This is my favorite watch in my collection, it's so versatile. The Explorer 2 can be worn with anything, dress or casual.. Gorgeous watch!!

I've had this exact watch for a year now. I'm a big guy and sold my 114060 as it felt small for my 7.5" wrist. This size is absolute perfection for me and I love that its not a Sub. The uniqueness is what I love about it.

In my humble opinion, this black dial explorer 2 215670 with the phantom dial hands is the best current production Rolex watch. Loved the footage you captured of it.

Just got the current black dial explorer II and it is so sharp I am loving it. I plan on taking this on plenty of outdoor adventures and building some memories!! People definitely sleep on the black dial I think it’s even more wearable than the white dial and it is closer to the original design. People need to really see this watch in person to truly appreciate it

You'll never tire of a black dial. I had the white for a few weeks, and woke up one morning and just went off it and eventually bought a sub-c instead. I'd love to add the black dial explorer to my collection - great weekend watch when the heft doesn't need to fit under a cuff

I purchased this watch back in February and didn’t love it at first. Fast forward five months and I wear it most days of the week. It’s a handsome watch that works well with jeans and a t shirt.

Really well done review of my favorite all-time watch. Interestingly I find the blacked out base of the hands to be my favorite feature. Also, far and away the most comfortable Rolex I've ever owned.

Nice vid Bruce, especially the macro stuff. I've had this watch for 2 years, wear it every day and just love it. When most of the other Rolex sports watches are going more and more blingy (2 tone Sea Dweller FFS!) the EXP2 remains one of the true tool watches. Love that it's big and legible - this is what sets it apart from the other models. I tried on the polar version too but the black dial just sang to me.

I’ve worn mine daily for 2 years now and love it.

Nice review and good video. Thanks. I just purchased a slightly older one with black dial as an affordable (relatively of course) weekend, vacation, do everything watch. I wanted something that was nice but also rugged. Looking forward to wearing it.

Mine is on order at my AD... 3-4 weeks is taking forever with my 116713 in the Beverly shop for service. Can't wait to use this on casual days and air travel.

Great job! Love this piece.

The black dial is way better than the over-hyped polar dial.

Never understood the lack of love for the Explorer II. I think it is one of the best looking of the Rolex steel sports if not the best. Have the 40 and 42mm in both black and polar. The 42mm simply pops. I wear my black on a black with orange pinstripe Rubber B. Looks great!!!

Love the channel mate! Awesome stuff. Greetings from London.

I think I prefer the polar explorer myself great Video 👍

This is my only Rolex, and I've had it about a year and a half now. It has proven to be a great everyday watch and the perfect outdoor adventure watch. It looks right at home on a NATO as well, for those times that might be particularly rough on the bracelet. Much of the time I just let it earn its scars though, as one day they will tell a story...Great vid btw! Good to see this one getting some attention

Just bought this today after seeing this review a few weeks ago :)

I love the floating hands personally.

The Explorer ii is such of a amazing piece. I have taken the Explorer ii over the BLNR for traveling and as my daily ... when you travel, you want to avoid certain type of attention and the BLNR is juts too shiny, blinky for that that purpose... besides that, the Second time zone is way way easier to sport on the Explorer ii (with that gorgeous Orange hand) and I find the bezel and dial more attractive than the ceramic bezel...

Thank you Bruce, enjoyable content, that Blusey is sweet.

Absolutely wonderful fitment on my big wrist. Not too small and looks proper.

If I had enough money, I might consider buying a Rolex. For now I’ll stick with my limited edition Dora the explorer watch

Hi Bruce I have one question. Is the 18k gold applied on the markers for both black and white dial version of the watch or is it only for the black dial?

Is there a book or article you would recommend that traces the evolution of the Explorer II and all the changes by year? I’m considering one and would want to know how the yearly models changed. Thanks

Go polar buddy. Lovely watch (though I prefer the previous generation). Look forward to seeing what you do.

Great video Bruce...It is nice to see your partnership with Bob's Watches is giving you a chance to try out some watches you are thinking of adding to your collection :)

Fantastic review and great cinematography.

How does this particular watch hold up in resale value? And how is the watch in respect durability, has anything become broken that required repair?

Bought this watch because could'nt get a sub at a good price, was a bit worried i'd regret buying....but after 3 months still loving it, It's that rolex magic ! ,like the 40mm, but dont find this too big. Nice review , thanks

Great review. I just bought the polar yesterday from a local AD. I have to say, if god forbid I had to go to one watch- this would be it.

Perfect size, perfect orange hand this bad boy is bad Ass watch is a must have 👌

love it. I have the polar. and its one of my favs!

This watch is the best one from the whole collection... i want it until i saw it...

I dunno. Conflicted. The white dial looks awesome and hides that cyclops well but that black dial, hmm. It looks vintage already. In 20 years it’s gonna look fantastic I reckon.

I own Polar 42mm version and its just a perfect watch for any occasion!

This is probably the most versatile watch Rolex makes. It was designed for cave spelunkers, mountaineers and global explorers, thus the third hour hand combined with the 24hr bezel. I would use it to keep time in Central Europe where my daughter lives. This, it acts in the same role a GMT master or Sky Dweller would. Overall, an awesome value.

Thanks for the video!

Great review as usual. I prefer the look of the Grand Seiko GMT, but at 39mm it's too small. The Rolex is proper size for this watch style.

I love how the GMT hand is orange .. gives it a bit of a pop to it . The GMT function is useful in the stormchasing community which I am a part of because we use universal time out on the field .. I would love to see this watch on a rubber strap!

You are so right about the hands

Is there any very similar watch appearence wise in around 300 Euros or maybe 500 Euros. I have seen mods on SKX making it very similar, but is there actual watches having very similar appearance and design with black or bright crown.

I love the floating hands it’s a nod to the original

Bought my first Rolex--an Explorer II in January 1980--new in box for ...US$400. I wish I had kept it but it moved along to make room for a GMT--more useful for my global flying job. Rolex--they build the best watches!

so my question is: the sea dweller 50th editon does it have the same anti shock sistem or the movment is better on the sea dweller over the explorer 2?

Hi Bruce- I love your channel. I was wondering which do you prefer the 216570 vs the 16750? I know you have owned the 16750 in the past, and now you've had a chance to play with this one. I am heavily debating between the two models right now and figured i'd ask an expert.

Black dial is definitely overlooked. In hand it is an amazing watch.

Bring back the lug holes still on the list for one of these tho cant wait

What are the Numbers On the outside for, not the Numbers That say the time but the others

I'd love to own both the white and black.

Not my grail watch, but I would LOVE to have one of these. I have a SD116600 and I can’t see myself selling it for an EXPII

Even though it's a 42mm case, the thickness is only 12.5mm similar to my Submariner. I tried it on recently and was surprised how comfortable it was and didn't feel like it was bigger than the 40mm. In my opinion, the the case thickness makes a big difference. Lugs also. Have been going back and forth over which dial I prefer more and I think the black is more versatile and classy. So black dial for me.

I bought the Polar and I haven’t looked back 😉

I've been considering one of these. Even bought a copy to see how I got on with its large size. Think I'll be pulling the trigger.

I currently have the black sub, two tone DJ 41, and a Blue yachtmaster. What would you add next to your collection ? A white explorer 2 or a white Daytona ?

My favourite model in the Rolex range. The only negative is the 21mm lugs 👍

The hands are a big deal! Just kills this version for me. Great video as always.

Black dial over polar white in this model for sure.

At first, I preferred the polar white dial, but the black dial has grown on me to the point that I feel it's more classic and a better bet for long-term.

I've always preferred the black dial, until now thanks to you!!!! Ha ha. I've never noticed the floating hands before and now I can't see anything else, it annoys me too now! Also the hour hand looks too short and gimpish! However it's interesting to see how much nicer the lugs are than the Maxi-sub case. I guess I will just have to go for the SD43 now.

Is it true that this is an anniversary edition ?!

GMT Master ii is still my favourite of the 3.

For a 7.25 wrist, 42mm looks ideal to me. I tried on a GS at 40mm, it was like a kids watch or something for my wife. 11mm watches at 40mm for 10-20k, just can't do it. The dial seems so small unless it has a more substantial bezel.

Beautiful watch. The color's choice for the GMT hand is strange. They should have done an all orange, or an all black, except the arrow hand. But to me, it's one of the best Rolex actually.

Rolex Explorer II polar or black - tough choice - cant go wrong with either - white dial face might be more collectible in the future (maybe)

Any tips on how to purchase one ? All AD's in my area does not have any of these

Bobs Watches is coming thru.

Now you're talkin!

Black or White, the color of the dial is a matter personal preference. I find the black dial much easier to read in the daytime, as there is more contrast between the lume plots/hands against the black dial.

Black vs White? Both work well, and it's down to individual taste. I think the white (or must we call it Polar?) is more popular because it's a change from the black dials featured on so many more Rolex watches. When I bought mine I was torn between the two faces but eventually went black because it's my only Rolex. I'f I'd had the money I'd have bought a white Explorer II and a black Explorer (I) for the best of both worlds. Mine is a 2009 40mm version, which I prefer to the 42mm in all respects except for the ratio between dial and bezel, and of course that lovely orange hand and matching orange Explorer II script... BTW on the original 1971 Explorer II it's not a GMT hand (as you've mistakenly called it), but a true 24-hour hand - you could not set it independently of the 12-hour hand, which you can on the later versions.

I got a big wrist 7,75 inch, and the normal size Rolex 40mm wears a little small one me, but this one wears perfect. Im a one watch guy, so bought the black one, and couldent be more happy with my buy, fits perfekt!

Future classic

I think the exp 2 42mm suits your wrist better than the gmt master ii

I really like this Explorer II.

I like them, but the current prices on them are stupid. I'd go for Grand Seikos new watch quartz with the 24 hour fixed bezel

The white dial will always look larger Imho. Just bought the polar this morning at a good price ...wish you get a good price as well

I like the white better on the older model but black on this model is so nice.

I'm on WL to buy a Polar one, I prefer that one as I want something totally different from my Sub 114060. The only thing I am still not 100% convinced about, is the black hands on the Polar Explorer II ...

It's me or the indices on the Explorer 2 look a bit bigger than on the GMT 2 ?

70 hr power reserve ?

Love my Explorer 2

I’m also more into the polar.

I prefer the pre 2011 model (40mm)

My 40mm submariner wears large on my wrist... couldn't imaging wearing a 42mm version with 50mm lug-to-lug.

This watch fits me perfectly . I do prefer the white dial , waiting for my AD to call me when one comes in

I like the polar one more.

The floating hands are the whole point that’s my favorite part about the watch

I'm completely confused. Do I wait for a sub or buy this beautiful under the radar watch. Why is this not a loved watch? Its lovely

I'm hoping they'll come out with a new model for the 50th anniversary and drop it back down to 40mm. It just so happens to be my 50th that year so it would be a great present to myself. (If I could get hold of one!)

Cheer up! The black parts of the three hands copy the original. Rolex state it gives the watch the phantom effect as the hands appear to float. I sold my Polar to buy the black. The Polar is insipid and looks even more so under artificial electric light. This Polar always looks best in print as the black and orange are more vivid . Orange on black pops! Hence, this is the best GMT hand in the range!

If Rolex took this back down to 40, take my money. Please. Would be the perfect partner for my 214270. I love the polar but the black has its own charm as well.

Really nice watch actually, the bezel and shiny case sides do scratch too easily and the bracelet tapers down way too much to a very dainty little clasp. I'm gonna put it on a wider rubber strap and put the stainless away.

Is it true that this an anniversary edition ?!

I gotta quit watching these videos Bruce! It's getting crowded in my watch box! Lol

Great review. Two gripes about the watch though. They should have kept the old hand set and the old size.

That looks good on you

Can i do freediving with this watch,?

I feel they should have made the bezel wider

I found it a bit big and i can handle seiko 42 or 43 easily tried the pelagos on at same time and that was great though. Looks nice though 👍

Some Rolex watches are little more than investment safe queens. There are a handful of Rolex models only look better and better with every new bump, scuff, rash, and ding they get. The Explorers (both the Explorer and EXPII) are like that.