A heartfelt look back on the last great sports Rolex… the mighty Explorer II reference 226570 in the black dial variation. Gone but not forgotten… Thanks for the support and joining me on my watch journey! ❤️ -Charlie from WYS
We all get buyers remorse, we all get sellers remorse, but we must remember there’s always a reason why we move things on, and at least we got to experience them.. another absolutely fantastic video, much appreciated❤️
The explorer2 is my favorite Rolex I own and the 216570 in black dial because of the phantom effect on the hands. I own a dssd JC, sd43, Daytona ceramic bezel black dial and explorer2 polar 226570. But my black dial 216570 black dial is still my favorite Rolex. And the 20 mm between lugs makes it easier to find a nato. I love the size.
At 5:56, "It's not intentionally trying to look like a vintage watch, but it's also not refusing to step into the modern arena. But it hasn't completely sold its soul either." Profound! Great video, thank you!!
I just got the new black dial (after 2 years wait list), love it so much. I have a flat 7.5 wrist, so the dimensions are perfect for me. 41.5 is it’s true size, and it’s slim. It’s the 50mm lug to lug which forces a wider wrist. GMT and Explorer always felt a little small, this one is the sweet spot for me. I like that Rolex offers different size models for different sizes guys, there isn’t a right size. Nice vid.
I just picked up a black dial from the AD a couple of weeks ago. It is currently settling into the collection. It was not love at first site, I was on the fence about adding it to the collection. However, I figured, even with no real premium, it was worth trying it out. It is definitely growing on me. I like the 24-hour hand, as GMT is by far the most useful complication for me. I travel a lot, and am expanding business interests into other time-zones. I think this one might even be bling-free enough to wear to dodgier locations in the world. I love the gloss black dial. It was one thing I found off-putting about my SD43, the more matte look to the dial. Personal preference. I put it on rubber immediately, a high quality Zealande strap. Try as I might, I will just never be a bracelet guy. I'm thinking of ordering an integrated strap for it. High quality rubber is extremely comfortable. Size... I'm going to go against the crowd and say that I find it a little on the small side. I'm a tall guy, with good-sized wrists and arms. So many of the Rolex watches I love, end up looking a little dainty on me. The Exp II is just barely into my size range. I'm sure the white dial would have put it more in my size ballpark (given the apparent larger size for light dials). I might it on the bracelet for awhile as the end-links should give it a broader wrist span. If only they had given it a glidelock, or even better the DSSD's fliplock (I owned one and I still miss the fliplock). Oh, and as a bonus, 2.5 weeks of keeping it wound and it is 2 seconds slow. My Grand Seikos are hanging their hands in shame!
That’s why I eventually said no to my AD about this Explorer II - that 50mm lug to lug. I have another 42mm watch which is a JLC Polaris Mariner Date,but it has a lug to lug of 47/48mm which wears smaller than than my now sold Tudor GMT, Pelagos, and the offered Explorer II.
Awesome video ! Got one in order at the moment for my dad who’s been a huge fan of this model for a few years ! (Well, the previous model actually, but they look so similar…). Thanks for the video !
Wow very well thought out. I also moved my Explorer 2 on from my collection. I felt the same way as you. Owning the 39mm Explorer and the Pepsi on Jubilee made the Exp 2 seem unnecessary. Kind of Large anyway. I don’t miss it but it was beautiful. I reach for my Sub 41mm when I want some heft. Haven’t replaced it with anything yet, just rocking the 3 piece. Great video! Great Watch!
Great video, enjoyed as always. Couldn’t have been better timing for me to watch, as I just sold a “grail” pocket knife I thought I never would. But, as you mentioned, it was the best thing for me to do. I’m on the list for an Explorer ii and/or a Sub with my AD, so holding out for one of those. Was hoping for a white dial, but I’m leaning more towards the black now. Whichever they receive first and notify me with, is the one I’ll go with. Look forward to more of your videos, cheers!
I'm guilty, like most everyone else, of preferring the white dial Explorer II, however the more I look at a black dial version, the more I gravitate towards it. The white dial appears a little too loud, now. While the Explorer II has caught up to the hype train, I can't help but feel like the black dial will be the more understated and less recognizable of the two; which is why it's beginning to appeal to me more, as of late.
I am on the list for the Explorer II, but just picked up the Black Bay Pro. I no longer think I will be moving forward with the Explorer II because of how fantastic I find the Black Bay Pro. It’s scratching that itch for me.
Thanks for the great video. It’s a shame you sold the Explorer, it looked fantastic on your wrist (certainly not too large). My definition of too large is that the watch is hanging over the edges of my wrist. That wasn’t the case for this watch on your wrist. For me 40mm watches have started looking too small. In any event, it looks like you have some other great watches in your collection and you can always buy another Explorer II if you change your mind.
Nice video I purchased both a few days ago 226570 white and black dial, it's hard to pick but today I'm leaning towards black as it's a perfect tool watch color by being less flashy. The upgrades for me are substantially a pro than a con. My wrist is about 7.2" so I'm good with the new dimensions.
i used to own a 16570 and recently upgraded to the 216570. i have mixed feelings about it because both watches have their pros and cons. the size, weight, and fit of the 16570 was ideal. but it seemed too subdued and boring for me. the 216570 is a lot more sportier and aggressive in styling (which i like) but its also a lot more heavier and larger. overall, the 216570 has the edge because of the more modern appeal. also, in my opinion, its the only rolex that's a strap monster.
I like the 216570 slightly better: the matte dial and slimmer bracelet (21 vs22) makes it ever so slightly less bloated looking. And the ghost hands are just quirky enough to keep the watch interesting/charming. The wide bracelet and clasp is too much for me on this version 226570 version imho… and the 216570 is amazing on all kinds of straps.
Hi Adam. I enjoyed your video. Personally I think the Explorer ii looked perfect on your wrist. Get another one 😉. I love my explorer ii (I wear it on a 7” wrist) I recon it will grow old with me.
The 39mm, 214270, Explorer I find to be the perfect size. I’d like the Explorer II but I’m not willing to pay 50% over retail…at least not yet. Still hoping for the AD to giving me that call.
You're right, the black dial is more connected to the original ref 1655. No chance to get on the list from my AD but waiting for the slate Yachtmaster 40.
I know this might sound sacrilegious to some people but one way to tone down the size of the Explorer 2 is just to put it on a NATO/MN or rubber/leather strap. The first links in the bracelet flair out and add to the size of the head so having it on a strap tightens it down a bit. I did that while travelling through Europe and Asia on a massive post-lockdown trip covering 12 countries. Not having the Explorer 2 on the bracelet completely "underdressed" the watch to the point that most people didn't even notice it's a Rolex. I know this sounds crazy to some people: "What the point of wearing a Rolex if people don't know you are wearing one?!?!". I guess I kinda enjoy mechanical watches and see Rolex for it's tool watch, "G-Shock of its era" heritage. If I can't enjoy and wear the watch then I don't see the point of keeping it. I am completely the opposite and I am considering getting rid of my Batman because of its lack of versatility. I tried pair that with straps and the black and blue is a nightmare to coordinate with. :D
I sold my Submariner and bought an Explorer 2 black. The Submariner is too bulky for me. Explorer 2 has better proportions and I think 42mm is not much. I like both black and white versions but as the first in the collection it will always be black, elegant, neat, timeless. It actually looks much better than in the video. Polar for me as a second watch can be in the collection but it certainly does not fit everyday wear. Great video👍
I had a Pepsi on jubilee and I have the polar explorer II (new model) guess which model I sold 😅 the explorer is just such a watch (so elegant, versatile but yet so sporty ) love it! Think this polar stays for a long long time in my collection 🤍 Yes one small thing is should prefer 40mm over the 42mm 👍 Take care
It can't take everything you throw at it. The bezel and polished vase sides are absolute scratch magnets. It is only 100 metres so diving or surfing are a NO. But it is the most attractive Rolex ever made, so that's a big win. In fact the only Rolex I actually love.
@@whereRbearsTeeth. Ill give it a go then and see how it fares. Or maybe I'll just use my fifty fathoms, my IWC Aquatimer 2000 or the jacque Costeau, or the Oris Titan instead just to be safe as they are more appropriate. But what would I know hey?
No this watch is the last tool watch and is a classic and will most definitely go up in value or at least keep its Swiss army functions a real Explorers watch
@@whereRbearsTeeth not a tough guy just a big guy. Just because you are too small to wear the Explorer 2 doesn’t mean the rest of are, the watch is ideal for big men. 40mm watches look very small on me, however Rolex cater for all size wrists with watches from 36mm to 44mm, or larger. I’m in the upper end and also wear a Seadweller which looks like a Sub on me. You could check out the ladies range I think they do a 34mm OP which some smaller wristed men wear.
The explorer 2 is a pure tool watch (last one by Rolex). 40 years ago 40mm were nowadays 42mm. Rolex simply updated the watch in a contemporary size. 40 years ago a 34mm datejust for a man was considered ok…things changes…and men have slightly larger wrists. No need to be so dramatic in my opinion.
Are you trying to sound like Ben Stiller? Your low energy monotone dribble is painful to listen to. If you actually enjoy watches then try to convey that through your voice instead of sounding like you're reading a script about a subject matter you have zero interest in. My and my 126610ln are going to take the dog for a walk then grill up a tomahawk to enjoy while the fights are on.
Absolutely loved this video, and the commentary found it absolutely enthralling and informative, let the haters hate, or even better go and view a different channel.❤️
