The Explorer 1 and 2 line-up from Rolex are the last true tool watches from the catalog. The best watches to get if you want a Rolex but don’t want a “Rolex” if you know what I mean.
That’s exactly why I bought my Ref 16570 Black. It is a tool watch (mine is my daily) but also the most understated Rolex. I bought mine when Subs were going through their ‘gotta have a Sub to show I have a Rolex’ revolution. Every Tom, Dick or Harriet had one. And that was the same for the Daytona. You know that a Daytona has become a fashion ‘show off’ watch when your builder turns up wearing one. At the time, and for almost the same money, I almost got a GMT, but stuck with the ExpII and I’m glad I did, given what a fashion accessory they’ve become, with their stupid nicknames.…..so ExpII was absolutely the only choice. Same thought when considering rarer non tool Rolex like the Air King.
The black dial is my favorite Rolex, and can only come up with the reason we don't see the social media watch culture gushing over it, is the people who appreciate the 'last true Rolex tool watch' aren't on social media watch sites. They're out doing stuff.
I totally agree, and this may be a function of my 8-inch (20cm) wrist. My Polar 226570 is absolutely the perfect one-and-done for me. I LOVE it. I had never really considered the Explorer II ...until I tried it on. OMG, it's PERFECT! I have a 15500 AP, which I absolutely adore, but am not comfortable wearing it on a daily basis. The 41mm submariner could give it a run for it's money. If it was a bit bigger. But it's not. The Sea Dweller 43 has the wrist presence - but it's just a bit too heavy. I have a few very tempting watches on my wish list, but I'm seriously considering also getting the black dial version soon.
I adore the polar explorer II. The mostly brushed appearance makes it somehow the least Rolex Rolex for sake of bling and most Rolex Rolex for embracing its tool watch nature. I've hated on Rolex longer than i can remember with the exception of the Skydweller (sick movement!), but the current Explorer II and Air King sit high on my list. Excellent presentation, Sir. And yeah, I'm not dropping much more than ~20k usd on a fully steel watch. I'd sacrifice complications for materials in that range. Touching Patrimony money there.
Someone finally can define the AP in such a way we all think. Great sports watch but I agree, glorified. Needless to say, if someone was gifting me one I’m sure it would be my only watch, hands down. Love the content and alternative views.
Love it - am on the list hoping for the text before July 4 - going white dial tho - so many black dials in collection already - great stuff as always - AP roast = ON POINT.
I completely agree with you. To me it is so underrated. I bought mine new from my local AD here in Brisbane in June 2021 I have the Polar White dial and love it. I couldn’t be happier.
I really enjoy my 216570 Polar and wanted it from day 1 because it was different. I also notice that it doesn’t always get the wrist time it deserves because it’s different. I have a sort of love-hate relationship with it but every time it comes out of the watchbox and I wear it I can’t help but falling in love with it again and again. Whenever it’s on my wrist it’s there for a longer period of time to then disappear in the watcbox again…also for a longer period of time. Wouldn’t want to miss it though. For some reason it’s my ultimate summer watch and it has been on my wrist for 3 weeks in a row now…heck I think I’ll keep wearing it for the next 3 weeks 😉
As a guy who genuinely loves the looks of the RO and wants to own one, I must thank you for bashing AP this hard. I really want to see the demand goes down and they come back from allocating watches to actually selling them. I strongly believe the customer experience can be very different from one boutique to another. I have built up relationships with a few boutiques and an AP House but my two watches were both come from the same sales rep. Lange will be facing the same problem soon enough as they have a hard time fulfilling the demand. My Lange 1 MP was a longer wait than my ROs. For the record, JLC is doing a great job recently with their marketing, I suspect the popularity will go up considering their watches are great value for the money, not to mention their built quality and inventing ability are also top notch.
@@vianouche1 The point being, JLC is one of the brands worth considering if you want value for money, and if you're tired of playing the allocation game.
You’re not reliable because 1 day before u were a super fan favorite brand of Ap and then blasting them … did they say no to you on an assignment? Please be consistent…
Congrats on the explorer II mate great watch. As for AP, the points you made apply to patek sports line and the professional line in rolex too. I mean OP 41 tiffany going for 40K + is insane!!! It seems you had a really bad experience with AP and i am sorry for that. Personally, my experience with them was good and i was able to get the watches that i wanted after waiting for a bit. It is sad what is happening in the watch market now and subsequently lot of the iconic watches became victims for their own success as a lot of people only see them as investments. Anyway congratulations again for the lovely watch and keep up the good content bro !
Royal oak quality is horrible. I have owned a few. most unreliable and fragile luxury watches out there. Only problem watches. more and more people will understand when they own one. I have been telling people for years, but some people have to own one to understand. IMO RO are not even worth paying at list prices...
Been wearing my Polar Dial as a travel watch on MN straps. I love how you can just dress down and no one bats an eye at it. I thought it might be too big on my 6 and half inch wrist but it wears pretty flat and even one of my more observant friends said he didn’t notice it. Most people have massive smartwatches these days so 42 is not that outlandish anymore.
Well said Anthony, it’s a wear anytime do anything type of watch and yes it’s flatness is surprising when on the wrist. The Rolex Explorer 2 is truly the best value for money. I dig it 🙏
Why is is every time there is a watch I'm actively looking to buy it gets signal boosted on all social media i see XD. Love the content as always. The sentiment you have with AP funnily enough has be mentioned by others and with other brands. I get that to a point luxury is exclusive but when even obtainable goals become as exclusive as ultra limited hard to get stuff it ruins the hobby.
Interesting take on AP. Agree on some points disagree on others. My experience with the boutiques in the U.K. have been good/great & they’ve kept me engaged for someone that is def not a VIP. I’ve managed to get a 15500or & the ROOs I wanted. However, the 15500or at GBP52k (USD65k) had issues and spent 3 months with them to fix…I hadn’t even had it 3 months 🥺
I own the amazing 39 mm MII Explorer and the incredible 216570 Polar. These two watches I will never ever even consider selling they are a perfect pair and complement one another perfectly. Great video!
I enjoy your videos and came across this one as I am considering the Rolex 226570. I have a 6.5 inch wrist and wondered what your thoughts were about the fit. Is that about your size wrist and if so, what link configuration do you use with the watch ? Thanks so much!
The new, larger lug on the Explorer enhances its presence, even though it's actually thinner than its predecessor. It fits perfectly on a 6.5-inch wrist. The black dial makes it wear true to size, while the white dial gives it a slightly larger appearance. Whilst the white is more desirable for most I like the orange contrast on the black. You can go wrong with either
I regret selling my APRO 15400 only cos it more than doubled in resale price less than a year later 😢. It wasn’t comfortable to wear and the crown felt fragile and wobbly whenever I wanted to wind it. Aesthetically though, it does beat Rolex. As an overall package in terms of toughness, reliability and (retail) price, Rolex is the king.
When it comes to watches, I agree with you 100%. You have to put it on and see if it speaks to you. The watch can be beautiful on its own, but how it looks on your wrist is what matters. Not only do our wrists come in different sizes, they come in different shapes as well. For dress watches, I like 38 to 40mm cases and under 10mm thin. 37 and 36mm ones actually look small on my wrist, but works if it's vintage. For sports and dive, 40mm plus on the case, thicker is fine.
21 Reference in Black is a classic piece that only true collectors will appreciate... When an original look remains the same on an upgrade, it spells timeless 👌 and watch for life!
Gettin back to the roots...!!!! I love it. I knew you were gonna go on AP at some point. I didn't know when, but I knew that it was coming....and might I say, for good reason. Lol. I believe you are 100% accurate, in your evaluation. Of both AP, as well as, the "Explorer." I really prefer this latest update. I feel that it has a very refined, yet purposeful presence on the wrist, w/ these dimensions. Great video, man. Very enjoyable, as always. Many blessings, to you, and yours...
@@WatchSociety Looking forward to it, as well as, any and all, upcoming future content, in general. I have to know......do you, yourself, structure and edit all of your own productions, or do you utilize an outsourced company, to handle the task??? Not that it matters, but I just feel that the productions are profesionally thought out, and extremely well presented. I find them to be engaging, cleverly done, and just all around, sensational to watch. I would say, easily on the same level, as Bark & Jack. IMHO, one of the best watch content channels, on RU-vid, to date
I had it for my 10th anniversary, and I wear it every single day. I had chance to pick in between a SUB or EXII. I did not choose SUB because everyone is wearing it, and I find it more attractive with the GMT function more useful than the ceramic bezel. Besides, most ppl don't even swim or dive, so I don't find the necessity of the 300M water resistant is good for me. Finally, YES black is better than white(dials). lol................
@@davidg4536 If we really need to go diving, Tudor Pelagos with less than 1/2 price and nearly 167% (500M) deeper than SUB(300M). Would be my go to watch for real diving.
I own both of these. And I completely agree. I have multiple Rolex’s, Pateks and others but only 1 AP and honestly I don’t ever see myself buying another Royal Oak. They are very boring when it comes down to it. A great history and movement but it lacks anything special. Everything looks exactly the same. The only exciting watch has been the Open works. So I agree with you and congrats on the explorer 2. It’s a great watch.
Great video Ridah! I completely agree with you. I have been to multiple AP boutiques and I’ve tried building relationships but it’s hard to build relationships when they don’t allow you to even purchase a timepiece. Even trying to buy an offshore to eventually get a royal oak seems impossible. The explorer II looks great! I had never really looked into it until now that you brought it up. I will definitely be asking my SA about it in the near future. Thank you for the amazing content look forward to more. 🙏🏼
This has been my first Rolex & I couldn’t be happier. I don’t pick it up every day and it is losing time (less than a minute before I adjust it, but still.) Style wise, I love it. It feels & looks fantastic and it’s not pretentious. I skipped the sub to get this. My next will probably be a Batman or a root beer possibly…
Couldn’t agree with you more on AP. You nailed it - they profile you. If you’re not connected, or an influencer, or give off the vibe that you are someone important at a VIP level, the salesperson completely disowns you. I’ve never had that experience with Vacheron.
They profile you and they are not the only one just to be fair…. Patek, Lange, RM, Rolex etc what do you think they are doing??? Exactly the same as AP
Love this review- the 216570 Polar has a better tapered bracelet- new one has the amazing matte dial and better PR even though it is louder. Glad they didn't use Ceramic, Rolex's best tool watch design IMO!
Had a similar view as yourself to the 226570 . While in my AD last year I tried on an exhibition piece and my view changed . I got the black variant at the start of the year . And love the watch
GREAT VIDEO. I GOT MY EXPLORER II LAST YEAR, BUT I GOT THE POLAR ONE. MY AD CALLED ME AND OFFERED ME THE WATCH WAS NOT ON MY WISH LIST, BUT WHEN I SAW THE WATCH IN PERSON AND WORE IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. YOUR POINT ABOUT AP IS VERY TRUE, BEAUTIFULL WATCHES BUT NOT THAT COMFORTABLE AND THOSE HYPERINFLATED PRICES, NO THANK YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, PEACE BROTHER
Nice presentation of the Explorer two☀️. I could imagine, It’s the right choice for a one watch owner. I like your thoughts about the Royal Oak. But having the choice of a few watchers, i’m not sure I will wear these 42 mm. I had the similar problem with my sea dweller 43 mm. I never wear it, and if so, I’ll beat against everything I could because I was not used about the size. My daily favorite on my wrist is the 116500LN White dial and the 228238 sunburst stick dial. Cheers man, very good presentation
Wow, you did go with a punch! I will extend it to the ROO. When you buy a ROO and the person prepping it for you says that "the movement sucks" and has a tendency to break, your dreams are somewhat shattered but you still do not believe it. However, when the Dubois Dépraz chrono module fails to work and gets replaced, under warranty, a few months down the road, you start questioning if your AP is not only just a pretty bracelet and a nice finish, the nicest in the business, but just a bracelet. Fortunately, AP has started fixing few of their issues, thanks to all the R&D they have put in the Code 11.59 category. And when was the last time someone heard this saying " I love my RO or ROO. The dial is so legible, specially under limited light. And the lume is great." ?? If the goal is to wear a (fragile) trophy: AP is among the brands to go. However, if the goal is to own a classic timepiece that is almost perfect, a delight to wear at all time, day or night, all of this with a reliable and sturdy movement, then the reference 226570 is the way to go! And, personal taste, indeed the black dial model is the one :)
I had a less than stellar experience in the AP Boutique Dallas. For the same reasons that you just mentioned. I walked over to Rolex, and had a great experience, while wearing my Wimbledon.
Own the 16570 in black since 2005. Was my first "real watch". 2 services and one spring later still looks great and works flawlessly. I dont wear it that often anymore but will never sell it.
I have a 39mm explorer I and a new white dial explorer ii. It’s a good two watch collection, although i own more than two. The white one gets worn more since there’s lots of black dial watches
I know they have nothing to do with each other, but now that you have wear the reverso burgundy, which one would you pick between this explorer vs the reverso, if you just have to pick one?
If I had the wrist for it, and if I had to choose one watch, this would be it. I have always loved the aesthetic of the black dial - not so much a fan of the polar dial.
Great video and spot on with Explorer II. My first Rolex, and really appreciate the low key, and tool like nature of watch. Agree with the black dial and hour markers remarks!
I’ve got the 216570 black, I love it that much that I have put my name down for the new polar 226570, great watch and the dial is a better size than the sub and gmt, hands are bigger and bolder, and also the cyclops is in better proportion!
Good going on purchasing the previous version of the Rolex Explorer 2, honestly I’ve I always thought if you own one of the new references (post 2019) you do not need to upgrade, even the 40mm is nice! I see what you are doing, the polar dial is a must have although I prefer the black. Well said D ❤️ congratulations my brother on an amazing all rounder watch ❤️
Due to the relationship between the case size, case thinness and bracelet tapering (top is the widest point at 22 going down to 21) I’d say the new reference of the Rolex Explorer 2 in 42mm somehow wears like a 40 but definitely larger than 36 so I can understand that I’d be large on your wrist 🙏
Thanks for the great video. I bought the Polar version at a grey dealer here in the UK. No regrets. As you say, the grey market mark-up is not that large and it is an interesting and well made watch. I love the orange GMT hand. It makes the dial pop in a way that is missing from the Master GMT’s.
I own this ref, my only suggestion would be for Rolex to increase the crown size (to say a trip lock) for easier crown manipulation, and to match the bigger case size at 42
Perfect all the way through! It’s a breath of fresh air having someone approach pricing and quality with such candor and understanding of the market. Well Done!
Who can explain,why for the previous version 3187 movement was specifically created and in the new one standard 3285 movement is using , even its smaller in dimension and fitting well the 42mm watch date wheel ? 3186, 3285 - 28,5 mm / 3187 - 30,97mm
The Reference 226570 is a great watch. I have this in a black dial and the 16750 in a black dial. To your point about who pays hugely over retail for in demand pieces such as AP Royal Oak etc. I wonder if some folk are trying to wash their money, and dropping huge sums on a watch could be an easy way to achieve this.
I had the 40mm but always wished it was just a touch bigger. Then I got the 42mm and missed the red. (Really not a fan of Orange) I don't think I can be happy with any Explorer 2 tbh.
Slaaaay!! Fully enjoyed the rant at the end. Its just downright bonkers to spend that much money on something so common. There is nothing special about a standard royal oak (except maybe the jumbo) that warrants the 3x retail price. And thats just one example some of the other models are going 8x. Consumerism at its finest :/
I'm at the 3:44 mark. Sounds like you convinced yourself and made a impulse buy...wondering how long before you trade it. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice watch. I say it's too big at 42mm. But definitely, much more robust than the 40mm version
I would love to have the 226570 and I'm currently waiting to get one thru my AD. It seams I like a lot of watches that other people hate and I'm ok with that because I wear a watch that I like and not someone else... No one seams to like my new Rolex 126900 Air King and again that's ok.... Great video!
❤️ This Rolex explorer 2 really took me by surprise. The notion of comfort, robustness, look and feel all for a reasonable price is part of why I absolutely love it. Thank you for watching Morten🙏
Royal oak is a nice watch specially the bracelet but the quality is horrible. I have owned a few and had to many problem with them and never wear them anymore. IMO RO are not worth the money at all. Not even at retail if you ask me! Because you cant wear them a lot without having any problem with them. Too fragile and unreliable. Great video 👍👍
I have the 216570. Nice watch generally but not without its faults. Bezel and case scratch if you even look at it the wrong way. Legibility in low light is difficult unless it is lumed up. Ironic for a cave watch. Movement is good but I think there are nicer options for the money you pay for it on grey market.
This was always viewed as a Rolex for the guys who couldn’t get a Submariner. For me the bezel is love/hate. Can’t really decide on whether those bold black numerals are cool or plain ugly. Having tried on the latest white dial it does have the dimensions and proportions dialled in, wears very nicely. Maybe in this hype world of Daytonas Subs and GMTs it’s cool to have this variation and it’s fully tool biased with all that brushed steel. Would I purchase this? From an AD at list maybe, at 30-40% marked up on the secondary market no way.
had the previous 21 reference and now own the new 22 reference....don't like the 22mm bracelet, makes the watch appear larger and overtakes the size of the case imho.....fortunately, I also have the polar 21 reference so may just offload the black dial and move on....
I had a very similar experience with AP, thank you for voicing it out. Having to prove your worth just to get on some list for a watch that you might still never get - it’s too much for me, especially for their prices.
Man, you might have talked me out of buying an AP lol. But for someone that has basically all the Rolex sports in steel... where else to go if I don't want precious metal!
You never mentioned that the new Rolex Explorer model (226570) has 14 changes to it , a brand new movement with longer power reserve and better parachrome hairspring for shocks... new model has anti reflective coating on the crystal for a crisper display, better lume, bolder font on dial.. Also, the Polar version has a much higher resale than the black version because the Polar is more rare
The polar is actually not more rare, just a bit higher demand. Hence the small difference in value. Rolex would have knocked it out of the park if the would have deleted the date on this watch. I love my rolex models but that dang cyclops..
Hey Ridah...Thanks for the review!!....I too just picked up mine today (Black Dial) and to your credit it wears as you described..and just beautiful to me too...almost a year wait and got the call...Thank your review...it was perfect..Cheers Man..D (-"
@@rezaulmiah6438 It’s really not a factor for me but shouldn’t be the reason to upgrade if you own the previous version. My humble opinion only. Thank you 🙏
Great vid, got the last generation and I love it , all steel and a gmt, what’s not to like 👍🏻 it also flies under the radar so no one wants to take your arm off for it
