i had the explorer 2 just like yours... and yes i sold it .. and yes i miss it.. and i was thinking to rebuy it but then it got veeery expensive.. then i saw that tudor came out with the bb pro and i was very exited.. i totally agree with you that if tudor came out with a thinner watch with this design, rolex explorer 2 would´nt even be a contender for the bb pro. so thats why they dont do a watch that every body is wanting or waiting for .. it has to have some kind of imperfection..but just enough not to boder some people and still get it because .. you know money. Great video! such a big fan of your channel! Keep it up! Cheers!
I personally think the Explorer II polar is the most captivating Rolex in the line up. That's just me. However, if the BB Pro comes with a polar dial, that would be a game changer.
I own both and love both, but my polar 226570 is my daily watch and my favorite in my whole collection. The Tudor travels really well because it calls less attention to itself. Also, the lume on the pro is amazing.
I’ve owned both of these watches as well .. I picked the pro and pocketed the difference .. I still have a Tudor 5 digit from the 90’s and an explorer 1 from the early 2000’s .. that said, imo the Tudor pro is an upgrade from all 5 digit Rolex if you’re look for an actual watch vs a statement/fashion gesture.. i think (just my opinion) the pro is objectively a better watch than the 5 digit explorer 2’s .. but like you said do you like a lighter watch or a heavier watch ? Me I like to have both but these days I like to feel some heft .. nice video and nice thoughts 👌
I first got a polar exp 2 back in 2014 and had to sell shortly after for what I had paid, got another one for almost triple the price a year ago and will hopefully keep forever. Also got a call recently from the AD and added the newer 36mm exp 1 and think its a great two piece collection that covers everything I would need, at least for now anyways lol
I’ve got my black bay pro on rubber because that was what was available and if I’m truly honest with myself, I don’t like steel bracelets but that’s down to them not fitting properly, ie when my wrist grows the bracelet becomes too tight. I am tempted with the steel bracelet or my Tudor because i should be able to get a good fit all the time. I think I would have to discount the explorer 2 because not being able to wear it on a bracelet would be silly as it looks fantastic on it. As for movement, I have 70hr power reserve and it’s running within 0.3 seconds per day so I’m happy with that. Where is the on the fly adjustment set for you with a 170mm wrist? I’ve measured my wrist between 169 and 175 mm so I need to be at the lower point in the adjustment at 170mm so I have room for adjustment. If the option was between an explorer 1 and a black bay pro at retail I’d be surprised if the explorer didn’t win but I haven’t seen a explorer up close.
this is what ive been thinking all along with the Pro, why not get a naked 16570 for around 7k? Rolex Panda and Pepsi are around 8x more than their Tudor versions so theres value in the Tudor, but the Exp is only 2x more at best, its a no brainer with the 16570.
I chanced upon a Pro at my local AD. I previously wrote it off due to its thickness but ain’t bad at all. I am thinking if I should get one. Have a BB58 and I know its a different watch but it somehow resembles it and has a few similarities. Have time to think anyway. Great video, Harrison.
To anyone listening, take this from a dude who has been buying, enjoying and selling quite a few pieces for over 20 years. If you really want the Explorer II because you love it and don't have a Rolex, or you want your 1st Rolex and can only afford 1 Rolex, don't settle for the Pro. You will regret it. Keep saving, keep looking for deals, prices for the 16570 have gone down quite a bit in the last 6 months or so and they keep going down. DO NOT be enticed for how much you will save, you will regret getting the Pro and end up being unhappy. If you already have a Rolex, or if you have had Rolexes in the past and you are tired of the whole Rolex situation (which I may be getting close to, but not just yet) and you are looking for a great everyday watch, then get the Pro and save the money, but only if you already have/had your Rolex. Just because a watch is listed on Ebay for 9k it doesn't mean you have to pay 9k. Do a search by location and if there are any watches located close to you go by the business and try to negotiate, if you pay cash a seller may wave the taxes and since they are not paying eBay fees it will be cheaper too. For example, if said watch is listed for 9k and it's on the same city or a city close by take a drive and make an offer cash for 8k. Since no fees are involved and with cash as payment a seller may come back with an $8500 counter offer, and then you go with $8300 all in offer etc. DO NOT buy something that will remind you everyday of what you could not get. Trust me. If you really cannot afford the 8-12k the 16570 commands right now and you could only save 4k, find a pre owned speedmaster hesalite. It's a completely different experience, it won't remind you of the Rolex you could not get, and if you wind it everyday you will develop a very strong bond with it. Trust me.
@@giusepperocchi2979 I always tell people to budget at least $700 with a local watchmaker or around 1k with Rolex for a simple service, no polishing no changing parts like dial, hands etc. But if the watch has not been serviced it can also be part of your negotiation in driving the price down.
Great comparison. My first Rolex purchase was a 2011, 16570 Black Dial, one owner with box and papers for under $4000 USD. I still enjoy wearing it. If I didn't have this watch I would certainly look to the Tudor Black Bay Pro as the ideal all round travel watch that is bit more under the radar.
It's so complicated. I love them both, I really like the polar dial and it's still a good value for a Rolex. But the BB pro is available for well under retail price, and I think about saving the money for a Rolex I want more like a GMT Master or even a grail piece like a Vacheron Overseas. Right now I can't afford either, so I'm saving money and hoping I will make a decision when I have about 10k saved up.
You nailed it with the wearability aspect. Value looks good on paper but if a watch isn't comfortable then you're less likely to wear it. I'd rather spend more on a watch that I will like wearing versus one that's better value. Both are great picks though. Really tough decision.
This... all day long. I just sold both my Monaco and the 60th Anniversary Carerra because I didn't like the wearability of either watch. It was a hard decision to make since I think both watches are gorgeous and looked great in my collection. But, if you're never reaching for a watch, you should probably move on from it. Incidentally, both went towards a purchase of the 16750 Polar.
Both are very attractive tool watches, but I would go for the Rolex. It has close to perfect proportions, it is the original, it will have much better resale value, and it is much thinner and more comfortable to wear. I do not like thick watches.
Love the aesthetic of both! Taking delivery of my 226570 in a few weeks. Like you referenced, price was steep on the Ex II, but luckily I was able to sell 2 other pieces to offset. Cheers!
The polar explorer 16570 .. the only watch in my collection I would never sell, one of the only rolex watches people don’t scream “is that a Rolex” although I’ve ordered the black bay pro … I’m a sucker for gmt watches
I’m debating between the Pro and the newer Explorer II. Hands down the Rolex is more luxurious, while the Pro is more toolish. My concern is using it for travel. I want to use whichever I buy to travel, and Rolex is a target right now. The Pro is under the radar, even trying it on in the AD. So while I prefer the Explorer II, I’m leaning towards the Pro. Of course the solution is to buy both, but my wife would kill me.
Same here with the wife note! I think it's a tough call. I'm still tossing them around myself in my mind. I've got a couple more videos to make and a few weeks to decide
The Pro is too close to a Rolex, and a burglar could mistake it for one, and you’d still be in a tight spot. If not, then you’re stuck with the option you liked less. Anyway, hope you enjoy your pick!
Brilliant analysis. Subscribed! Every watch is great/or-not for it’s cost. The Tudor is a great watch, for half the Rolex cost, especially if you consider the updated 42 EXP2. If it was more expensive, say 2/3 of the new Exp2 cost, then no, it’s not that great. And yes, even if you’re not planning to sell in the future, resale value, or value retaining is something to consider.
I own the BB Pro and absolutely love it. It has been keeping time with +1 sec. per day, doesn’t have the cyclops and exudes quality. Personally I don’t see a reason to buy a Rolex except for reasons not related to the watch quality and substance.
I’ve been enjoying your videos and like your takes, but if you would allow me to suggest something, I think you should invest in a decent mic for these videos. Your current setup makes your voice a little thin and reedy, and I believe your voice has more depth than is coming through. I think a decent mic like a Shure would help fill out the audio and give you a little more bass to your voice. Just a small suggestion. Please keep the videos coming!
Went through the same comparison and bought the Pro for one simple reason. To my eyes it is a better looking watch but beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say.
I have Rolex Daytona panda , GMT Pepsi , and Explorer2 polar, but the watch that I always wear and enjoy is the Explorer2 because for me it is special and not flashi
I also am asking the question between these two watches:) So thank you for this video. If the price difference would not be as it is right now, I would consider the Explorer 2 but with double the price for an older, used watch and I don’t like the red GMT arrow…the question for me is answered; bb pro. I am also not too bothered by the high and used to bigger watches.
I own a 16570 and I can say is a very balanced watch, to me the almost 15 mm width on the Tudor is a deal breaker although I have to recognize Tudor has the edge on the bracelet and movement and mind you I also own a standard Black Bay (41,5 mm),
Great comparison, for me a heavy and thick watch is a big draw back, especially in the winter because it will be even worse with long sleeves. I completely agree with not noticing you are wearing a watch, the Explorer 1 disappears. I will have to try on the Pro and see, really wish Tudor would shrink down their Pepsi, but I guess with this movement it will be just as think anyway...
Hi Harrison. Just stumbled across your channel - great content! Have subbed. One small suggestion, if I may (having watched a few of your videos): you might want to dial up the lighting of your footage where you are talking to camera. Maybe it’s just my eye, but it seems a little dark (e.g. relative to your watch shots). When I compare to other channels (including Adrian at Bark and Jack, who generally seems to favour lower lighting in his pieces to camera), your talking head shots seem a a little under-lit. Anyway, sorry to nit-pick with an initial comment! Best of luck - nice to find another great watch channel! 👏🏻
@@HarrisonElmore keep up the good work! (Also, am jealous about that polar dial Rolex Explorer 2 - it was a very close second when I got my Sea-Dweller back in 2007, back when you could walk in and try on/buy any Rolex stainless steel sports watch at the local AD…)
Another great video Harrison!! Here is my thing/question- The Polar 16570 is the watch I always wanted, but on 2 different occasions I ended up getting a 16610 instead, once in 1999 (for $2800, green sticker in the back still, but I sold it shortly after) and once in 2011 (for $4100, how times have changed). I sold the last one I had 2 and a half years ago thinking of getting the Polar which as you said was selling for around 6-7k back then. But now it is a lot harder to justify the 10-12k that the model I want (3186/Rehaut/Random) commands. I read from many buyers of the Polar that the white dial eventually gets old, and they end up trading it for the black dial 16570 or just getting rid of the Polar. I'm, like you, used to black dial watches. Not sure how long you had it, but have you experienced anything around the white dial starting to get old for everyday use or losing it's charm? And maybe wishing for a black dial instead? I know my next Rolex will be the 16570 for sure, just can't make up my mind. The black is around 2k cheaper, and I've always liked black dial Rolexes (that white crown logo on the black dial just pops!) but again, I've always wanted the Polar. Help!!!!!
I saw the black dial in person and it didn’t do it for me, just my opinion. The white dial I’m still processing. I agree with the fascination with black dial Rolexes. I’m taking my time with the review for this reason!
@@HarrisonElmore I completely understand. I've never had a white dial Rolex and even though I've always wanted the Polar I'm a little hesitant. I wish I could buy a Batgirl at retail and I would in a heartbeat. Looking forward to the review. Greetings to you wife, she is my paisana as I'm from Mx as well. Keep up the good work!
These brands think of everything to design something that will be difficult for customers to compare and decide to purchase. No brand will give you everything on a watch. We all know very well the trend is smaller watches. The next trend in watches is thin profile cases.
I owned the polar explorer 2 and I prefer it to the BB Pro GMT. I don’t like the case of the BB Pro GMT at all. Also the polar value will hold better in the future. BB Pro GMT price will drop once the hyped is over in few years time. Similar to Tudor BB GMT 41.
Love my Rolex 16750 in Polar. I wanted to love the Tudor but the thickness is too much for me and the faux rivet bracelet is a massive put off. Make it thinner and put it on an oyster!
A Rolex will always hold onto its namesake, whereas Tudor will always be viewed as the secondary brand. That’s why a beat up Rolex will still have higher value than a brand new Tudor.
Good video. Got the call for the Pro. Going tomorrow, its on the hybrid strap, but the AD has suggested getting a bracelet for me with a discount, so will see what they say.
If the Pro was as thin as the Explorer 2 it would be a better watch than the Rolex for one third of the price. Rolex will never allow that so I can’t see it getting much thinner anytime soon.
For me it doesn’t make sense to buy a Rolex GMT, a GMT is meant for travel and i am not comfortable traveling with a Rolex, it’s not like the Tudor is cheap but i would be more comfortable traveling with a Tudor, hence the Tudor makes more sense for me since i can use it the way it was intended for and not putting it in a safe when traveling which would be the case with the Rolex.
I'd really love to see a Pro in-person and put this thickness issue to rest. 5 digit Rolex models have a certain charm but the value in them, aside from resell, is a very tough pill to swallow. I used to have the 16710 but sold it. Couldn't justify the money it was going for.
Well, as some other people over here, I also thought that the 39mm case of the Black Bay Pro shouldn't be really thicker than the Black Bay Pro, but it happens that the caliber Black Bay 58 is smaller than the base caliber for the Black Bay Pro. I thought this GMT caliber was based on the same caliber as the Black Bay 58, but NOPE..., it isn't, and this is why Tudor's GMT watches are so FAT. The Caliber of the Black Bay is the MT5402, with 4.99mm thickness and 26mm on diameter (27 jewels and 70 hours power reserve) and the GMT caliber in the Black Bay Pro is the MT5652, which is "just" 7'52mm high and 31'8mm on diameter (28jewels and 70 hours power reserve) based in the MT5602, with exactly the same diameter as the previous one at 31.8mm and around 1 mm thinner (6.5mm) or, better said, around 1 mm less tall and thick and chunky...(25 jewels and also 70 hours of power rserve). And this is why many Tudor watches are WAY THICKER than they should basing on their water resistance. If they tell me that the Black Bay Pro is 500-1000m water resistant..., I would LOVE it and would see that thickness way understable, having present that the Sea-Dweller on 40mm was thinner if I'm not mistaken. Said this, I liket he 200m of water resistance of the Black Bay Pro, though I would love it to have crown guards for a better protection, placing safety and functionality over design and pure aesthetic.
You’re correct! The base movement the gmt complication gets integrated into is the key differentiator. I agree they could incorporate into the 58 movement, but they don’t or haven’t yet
You say that but the 16570 trades well below list price for a new Explorer 2 which is almost unheard of for Rolex’s. You can’t really find 5 digit Subs, GMT’s, Daytonas or other sports models selling under MSRP for the new model. This watch is therefore slept upon but I don’t think that will be the case in a decade, prices will go only one way for discontinued watches.
Why wouldn't you compare the black dial Exp II for a more even comparison? Strange choice to compare the white dial, give the watch a completely different look.
Tudor is the better watch for the price. Tudor (and others) are crushing Rolex lately- Rolex better get the AD nightmare resolved soon or their luster will fade, perhaps forever.
Appreciate the video and some interesting points mentioned! Just one thing, I have the BB Pro measured at 14.6 mm thick and you noted 14.8mm? I know it is an inconsequential difference, but just thought to point it out
First time I come across your channel mate and you already stand out without all the bs, if you know what I mean. Great video and topic. I got a call only two hours ago to pick up the pro. I politely declined as I do own both the 1655 and the 216570. I used to own both the 16570 dial colours which are both slicker, snazzier and classier than the pro, out of question. However, the BBPro is still a truly ‘great’ candidate for a first luxury watch. No brainer. Good luck. Subscribed with pleasure
Double lol more like triple and then some. Can't find any up to date Explorer IIs in the UK for less than 10k. I am on the waiting list for the Pro for this reason.
So you say the Rolex movement is better …. Even though the Tudor has a better power reserve and the two are pretty much the same when it comes to spec. So why is the Rolex better then? … Cuz it’s Rolex? Finishing doesn’t really matter since it’s something you never see .. performance is key. And the performance is the same.
Tudor wearability with case thickness and lugs design makes it sits really high on the wrist in a very irritating way, Rolex wears elegantly and more natural on the wrist.
Having present that the Rolex Explorer II, which has always been one of my favorite Rolexes ever, has a TOY BRACELET, ann ASHAMINGLY CHEAP BRACELET even for a €500 watch, the weight comparison is not fair at all.
It’s tough to justify the price on the Polar 40mm. The only reason it sells at $9k is because of the hype and demand of new Rolex watches. When guys can’t get that Submariner. They started to buy the overlooked Rolex models just to get into Rolex. High tides rise all ships. These older Explorer II models are amazing watches but like I said it’s difficult to justify paying $9k when they use to list at $5k 2-3 years ago. Obviously it will take years for these Explorer watches to go down to $6k. Now $6-7k is more reasonable and it goes with real value increase as opposed to artificial/speculation inflation prices. It’s expensive to get into old/vintage 15-50 year old Rolex watches at prices equal or greater than new retail. Mechanically comparing vintage/old Rolex to modern Rolex???? Or modern Tudor? Vintage Rolex are inferior watches. Great looking, vintage charm and all of that, but no where near modern mechanics of Tudor or Rolex. I say get modern Tudor or Rolex (if you can wait and play the AD game). Prices are coming down on modern hype Rolex. Give it some time and we will start to see these vintage models list less than modern retail.
Great points made. I wanted a black explorer but not at 9k. Went with the "lesser" hyped 5 digit datejust on oyster bracelet for way cheaper and still have that older Rolex charm.
Rolex has an awful Cyclops that makes the crystal look bad completely ruins the design unless looking at it straight on . Tudor has the awful fake rivets in the bracelet . Apart from that both are amazing watches. Id go for the Tudor Pro over the Rolex explorer 2 but I'd go for the Rolex explorer over the Tudor ranger
Youre comparing a new Tudor for $4k to a used discontinued Rolex once $6k and now probably $8k realistically. Anyone with 1/2 a brain will keep the Rolex for obvious reasons. Tudor has and will always be the poor man's Rolex. This is by design. You even said it, they have to have a discounted version of it. I'm searching for a Black Bay Pro myself and funny how theres also a waiting list.
