It's so unpopular I still can't buy one from my AD after 6 months of waiting.

@Appalachian-Toad

29 күн бұрын

I feel this lol

@Hades-in5jy

14 күн бұрын

going on 4 years, the scam continues.

@BubbalooXRS

6 сағат бұрын

Have you tried giving your wife to the AD?

Just picked one up in Las Vegas. White Dial. Stopped in the Rolex boutique in Caesars. With no purchase history. Super nice saleswoman said she would put me on list. On a lark, I said yes. She texted me 3 hours later and said a customer reneged on picking one up and if I wanted it to stip back in. I'm so happy to say I went back, picked it right up, and I'm loving it. 😊

@watchpapi

7 ай бұрын

Congratulations!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

@lars-erikullsgard3320

3 ай бұрын

Wow you were allowed to spend money with them- What a privilege

@hittingreens5646

Ай бұрын

she lied, there was no other customer

@Barbecuejag

Ай бұрын

@@hittingreens5646 Maybe, maybe not. I got what I wanted so I am happy. Its an awesome GADA.

Just bought this yesterday as my first Rolex.. I had the black bay pro and felt I needed a larger dial/slimmer case.. absolutely in love with it.. what a legendary timepiece! 🚀

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

WHAAAT NOOO WAY!! Biggest congrats EVER!!! Freaking AWESOME choice!!! 💕💕🎉🎉🎉 wear it in good health and make lots of memories with it! 💕👏🏻

@scott7841

10 ай бұрын

Congratulations on your new watch! You just can't go wrong with the Explorer II.

@ricardocampos3383

10 ай бұрын

nice! i love the explorer 2 in the polar white dial

@tricky92x

10 ай бұрын

What size is your wrist? I have 6.5 relatively flat wrists, and the Black Bay Pro fits like a glove. I'm worried that the lug to lug length on the Explorer II is too much.

@TradeMarcmultimedia

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches thank you so much. It feels weirdly like a natural thing because of owning the Tudor black bay, but it’s still exciting for sure! Glad you appreciate the black dial.. like the GMT hand, it’s historically correct.. but it just looks cooler too! Thanks again

My first Rolex. Just got the call yesterday. I waited 10 years for this moment to actually be able to buy a Rolex, and I’m so glad it was this one. I am absolutely in love with this watch. Thank you for covering such a complex, simple, yet elegant watch that I plan to cherish for the rest of my days. It’s great to know someone reveres this watch as much as I do. Bravo and thanks again. Happy Holidays.

@marcr633

3 ай бұрын

Same here bro, you from crypto? :D

@BlockChainzz

Ай бұрын

10 years on a wait list???

I'm not sure the EX II is under-rated or over-rated. I think it's appropriately rated. The fact that it trades on or just under retail, I mean who cares 😅 just a sign of the current climate. And....the black dial variant for me all day long. Helps to make the watch appear slightly smaller than it is I think.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

You know! I really can’t disagree with any of this! 💕👏🏻

@WxAxNxDxExRxExR

10 ай бұрын

The new ones (42mm) trade a grand plus above the RRP, so funnily enough, the odd model out is doing better (and closer to say, Submariners) than the original, smaller ones which should fit more people...

@brianmccarthy7768

10 ай бұрын

Where is it trading on or under retail? If you mean what a dealer will pay a flipper who was offered one by their AD and wants rid ASAP, then yes, they pay retail. If you mean how much the dealer sells it on for, then no, there is a premium (more fir polar dial). Not as high a premium as for e.g. Sub or GMT. The Explorer 2 is underrated or the Sub is overrated, take your pick.

@Ego_Katana

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches White dial... *chef kiss* it's quirky and not the typical Wolex.

@m.e.p.r

10 ай бұрын

@@WxAxNxDxExRxExR I've seen and have been offered the EX II black dial about £200 below retail. The white dial just over retail, but not by much

The Explorer and Explorer 2 in all of the variants will forever epitomized Rolex in my mind. They are the ultimate tool watches, not quite minimalistic but close. They perform the job without much bling. Great video, Britt.

Nice video, Britt! TBH, you are becoming one of my reference, favorite people, when looking info on a watch. I only wish you could do something about Longines and Oris, great brands.

Honestly, I never knew (or even thought about the use of) about the day and night use of the 24 hour hand. I've never needed to keep track of a second time zone which has made me steer away from GMT watches. Now I actually have a use of that extra hand. Thanks Britt ❤️💜

Another fantastic video Britt! You ha e truly become one of those watch KZreadr I subscribe to, whose videos I look forward to and whose opinion and thoughts I think are wonderfully constructed and I value! This watch though....this watch is my grail watch. I'm not a Rolex fan, never really have been but once I saw the Explorer 2 with a polar dial out in the wild and I've wanted it ever since! I think it's one of those perfect do it all watches you can go adventuring with, or take out on date night or to church! I truly truly love it! Great video as always!

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Whaaat! OK. FIRST OF ALL! Thank you soooo so much! My head isn’t going to be able to fit through the door! 🤣 I’m so glad you’re enjoying my weird little channel! 💕 I have been trying to make each video a little better than the last! Now! The Explorer 2 is a very worthwhile grail! 😍😍 the polar dial just has such a great summer time feel to it, it looks good with everything, I love the orange against the white dial! 😍 just *chef kiss*

I love this watch. The GMT function is really useful. Also the 226570 is the 50th Anniversary, which makes it more special. If you know, you know.

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

If we're talking about the black dial, then I 'd say the discontinued 216570 is more special. The "phantom" hands found in the 216570 is a neat throwback to the very first Explorer II, the ref 1655.

@Anonymouslyme1

10 ай бұрын

@@lettuce1305I agree, plus the 216570 has a movement that is unique to the Explorer 2. I think in time it will be highly collectible.

Hey, love the topic and your reasoning behind the selection of the topic. I’ve searched the grey market for weeks to get the white dial one towards September last year(where the grey market was stacked with subs and daytonas) I adore the Rolex story behind the watch and your first reason is exactly why I wanted this particular watch, it goes under the radar and I adore the esthetics of this particular model.

Britt, loved the call out today on the AET show. Great job! Love that you're being recognized.

I actually just picked up one of these a few weeks ago, I am in love with it so far and in my opinion it’s definitely super underrated. I also think it’s funny people say it’s under the radar on wrist when it’s a submariner dial with an extra hand I feel like you can still tell it’s a Rolex from a mile away.

Swapped in my submariner for a explorer 2. I have no regrets. Having the second time zone and a model that isn’t common are two huge pluses.

@southbrit

3 ай бұрын

Wow brave move, bravo, and one I would love to do.

“Cosplay as sporty people” is the most accurate description I’ve ever heard. 😂 great content!

I chose a white dial 40mm version. Last of that line with its most improved movement. It's a more balanced dial and wears beautifully on an average wrist. Additionally, it is a white dial watch with a stainless bezel which is uncommon and matches well style wise with lots of clothing choices. We should be honest that among many other things, we enjoy watches for their aesthetics and matching them up with occasions and clothing like jewelry options. I will never ever go spelunking no matter the watch I wear, I'm afraid of caves...

I love my vintage Explorer 2 because of how storied it is. From my navy captain uncle to my manager father to doctor me 😊

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Oh I love this!!! 💕💕💕 watches are so much more than things to tell the time! I love this!

This is probably the watch I wear most frequently. I inherited it from my partner who had it sitting in a box collecting dust. Early 2000's model. It wears REALLY well. Fairly light and relatively slim for a sports watch. Good overall choice.

My favorite, first, and currently only Rolex. My favorite for several of the reasons you described. Primarily, it's the last real tool watch they make; built for a specific purpose, tool first. Most elect for the fancier, more colorful GMT II, but there's something about the simple noble elegance of the last true Rolex tool watch. Also, I DO use the day/night aspect of it. I do landscape photography as a serious hobby. Occasionally, I go to Iceland or other Arctic Circle regions at times of the year when the sun is fully above or below the horizon for the full 24 hours. Obviously the sky gives me a clue as to daytime/nighttime, but it's still nice to use it for its intended purpose!

Some time ago I handled a black dial Explorer ll with aged lume. It was one of the most stunning watches I have seen. It oozed sophistication in a way no modern Rolex is able to.

The Explorer II is my favorite Rolex. First time I saw it was when I first got into watches and I walked into my Doctors office and I saw him with it on. Loved it right away.

@David-nx2vm

10 ай бұрын

Perhaps your doctor is the person who posted the above comment? Wouldn’t that be cool?

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Ahhh I absolutely love this!

Excellent video Britt👌I’ve owned the 226570 black for almost a year and I absolutely love it! Prior to this watch, in terms of Rolex, I’d had the ceramic No Date Sub in both 40mm and 41mm, 2 16570’s, and a couple of 36mm Explorers, but the orange hand of the black modern II always pulled me. I’d always discounted the 216570 back in the day as I assumed it’d be too big for my 6.75 wrist, but it just isn’t, I actually think if I’d just got the 216570 over the 114060 I originally purchased then I’d still own it. The black is definitely the way to go, that orange just pops so much better. This watch works so well on straps too and especially on an orange Rubber B🍊- It’s a great watch and I have zero regrets over the purchase, 100% my fav modern Rolex reference.

Amazing timing, I just picked up my black dial 226570 about 2 weeks ago. Absolutely love it, by far my favorite in the current Rolex lineup.

Amen BP!!! I love mine for all the reasons you outlined so well. I feel this and the Explorer 36mm are the least 'embarrassing' to wear of their lineup. I hope you're both feeling fabulous! 😘

Back in the time when you could still get a discount on Rolexes, I was offered 30% off an Explorer II white dial (the 42mm version, so it wasn’t that long ago) without even asking for one. I ultimately went a different direction, but I still like them. However, I really think I prefer the older 40mm Polar version because the 42mm model felt like it wore huge for 42mm, and I used to wear watches up to 48mm. I do love the romance of an Explorer II, which feels way more up to exploration than Explorer, since that’s time-only. I shopped extensively for the Polar in 40mm, looking for something with drilled lugs. I was patient-the prices were dropping and dropping; I started to see some in the sub-$4,000 range. And then, out of nowhere, these unwanted Explorer IIs became vintage relics and their prices shot up the way every other Rolex shot up. And now that I have a BB GMT, I don’t really see a place in my collection for another GMT watch (even if this wasn’t meant to be a GMT). Still, the vintage models with the Polar white dial, red GMT hand, and drilled lugs…what a beauty.

@howardgregory3888

10 ай бұрын

I like the white face version myself. Like you I have a blue black gmt 11 which I love. Just bought a Tudor Pelagos with blue dial - a bit different as it’s a very bright blue and although Titanium it still feels quite heavy. Enjoy your watches!

As someone with an 8.5" wrist I would absolutely love to wear a larger Explorer II. I like it's understated functionality and that it isn't flashy. I like to wear my watches daily regardless of what I'm doing and to me it looks like an Explorer II would keep up with the demands of that. It doesn't hurt that they are a bit cheaper too. I like the black dial to be honest, just love a high visibility high contrast dial.

Thanks Gringa for the vids - such great content. And without a doubt, this and the polar version of the Explorer II are *the* favs of the entire Rolex line (tho the 42mm is too big and I hope they return to the 39mm)

That version of the Explorer II is my favorite. I love how the orange hand pops on the black dial. I also like the size of the hands and hour markers. Nice video. 👍🏻

I love mine almost as much as Adrian Barker loves his 😂

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

🤣🤣 THATS A LOT OF LOVE!

@paulroberts5114

10 ай бұрын

Impossible

@mortenjespersen7594

10 ай бұрын

Me too .. Even got his strap on as I write this 😂 By the way: The strap is ridiculously good!!

@chedric212

8 ай бұрын

😂😂😂

This and the Black Bay Pro are two of my favourites

Still have my first Rolex, Explorer II 16570 black, a gift from my future wife in '97. Gave her an Explorer I 36 which she adores up to now. Been married 25 years. Love the watch and the memories.

I pretty much agree with all your points and even your prediction of how it will be viewed in the future but I've always been under the impression that the EXII is actually pretty popular watch. I definitely agree that the polar/white dial is the more popular of the two but i know a handful of people that have recently picked up this black dial from an AD's this year. And I've definitely seen a few videos and articles about about how many people would consider the EXII a "one watch" candidate. And even though Rolex in general it's not really my jam, i can see why people would have this on their "one watch"). Anyways keep up the good work Britt and always enjoy your vids

My heart still goes out to the Polar 16570. It's a nice pre-owned piece that I have gotten off someone from a watch forum and refurbished by Rolex Service Centre. It's totally toolish and understated at the same time. I have nothing against the Black Dial variant, just that the White Dial flutters my heart much more 😊

@munkygrip1977

10 ай бұрын

Agree 100% I was lucky to find a 2009 BNOS 5 digit polar a few years back. It’s the perfect tool watch. Understated, functional and goes with anything.

@radidoc4832

10 ай бұрын

Yes. I agree that white polar dial is way to go, given that most sports models have black dials, how boring! Why can't they come up with white dialed sub or GMT? I would love to see the black ceramic bezel on a white dial, besides the Daytona!

@DeanoTXR53

10 ай бұрын

The 5 digit cases wear sooooo much better too! Which is part of the whole understated package

I owned and wore the ORIGINAL Explorer II, the 1655, from the late 70s through most of the 80s. When the collectors drove the price into the stratosphere, I sold it. I now own a Steinhart Ocean GMT OLKO Special Edition and LOVE it. When I look at my wrist, it's the 70s again. And with the money from the sale of the 1655, I've taken vacations to Rome and Jamaica and so forth. I just think the prices of Rolex watches have gotten stupid. The Steinharts are amazing watches.

I like a lot your video since also for me happens to be one of my favorite Rolex watches! My first Rolex few years back was the white dial Explorer II but I was not so happy with the white color and exchanged it for the Blue/Black GMT when it first came out. I love the GMT, too. I had put my name on an AD list for the black Explorer II more than a year ago and finally couple of months ago I got the call. It has been on my wrist every single day since then and I really enjoy it!!!

I love all your videos! I have a small wrist as well (some people had told me the Submariner no date looks like a deep sea on my wrist 🤣), so I also look at your videos to find my potential next watch (cuz most of the other channels feature a male with normal sized wrists). Your reviews are just so in depth and fun too watch!

I caught myself being a watch snob the other day. I was in Vanderbilt hospital and I saw a doctor with this same black dial explorer II and I thought to myself…Pfft.. lol… why??? Till I realized it was probably just the only steel sports Rolex he could purchase. On the other hand it will probably be a fantastic watch for him.

@kemalcanocak

10 ай бұрын

He could get a submariner. 😀

I went to my AD a few years ago to see a 2000 Sub/Date, and tried on a 2000 Explorer2/Black (16570). It just melted onto my 6-5/8” wrist. I liked the fact that you didn’t see this one too often in the wild and it had a more slender profile, lighter feel, small crown, gmt hand, and the steel bezel gave it a tool, yet elegant look. I left the AD with the Explorer2.

As someone who owns a Daytona I got the explorer 2 polar from an AD in 18. The Daytona wears small on me and most larger wrists and the 42 on the Explorer 2 wears really well. It’s also distinctive vs. the Sub or GMT.

Wonderful video 👌 Also, I’d love to know more about the pan light lamp in the backdrop!

I love my Explorer ll white dial even with a 6" wrist. Very comfortable and I certainly don't think it's bulky at all. I certainly like the satin look on the bracelet as it hides any marks. I only waited 3 month's for mine which I was quite surprised with.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

The satin look on the bracelet is soooo good! 😍👏🏻 like butter!

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

WOOOW! Only 3 months wait! That is soo good! You’ve got a very good AD 👏🏻💕

@KC14109

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches It sure is.

@KC14109

10 ай бұрын

@watchgringa Yeah, I couldn't believe it when I got the call. Just waiting on a Batman now. Was told next year, but im happy to wait.

I love the Explorer II especially with the white dial and it is my favorite Rolex after the obvious choice of the Daytona.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Gaaaah! It’s sooo good! You know, I’m wearing my Daytona right now! I haven’t worn it in forever (the husband has been wearing it for the last year or so!) and I forgot how magical it is. I need the white dial now 😈😈😈

First time finding this channel. Great video!

Congratulations on 75k Britt!! You rock!

It was underrated maybe 2 years ago. Now it's hyped. The polar is very hyped. The black is slightly underrated but still in demand. I also find that the omega SMP 300M 42mm case and lug width wears better than the explorer with similar dimensions. I think it's the more turned down lyre style lugs that make it a a slightly conforming fit, I feel like the explorer 2 has more lug overhang than the SMP 300M. My grail used to be the polar exp2 but i cant afford that 9.5k price so i went with the Black bay pro and absolutely love it. I dont think i settled at all too. As we've said, todays Tudors are rolex of many years ago, being amazing quality proper tool watches!

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

You think?! Idk! I don’t work for Rolex! 😅 but one of my ADs said it was quite low demand! Particularly for a professional model. But maybe it’s just not popular in Bristol! 😅

@joshuakaplan5726

10 ай бұрын

I think specifically the black is probably in much lower demand, but the polar is super hot, atleast from what I've seen on social media, youtube,, and talking to ADs.

Love the content Britt. For someone who might already own an Explorer (I), instead of going for an Explorer II, they might try the Grand Seiko SBGN005. GS took a lot of the Explorer II design, finished it well and powered it with a high accuracy quartz. A fraction of the Explorer II price and helps add a little something different to ones collection. But of course, it’s not a Rolex :-). Cheers.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

VERY WELL SAID!!! One of my all time favourite GS watches!!! I neeeeed to get a SBGN005 in to review!! That would be a BANGER!

@FieldDE

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches The (pricier) GS SBGE283 or 285 are an excellent spring drive alternative. Was tempted to go for the black (283) as a stopgap until my Exp 2 arrives, but went with the BB Pro. If only GS had put the power reserve on the back.

Love these kind of vids, and I'm not and never have been a Rolex fan. Didn't know that about the "GMT" hand!

First off Britt, I just want to compliment you on your style and humor in putting together these videos. They stand apart from many of the other very mundane watch videos I see. Secondly, as a Rolex lover, I will never complain about too many Rolex videos on your channel. So, while watching your video, one part particular comment you made stood out to me. When you spoke of watches as "Memory Keepers", resinated with me. I feel that when you've had a watch that has been through life's ups, downs and in betweens, they begin to become something more than the beautifully shined mechanical master pieces they are when you first set your eyes on them at the AD or grey market dealer. These watches actually live your life with you as your "unwavering ally", borrowing that phrase from the Rolex Submariner page. They are indeed memory keepers and I think that is probably one of the big reasons why us watch people love our watches so much. I'm a very different kind of collector than you, since I'm a collector of 1. My dream watch since I was 12 was the Submariner (no date) and I finally got the call in October 2022. I love this watch so much and it will be my everyday watch until the end. Thanks so much for doing these cool videos, and I look forward to seeing you in the next one!

The 42mm case also lays like a plank. If you have a 7” wrist or larger it’s no problem. Otherwise the lugs are floating out there like Wile E Coyote right before gravity kicks in. I like the Explorer II a lot and if I were going to buy a second Rolex, that would be it, in a black dial to further fly under the radar.

@mkyhou1160

10 ай бұрын

Yeah it looks perfect my just over 7 wrist. It’s good Rolex offer this size for guys with bigger wrists, the GMTs are there for those who want something smaller.

@Bisley1

10 ай бұрын

Get the old 40mm, i love mine (black) so much, that I’m consideri g a second 16750 polar dial.

The 40mm Explorer 2s were perfect 👌 same thing with the pre ceramic Rolex Submariners/GMTs and Sea dwellers. The wearability was perfect and own a Explorer 1 and a Submariner but Anything after the pre ceramics? Rolex can keep. Rolex lost sight of what they used to be all about.Even the older 48h Rolex movement's were indestructible compared to the new Rolex movement's that seem to need services alot more frequently. Every watchmaker I spoke with say the exact same thing. Even the rotors were dead silent on the older Rolex movement's. Now they are too noisy

I bought a 2021 Sub date and the explorer 2 a couple months apart. I just sold the Sub because I don’t wear it. The Explorer stands out to me. Everyone wants to look like the Sub. The Explorer has its own style. And I have 8 inch wrists. Even the 41 mm Sub looked small On me compared to the explorer that looks perfect to me. It’s my daily. Good video Britt. Don’t forget about us big wristers. We get forgot about in the the watch world on the race to make everything 38mm

I love the explorer2. I have been wearing my black dial 216570 for almost 10 years daily despite having many other Rolex models (Daytona ceramic black dial in steel, sd43, dssd JC). Lately I added a 226570 in white dial but the black 216570 remains my favorite watch. I find the white dial too empty and orange hand and floating effect is great. Exp2 has all the things I like brushed top case and bezel, fully bushed bracelet (hate polished center link), the date (a must have for me for daily use) and the gmt for tavelling and finally the great size. One last thing it is kind of exclusive because when you wear it you are most likely the only one in a sea of pedestrian sub dj jubilé 😏. I like watches between 42mm and 45mm. Great video you have made👏

I'm 'on the list' for one at my AD. I think the main reason is definitely the size. If they'd gone back to 40mm at the last update there'd be a lot more demand. Last time I tried one on I was wearing my Speedy Pro, and this was noticeably larger due to the increased lug-to-lug. The relatively small thickness helps a lot though. Black over the polar dial, as it's less like a saucer on your wrist.

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

I'm not sure what it is about the 6 digit ExpII, they do wear larger than other 42mm watches. It looks and wears larger than the Speedy Pro.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

RIGHT?! I completely agree on the 40mm!! I like the fantasise for watches and wonders 2024, they will bring it back down to 40mm 🙈 but I don’t think it’ll happen!

@emc14000

10 ай бұрын

you can get the 16570 which wears like 40mm , more vintage plus a red rather than orange gmt hand, cool

@FieldDE

10 ай бұрын

@@emc14000I do like the 16570, and would definitely go with the polar with this model. However, a 2010/11 (with the text on the rehaut) is the one I’d want, and they’re expensive. Plus I prefer the orange GMT hand.

@FieldDE

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches Rolex, if you’re reading (of course they are), Explorer in 36 & 40 is done, so how about offering the Exp 2 in 39 and 42? Pretty please.

Completely agree with the sizing being a primary reason the Exp. 2 is “underrated.” In a vaccum, the Explorer 2 is great. But for most people, the GMT line wears much better. The subs wear better, too. That’s subjective, but I think the objective sales data bears that out.

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

I completely agree, if the Exp II comes in 40mm it would be a huge seller, however that may take away some of the sales for the GMT even though they're still different.

It was my first Rolex too. Bought it because I wanted a sub with date and at that time the dealer didn’t have. So I bought explorer with black dial. It’s my go to watch when I just have to wear one without thinking 🤔 love it.

This watch hits a special place for me. The one watch I inherited was a 1973 Explorer II reference 1655. My uncle cherished this watch and it is THE watch that got me interested in this crazy world.

Love the look, prefer if they could keep them at 39-40mm and 11mm thick. Too much to ask perhaps

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

I couldn’t agree more! 👏🏻👏🏻 this is exactly how I feel! Who knows?! Maybe they’ll bring this back down to 40mm @ Watches and Wonders 2024?!

I really wanted something i do not see everyday. Submariners are amazing and iconic but are everywhere. I very rarely see the exp 2. I love the exp 2 and specifically asked for the black dial. Just a preference over the white and i think that is what makes this hobby so great. Everyone can wear what speaks to them. The exp 2 gets a lot of compliments and sparks conversation with other watch peeps. It always starts with how rarely if ever people see the watch.

@WatchUnwind

10 ай бұрын

Very true in fact the only Rolex I have ever seen out and about on someone’s wrists had been a sub

Just got mine in black dial. I tried on the polar dial. a sub, even a skydweller but didn't like it as much as the black Explorer II .Absolutely love it. It's a keeper

I have the current model of the explorer II (polar) but lusting for the 16570 in black! As you said, vintage size is perfect. Thanks for a great video 😀

I had the explorer 2 polar dial (42mm) on my wrist and found it too large as it being a grail watch I was disappointed. Still came out with a Tudor pro though. My wrist size is 7.25 inches.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Ahhh! The Tudor pro proportions are PERFECT!

@markadams2765

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches Was not impressed with Pro online but seeing it in Goldsmiths tried it on fell in love with it.

I think it's safe to say that this is the last true tool watch from Rolex. They don't offer it in precious metal, there're no polished center links and it's far less blingy than many other pieces in the modern Rolex lineup. It would be awesome if they brought the Explorer 2 back in 40mm.

@WatchUnwind

10 ай бұрын

I just picked one of these up in happy I got this over a gmt master I would have scratched it to pieces

I own one. I've had several Rolex watches over the years but this one is by far my favorite. I have the same floating hands black dial version as your husband.

I own a white dial 2017 E-II which is my every day watch traveling frequently between Europe and the USA. Love that watch.

It will be perfect at 40mm.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

RIGHT?! I do agree! You’ll have to look into the neo vintage offerings!

For me, it's just too big. If it were available in a 38mm, it would be amazing....as it is...not so much. Thanks for the video Britt.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

RIGHT?! I feel exactly the same!!! Who knows! Maybe for watches and wonders 2024 they’ll bring the size back down?! 😱 they’ve been doing a lot of downsizing! But I don’t think that will happen 😅 they’d have to make an entirely new movement!

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

yep and that's why I'm on the lookout for the older 5 digit 16570 Explorer II. Tried on the 216570 and 226570, while 42mm might not sound huge, these watches wear large on the wrist.

@emc14000

10 ай бұрын

@@lettuce1305 had the 226570 white, they wear big interns of width though. so for 6.5" wrist its just wearable fine.great lume, weight, movement and case finishing. bracelet best in the biz also

Great video. 04:14 what do you use to make the watch "stand" like that? Been trying to photograph watches lately and interested to know what hacks are possible. Thank you

Gringa Sunday 🎉 Great video as always Britt 👌🏻 Can’t wait to 100k subscribers 😮

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

FERNANDO. I WILL FAINT!! Honestly. Being at 70K right now is bloody insane! 🤣 hope you’re having the most gorgeous weekend ever!!

The flow, transitions, and overall production value were exceptional for this video. Not sure you did anything different, but this one just hit on all cylinders. Love the story of your attachment to the watch! Great way you, specifically, differentiate as a content creator. On the actual watch, this is IMO perhaps the best Rolex sports model. The black dial, the orange hand, the iconic markers & hands, and a cyclops! Definitely for me this watch far above the more ubiquitous 3/6/9 traditional Explorer.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Now this comment has completely made my day! 1. SALTY IS IN THE HOUSE!!! 💕👏🏻 2. Thank you sooo so much! I really have been trying to work on my video flow and pacing! I’ve been experimenting with how long I leave different B-rolls up!! And how things transition! I am soo glad it is showing! 💕 I’m still a work in progress. 🙈 but trying to get better with every video! And 3. The Explorer 2 is such a unique watch in the Rolex catalogue isn’t it?! Tool watch goodness. Great functionality! It is just *chef kiss*

I dislike the bezel and I think that’s what part of reason it’s unpopular 🤔Rolex has many more aesthetically attractive choices like GMTs and Subs or even Sea Dwellers

Britt, I have never watched your videos before but the subject matter just drew me to you video. I am a huge Explorer fan, both in the original and the Explorer II. I have a five digit 2004 Explorer and a 40mm polar dial Explorer II and I love them both. They are both completely different watches but have the same genetic code. I will never trade either of these watches! You are right, the Explorer II is undervalued. It is the perfect example of Rolex' heritage as a tool watch in the whole current lineup. My opinion though is that Rolex made a huge mistake, bumping the Ex.II up to 42 mm. I have a 7 3/4" wrist and the 40 mm is still really the perfect size. Thanks for the great video and I've added you to my subscription list!

Yes I have to agree with you. The explorer 2 is the last real tool watch in their catalog. The white dial version is a little more flashy so I’d definitely go with the black dial version as my pick.

I love this too, but I’ve never understood weather it is because it’s not so popular or because it’s very good in itsef

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Right?! It’s actually a lot of watch! It kinda feels un-Rolex and SOOO ROLEX all at the same time!

@fahadkhan-db6bh

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches Absolutely, very well put. It would however be more compelling in the 40mm case with the latest movement and the latest GMT hand (can’t do this without a gripe or two, sorry 😂)

I sold my Sub no date, as I felt to poor, not enough gangster, not a pimp, not that mainstream and to much sissy to get robbed.......but are keeping my polar ref 16570, the only thing I mis is the quick adjust bracelet.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

16570 is the OOOONE! 😍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 love it!

I own the Polar EXP2, it was my 50th Bday gift to myself….absolutely love it!! I already have a couple black dial watches so the white dial EXP2 fit perfectly in my collection and has of course become my fav….cheers!!🎉

Great video. Not enough on this piece. 16570 was my first Rolex. 226570 now daily wearer. Really is the do anything Rolex. I also love the history of this watch - how it got its GMT feature after a request from Oliver Sheppard - Transworld Expedition team member.

If you think the 1991 vintage hurts, try that being the year of high school graduation. 😩 On an Explorer II note, the 226570 being the 50h anniversary model means it comes from the same era I do, which was one small reason I went with one for my big birthday. It is my celebration only Rolex. Yes, I went with the bog model, though it seems dwarfed by the current Sea Dweller on my 7.25” wrist. I loved the SD, but just don’t think I would find it comfortable as a daily with that heft. Sized for my wrist, my Explorer II is 152 grams, which isn’t terrible. I have a 39.5mm Seiko Alpinist on Strapcode bracelet that is 140g. It definitely doesn’t disappear on the wrist, but I don’t need it to. I own other watches for that. The size definitely isn’t for everyone, but I think it would be silly if almost all Rolexes were around some “ideal” size for everyone. I love that my Rolex is not common and is the last full tool watch Rolex. I see Submariners very frequently, but I have only seen one other Explorer II out in public in over 4 years, which would have been a 216570. I do like the polar dial, but felt the black dial was more versatile and better as my only Rolex. I would own both if I could. I don’t know if the Explorer II is quite as unknown as they must have been back in the 1655 days. Look at how much those go for now! Not even in the attainable range for me, and I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable with a vintage watch worth so much on my wrist. One AD I spoke with said they sold maybe 5 in the previous year, and this is in a very large metro area. Definitely not a high volume watch. My AD expected mine to take at least a year to get, but it showed up in 5 months. My AD rep still tells me how cool he thinks it is that I got that over what everyone else gets. Another rep on site when I picked up mine had a black 16570 on and let me try it on and compare the two. I get why people like that size, and the owner wasn’t a big guy. He’s owned it for 22 years and said although it had never been serviced, it still kept great time. That kind of testament is one reason people are willing to pay for these watches. Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble about this great watch, and thanks for giving it some rare attention in one of your down to earth videos.

I really like the Black Dial over the white, after having the 124270, I plan on purchasing one of these next.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

RIGHT?! I’m glad to find a fellow black-dial-lover! You have to let me know when this next purchase comes!

On my 5th explorer 2 in 20 years. Great video. Thanks

Hey Britt! Great video as always. I love how non-pretentious your vidoes are. The 216570 Polar Explorer II was THE watch that got me into mechanical watches in general and Rolex in particular. When I bought my first mechanical watch 8 years ago you could walk into an AD any time and pick up either color. Even though the polar was my favorite, I went with the black thinking it was better for a one and only. So like your husband, the black dial Explorer II is MY watch. I foolishly sold the 216570 while chasing other more popular models, missed it too much and picked up the 226570 earlier this year. I miss the floating hands, but I like the subtle improvements they made to the Explorer II. I'll never part with this one and it is my watch for sure. I recently picked up a 43mm black dial IWC Big Pilot, but that will be more of a work in/change of pace watch. The Explorer II is my daily and the one everyone associates with me. I heard John Mayer say this about a watch that you are passionate about, that you sort of feel like the unofficial amabassador for that model. That's so true! Thanks again for the fantastic and fun content....and thanks for doing a video on "my watch."

Can't wait for the next video when your husband magically has an 8-inch wrist! 😂

@watchpapi

10 ай бұрын

🤷🏻🤣🤣

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

🤣🤣 RIGHT?!! This time next year “here it is on my husbands 13 inch wrist”

@watchpapi

10 ай бұрын

@@BrittPearceWatches I’m a growing lad!

No apologies ever needed for Rolex content, Britt :) I'd like a polar dial 16570, but the current model wears very large (larger than its stated dimensions) and does not interest me. Cheers!

@lettuce1305

10 ай бұрын

I'm also on the hunt for a 16570 Polar, I have tried both the 216570 and 226570 white and black dials, they somehow wear larger than other 42mm watches I've tried.

My most recent Rolex is the Explorer 2 white dial. Spends more time on my wrist it sits comfortably, it is the most legible watch I have. The style is unique it is built so well works as a great GMT even with fixed bezel. I love it agree with you on the size but it is a great watch!

Hi Britt my first Rolex (20+years ago) was one I didnt relly want. Ex wife talked me into a two tone GMT. Don't get me wrong it was a great watch just not what I went in for. I wanted a Stainless steel tool watch, back then it was the Sub. Then along came the Explorer2 Polar dial, Hot damn I had to have it, It was exactly what I wanted. Now being single I had no one buzzing in my ear telling me what I wanted. So on December 22 2022 I got the call only......wait for it.....4 months after putting my name on the list. 4 months! After being told it would take more than a year. Best Christmas gift to myself ever! Thanks for doing you, I enjoy your channel. Cheers Kevin

Too big. 😆

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Too big for me too! 😅

Because they are too bulky. Theres no need for them to be 42mm. They should be at 39 or 40mm max.

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

I so agree!

@luismartinez3016

10 ай бұрын

That's why the bbpro is perfect (maybe a mm or 2 too thick lol) but yeah perfect

@seanp7871

10 ай бұрын

42mm sports watch too bulky 😂

@danielmeier8321

10 ай бұрын

@@luismartinez3016 i tried the black bay pro. Despite what everyones saying, the height kills the watch. Its the case where as soon as tudor produces a slimmer gmt movement, the black bay pro would fly out of my watch box because id ditch it for the "black bay pro mk II" I guess within the next 2 or 3 years, tudor will be able to produce such a movement.

@danielmeier8321

10 ай бұрын

@@seanp7871 yeah you know, nobody ever could tell me why its logical that a so called "sports watch" is heavy and bulky as they sometimes are nowadays. Maybe you need compensation for a small wiener though.

I bought the 16750 WD in 2011 as my first Rolex. I had changed job and relocated to Asia, so I just wanted to buy a Rolex as a reward for myself, but in fact I had no idea about the different models of this brand. I went to HK and decided for the Explorer II, because it has the GMT function and it is not immediately recognisable as a Rolex. I love this watch, but as you described it so nicely: watches carry memories and are little extensions of the personality. My 16750 carries so many memories, that I will give it one day to my daughter.

Man, never thought about this one, but I do now!! Thanks!!

This is a British military standard watch. Price William has as well and more importantly the modern version of the Rolex 1655 which is super difficult to find. The distinctive orange hand is extremely eye catching not to mention the functionality when you travel between two continents often with 8 to 12hrs time difference. I love it, it very practical and looks good on suits, usual and almost everything else you wear!

Can’t wait for more updates on the hubby’s wrist growth! 😂😂 I wanted this watch with a black dial for years. A friend who is all about collecting the “collectibles” convinced me to waitlist for a white dial. A black dial actually popped up at the AD and I didn’t hesitate. No regrets and so happy I went with what I originally wanted. So easy to get sucked in to the “this is the watch you SHOULD get!”

@watchpapi

10 ай бұрын

I’m training hard and should blast past 7” pretty quickly.

@cpayne6

10 ай бұрын

@@watchpapi 😂😂👍👍 Rooting for ya! 🙏🙏

When i went into AR to check the Exp II out, i had my mine set on the white dial however after putting the black on my wrist, the black looked much more nicer then the white. The black glossy dial makes the watch shine so well. I have this and have to admit, i was totally wrong about it until you hold it in your hand b

Britt! Great video and love the #watchfam story about the watch. My history with this watch is a strange one of love/hate. I want to love it, but then don't. Reviews of this watch make me tilt my head and think "maybe"? But each time I see it in person I have a change of heart. It took me awhile, but I think I know why. The Tudor BB Steel (79730) is the one I have lusted over for so many years, but just have not gotten it "yet". And the Exporer II feds that BB Steel vibe...Long Live the Cult(s)

@BrittPearceWatches

10 ай бұрын

Ahhh! It sounds like you and the Explorer 2 could be star crossed lovers on paper… but sometjing about it in real life just doesn’t work for you! 🤣🤣 I have those watches in my life! Man! Don! I would have sooo pegged this as a watch for you! You’ve got the wrist size to carry it off!

I recently got a call from my local AD stating they had a white dial explorer for me if I wanted it. I had no prior history with them at all. Just walked in and talked with them for a bit and told them I was interested in one if they ever had one available. That was almost exactly a year ago. I couldnt believe it when I got the call. I guess some AD's do actually put you on a "list". Im so glad I went ahead and bought it. The first thing I noticed was how much bigger it wears than my Submariner. It almost feels lighter too but it might just be the larger flatter case.

Thank you thank you Thank you. You are truly appreciated in the watch community. You are amazing Cdt

Cool video. I love those things. Thanks!

For me the 42mm (almost 43mm) is the right size, but then again I’m 6’6”. The GMT function being used for the cave application was something I didn’t know, thanks for that. Great video. Where is RRP for these vs grey market today?

This is one of my favorite Rolex watches. Great video!

your observations on size and weight were spot on! i had one of those and traded it it, for exactly those two reasons. it certainly wears bigger that your "average" 42mm watch. plus, brushed bezel is a scratch magnet :) otherwise, solid watch!

Just bought this a week ago but with the white dial and love it! Great video!

I really enjoy my white dial Explorer II. To your point, I love how under stated it is. It's my one Rolex that doesn't look like one and that is perfect.