I bought my Explorer II 20 years ago and still have it as my everyday watch. I love this watch as it goes with any attire or function. This is a keeper and it has sentimental value because I bought it while my wife and I were just dating.

My Rolex 2002 'polar' Explorer II is my daily wear. Superb watch. It's a watch for a lifetime, the perfect one-watch collection.

I wear my 214270 everywhere every day. Whether hiking with my dogs or chopping veggies in the kitchen this watch is amazing.

Love when you go into nitty gritty detail or certain year stuff

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. I'm glad you appreciate it.

Love this video and love the 16570 'Swiss Only' Polar. I *just* bought one, and the price has doubled since your video! With box and papers, I paid > $10K for mine, which is totally ridiculous compared to its original price! As you mentioned, they're increasingly hard to find, especially with original paperwork, etc. I love everything about it, but more than anything, its understated nature. It's something I see myself wearing daily, though I own a more expensive Rolex which is more of a dress watch (Datejust, 31mm, blue dial, white gold, diamond VI at the 6 o'clock and scattered diamonds on the bezel.) That one is gorgeous but harder to read and not practical for casual wear. Because I'm NOT wealthy, (I'm a teacher-- apparently with an impulse-control deficit) I actually was going to return it, but when I saw it, I knew I was going to get it sized instead! I guess I'll need to work a couple more years before I retire! (LOL) Thank for your perspective and insight!

Wonderful insight on the Explorer II. I've recently fallen in love with this watch seeing it many times in watch groups and it has become a grail of mine. For most people it's the Submariner, some the GMT Mast II, for me it's the Explorer II Polar Dial. I hope to one day own one. Thanks, Adrian for the stuff to know about the watch, particularly this reference (16570).

I got my Rolex Explore II for my 30th Birthday many years ago for £1800 from watches of Switzerland, my 20 year old son wears that very watch and loves it.

Thanks for the update Adrian

Your advice for buying a pre-owned watches is so spot on -- always do your research guys. Most important piece of advice.

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Glad you agree. 👍🏻

Just bought a black 2000 Explorer 2. Love it. The only watch I wore for the last 12 days. Tried a pre-ceramic Sub and the Exp2 was so much more comfortable and unique looking, and I dig the 24 hour hand. If you like this watch, go for it, you can’t go wrong. Excellent video btw!

I own the T< 25 and it’s probably my favorite of all my watches. Creamy hour markers and hands. Love it!

@thegmthand9874

5 жыл бұрын

The stark white dial with some patina looks incredible!

Hi, thanks for the video! Considering getting one of those myself:) I didn't get one thing, why is luminova dial preferable to superluminova? Just because it's rare?

I was obsessed by getting a tritium dial and picked up a 1996 polar, the tritium is completely spent but the lure is starting to cream up beautifully. It’s had a recent Rolex service and I’m glad to say they haven’t changed the dial. Rolex service centres had this habit of changing dials and not accepting no for an answer, I’m so glad they are now listening to the owners of the watches at last. Thanks for the review you clear and concise with your reviews. Well done ✌️

hi given a choice between a brand new polar 42mm and a no date sub Which one would you recommend . thanks

That is a fantastic video Adrian. I love the analysis and reasoning. I agree with you that as with any investment we can look at historical trends and current sentiment to make an educated prediction of where things will go...but as with all investment there is risk - so buy what you like, if the price goes down then at least you have the use of a watch that you like :)

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly my thoughts Jeffrey. I get a lot of hate for using my Kermit as an investment, but if it turns out to be a bad investment, I still have an awesome watch.

Great Vid! What are your thoughts on the transitional ref. 16550 (black dial)?

One 16570 which is also going to go up IMO is the late version 16570 with 3186 movement and rehaut engraving. You get all the good features of the new one (with the exception of the bracelet) in a smaller case and it is extremely limited since it only happened in late years of production.

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

I'd say a true 'Swiss' only dial from 98-99 are still going to be the most collectible as they're produced for approximately 1 year only and in the Rolex collecting world dial variations are what matters most e.g. Daytona APH dial, Rail dial, etc. I agree though, a close second are the engraved rehaut variants with the cal 3186.

Yes!! The kind of content we’ve been waiting for!

Great video. I bought my Explorer II in 2008 (16570 black dial Z series from the original owner) for $3600. It's been an absolutely phenomenal watch. I wore it everyday for almost 8 years. Never serviced. Always 100% accurate. What a great watch. I'm just now having it serviced (for the first time.) Such a fantastic buy and investment.

Hi, I do agree that the looks of the watch are more important than the movement in general....for me watches and watchmaking is an art form and the real craftsmanship is in the movement

Love the 40mm explorer 2! Just got myself one. "Swiss only" is a cool dial for sure but i passed up buying one because i couldn't stand the look of the hollow end links on it! I also found myself an unpolished piece and i'm in love with it.

One of the models, that has not yet reach the stars, when it comes to second hand-prices, love the polar.

Hi, Are the black dial Swiss only just as popular as the white dial? Thanx

Well done on the bracelet swap spot, that would set my OCD into overdrive

I do own the black one . Great watch . And much more useful than a sub.

I work for a second hand agent part time outside of university and you’re right, I’ve noticed that it’s blown up in popularity. Both the polar 2 and the regular explorer 1. To me the 216570 is a fantastic watch. If you’re ok with the 42mm it’s the perfect everyday watch

What brown leather strap would you recommend for the Polar 2?

Nice vid. I personally think the current underdog is a watch you have previously highlighted...the Turn o'graph. But the 16570 is definately on the up!!

That’s an underdog which I have been wanting to add to my collection since particularly with the tritium

Good video,I think the 3186 was changed into the explorer 2 around 2008 not 2005... along with the Rolex rehaut .but although the 3185 has “the wobble” most watch repairers prefer it for various reasons,didn’t know the Swiss version was more collectible they all seem to have gone up in price,buy a watch because you love it not because you think it’s going to make money,

I sold my Daytona pre-ceramic for a little under retail, it was only worn a few times. A year later they are selling for 3-5k over retail 🤦🏻‍♂️, i know the feeling.

The Explorer II is probably the "dream watch" that I see myself being able to purchase without breaking the bank account. There's just something special about that watch that I can't resist.

@Goonerz88

5 жыл бұрын

Alec Lund you missed the boat mate they're expensive now

Does anyone know what would happen if you were to send a tritium dial polar exp 2 to Rolex for a service?? Would they change the dial??

Another great video, thanks Adrian. Love the Rolex Explorer & Explorer II. Unlikely to own one so I'll just have to continue wearing another ripping watch, the Tudor North Flag ;-)

I am about to purchase an A series 1999 white Explorer 2 with "Swiss made" dial, case with holes and SEL with papers. Should I stay clear of this sounds like it might have swapped parts?

bought a 16570 Black dial 2004 two months ago $5000 usd even, great everyday watch - i see these going to 6500-7000 in 5 or so years

I love my Polar. Fantastic watch. Keep up the great work.

great video! keep up the good work. thanks

Adrian, there is a SWISS 1999 example on eBay right now for a shade over 4K Stirling. Hope you read this first ;)

Great video. Bought an Explorer 1 because of your channel. Strangely I tried on a Polar exp II yesterday in Tokyo....looks great on a brown leather strap 🙈

Perfect timing! Great info! I'm in the middle of research and hunt for a polar Explorer II. Even though the 1999 version had limited production, I'm still thinking about earlier versions with tritium. Which would you consider? Creamy markers? Or Limited run?

@johnnyguitar6697

5 жыл бұрын

I am down to my third Explorer II, and for my money, I would get a tritium version. Creamy lume is really nice, but try to find one where the hue of the hands matches the one of the indices. They are more difficult to find, as many models saw the lume on the hands age one more two tones lighter than the indices.

A good video. With some earnest comments being : the 3186 on M series and subsequent versions till random dials, before the production of the new 42mm are more sought after than just the Swiss dial printed version. The 3185 GMT hand wobbles when the hour hand is turned giving it a cheap feeling - but it was used for nearly 20 years before being replaced ; it was a reliable movement nevertheless. The 16570 have appreciated in price but still trails it’s submariner 16610 brother by about 15% and the GMT 16710 by at least 25%. NB a GMT with 3186 with stick dial can easily match a price of a new SS Ceramic Daytona or more. The Exp 2 has also inflated in Price but I wouldn’t describe it as really really hot as mentioned here ; as Hot by Rolex definition is based solely and only on market price which the Exp 2 16570 trails far behind the cult like following of the GMTs Pepsi and Coke 3186s.

Great to see one of my grail watches appreciate beyond my budget.

Great video Adrian! Still, I just bought a brand new 216570 Polar dial yesterday, and I am proud of it. Love the looks, love the 3187 movement, hope it’s not long until this watch becomes HOT...

Solid video Adrian!

where can I get the wall paper in the back. with the rolex explorer

what do you think of the black dial one? iT will become popular again or just the polar? regards Adrian !

Great video Adrian!

Love the Explorer II but prefer the black dial. As for the movement vs dial question. I’d prefer the snappy movement to whatever script is on the dial. That said I do prefer the slinger GMT hand to the current orange arrow.

Got a Polar white 2007, just love it. My everyday watch

A great video...pls do more on this topic. Cheers. Craig

Great video. Looking forward to the Roger Smith interview after watching the film "The watchmakers Apprentice " Keep thee good work coming!

Great level of detail - really enjoyed this one

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot buddy.

You put me onto the Explorer 2 Adrian and because of that I just bought one! Just came in the mail 2 hours ago and is sitting on my wrist at the moment 👌 Thank you!

My go-to guy when i want to know something about Rolex watches. Great video Adrian! P.s. in the last few month the prices have been skyrocketing like crazy, impossible to find good examples for less than 5/6k € 😭

Enjoying your channel- my first Rolex was a Kermit that I did in fact just flip for a 216570 Explorer 2. My favorite watch by far..

Just sub'd and happy to follow someone who talks about their passion, based on their "actual" experiance as opposed to the mass of opinions based solely on trawling the internet and stating those opinions on no physical hands on with the watches they talk about.

Thanks. Cool info.

Yes!! Love that model. Grail

Really enjoyable video....cheers Adrian 🤓....oh and good luck with trying to buy your old watch back 🤭

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nicholas. 👍🏻

The 16570 was my first grail. I saw it in an advert on the back of (I think) a National Geographic magazine, possibly late 90s, and I thought 'one day'. I managed to buy mine in late 2016, a P serial as I wanted both solid end-links and drilled lugs. It's the watch that I wear most since then, along with my Speedmaster Professional. It's the perfect case size for me, it can be worn with shorts or a suit, it just works for me. I'm happy I bought it then as there's no way I could afford it now. Crazy prices currently.

I agree that the movement is secondary. I mean that how different to ETA movements are in house calibers?. Is there really that much difference that the average pleb (including myself) would notice or care about?

Great review ion the 16570 Polar. Thank you

I just bought my first Rolex, the Explorer II polar dial, can’t wait to get it!

I picked up a Y serial with SEL and lug holes. That’s the sweet spot for me.

My favourite Sports Model Rolex Explorer 2 42m case size white and l love it! Looks much better in person highly recommend it 👌

Adrian - I’ve done a lot of research about Explorer IIs produced in 1998 , the transition year, where Rolex appear to have been putting “tritium

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

That's really cool to hear. I didn't know that, and I can imagine them doing it too. Thanks for sharing.

@MrSaadmubarak

2 жыл бұрын

I just recently purchased my polar explorer ii, and at first was confused at the tritium marking yet it has luminova. After a bit of reading, I did check and mine is also a U serial number...

I’m one of the “very few” that prefers the 42. It has the more traditional orange gmt hand, like the first Exp 2. But more importantly the dial is a decent size. The dial is sooo small on the 16570 and the hands are really dainty. Your 36mm Explorer has a very similar size dial to the exp 2. The modern one to me is just a better watch. However it’s the 50 year anniversary of the Exp 2 in 2021 so id guess there is an anniversary and/or a new range coming that year (the current exp 2 launched in 2011). If your collecting watches and wanting to buy one at some point I’d suggest waiting until then if you are in with an AD. I agree with you abt the movement being secondary. Today I picked up an ETA based Black Bay Black 79220n. It sells above the retail of the new watch with the in house movement. It’s a nicer fit, with a slimmer case but more importantly was only in production for about 5months so as Tudor’s go it’s pretty rare. The cream markers with the gold minute track and hands look great sitting in that dial too.

Seeing a lot of videos over the last year or so on the polar exp II all saying it's gonna blow up. I bought my Pepsi gmt II A year after Rolex discontinued it 2009 because I knew those prices would blow up. I also picked up the polar exp II the same year because I was offered a good deal. Based on prices now I got it dirt cheap .

I’ve always liked this watch.

Hey Adrian, great video. In Canada, a Rolex Explorer 2 40mm black dial version with the updated 3186 movement & 904 steel can still be had for a song... approximately $3500 pounds at today's exchange rate.I agree on the purchasing watches theory, if you purchase correctly, you can protect your downside, maybe make some money, and enjoy a hobby all at once. Cheers

I've always loved the design of this rolex, even when I found most other rolex's to be mainstream and boring, which I still do to some degree, one which has decreased since I came across your channel haha! The orange gmt hand is a must for me though, even if that means 42 mm

The tritium one is the one to have as it is the only one that will age and take on its own individual look

What year was your Explorer II? I noticed the 'Swiss' only on the lower face/dial....1999?

Adrian, have seen the same watch here 2002 model £4200 and am really tempted. However, no papers which puts me off; how important is having all the documentation??

Thank you so much for so many great videos. My search is over, Found a very good condition Explorer 16570 single SWISS, ORIGINAL PAPERS, RECEIPT OF SALES AND BOX. A year ago I sold my Polar 216570. I felt it was a bit too big.

Good info!

Bought after this video. Love the flat white dial put it on a curved blue rubber strap. Fingers crossed it goes up like the batman!

I bought a new Polar 16570 in late 1999. I had just got divorced and was cash rich, and wanted to replace my 1980 GMT which I bought new and had worn for 20 years. I was travelling internationally for work, and wanted dual time capability. As a 1999 it was the rare “Swiss” only dial (although I didn’t know it would become rare at the time) and still had lug holes. The Polar proved to be the perfect watch. I could wear it on the aircraft, setting to local time on landing. I could wear it under a suit to meetings, without looking like a pretentious Rolex owner, I could see the home time and local time instantly, important to make meetings when jet lagged, and to make conference calls back to the office and the all important calls to my wife. I could could swim in the hotel pool with it, and if I hired scuba gear, I could check out the local diving at the weekend. And hardly anyone recognised it back then as a Rolex watch. Flash forward 20 years, and I still have it. I also own a 114060 Submariner Ceramic no date, bought to replace the 16570 But it doesn’t replace it. It doesn’t do dual time zones, and attracts attention. Young blades come up to me in offices and bars and ask about my Sub, ask to see it, try it on, and tell me they want to buy one. Or worse - in bars some acne infested youth comes up waving his fake telling me he got it on Bangkok for $100. And for that reason, my Polar still gets a lot of wrist time and my Sub sits in its box. Buy a Polar Explorer 2. Its the perfect Rolex.

What is the Montblanc watch in the intro?

I wonder this is also due to Rolex magazine #8 having the Explorer 2polar on the front cover.

Hi I purchased a Explorer II 16570 a 2012 with rehult engraved with box and papers at a steep price, just under 9k euros. Do you think is worth the purchase?

I love this (my) watch. Always liked the white dial and the fact that is was low key. Everyone recognises a Submariner or GMT master but an Explorer II not so much.

Great video, and excellent advice 👍🏻

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. 👍🏻

Maserati has a bloody SUV now. Love the polar Exp II. If you find the 16570 with 3186 Movement, snatch is up. That was a transition period before they made the larger case.

@jarrodlee1506

5 жыл бұрын

If your prepared to pay the premium everyone knows this particular watch

Thanks for the video, the Explorer II and the knowledge you have is amazing. Listening to you is like sitting and having coffee with a friend. Good luck with your Explorer II and hope the wife is cool with it. (believe me I understand that very well.)

I'm glad I got my 1999 version a couple of months ago for 3400gbp, with box but no papers. The prices are going up!

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

That’s a decent price!

@coffeemusic1

5 жыл бұрын

This is the first I've heard of the Swiss Only being sought after, I have one and never thought it was a big deal. I always wanted a Polar and just loved the Holes case. Love to hear your opinion.

I have one and have had the exact same thoughts, a really elegant watch an nicer than the later 42mm model with that Mickey Mouse big Orange hand total throws the Dial out! .

Ps: just ordered a blue nato from you to go with my vintage GMT. Can’t wait!

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot buddy!

The only brand I know that puts movement before look is A. Lange & Söhne. But hey, every rule has it's exception

Still kicking myself a little, wanted it in 2009, couldnt be bothered to save up for another 12 months so bought a Speedmaster. Love the Omega but wish i had saved.

I Truly enjoy watching your videos Adrian, however now I am confused as to which Rolex to get as my 2nd Rolex, the Explorer (39 mm) or the Explorer II Polar with maybe the Swiss only on the dial? My 1st Rolex is a Submariner 2015 amongst many (about 20) other slightly lower end brand of watches than Rolex.

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Glad you like the channel buddy. I think you should try both on and see what you think. They Explorer and Explorer II feel very different.

@marcuswirsching5482

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your reply and I wonder which of the two watches would you get after already owning the Submariner Date and why! I have tried them both in a AD here in Vietnam a few month ago and got close to decide on the Explorer thinking it is more different to the Sub and versatile, however a E Polar be different too as a white dial and now they seem to one back and make sense again?? A tough decision to make, however I may only get it in July when I expect a slight change in my career development and therefore plan to treat myself.

Hey! I have this watch, and had no idea the Swiss Dial is so sought after, it seems to be the same price as every other 16570 minus the rehaut one and the cream dial. I'd love to know more, I'd never sell this watch, while it's not my most valuable, it's probably my favorite. My A Serial states its from 1999 or 2000.

Nato arrived.. class product , now my mate wants one..

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome Dave. Thanks so much for ordering buddy. 🍻

What is your opinion on buying watches on amazon? New and used ones are listed

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

I bought my SKX off amazon. I wouldn't buy anything more expensive than that on there.

OK The Rolex bug has bitten me too again. I just picked up the rolex Milgauss 116400 white dial and full of orange. I was in the high 5s US dollors. I am thinking that this will be a long term investment, but its a beautiful watch and I need to get sone wrist time. Bank vault or wrist time, I need a little of both.

Great video!👍🏻

@BarkandJack

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Tim.

I liked the prince harry 🤣 but I was at a restaurant the other day and the waiter was wearing one and it just looked way too huge. It was a 42mm and he was a slim Chinese chap but it looked too much for me. The ones that a really worth money though are the cream (rail)dails. I thought they were made like that intentionally but actually it was a flaw by Rolex which if stamps are any indication means super valuable. Now I think they’re going for around 20 US but when you think that Kermit’s (sorry Adrain, not a fan of greeen) are that much too........well I know which I’d prefer.

Yes, IMHO the way the watch looks is more important than the movement.

I think I would also value and give consideration to movement. I would like to see a review on Yacht master. Would you make one soon?