Have wanted one for years and recently purchased one. I definitely missed the opportunity to get these while they were trading lower, but this is a watch that I imagine staying in the collection forever so I can look past all of this. Nice video man!

Bought mine over 10 years ago.... can’t believe how much it increased in value. I wear mine on leather, Nato and bracelet depending on my mood....

Who is here sitting broke watching this video?

Formal attire be dammed. This is the coolest Rolex out there. Nice review.

I bought the black face 16570 new back in 2002 and paid about $3700 back then. Given the current list of about $8300, I'd say they are a good investment. My watch needs to go back for a service overhaul to have the case polished, dial relumed and timing reset but overall it's been a very good watch, well worth the money.

I’ve owned this for 24 years. I bought a Submariner and Explorer within 6 month back in 1998/1999. I sold the Submariner a few years ago but will keep this one and it is on my wrist right now. The only problem is that the tridium markers have diminished over time and only are readily in almost total darkness.

Other than my dad’s Coke GMT Master II, the black dial version is my very favorite steel Rolex sports watch! So glad you’re enjoying yours, T3! I’ve been here since 5,000 subscribers and am enjoying the content more than ever! Keep it up!

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.

The 40mm Explorer ll in both dial versions will be hugely sought-after in years to come. It's the right size. A GMT without the bezel color vulgarity. The 'wrong' sorts of people are buying GMTs, and trade-to-trade transactions are driving up their prices.

It's such a great looking watch! I'm always going to love the Exp2 Polar. But like most pre-owned Rolexes, there are technically better watches out there for less money. I couldn't justify spending Exp2 money when the GS SBGN00 watches are out there. Arguably not as timeless design or iconic, but technically better. If the GS and Exp2 were the same money, I'd get the Exp2 because of looks, and that fact it's a Rolex!

The 16570 is just timeless. I wish they would release an updated version of it. It really only needs a newer bracelet. I bought mine initially because it was the only Rolex I could afford. I sold it a few years later and now I regret it and want to replace it.

My wrist size is the same as yours but I got a 42mm - wanted to get a 40mm but simply could not find out at the right time. I love the 42mm but I might get a 40mm as well one day. Anyway point of my comment - would recommend getting the MN strap with the white line - really is perfect for this watch. I rock that strap with a custom number on it, it will never see the bracelet again!

It was way more worth it when they were selling for $3500-$4000 a couple years ago. That Rolex bubble is real.

I own the Explorer 1 and love that watch as my every day wear watch. However, my weekender is currently the Seiko SKX 009. While I love that watch, I’m not the nautical type and I don’t dive. I do love traveling and outdoors and feel that the Explorer 2 would fit my collection much better. I’d still be able to stay with the “Explorer” theme and enjoy my collection. It is definitely the next grail watch for which I’ll have to save up!

Its is very cool (in either dial, but I prefer the POLAR in new, but love the black in vintage) and in my opinion it is one of the best Rolex watches this is still to take off. I finally got my my BIRTH YEAR grail watch after trying to find the right one of over a year T3, the 1973 Rolex Steve McQueen Explorer (1655) with box, papers, service history with all the patina & original scratches. Then two days later the same watch came available from 1972 being my wife BIRTH YEAR, so I have to pull the trigger on that as well, so we have a matching set. IT ALSO CAME AS TT HAS 73K SUBS.

Great episode and I agree with your comments except on the versatlity as I think it also wears great for business attire and fits nicely under the shirt cuffs. I've owned the same 16570 t

A strap showcase with this watch would be fun. White dial watches often benefit from unusual colors.

I concur with you, I own both the polar 16570 and the black 16550. Best 2 watches in my Rolex collection. I wear these 2 more than my 41mm date just or even my submariner.

Bought mine new in 2004. Still love it. Gets regular rotation.

Great video of a now classic watch. Re: Rolling your time backwards - I've read you never want to do that (expect, I hear, Rolex manuals say it's ok/dispel that myth). Two points: First, the mechanisms are usually designed around moving forward, so some movements cannot take the stress of reversing properly. Second, after a mechanical watch settles in, reversing the watch against the pattern of wear may cause unnecessary additional wear. Put the myth to rest, Jory! Maybe a topic for an upcoming video?

I have this and the Explorer. I love this watch and wear it more, BECAUSE of the white dial. Love the Explorer also but for different reasons.

I just got a 16570 added my collection and put it on a navy Everest rubber band with the Rolex clasp (maybe a poor mans oyster flex) but my god this colour combination pops!!

I have this watch in 42. I’ve had the 40 but prefer the larger size. Love my white dial!!!

I have this watch, I sold it to hodinkee but I had to take it back no matter what the cost is. Now, I got it back.

What are they going for now (with box and papers) late 2000's? Mine is new from 2007.

Great video Jory. The explorer 2 and the milgauss are my favorite Rolex models currently available.

Good video! How do you feel about the new Exp 2 (post 2011)?

What do you think about the value of polar 16570 with Swiss only dial ?

Awesome Watch! I'm also a big fan of the 42mm 216570 variant.

Without even seeing the video, no it doesn’t. This was under $3K just a while ago, and now it’s selling used for more than it costed brand new. And honestly value wise almost every Rolex nowadays is overpriced, That said, they are indeed great timepieces, they hold value like no other which can matter if you don’t plan to keep them forever, and also if you absolutely have to have one of their designs and none of the others, go for it

I have the black dial with the 3186 movement and I bought it on a whim and I have to say it has more charm than my Sub-c and Tudor BB GMT. It stays in the collection for a long time.

I have owned a white dial (1997) version for a while and I agree about the perfect case size and design, you forget that it's on your wrist. I recently bought a 2007 black dial (no holes) version and I now prefer the black as an all rounder.

UGH!! REALLY?? More air time for this watch??? :-) You're killing me, Jory!! This will be my next purchase when I am ready. I have loved this watch ever since you first aired it. I'm saving up in the meantime. Thank you for letting me know the cons. I will definitely look for the wear in the bezel numbering. Can anyone touch up the numbers or does it have to go back to Rolex to touch up? Like the black enhancements of a gold school ring?

I prefer the explorer I over the explorer II, not much of a fan of it tbh but I do concede it is clearly a great watch that deserves respect and makes sense that it would align with some people’s tastes

I picked mine up a little while ago. 2003 same reference, its fantastic! It looks great on the bracelet and even better on leather imo. I wanted a watch to go on adventures around the world with me. Not sure I'll be taking mine out Jeeping with me, I usually wear my gshock for that, but maybe I'll get that daring eventually.

I had one 25 years ago. It was the 40mm with a black face. It was awesome! I don’t share any of your concerns. Sorry.

Let me start by saying that I love what people like you and Teddy are doing, so keep up the great work! I also love this piece and may end up buying one sometime. Having said that, it becomes harder and harder for me to pull the trigger on Rolex models as this bubble persists. When I think of some other watches I would like to acquire (Alpina, Glycine Airnan, Oris GMT, Nomos Club, and Sinn 556 - to name a few), I could pass on the explorer II and get three (or four) of those legitimately good watches for one Rolex. So “worth it” becomes a hard assertion for me to make. A guy - btw - who has owned VWs and BMWs both and can appreciate loving both and having to spend 1.5-2x for something you love more than the other. Oh to have a bigger bank account!

I think Archie Paul Pluta moved the dial of desirability on this watch.Rooooolexxxxx

This video was a decision-maker for me on a watch I already wanted. Got mine about a month ago and I'm loving it. for the reasons you list - wanted a GMT, and i think this is an awesome sport GMT example. Agree with the cons list ... although the "white dial formal wear" item is essentially a non-issue thanks to COVID. Anyway, looking at a JLC Reverso Duo for a dress watch anyway. Thanks Jori. Always very interested in your opinion ...

I love mine but I'm conscious of banging it into door frames and that bezel scratches are problematic. I tend to wear it with a shirt. My sub on the other hand I'm far less precious about even though it's worth considerably more.

40 mm Rolex Explorer II polar + 40 mm Rolex GMT Master 2 Pepsi + Omega Speedmaster professional man on the moon = Holy Trinity of watches

It worth the money if you like it.

idea for a show, bromeister! 1. bronze watches! 2. toughness of watches. can the get beat up? aquis, sub, seamaster, skx, super ocean? are they just jewelery or are they tough?

I have the explorer 2 polar as well as the Pepsi gmt master. The polar gets the most wrist time. It is a 2000 with super luminova and drilled lugs. Absolutely love the white dial. A little birds tells me they might be updating it??? You heard anything ?

I paid $4000 US for mine 15 years ago from an AD. Totally worth it.

I've got one and I love it for the reasons you talked about in the video. Mine is the no-holes case.

I always worry that this would look too small on my 8.5” wrists, but it seems to fit you well so I might have to track one down to try. Great video as always.

I've been saving for this piece but unfortunately the price is too high now. Might have to go Omega SMP. These vids dont help me 😕

yes I have one from 2004, I love it! clean and in excellent condition

Just picked one up, “T” dial beautiful watch

Love the size...also not as chunky as the new ones...

Hi Jory. Great video. Do you know if this reference number has white gold markers and hands or if this watch is completely made of stainless steel?

The bezel paint in many photos looks faded but actually isn’t. Mine has perfect paint but in photos looked faded. I prefer the 216570 but they’re all nice.

I love mine, also because my father gave it to me as a gift,but i think it actually looks good in a formal attire

Interesting alternative Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT. Has a quick date set also.

Hi Jory, I have your other Rolex watch, the 1500. While it's small and understated it's exactly what makes it extremely versatile. I can take it out for a night at the bar or to some fancy whiskey tasting event in a suit.

Love it, becoming one of my favorites in my collection. Have the black face with white rubber B strap. 👍

I know the orange gmt hand is traditionally orange, but I like, and have seen, one like yours with the red gmt hand.

this watch is starting to grow on me. I would LOVE to have an everyday Rolex to pair with my two-tone datejust.

I have the polar explorer 2 42mm and LOVE it. It’s the largest Rolex I own but I really love it!

My favorite Rolex

As a watch enthusiast but a economical person it’s hard to justify a watch costing more than $5k..

I owned one of these, traded it away about 6 months ago. Great watch and as you mentioned it's quirky with a lot of character, but because of the Rolex effect on this model, I just couldn't justify the new market value. I was very happy with it, and happy I could get so much out of the value too. The increased value was actually a detriment for enjoyment, as I had to begin babying my sports watch... It was also annoying to set the date/time/and GMT hand correctly in my watch rotation as I only wore it once a week in the rotation

For the longest time the Explorer ii and GMTs were the dogs of the Rolex’s lineup. It’s funny how all of a sudden people will discover a less popular model and turn it into a craze. It wasn’t that long ago these were half the price they are now. The Explorer ii has always been a cheaper alternative to the GMT and a great all around daily wearer

Hmmm, Maybe I’m crazy but the lugs seem to be asymmetrical from side to side @6:32

I love mine I have the Swiss only dial polar. One thing when I wind it it always seems to grind in the first twist.

Your negative comments at the beginning are unjustified on the verge of being a little ignorant. The crown was designed to be recessed so it isn’t damaged when “exploring”. For a formal watch, a white face would be more favourable than a black face. Than said, why would anyone wear a sports watch with a stainless steel bracelet to a formal event?

I've the 16570 and it's the most versatile piece I have. Great watch

Do any tritium watches from the late 90's still glow on their own?

@TheTimeTeller hi TTT ..first of all... nice video :D as always superp quality.. ^^ BUT i have a question... :) recently i got a HAMILTON 9797 Field watch ARRI (motion picture co.) Edition as a gift... i looked all over google but i cant find the history of this watch .. do you know anything about it? .. i figured it is quite rare .. read something about that it is a promotionial watch made in the 80s. but just a few .. so quite limited.

I have this 10 years and counting. Awesome watch.

Jory, When can we expect a state of the collection video from you?

Nice looking watch but what’s with GMT’s. It seems almost every watch company has a new GMT this year which is odd as less than 10% of the population ever travels out of their own time zone.

These may have gone up more than any other model by percentage? I bought mine about 1 1/2 yrs ago for $4450 with box, etc... Didnt bond with it like I thought I would. Ended up selling to my friend for $3,000 and a vintage Air King. Basically an equal trade. Same watch is now selling for $6500. Doesnt make me wish I still had it. BUT...could have got a lot better trade. lol Oh well

Yes the videos showcasing the bands should be next!

When can we get a state of the collection?

I hadn't realized this didn't have a quick set date. Other GMT's manage to do both. It also seems weird to put that on the second click out on the crown since you have to go through the hacking seconds to push it back in. It would make more sense to have the hour set on the first click and the full time set on the second. If the pain flakes out of the bezel, then Rolex should be ashamed. There is zero excuse for that from this company. My major issues with it are more personal taste than anything else. I hate cyclops lenses, and it would be a little on the small side for a sports watch on my wrist. I like the white dial. It would work fine with a rubber or NATO strap as well. Who cares if it can't be used in a formal situation. One could certainly wear it in office casual. If you wear a sports watch instead of a dress watch at formal occasions, my assumption is you don't go to formal occasions very often and are just making due.

Overrate? no. Overpriced? HELL YES!

16550 Cream Rail Dial Explorer ii is one of my grails!! Love the 16570 as well though!

How much are this going for today?

Simple answer to yr question: No. If there where a bidirectional turning bezel... maybe yes...

I think setting the date by the GMT hand is still better than semi-quickset date. What I love about the Explorer II (and Milgauss) is that watch muggles will not recognize it as a Rolex.

Explorer I all the way baybeeeeee

Hi! Should i get rolex datejust or oysterperpetual. Is rado captain cook good? thanks

My wife has this one and loves it. It’s her grail. I have the Tudor gmt . Perfect couple :)

It is one of the coolest watches Rolex makes! I can’t afford one, but would love to have one!

Hey Jory you had a video about the omega deep sea driver 15,000 ft deep what about the Swiss military dive watch that broke world records for the deepest at 20,000 ft I would like to see a review about that watch and maybe a a head to head with the James Cameron Rolex deep sea and the omega with the Swiss military watch thanks

Very good makro shots and focusing- top!

OK I am a few balance-wheel ticks away from selling all my watches except for a $15 Casio digital, and using that and my cell phone (serenity now...).🙄

By changing the strap, it could pass for a dress watch somewhat but its definitely a casual watch

Man, I remember when these could be had for $3500. Woulda shoulda coulda. I have the 216570 polar. If I had to go to one watch (god forbid!!) it would be that one.

These have definitely become more popular and valuable

Have one in polar white great watch! Nice video.

I own two rolexes (one inherited from an uncle, one hand-me-down from my father), and they just don't do it for me. Neither does this watch. I really want to appreciate and like rolexes the way others do, but I just can't. They don't speak to me.

Since you are a car guy i will explain how i see rolex. Rolex is the G Class of the watch world, and the G Class is the Rolex of the car world. it is capable, well build, holds its value, and most of the times used as a status symbol rather than a tool that it's been created to be.

Explorer 2 is amazing.

I had bought one because of the dial and never took off the red tag as it will go back. THE CONS FOR THE PRICE at 6K PRE OWNED was too much for my esthetic to grasp.THAT BRACELET WAS TOO CHEAPLY BUILT for my taste amongst other things. I matched this with my orange dialed Co-axial Omega Planet Ocean WHICH WAS HALF THE PRICE for built and finish quality plus the dial look which first attracted me and it does not come close. MY OMEGA ALL DAY LONG.

And you’re closer to the radioactive mountains

My grand pa had this for 28 years 🙂

If I had that model of Explorer II, I'd definitely get a leather strap that matches the numerals.