The Explorer II Enigma. Historical Thread

[SeeDweller]

To Portland:
Congrats on your new purchase! I'm jealous. Am I rude in asking how much you paid? Reason is that there's one or two on-line (someone with whom I have no previous relationship) for $5500 up to $6500 ! Seems pretty high to me.
In any case, I'd love to contact DavidSW and see which one (the M or the V) he'd like to let me wear as my dream 16570-3186! Still not sure I've figured out how to navigate TRF yet, but I'll keep trying...

To Waikeekee:
I wasn't aware that the 16570-3186 encompassed that many of the serial numbers. When most folks are looking for the "M", I think that's b/c they think that's the only one that has the 3186 movement.
Looks like yours (with the "G") might be an even more recent model, and YOU might have the most "desirable" one, after all!
Personally, I'd love an M, Z, V, or G . . . just as long as it has the 3186. That's what I'm after. In the future, who knows which one will be the "most collectable" (and in my case, who cares?).
So, congrats on your VERY beautiful (and desirable) watch. Wear it with pride and a smile, amigo!

[Portland]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

To Portland:
Congrats on your new purchase! I'm jealous. Am I rude in asking how much you paid? Reason is that there's one or two on-line (someone with whom I have no previous relationship) for $5500 up to $6500 ! Seems pretty high to me.
In any case, I'd love to contact DavidSW and see which one (the M or the V) he'd like to let me wear as my dream 16570-3186! Still not sure I've figured out how to navigate TRF yet, but I'll keep trying...

Hello Bob!

Thank you sir. I sent you a private message with some additional details. Please check it and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Paul

[waikeekee]

Originally Posted by BobMiller

To Waikeekee:
I wasn't aware that the 16570-3186 encompassed that many of the serial numbers. When most folks are looking for the "M", I think that's b/c they think that's the only one that has the 3186 movement.
Looks like yours (with the "G") might be an even more recent model, and YOU might have the most "desirable" one, after all!
Personally, I'd love an M, Z, V, or G . . . just as long as it has the 3186. That's what I'm after. In the future, who knows which one will be the "most collectable" (and in my case, who cares?).
So, congrats on your VERY beautiful (and desirable) watch. Wear it with pride and a smile, amigo!

Thanks for the reply. It is good to know. Another trivial, this watch of mine, MAN! It is extremely accurate for a mechanical watch. It is doing less than +1 seconds per day. It is a modern marvel.

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

1. It is indeed a G series, which was the last batch (2009) before Rolex started releasing random serials (2010).

2. Mostly because midway through M and onward have the 3186 movement which is a modified 3185 with parachrom bleu hairspring. 99% hype as I am perfectly happy with the old Nivarox but collectors are suckers for the small stuff.

According to the following link:

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers

My G series 16570 EXP II Polar is 2009/2010. It is indeed the last batch of 39/40 MM model before they changed it to the present 42 MM.


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[SeeDweller]

The only useful piece of info we could use now (as true collector "nuts" who care about such detail, and as a wild-guess wonder about which one of the serial numbers will have the best "appreciation value"...) would be to find out HOW MANY of the 16570-3186 were made each year (with each Serial Letter) during this transition period from 2008-2010, right?

But, I have a lead on an "M", on a "V", and on a "G", and given the choice ... I think I'll try to match yours!

Thank you for all your focus.

[SeeDweller]

Just closed the deal on the phone, and now the proud owner of a "G" series 16570-3186!
Wait . . . I have to wait for 2 whole days???
(Isn't if funny how fast the immense need to have it in my hand - immediately - takes over?? Let's face it, . . . this IS an illness.)

One more item came up:
I've been told by 2 sources that the G series and the "random" series models of the 16570-3186 have a slightly different dial (!). Apparently, the ring of metal around the dot indices is thinner. Anyone else know anything about that?
(...and in the Chicago tune, ... "Does anyone really care?")

[Pte6000]

Put it on a Jubilee and it really changes the look.
I've owned all the Stop Model Rolexes and this was one I never wanted. But with white faces limited in choices for sports models I decided to buy one.

I got a late model 3186 Mov with No Holes case
Bought a Jubilee and now it is my daily wearer!!
Hopefully if I ever sell it, the Like new oyster bracelet and the fact it is a late model will give it a cherry on top as far as value is concerned.

[Portland]

First day on the wrist and I can already tell I'm going to love this watch. I am blown away at how comfortable it is. And that polar dial is insanely cool. HOW is this an under rated watch in the Rolex lineup? It looks like my SubC has some legit competition for wrist time.

On a side note, I'm really digging the chintzy bracelet on this thing. Mine is an M serial so it has the solid end links, but still considerably less dense than my SubC bracelet but I really like it. I mean you can't beat the glidelock clasp but the award for comfort on the wrist goes to the Explorer II by a mile IMO.

[G-Web]

[ireachmike]

Beautiful watches everybody!!!! I am currently in love with the Explorer 2 40mm polar! Can I ask, how did you find the available G Series? I am currently looking for any later year explorer 2... can someone please point me to where I can find any for sale?

I appreciate any help! Thanks!

[Portland]

I put the Polar on a black Everest to see how it fits. It is very comfortable on the wrist and the fit is perfect. That combo is so light I forget I'm wearing a watch! I'm still not quite sure about the aesthetics though. I may give it a week or so to see how I feel about it.

[futurepx]

Happy to finally be able to contribute my own photo to this thread.

Just picked my birth year polar.




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[jaimolas]

Hello everyone I am finally a proud new owner. Mine is a 2006 z series


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[uansari1]

Anyone have a lead on a polar version with the 3186 movement? Been looking for one for a bit and having a hard time finding one.

Someone, not on this forum, offered me a G serial with a black dial, on which they would happily swap the white dial. It took everything I had to not start laughing...

[Robday]

Have you checked the forum classifieds?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ht=explorer+II

[116710er]

Dunno why Explorer II's sell for so much less than other models but I'm quite OK with as it allows me to buy them for less money.

I miss my 114270 and I love my 216570. I'd love to pick up a 16550 Cream Dial w/the original fat font for cheap. :)

[uansari1]

Originally Posted by Robday

Have you checked the forum classifieds?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ht=explorer+II

Indeed I have...that piece has been sold I believe. Was hoping some of the posters on this thread may be able to help since a few of them had multiple leads.

[Portland]

Originally Posted by uansari1

Anyone have a lead on a polar version with the 3186 movement? Been looking for one for a bit and having a hard time finding one.



Someone, not on this forum, offered me a G serial with a black dial, on which they would happily swap the white dial. It took everything I had to not start laughing...

I was in the market for a Polar 16570 with the 3186 a few weeks ago. I set my alerts on my Warchrecon app and kept an eye out for some to show up on the various forums.
At the time there were 2 on the market. I bought one and the other sold a few days later. Since then I haven't seen another Polar show up. A few black dials, but no Polars. I will also note, that the few 3186s I've seen show up have all been over $5,000 for the black dial, The Polars over $5,500.
Granted condition and completeness will come into play, but the 3186 Polars appear to be harder to find especially in great condition and a complete set. I feel lucky lucky to have found the one I got.

[GregRW]

For me, my white faced Explorer ii was the only choice of Rolex that appealed to me. I think it looks especially good with the black rubber strap.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Portland

I was in the market for a Polar 16570 with the 3186 a few weeks ago. I set my alerts on my Warchrecon app and kept an eye out for some to show up on the various forums.
At the time there were 2 on the market. I bought one and the other sold a few days later. Since then I haven't seen another Polar show up. A few black dials, but no Polars. I will also note, that the few 3186s I've seen show up have all been over $5,000 for the black dial, The Polars over $5,500.
Granted condition and completeness will come into play, but the 3186 Polars appear to be harder to find especially in great condition and a complete set. I feel lucky lucky to have found the one I got.

I have a full set M-serial Polar 16570 that I seldom wear, but having sold my Pepsi early last year, just before prices shot up, I am keeping this one for a couple years more.

[sce767]

Reading through these last few posts, I'm feeling very fortunate to have snagged this pristine M serial with the complete set just over a week ago.

[javert34]

I have been admiring the Explorer II from afar for a while now for its style and its utility. Convinced that were I to ever get one that it would be the polar, I stopped in to an AD a couple of weeks ago while in Florida on vacation. While looking at what they had to offer, this black dial jumped out at me. I have always viewed the purchase of items like watches and fountain pens as a very personal way, as I think there is a connection there. Yes, a bit cheesy I know, but for me, it is an intimate purchase. In any event, this one just spoke to me.

I love the way it wears and is a great intersection between function, utility and elegance. In fact I wore it last week with a suit and today with a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops.

[uansari1]

It took some time..but I came across two polar 16570s purportedly with 3186s. One was a random serial (8 digit starting with U) with engraved rehaut, but with a 3185! It failed the wiggle test and the hour hand advanced 6 hours for each full turn of the crown. Took it to my watchmaker, who confirmed it was a 3185. Disappointing and surprising, as I'd never heard of one even newer than a G serial as having that movement. Fortunately, the seller had a 14 day no hassle return policy, so I've already returned it.

On the same day, I reached out to a few trusted sellers in TRF again, and one happened to have a Z serial without engraved rehaut, but with the 3186. Confirmed by removing the case back. I'll have that in my hands tomorrow.

[natosteve]

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[Sidmind]

My EII on a RubberB, this was a special watch for me as it was my 25 year service award at work. Not many companies hand out Rolex's and few people can stay long enough to get one. I had my choice of a dozen or so models of Rolex, such as datejust in several configurations, a white milgauss(no green crystal), a sub no date, and the EII 42mm, I could have also got a few combinations of Breitling, Baum & Mercer, or grand father clock. etc. I am not sure why anyone would have picked anything less than a Rolex.

I did find out a few months after I chose my service award, they added a black bezel GMT and a date sub, I would have gone for the GMT over the EII I have to say.


Rolex 167250 on RubberB by Sid Mind, on Flickr

[flash80]

I've been lurking on the forums for a few months and finally took the plunge. Loving my new Explorer II--polar 42mm.

I really want to thank Brian (Briboxer) for such a great transaction! I would not hesitate to deal with him again and would recommend him to anyone (especially if you live in Southern California). Thanks Brian!

[WristEnvy]

My polar on blue Everest band

ig @watch.kakashi

[drm20]

Loving mine!




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[Z3ke]

the 40mm polar exp II is certainly great. Id get one if I didnt already have the 1655 passed down to me from my father. The latest explorer Im not a fan of the size, a bit to large/hefty for my wrist


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[visualplane]

Saw this on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXAVx9bD...vintagewatches

[gery82]

Sorry if this has been asked before. Could you guys tell me if it's possible to attach a Rubber B or Everest strap to a drilled holes case?

Cheers


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