An Honest Rolex Explorer II Review (WITHOUT The Hype) The Polar!

The Rolex Explorer II is a wonderful everyday subtle watch, but it is not exactly what I had in mind when I got it. I'll discuss what about its subtle nature I like and what about it that I don't like and that I wish was more flashy and luxurious.

In the end, I love how simple and how it doesn't call attention to its features It's an out and out tool watch and one of the last Rolex models like that. Not to mention it's incredibly practical. The Rolex Explorer II is a model that puts things into perspective.

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Stuff I Use:

Watchmaking Tools:

[tetrixdog]

Great review! As a somewhat older collector who was a one watch guy with the Polar Explorer for almost twenty years before I got into other watches, I appreciate your fresh and accurate view on this watch. I have used it as an outdoorsman and a businessman on all my travels and adventures and it is a great tool watch, just as you described it. One you don't need to baby. Back in the 90s when I bought it new, it was the anti-Rolex Rolex. Nowadays, at least most watch aficionados recognize it, but back in the day business colleagues with gold Datejusts and friends with Subs never knew it was a Rolex. If you need kudos and luxury affirmation then this is not the watch for you. If you want a faithful companion when you make your own stories, it could be.

[richardthomas]

My first Rolex served me for 47 years and that was a GMT Master. When it became cranky and expensive to run I swapped it at no cost for a whiteface Explore II. Like the old one the new one
is totally functional and equally understated. All I expected it to be.

[montysth]

Got the 16570 Polar as well. Mine is a 1996 tritium model that is starting to age nicely. It had it's first service back in September (2024). Before the service it was running at around +10s/day and now after it's running at +1 s/day. The tech who worked on it said that for a 28 year service interval it was in surprisingly good condition. That's the rugged Rolex tool watch quality that I fell in love with. My son wore it in 2014 when he went on an expedition to Antarctica. It's a true polar polar now.

[Goonerz]

This is the watch you buy when you couldn’t care less what others think about you or your watch, you know it’s a quality watch and that’s all that matters.

[GregShieldsOutdoors]

I recently bought the Explorer II Polar Dial but in the 226570 Ref 42 MM. The Orange GMT marker set it off for me and the watch looks powerful and elegant all at once. Great review on yours.

[bobbyb.]

Bought my Exp II Polar (16570) while stationed in Germany ‘95-‘97. As an aviator it was ideal for my profession. The Germans, and Europeans, in general were crazy about it. Have worn it all these years and recently sent it back to Rolex for refurbishment. Got it back and it’s like I have a whole new appreciation. So gorgeous, understated and strong!!

[powerloader]

Your comment about seeing a watch online and seeing it in person are spot on, and, dare I say, why there is such a thriving second hand market for so many watches. We see, we fall in love, we buy, we receive, it disappoints, we flip.

[murraypollard]

I bought one of these as my second Rolex, adding to my steel and gold diamond faceplate date-just. My goal was to have a less flashy Rolex, duel time zone tough watch. This fit the bill perfectly. I've traveled all over the world and some of the places have been rather sketchy. I have had no problems wearing this watch as it does fly under the radar. It is a tool watch, and I use it as a tool; strong, reliable, and not flashy, which is what a tool is.

[oysterman]

The black dial E2 was the very first Rolex that I wanted to own. When I was a child I use to read the National Geographic magazines. I remember seeing the E2 advert of Volcanologist, Haroun Tazieff. The ad read 'When he wears his fireproof suit he wears his Rolex on the outside'. The ruggedness and reliability captured my imagination. I aspired to one day own a piece of equipment stamped from a solid billet of stainless surgical steel that could be worn to the ends of the Earth. Also the red orange GMT hand against the background of the black dial was a metaphor for a stream of lava on molten rock.
Fast forward 20 years later, and I purchased my first Rolex ref 16570 - Polar dial. The opportunity arose at a good price, & so I pulled the trigger.
At first I had buyers remorse, as I had mixed feelings about the design and left uninspired that it was considered a poor man's GMT. However, as I started collecting other primarily dive or sports Rolexes with black dials, I became fond of my white dial E2. Appreciating that it may be the toughest, most accomplished and reliable timepiece on the planet, as not many collectors realise that real life Explorers, Ed Vestieurs and Erling Kagge both wore the 16570 polar variant to climb Everest. Vestieurs went on to climb 18 of the World's highest mountains wearing his watch and Kagge walked alone and unaided to both North and South Poles and Everest wearing the same model of Rolex.
So, I'm fairly satisfied that the E2 is arguably better engineered and tougher than any other Rolex. At least of which can be proven by it's achievements. I therefore detest when someone refers the E2 as inferior to a GMT. To be honest, I would rather strap an E2 to my wrist in the face of armageddon. Whether it be venturing into the hot zone of an active volcano or climbing a snowy mountain peak, the Explorer II has got my back.

[akgooner]

Very much agree on your point on how a subtle looking watch will only satisfy you if that is exactly what you are looking for.
I recently purchased a DJ 36 with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet but was originally looking for an OP. Seeing both side by side, I felt that having that wow factor was more important to me than having something that blended away into the background.

[matthewa]

Second video I’ve watched of yours and already really like your style. You’re really objective and give some great advice. What a great discovery!

[CH-ypby]

Smart man, I have lived in London for the last 7 years and travel constantly during the year and I agree I prefer an under the radar watch for travelling but also for living in London where its not uncommon to hear about people being held up for their Rolex. I love the fact it gives a tool watch not luxury look, perfect pour moi and great for the snow on ski trips

[Omoplataism]

thanks for the review! I like when you present your honest opinions about your watches. Less hyped and down to the ground reviews is that what we need in the watchworld.

[MoeTausend]

Totally agree with you! My first Lux watch was the 99 Ex1 in 36mm and I love it still today. It’s so under the radar and I bought years later the 39mm Ex1. So different but nice 👌🏻!
The 16570 I will pick up next week and hope it will sit as long as the other Ex1 guys! Have fun with watches under the radar!

[Tizianv]

This watch was and still is m favorite watch. I love having it in my collection. The under the radar style is exactly my thing! Nobody notices it as a Rolex. LOVE IT!

[BertM]

It's one of my favorites. I also own the SD43 and for the size of the case it's perfect for my wrist size. But i you are looking for something sizeable but thinner wearing, the Explorer II definitly fits the bill.

Also agree with the internet display / photoshop feel. When I tried on a GMTII Batman after taking off my SD43, I feel like I am wearing a baby watch. It is so important to see and fit it on your own wrist.

[nickcorleone]

I think the fact it’s both metaphorically and literally more matte than gloss, and therefore you can’t ‘floss’ wearing it is actually a huge part if its appeal.

[Chancellor]

I had a Rolex Explorer II original (1655) and a Submariner when I decided to buy something "different." The white dial Explorer II fit the bill with its white dial. I rarely wore it. And sold it after just a couple of years. It's a cool watch. I just didn't click with it.

[stretching]

Good review and you’ve summed up the Explorer II really well. What does it for me is the “whiteness” of the dial. It’s just so pure and reflective that it’s just stunning. The subtle contrast with the Superluminova markers just sets it off really nicely. I can’t get my head round how Rolex have created a dial that’s so simple yet so startling at the same time.

[stewartlogan]

Living in the midwest, I feel this is the perfect fall/winter/spring piece to be work with jackets, sweaters, etc. as a tool watch.