POLAR vs BLACK | Why the Explorer II 16570 is my Favorite Rolex Sports Watch

It seems that the Explorer II has always lived in the shadow of its clicky bezeled cousins. But the prices are rising because enthusiasts are discovering these gems with a quirky history and wrist presence for days. Today We put the more popular polar dial against the more versatile black dial and dive deep into the stories of these robust tool watches.

[montysth]

“This is the watch you buy because you love watches, not because you want other people to love you for it.”

This is probably the best statement ever made about the Explorer II and the very reason that I just bought a polar 16750.

[josehaddock]

I can’t be happier with my 16570 black dial, bought in an AD back in 2004. Those days were you walk in an AD and pickup a watch like this for $4k. Almost 20 years and still running strong. Crazy how things have changed since then.

[leangrypoulet]

Not just best Rolex Sports watch for your ‘money right now’, but the best full stop. Perfect size, perfect usability, robust, and (most importantly) understated. No black bezel, no chronograph dials/buttons screaming, no two-tone bezel with associated nickname, all screaming “look at me, I own a Rolex”. This is for the man or woman who understands what a Rolex sports watch does, how it is built and why they are so important in the history of watch making, but without the desire to be seen or noticed. Subtle, timeless, beautiful.

[himmatgosal]

Love that ur showing the watches from a distance too and not just close ups.

[spencerbertsch]

This is an incredible channel - quality video production, audio, and really fantastic watch reviews. Thanks for making great content!!

[joshua]

Hey Max, just to voice my experience, I had bought a white dial explorer 16570 because it was different and unique for Rolex but after owning it for several months and wearing it everyday I found that it wasn’t very easy to pull off and also it wore big because of the white dial. Ultimately I decided to trade it in and “upgrade” to an older, black dial 16550 which I’m thrilled I did. It wears so beautifully and is so versatile, it’s truly my one watch collection. Not to mention the square-font bezel and older font date disc is an added plus for that vintage feel!

[chrisk]

I think the 16570 is a huge sleeper watch, and has gone very underappreciated for years now.
The black dial is neat, professional, and clean.
The white dial is more daring and challenging, and arguably more exotic, yet harder to pull off in a more professional setting.
While this watch isn't as iconic as the submariner, I think the five digit explorers will become immensely more popular over time as people discover how sporty and versatile they are.
Great video, as always. Cheers!

[mariesoto]

I love mine. I have the black dial. 16570 2005. It’s great. I’ve had several GMT’s (coke/modern blk dial) Daytons and Day Date.( I still have the Day Date :) but for some reason sold them after a few months . This one particular watch has stayed with me the longest, I love it! Great/Honest video.

[commonsenseplease]

Got myself a Submariner 14060M a few years ago because "I'm surely gonna love it as it is a classic" but never really connected with it. Sold it and was lucky enough to find an amazing Polar Exp2 tritium dial and it hasn't left my wrist since. What a fantastic watch... congrats on the channel!

[jermeyelliott]

Just stumbled on your channel. Really enjoyed this video and will definitely be subscribing. Funny story the black dial 16570 at 5:40 is my watch! I recognized the photo and double checked the hangtags. Even though prices have gone up I think they are still really good value when compared to the other five digit sport models. Keep up the good work fam.

[GrumblingForesight]

Two years later, I finally got the chance to claim a black dial 16570 my own. Took me a while and thanks for the inspiration Max!

[rodsalvador]

The black dial 16570 is perfect! Under the radar, rugged, relatively versatile. Really considering this piece now to add to my 1601.

[billieomalley]

Love that background/scenery at the beginning and throughout

[snke]

That Cream at 16550 at 6:09 is gorgeous

[portauthority]

I know the Polar is more in demand but i really think the black dial is nicer.

[HennyoneCanGetIt]

I own a 2020 model 216570 with the black dial. Just went to my AD and am considering swapping the dial from black to polar white. The white dial pops more and looks cleaner IMO. I might not end up doing it now after watching this vid.. thanks for the added confusion Lol

[PhilandWatches]

Toke the words right out of my mouth, great video as always! Loving mine 16570 still!

[duncanroebuck]

Lovely production. I agree black is the more historically correct and underappreciated as they contain a lot of features and tech of the more popular GMT master 2. I also appreciate your comment about it's a watch you buy for yourself not for others

[ianscorey]

I purchased my explorer ll in 1993, I went for the black dial as its more masculine and as you correctly pointed out it goes with casual dress and a suit!!!! I don’t go down but I use the 24 hour clock for international travel.... hence it’s an excellent I wear it 24/7!!!!
Gr8 Regards ian👨‍🎤🇳🇿🏉

[bornthjuly]

Just bought one 16570, in love with it.
If it wasn't for the decent price I've bought it for, I've would have bought a Omega Seamaster.