learning as I go...
Got myself a Submariner 14060M a few years ago because "I'm surely gonna love it as it is a classic" but never really connected with it. Sold it and was lucky enough to find an amazing Polar Exp2 tritium dial and it hasn't left my wrist since. What a fantastic watch... congrats on the channel!
Right?! The sub is a bit cliche at this point... The explorer II feels more special to me.
@Santanu DasGupta enjoy them in good health my man!!! :) I know there is no right or wrong answer, but that Explorer II just works with my lifestyle so much! Annoyingly enough, here in London where I live, watch crime is off the charts and wearing something that doesn't look quintessentially Rolex (i usually wear the explorer on a strap or nato) is actually a huge plus.
If you are looking to scratch that neo-vintage diver itch... I'm sure you are already considering the Tudor BB58... but may I suggest you have a look at the very first 42mm Omega Planet Ocean 2500? Wears a bit bigger than your usual 5-digit Rolex, BUT as an outdoor/weekend watch it's absolutely lovely. Proper strap-monster too AND matte dial, which I personally find beautiful!
Two years later, I finally got the chance to claim a black dial 16570 my own. Took me a while and thanks for the inspiration Max!
I own a 2020 model 216570 with the black dial. Just went to my AD and am considering swapping the dial from black to polar white. The white dial pops more and looks cleaner IMO. I might not end up doing it now after watching this vid.. thanks for the added confusion Lol
I also own a 216570 from the same year. When I "ordered it" I asked for Polar, however the AD received one with black dial at first which was sold to me with the promise to swap the dial a few months later once they received the part from Rolex. So it happened and although I grew to liking the black version, I simply couldn't stand the "ghost hands" from that black version/reference. The new 226570, though, has lost the ghost hands and if I was to buy now I would chose the black dial for sure.
I actually own a black dial 216570 with the fantom hands and 226570 polar. To me I by far prefer 216570 black dial and even more than both 226570 either black because it lost the fantom hand and the polar (I own it) for maxi case and fantom hands.
I love mine. I have the black dial. 16570 2005. It’s great. I’ve had several GMT’s (coke/modern blk dial) Daytons and Day Date.( I still have the Day Date :) but for some reason sold them after a few months . This one particular watch has stayed with me the longest, I love it! Great/Honest video.
Great choice and shows that you are not victim of the hype 👍
The black dial 16570 is perfect! Under the radar, rugged, relatively versatile. Really considering this piece now to add to my 1601.
Just bought one 16570, in love with it.
If it wasn't for the decent price I've bought it for, I've would have bought a Omega Seamaster.
Congrats! Did you go with black or polar?
Love that background/scenery at the beginning and throughout
Thanks Billie! Definitely almost crashed the drone into a tree 😆
Thats what precisely i liked about my 16570 black dial; that touch of red of the gmt hand
Lovely production. I agree black is the more historically correct and underappreciated as they contain a lot of features and tech of the more popular GMT master 2. I also appreciate your comment about it's a watch you buy for yourself not for others
Love the black dial version
Agreed my man, it's what I'm leaning toward 👍
I purchased my explorer ll in 1993, I went for the black dial as its more masculine and as you correctly pointed out it goes with casual dress and a suit!!!! I don’t go down caves..... but I use the 24 hour clock for international travel.... hence it’s an excellent watch!!!!! I wear it 24/7!!!!
Gr8 video!!!!! Regards ian👨🎤🇳🇿🏉
I love my 2006 16570 Polar dial. I’m glad I bought it 2 yrs ago for $5,800 dollars! 🧊🙌🏻🔥😍🤘🏼
great video! Well thought through and great assessment of the 4-5-6 digit generations. Only thing I want to call out - I disagree on the question of versatility. Like most people, I wear a lot of blue clothing and whilst I am no fashionista, I do know that black and blue isn't a great combo. White on the other hand is the ultimate versatile colour - goes with blue, goes with black, goes with any colour you can name. I love mine for that reason.
Man, excellent video. I'm already regretting my decision. I sold my black dial 16570 last week.
Watches come and go, follow your heart my friend 😉
Love my Polar! It's my most worn piece.
Agreed that if you rock only one watch the black dial, or better yet the Exp 1, is the way to go.
Definitely depends on the existing collection 👍
I have the black dial and personally love how little attention it gets. Was also able to buy it at retail walking in to a shop and just sharing my passion for this.
Just got the polar a couple months ago but a later version which they actually put with a 3186 movement.. such a versatile watch
It's at the top end of the size range of what I wear and in no way do I think it can go formal, unlike its older, smaller brother. The white is certainly more appealing to me.
I bought mine new in 2009, when you could still walk into a Rolex AD and buy one off the shelf. I had the choice of black or white, and after much dithering I went for the black. There's absolutely no doubt that whichever I bought, I'd wish I had the other, they're both that good. I just wish Rolex had painted the stalk of the 24-hour hand orange instead of red.
Black dial for sure for me!
Great content and photos by the way!! 👏
Thanks Stavros! Trying to get better with every video 👍
Just bought a 2001 in mint condition, I have been looking at different Rolex watches for a while.
So far ... I love it.
Balck dial, looks good, not flash.
I have a polar from 1989. Still works great to this day.
How is the tritium lume?
@@1Snouser Long gone.
To me the Explorer II is that last Rolex :) Size and look are perfect. It fits amazingly. This is for a true watch lover
Before the shortage of Rolex sportswatches around 2019 2020 the Explorer 2 was the watch nobody cares about. You could have get an as new Example for around 6000 Euros in Germany… I personally love the polar white dial. Its a nice summer watch.
Own polar dial scrambled serial. This watch is way underrated for real. It looks simply beautiful on wrist.
I’ve owned dozens of Rolexes, including both the white and black Exp2s (5 digits). The only Rolex I will keep forever is my black 16570. Best watch (for me) ever made.
Love love the black
LOVE the black!
Very nice video and appreciated perspective. Needless to say the prices of these have skyrocketed. I just added a polar dial 2008 to my collection. After years of seeing these watches the white dial just grew on me. I look forward to wearing my 16570.
Sigh, Rolex prices are like housing prices 😅
Yep, it’s at the same price point as a Sub now. Before people buy it because it’s less pricy; now it’s 10k north.
I have owned a Polar since 1999.
Thought I had lost my current one, so l put down a deposit on a black one intending to change the face to Polar.
Just before the insurance payout I found the Polar under a file in my office, cancelled the claim.
Phoned the dealer and explained, he offered to return my deposit, but I had fallen in love with the black one.
So I now have one of each.
If I had to sell one,I wouldn’t be able to decide, they are both great.
I’m trying to decide if this would be a better watch for the submariner for outdoors. I want to get a watch for sailing, backpacking, spelunking, etc. Sub seems more versatile, Yacht Master is great on a boat but not really for climbing on a rock. Explorer II might be a good option for adventures in the wilderness.
I used to have the black dial and I traded it in at the AD for the Polar. They are both Great, it just depends on my mood. I also have a Black dial GMT MASTER II Two-Tone that fills in nicely when I want to wear Black. 😊
Black dial looks amazing 🤩
I wanted a white one instead of a wedding ring. However I didn't buy one, and ended up with a ring which I have never worn. This was 31yrs ago and brand new here in the UK this watch was available and for sale for £1300 from a rolex dealer. As Cher sings "if I could turn back time"
Liking it within the first minute. Great video of a stunning watch (black one all day) 🙌🏻
Appreciate that Renaud! 👊
Toke the words right out of my mouth, great video as always! Loving mine 16570 still!
It's a darling of a watch! Great taste Phil 👌
My 16750 polar is one of my favorite watches. It really needs the steel reef EZ link extension to be the best it can be!
As usual very cool video. I am currently hesitating of selling my bb58 and buying a 2007 Explorer ii.
That's tough, both great watches! But I would take the explorer ii 👍
@@WatchCrunchOfficial didn't sell the BB58 but followed your advice and got a explorer ii polar (16570) :) not going to lie you're video influenced me haha
Great video Max. I agree with you that the 5 digit watches really represent the best of Rolex - modern enough to be worn but still have some of that luxury feel but without the as much hype like what surrounds the 6 digit references. For the Explorer II I also think the 16570 looked the best, with that red hand vs the vintage evocative orange one on the 6 digit versions. Its interesting in looking at this, the Yacht Master 2, even the Yachtmaster itself (originally conceived to be a successor to the Submariner) - by the look of it Rolex "sequels" never really catch on compared to the "originals."
Yeah there's something subtly classy about this period. I don't know if the yachtmaster bez will ever grow on me 😁
Black is more versatile and handsome. White is more exclusive and popular because the nick name Polar. I prefer the black.
I prefer the black dial. After trying on both, the black was more appealing which surprised me. I have a couple of watches with white dials so this may be why.
Blk is definitely more versatile 👌
Hey Max, yeah I guess I'm one of the few that also prefer the black dial, and over the last 2 years when I was "preparing" to buy my first Rolex I was heavily considering both of the 5 digit references of these as well as the 114270, but in the end I just didn't want to pay $5 (last March ---how the prices have skyrocketed) for a 15 year old 114270 and ended up with a Tudor BB36, which i was VERY happy with for a while, but just didn't scratch the itch. My buddy at the local AD did manage to get me a 214270 right at Christmas, so in the end I am pleased, but I still do love that 5 digit model you are sporting today. aside from the clasp...great presentation. Love comparison videos.
Thanks Michael, you have great taste in watches, I wish I did as much research as you and was less impulsive with my purchases 😆
That Cream at 16550 at 6:09 is gorgeous
Just stumbled on your channel. Really enjoyed this video and will definitely be subscribing. Funny story the black dial 16570 at 5:40 is my watch! I recognized the photo and double checked the hangtags. Even though prices have gone up I think they are still really good value when compared to the other five digit sport models. Keep up the good work fam.
Wow what a coincidence! Enjoy that puppy 👍
Own a 2011 16570 black dial and it’s on my wrist every day. Never been serviced and it’s running perfectly and losing 1-2 seconds per WEEK. That’s right per week.
I have a yacht master, a datejust and a polar exp 11. The exp is my every day wear and has been on many back country Canadian trips. It has everything I need and nothing I don't. A rugged and reliable watch. Love your video and outdoor background. Had a black dial and I and sent the watch to rolex to swap out for the polar. Expensive but worth it.
I love the black dial and I hear that so much from people I ask about it . I’m getting the hype behind the polar but I’m starting to think it’s just different and perhaps flashy… if you want that then you will enjoy the attention but if you want to fly under the radar, be more versatile and perhaps get your watch a bit cheaper…. The black it is!
I love them both, and since I could not decide, I got and enjoy both…
Lucky man! They're such different watches for being almost identical 👍
@@WatchCrunchOfficial the white one I like it on it’s original oyster bracelet, and the black one I like to wear it on a Rubber B black with the red stripe, which perfectly matches the face and the GMT hand.
Completely agree re your take on the Explorer II being a true enthusiast's watch. 100%. And I prefer the under the radar nature of the black dial.
I do prefer the 2021 explorer II though. They don't wear too big for a 42mm, because of the thickness, tapered lugs and 22mm lug width offering a less boxy appearance. The 5 digit refs have a 21mm lug width, which is a bit annoying for NATO'S etc. and they look a bit more chunky IMO
This is probably the only Rolex I would buy, preferably the Polar dial too.
Great comparison, I am a man, I prefer the black.
The explorer2 is an underrated watch . I own the 226570 black version and I love it
I had been looking for a white dial sports watch for over a year and I finally pulled the trigger on the 16570 G serial (last year of production) complete set and I love it. I was going to by the newest version but the 50 mm lug to lug was just too big for my 6.5 inch wrist. It also didn’t feel so bad over paying because these are no longer in production. 😊
In which condition was it and how much did you end up paying?
@@necamo1934 it is in mint condition was just serviced by RSC in October of last year. I paid $10k.
Love the video ! I regret selling my polar dial ! I’m on the waitlist for the 42mm polar. Now that prices are crazy in aftermarket I will wait !
Great video! I have a Polar and I don’t think this or even the black one works for formal occasions - the steel bezel in particular makes it very sporty. However, it is the best Jeans & Tshirt/Polo watch I own, and it actually pairs great with colorful natos.
I don't know if James Bond is wearing subs and SM300s, I think I can wear the Explorer 2 to the office 😁
The white dial is overrated, I have tried it one two occasions but ended up with the black dial, which is much better in my opinion. The white appeared too open or stark for me. Nice review though of an overlooked Rolex sports watch, black dial that is.
I'm with you, it's gotta be the black dial for me
Another awesome video. Best watch channel on YT!
You're awesome bro 👊
I’d love to own the polar dial model, prices are way over my price range though. Definitely prefer the size and aesthetic of the 40mm case with my skinnier wrists.
Great video, only just discovered your channel and must say the video and audio quality is great, keep up the good work.
Thanks buddy, welcome to the channel!
The best value Rolex today is the 16570, no question. The black especially. I think the price difference is getting closer and closer between the black and the white, though. Both are brilliant, IMO.
It's such a lovely watch in person. I didn't know it was possible to find a under the radar Rolex anymore!
Great watch for money. I prefer the 226570 polar. I like the 70 hour reserve hours, with mat black hands, and improved bracelet. The bracelet clasp on the 16570 is not great, or preferred. But if on a budget the 16570 is a great deal.
Polar has been one of my favs for a long time, but the Blk was to me the one to get. Tried one on a while and it just looked right, still looking :-)
That black is so sexy with the pop of red!
Black dial all the way. I'm a little obsessed with the black with red trim colourway.
Very interesting review! I like that it is an atypical Rolex. The Milgauss is too, but it has just become so large and blingy now.
Lots of underrated Rolex models outside of the usual suspects. Air King, Explorer 1, Explorer 2, Milgauss, Celllini, OP 39, just absolute stunners that fly under the radar. I own 216570 it’s not round and elegant like this gen, more oval.
What I learned wearing Rolex over 40 years is readability. For my first 30 years I found my watches very readable. As my eyes have aged the hands have become more difficult to read without using reading glasses. The exception in the line up is the newest Polar Explorer. Rolex should take note. In the last few years I had to start purchasing other brands like the 2021 Breitling SuperOcean. Also, light weight and comfort are two additional elements that distinguish the Rolex line from other watches.
So I have the BLNR on jubilee along with the z-blue Milgauss. Bought both of these from two different ADs in the last four months. Just waiting for the call for the Polar Explorer II and I'll have my favorite trio of Rolex. I have a feeling that as much as I love the two I have, the Polar will end up my favorite Rolex.
Strong triple Rolex combo, very unique models too 👍
Made me laugh when you said looks toyish. I was thinking something along the same lines when I bought it from the AD in 2005 but didn't quite know how to put it into words.
I love the Omega 2231.50 for the same reasons and it looks similar to the Explorer 2.
HI Max ..Great video !!..I have both the Explorer 1..39 mm ..and Explorere 2 ..previous 39 mm model /Ploar ...I love them both !!..They are great watches ....i put all my watches on rubber or leather bands ...it reduces their weight , and makes them even more understated timepieces ..,.and for me the perfect size /weight on my 7 inch wrist .
Nice, great Rolex collection you are building there 😉
great production quality and enjoyed the breakdown
Cheers, thanks for the feedback 👍.
Black dial 3186 movement perfect 👌
One and done 👏
Videos like this are going to make the 5 digit Explorer II go up in price. As someone who has wanted an Explorer II since before they were cool, videos like these scare me into thinking ill never be able to get one of these either. Might be time I start turning my back on the brand. I refuse to pay 5x over retail, and it looks like the Explorer II will be there with all the other models soon.
Just had a chance to own the 1997 T serie of Black Dial (tritium). I love the new Luminova on Polar however with Tritium I would like to have it on the black dial and hopefully those markers will turn yellowish from time to time.
Very cool, I always prefer tritium as well 👍
Agree (Black dial but I still really like the white as well)
Own a white Milgauss, wanted to swap it for a modern polar Explorer II, love the design, yet that's too large for my wrist unfortunately, it seems quite a bit chunkier than my Breitling Superocean Heritage 42.
I like the dimensions of the older Explorer but I just can't stand the clasp, guess I'll have to go with a 40mm Submariner.
Can't go wrong with a classic!👍
It wears so well 👍
The white (polar) dial is my dream watch. 40mm - just my size. Could not afford it then & now, it is out of production. Prices are over-inflated on the secondary market.
Yeah I'd skip the white at this point 😬
Great review and I agree that the crown is slightly too small on the Explorer. I traded my Polar Explorer and can honestly say I don’t miss it. My everyday wearing watch is the Sea Dweller 16600..... 2005 vintage I prefer it’s longer clasp on its bracelet as it seems more substantial than the shorter clasp closing mechanism on the Explorer. After owning a white dial Explorer I always felt it to be slightly inconspicuous and I decided I prefer a black dial all things considered. Two different watches and two different complications however I prefer the elapsed time bezel over the GMT function, especially In light of these travel restrictions.
Very cool Rolex sports watch journey you've had! I hope to have a pleasure of trying on one of these vintage Sea-Dwellers sometime!
@@WatchCrunchOfficial ......Yes, I would highly recommend it as it’s the Big Brother to a Sub Mariner and at it’s time of purchase a Sea Dweller was more expensive than a Sub. In addition there where less of these tool watches produced making them rarer. Good luck procuring one, you can’t really go wrong as it’s the only Rolex other than the Milgauss that has a stamped case back signifying “ Rolex Oyster” .....Original Gas Escape Valve. It sits slight higher on a wrist with a thicker case and the crystal is slightly more beefier. 4000 ft depth rated and no cyclops with a unique gas escapement valve that was developed for saturation diving......so it’s been well engineered to make it a must have in any collection especially in light of the fact it’s a 40mm something no longer produced in a serious sports watch.
Great video! Really enjoyed it.
I agree. This is better than a Sub. It's unique. But it's $10,000 for a watch that was new 10+ years ago. Therefore, one has to accept that their watch will either be well used or slightly less used, outdated in terms of movement and clasp technology, and cost most than a new Omega, Breitling, Zenith, etc. Hell, it even costs the same as a modern Rolex Explorer II, if you can find one. I know some people will do just about anything to have a crown on the dial of their watch, but I'm not sure I could part with the money. And believe me, I love this watch.
Yeah prices have gone up 20% since this review 😞
Tried on the 2021 Explorer 2 today, wears too large compared to my Submariner 124060. My AD also let me try on the Daytona White Gold on Oysterflex with the meteorite dial - now that was special!
Omg, that meteorite dial Daytona is😻
I prefer the black dial but already have an Explorer 1 and a Pepsi GMT so I think I need a white dial in my collection. What years will appreciate more from 1989 - 2011?
This is great stuff. I'm now a subscriber.
Awesome! Welcome to the channel, more great stuff to come 👍
Excellent work, Max. Both are great watches but I don’t get this cave exploration marketing by Rolex.
Haha, yeah Krishna, it's a bit of a stretch. Maybe if you lived in Denver CO
good video, soundtrack too loud tho, without music is much better
Great video & comparison, I agree, these are the most underrated steel sports Rolex out there, I have both and love the versatility of both pieces. But if I were to choose one, the Polar is my favorite of the two.
Thanks! Very different vibes but both cool as ice
Great review and video, I have the polar dial and love it, it’s just classic👍
The 5 digit Rolex are the last of the best.
Totally agree
Nice video, I will chose the black dial.