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

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. 😊

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! 🚀

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 KZfaqr 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!

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 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.

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.

“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 😊

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!

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.

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.

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! 😘

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.

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.

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. 👍🏻

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.

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

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

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 😊

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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👏

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

It will be perfect at 40mm.

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.

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 😮

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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!!🎉

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

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.

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.

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! 😂

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!

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!

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!

Too big. 😆

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

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

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!!

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!”

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)

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

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?

Cool video. I love those things. Thanks!

I bought mine in 1999 (the 40mm version with the white dial) and have worn it every day since then. It is my only watch and has only failed once in 25 years since I never had a service. After the service it went great again. Before buying it (I was 30 years at the time) I have presumably stopped 100 times at the local Rolex dealers window (Wempe in Mannheim, Germany) since I was 18 years or so in order to look at it wishing I can buy it one day which became reality when the stockmarket rocketed in 1999. I explicitly looked for a Rolex model which is modest and wearable at every occasion and given these parameters the Explorer II was the obvious choice. I remember that the Explorer II was always displayed together with the other steal models (Submariner, GMT 2 and yes, the Daytona). For me it was always obvious for which one I will go one day ...

My first Rolex was the 16570 with the 3186 movt. I still wear it all the time. (I keep the 24-hr hand set to London.)

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!

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