Rolex Explorer II - Which one is best? 

Check out the Rolex Explorer II over at Chronext: www.chronext.com/rolex/explorer-ii?

Can you do a submariner vs submariner vs submariner vs submariner vs submariner vs submariner vs submariner vs submariner video ?

216570 was my grail, and after scraping and saving for years, and resisting the urge to scratch the itch with homages and cheaper options, it is now my daily. And I’m still so so so in love!

If the current gen was sized back down to 40mm it would be a no brainer

Just got a call from Bucherer - the Explorer ii that I ordered - I've forgotten how long ago - has arrived. Colour me excited! Love this watch. Great vid Adrian.

The 16570 has the most pleasing proportions to my eyes, especially with dial elements and hands. There are other improvements in the 3186 besides elimination of hand wobble. It has faster crown to quickset hour hand gearing, a lot less tedious when setting the date if you're off by weeks when setting the watch. It has a parachrom bleu hairspring as well. Basically it's the same movement that's in the ceramic gmt master IIs from 2005 to 2018

I never planned to buy a Rolex, Omega in my eyes was the watch brand that I could love and afford. Now having multiple Speedmasters, a Black Bay & Santos on a whim I picked up a 16570 ver. 3. I can say it has become my absolute favorite watch. I took it off the bracelet and ordered an Everest strap but put it on a NATO while the strap was coming and it was a game changer. I've had the Everest strap sitting on my desk for months now, I just can't take it off the NATO. From someone who didn't love Rolex for many years, I am here to say the 16570 is a perfect watch.

Great video! In 2012 I bought a 2009 16570 off eBay for $2k, had it serviced, and it’s been running COSC ever since. The dimensions of the 40mm (it’s actually closer to 39mm) are perfect for my 6.75-in wrist. When Rolex came out with the 216570 I thought it was hideous. They really need to come out with a scaled back “retro” version like they did with the Explorer 1.

I have the ref 16570 black dial circa 2009. The case is beautifully refined and the size is near perfect for every day wear. Having the 3186 also gives it GMT functionality which is a bonus. The ideal travel watch as it’s not showy at all.

I’m in the minority but the black one wins it for me. Enjoyed the video Adrian 👍

I tried on the current version of Rolex Explorer 2 the 42mm one. To me the orange hand felt a bit cartoony. Also felt too big for an everyday watch on my 6.5in wrists. Huge fan of the 16570 40mm version as it’s the perfect size. Of course I’d prefer the updated movement and stuff but a fusion of old and new would be ideal for me :)

I hate it when Rolex Keeps making bigger and bigger watches, I wish the explorer II goes back to 40mm or even come up with a 38 39mm whatever it is. After trying all the rolexes the only one that really hit me wast the Explorer 36mm in their current lineup.

07:15 Well I actually really like the scratchy sound when the rotor swings. The Seamaster 300M does this as well. In my opinion it adds to the feeling of owning a mechanical watch.

I just picked up a 226570, I love it. I own a Sub but always wanted an Explorer II

I just picked up the current explorer II with the black dial and it is such a sharp watch it’s crazy. I definitely think it’s the best Rolex period its cheaper than a sub or a gmt and can do everything they do

I’m wearing my 16570 right now and pretty sure my love for it (& purchase) was influenced by your early videos Adrian! My only criticism of the newest model is that they didn’t add a quickset date (same goes for the GMT Master). When I pick this out of the box and it’s 15 days wrong, it’s really a pain in the arse to set!

Had both 16570 and 216570. Sold the latter after two months, it was better in every way on paper but I enjoy the 16570 much more. Great review 👍

The new Exp 2 is 🔥 The polar dial is great. The noise regarding the ball bearings isn’t bothersome

Finally pulled the trigger and got the 226570, and it really is cracking hot watch. Thank you for the in depth review it really helped me choose the right reference.

My 16570 polar dial is one of my favorite watches. Flys under the radar so well. The new model in black is stunning but the 42mm case is so clunky. If they did the 226570 in 40mm I would have bought one on day 1.

Collected my 226570 (Black) last weekend and I'm in love! They fixed everything I disliked about the 216570. I have had a couple of 16570's previously and sold them both, the 16570 is an incredible watch; with a lot of charm, but the latest model is just better in every way and I can certainly see it being a watch that remains in my collection.

Woooah! I love the edit Adrian!!! Edit. Sound effects. Watch. All on point.

I was extremely fortunate to pick up a 226570 from an AD three weeks ago. It's the perfect companion to the Batman!

Finally got my Mk-IV Polar 16570 with the 3186. I went over budget a bit but I been kicking my self for a long time when these were like 4-5K usd so I have to do it this time no regret so far

I’ve had the pleasure of trying on the 16570 and although the GMT hand is shaky it’s such a great looking watch. I personally like the proportions on it more and I have a 7 1/2 inch wrist so I can fit a 42mm comfortably. Great video as always sir. Thank you!

226570 - I got it just a few weeks ago, and I am almost surprised to realize that it is just superb. The suttle changes has made it into a monster, in a good way.

I still prefer the old 40mm version. My 1997 white dial Explorer II was stolen a few years ago and , as I looked for a replacement, I decided to buy the black dial version. I find it more versatile to wear than the white dial ever was.

I have a small wrist and love the explorer line, unfortunately the 42mm models are just too big for me…..so I’ve had to settle on a 1976 1655 instead. Love it, I think it’s the most unique vintage Rolex out there.

I’ve had all but the used 1655 I regrettably passed on in the late 90s. Love my 216570/226570 models. The Explorer 2 is my favorite watch. Born in 1971. Just like me. The last great tool watch.

The explorer range was never on my raider until I came across this channel 🙏🏻 Now I want an Explorer I and II 👌🏻

Grey jumper and Explorer II…couldn’t be a more Adrian video. Love it 😅

Interestingly, the new black dial 226570 has a gloss dial and the older 216570 has a matte dial, which is opposite of the white dial. I also miss the old floating hands for the older black dial model. For me, the older 216570 is the closest to the original 1655 model.

After watching this video about 50 times, I’m collecting my Explorer II 226570 today, finally got the call

I have the polar 226570 on the wrist for almost a month now I love the watch. This watch and especially the dial looks so much better in the flesh then on videos or pictures. It wears really comfortable too. It has a toolwatch vibe but also looks luxurious. Great watch!

I bought my 216570 WD years ago for way under retail. Nobody wanted this watch. Even today it is pretty much underrated compared to GMTs. The ExII is the best watch from Rolex with a white dial in my opinion. Even better than the Daytona. Perfect readability (do you say so in England?), Date, GMT function,…what else do you need? The new model has a bigger bracelet and clasp. Some may like that, but I don’t.

I purchased my Rolex explorer ll in 1993...... I elected to go with the black face...... more masculine!!!! I purchased it for two reasons..... The explorer ll was developed to celebrate Sir Edmund Hillary’s assent of Mt. Everest in 1953!!!!! Hilary was a kiwi!!!! I too am a kiwi.... hence the desire to own a watch that had a massive kiwi connection!!!! But also I’m a 007 James Bond fan!!! Been to Goldeneye in Jamaica... touched the writing desk etc etc.... Ian Fleming was a fan of Rolex..... And he wore the original Explorer Rolex watch!!!! Hence by buying an explorer ll I was paying homage to two brilliant individuals!!! I wear the watch 24/7 and that is the only piece of jewellery that I wear!!!! A total piece of vintage art work!!!! Regards Ian 👨‍🎤🇳🇿🏉 9:42

Just got mine. 226570, love this Watch! And this video is the best I’ve seen about the Explorer II and comparison between models. Thanks and congrats for the great videos!

When the Rolex Explorer 1655 was first marketed, the second hand was straight and unremarkable, but the extra hour hand was a bright orange, giving this particular version of the watch its name. In 1974, Rolex added a luminous circle to further aid in seeing the time in the dark and, after 1975, the extra hour hand was painted a bright red, although collectors still refer to this version as the “orange hand” Explorer. The watch was produced until 1985 when it was discontinued from the Rolex lineup.

I have a '98 vintage 16570 and love it's proportions.Never missed a beat,serviced once.The latest looks a bit Fisher-Price..

I don't think i'll ever own a Rolex. My hard price ceiling for a watch is $5,000 and even that makes me uncomfortable. So of course with my budget i'm a huge Tudor fan. That being said, If I could have any Rolex, it would probably be a Polar dial Explorer II, I'd be happy with any of them but because I have a pretty big wrist I think i'd prefer the 2216570. I'm not a big fan of Rolex but man when I tried on an explorer II it just felt right. Amazing watches! Wonderful video Adrian! (I also just put one of your NATO straps on my Bulova Devil Diver and I love it!)

I have a polar 216570 and dig this piece. biggest design difference is in the black dial. The 22 no longer has the gmt ghost hands which is a huge nod to the 1655. The discontinuation also happened the year of the pandemic, which i think is kinda cool history in the making. I feel like people are so focused on the polar that they sleep on this detail that is in my opinion going to be collectible down the road.

The Explorer II (White Dial) is my all time favorite. Yet again you do such a great job highlighting this great time piece. Loved the video. Well done.

Slender wrist here. 16570 is by FAR the most comfy watch I own. Love the size, never going to give it up ❤

I have the 16570 which fits my 6 5/8” wrist much better than the larger versions. As far as looks, I think the latest matte version is striking!

Hmmm… I’d go with the Explorer 2. Thank you for the clarification Adrian 🍻

love the 226570 orange pops on that dial

Love videos like this Adrian. You should turn this into a series and feature watches from different brands and do this history of them!

My 2010 16570 Polar (3186) is my favourite watch, perfectly proportioned and so comfortable. The later model, lovely as it is, loses those ‘sweet-spot’ dimensions. Any new 40mm Explorer II from Rolex would be very exciting…

I understand this is an Iconic watch, but to me, will always trial the Explorer.

The era of the Explorer II that's my favorite is the 2026 to 2030 era. Superb engineering finessing and a wonderfully refreshed, almost futuristic (yet still classic), design language.

Best size and feel comes from the 40mm Explorer II!! Amazing watch that is very underrated in my opinion

I think the sweet spot is a 16570 with the 3186 movement. Great video!

I just picked this up SEIKO 5 SBSC009 Field Sports GMT Mechanical Automatic Watch .

Great video and content. It is a shame you "only" reviewed the white/polar dial. The "original" black one is the same watch but in the end a very different one. Especially when you compare the 216570 and the 226570, the changes to the dial and the hands completely upgraded the watch in my opinion.

I've recently bought a pre owned 41mm 2021 datejust smooth bezel, white dial with jubilee bracelet and Roman numerals, fab watch. have just ordered an explorer 2 white dial 42mm 216570. not sure of year? paid cheaper price as no papers but is officially rolex certified.

My 16570 is still my favourite out of all my watches - a proper classic now, as it was when I bought it. Great vids - Cheers A

When you said about the old Explorer II 9:04, it made me changed my mind totally... Now i'm in love with the 16570 ... thank you

I own a Rolex GMT II, coke dial from 2005-D series. I loce my watch. I do like the white dial in the explorer, one has to wonder why watch manufacturers do not have white dials, they seems far and few. Any suggestion besides the Grand Seiko, as to what ither watches can go toe to toe with the explorer with similar design and capabilities? Love to hear suggestions. Awesome video.

Adrian, love the vids. Humble suggestion: leave the tech specs on screen a little longer.

AAAAAADRIAN BARKER! I’m still at the beginning of this video. And I already cannot wait for all of the Explorer 2 goodness

This is a great comparison, I finally took the plunge and recently bought the 216570 variation. Early days but so far love it!

I love my explorer ii, 40mm z serial from 2008 with black dial, 3186 movement and engraved rehaut. 👏 amazing, do everything watch.

I love my 16570 Polar.. I have gotten it serviced by RSC and it's as good as new 😉 it oozes character and it's a keeper for sure. Appreciate the Vlog on the polar. Great content 👌

my absolute Favourite watch, funny you would make a Video just now

Without a doubt the 226570 with polar dial will be my next watch!!

Been looking forward to this video since you said you were doing it. My grail is still the Explorer 1 but I love the whole range

Should have also mentioned the Tudor BB Pro! Maybe do a comparison video of the BB pro against thr 1655, 16750, and 226570? The polar 226570 was my grail for a long time, but couldn't afford (nor get a wifey green light) for a $9500 watch, especially after getting the blue Omega SMP 300M and racing green/leather strap IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 all in the same year. At some point the green light was given for the BB pro and I got it and love it as the 1655 homage no-nonsense gmt explorer tool watch that it is. Also fits lime a dream at 39mm when my omega is also a 42 just like the exp2, and I don't find it too thick at all since my IWC is also thiccc boi at 14.5mm. Would love to see more BB pro vs. Exp2 content!

Loved the explorer 2 since highschool, still waiting to pick one up! Need to save up a few more money 😬

It would have been been interesting for others if you had noted that the 3285 movement in the 226570 is the same movement that is found in the current GMT-Master II.

Yet another killer video bud. Can't wait for our other trip to Zermatt!

I actually own both dial colors of the 216570 maxie case. While I do not regret buying either one, I do find myself wearing the new 36mm Explorer more than other watch.

Great info and eye-candy. Almost bought the Explorer in the early 2000's. Looking back w regret. 😆 Thanks for sharing

This was a much needed video for me, as I'm currently building up to buying an explorer. I think perfection for me would be the older 40mm dimensions, as well as the previous GMT hand in red, but with all the modern upgrades especially to the movement and bracelet/clasp. However your rundown on the newest version, especially regarding the "fit", has got me back interested. Will go and try the 226570 on next week. If I do end up with one, I'm absolutely fitting it on an aftermarket rubber bracelet. I stumbled upon the company "Rubber B" - do you have any experience with their products? And a bonus question, what tools/toolset would you recommend having for switching bracelet/strap?

£17K for an Explorer 2 from Chronext!? That’s almost 10K over list!!! 🤦🏻‍♂️ Come on Adrian, why associate yourself with them!?

My first & only Rolex so far is a black 226570. I love it. Watching this vid makes me want a polar too! I do find that I have to wind it more than I was expecting. I wear it daily but I have a desk job. Maybe that’s why. Maybe you can only expect to get 70hrs if it’s fully wound? I also am paranoid about screwing the crown back down. I usually back threads out until I find where they engage before tightening. Can’t really do that since there’s outward tension on the crown. So, other than my obsessive tendencies & incredibly-high expectations for everything, I love my EXP2!

If Rolex could make this a 40mm again, it would be perfect. My 16570 is just a great fitting watch.

Just bought a 2023 226570 polar dial , And a couple of Bark & Jack nato straps to put on it

Anything "Explorer".......I'm there. IMHO, the "Explorer," Gen 1, is the most versatile, and well-rounded offering ever produced. Absolute beauty in its' simplicity, and worthy of serious consideration for the "one watch collection." An unquestionably timeless design. The "Explorer II" I also believe, to be one of the greatest sports models ever produced. Though slightly less versatile, one could still argue it's one of the greatest sport models ever produced. Excellent content as usual, old boy. Best wishes to you and yours. Cheers...

I purchased the Pagani version of the Explorer II, w/ Polar dial sort of as a broad stroke test drive for day to day use. I loved it. It's like the color inversion of my Rolex Submariner w/ date (ref# 116610LN) and I love it! Definitely my next Rolex purchase....maybe this February.

I own both black and white dials 226570 and I don't notice any rotor noise or annoyance. Mine are rarely new maybe in a few months I might notice the rotor effects.

My favourite is the 16570. Just a stunning looking watch.

Great video Adrian , like you I'm a massive explorer fan ,both the original explorer and the explorer 2 , I own a 214270 and I'm looking for an explorer 2 to keep it company in the watch box , I love the maxi case version ,the new version I don't like the noisy whind and the general lack of size on the wrist soim in the hunt ,best wishes from new Zealand

Wish you also brought in the Black Bay Pro too for the vid

226570. I love the orange hand and the boldness of the 42mm design. And while the difference from the 116570 are subtle, it's an improvement in every element.

I owned the original 1655 Explorer II back in the day. I sold it when the collector's value FAR exceeded the watch's value. Today I am rocking an OLKO Special Edition Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT. It gives me a watch that pretty much looks the same...but is a far better watch than my late 70s era "collectible" 1655.

Just my thoughts, but the dial on the 42mm EP2 just seems to crowded, hands are chunky, looks un proportional to me! Yes, 40mm does not have the modern movement and technology, but I feel this is easier on the eyes overall!! Both are great, but my vote is the 40mm! Great vid!

I LOVE my ExpII. I have the 216570, and I probably think the 22570 is my favorite, but I only want one and this one already has so many great memories to consider upgrading.

Have the 226570, so happy with that. Use almost everyday

The 16570 (3186 movement) is a kickass watch, but having worn the more modern models, the bracelet just feels somehow cheesy in comparison. I still enjoy it and won’t part with it, the current Explorer II model plus the BB Pro round out my trio of this genre. We definitely share the same (boring according to GB) watch tastes!

21 for the polar 22 for the black dial. What the heck! That’s just what I have for myself. The 21 has a nicer, slimmer bracelet and clasp in my opinion. This works on the polar, but the AR of the 22 is a necessity on the black dial if you ask me.

Amazing video Adrian! Your videos got me obsessed with the explorer II and just bought a 16570!

Having tried the 16570 and 216570, I've made my decision. I love the orange GMT hand and the orange text, but however much I tried to love the 216570, it's too big for me. My wrist can easily handle a 43mm watch, but the proportions of the 40mm look so much better. It's gonna be a 3186 Polar 16570 for me.

I've had 3 Polar's, first the 16570 in 2001, I swapped that for a 1665 Sea Dweller (with extra money), white not red. I then got a 16550 Polar Cream in 2008 if I remember correctly, I bought that from Watch Guru, took it to Rolex for sizing & was then sent a letter by Rolex informing me I didn't have the right to own it as it was stolen, I went mental at Marc Salem from Watch Guru & have never had anything to do them again (prior to that I got a Patek 5065 Aquanaut, as soon as I took it home the hands went wrong - this was also from Watch Guru - they said I would have to pay for the repair at Patek as I had taken it from them despite it happening within an hour of me leaving). In 2011 I got the best Cream Polar 16550 (non-rail but exquisite colour) at London Watch Club & Danny Pizzigoni, I traded in my Patek 5296 in White Gold coz I never wore it, by far the most trustworthy Grey Market dealer I've dealt with!

My local dealer finally called me to say he has a new Explorer 2 Polar. I will be there when they open. I’ve wanted this watch for 5 years. Great video . Now I no the difference in the new version. Thanks for making my decision feel like a layup.

16570 black dial for me. It's my grail watch and will round out my 4 watch collection along with my 5 digit DJ36, Seiko SBP143 and G-Shock DW5600BB. Great video!

Good shoutout to the SBGN003/005. I wear my 005 all the time (including right now) and it's such a fantastic piece. Lovely finishing, especially on the markers and case.

Finally somebody did this! It’s the video nobody asked for but everybody needed.

What about the 32xx low amplitude problem? Probably safer to go with the 31xx movement in the previous gen.

This thumbnail was legendary. Great content as always friend. I enjoy watching you watch watches while I watch my own watch.

Have you done this for all the Explorer references, specifically that bar graph of lume, endlinks, lug holes and movement? That was really helpful!