Which Rolex Explore II (16570 polar) should I get?

T Toho76

Hi

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I'm looking forward to your opinion(s).

I have been looking at the Rolex 16570 polar for a long time and my watch savings is almost their. The Explore II is a big purchase for me so I would like some input before I decide which iteration of the model I should get.

I'm well aware that I can't just pick and choose any combination of the below features.
- Is it important to get a watch with the 3186 movement instead of the 3185?

- Should it be a model with drilled lugs vs. non-drilled lug holes? I'm leaning towards drilled lug holes, because to me it make the watch look more tool like and less luxury.

- SEL Is it important to get and when was it introduced?

- Tritium vs. LumiNova vs. Super LumiNova. Which dial type looks the best today and which will look the best tomorrow?

Maybe it is something entirely I should be looking for.

Looking forward to your hearing opinion(s).

Best Torben

GGG964

I used to own a 16570 that was an "M" model year (late 90's/early 2000's). When I was researching the watch, i never really came across anything that signified a huge difference between the two movements. Also, I prefer Super Lumi nova just based on how it lights up. My 16570 also rarely saw the light of day so it was mint when i sold it - I have no input on how it looks after many years.

All I can remember is that there were two sizes of the watch. Mine was the 40MM and I absolutely loved the size and the weight. The 40mm was very subtle, and thin. It was an excellent watch and I highly suggest getting one, it's an overall very handsome watch, especially in white. Good luck with your purchase! 😁



Some good reading material:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=202513

GGG964

I used to own a 16570 that was an "M" model year (late 90's/early 2000's). When I was researching the watch, i never really came across anything that signified a huge difference between the two movements. Also, I prefer Super Lumi nova just based on how it lights up. My 16570 also rarely saw the light of day so it was mint when i sold it - I have no input on how it looks after many years.

All I can remember is that there were two sizes of the watch. Mine was the 40MM and I absolutely loved the size and the weight. The 40mm was very subtle, and thin. It was an excellent watch and I highly suggest getting one, it's an overall very handsome watch, especially in white. Good luck with your purchase! 😁



Some good reading material:
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=202513

sky21

Hello and welcome to the best watch forum on the Internet. The Explorer II 16570 polar is an excellent choice and was made until approximately 2011 when the new, larger reference 216570 was introduced. The SEL bracelet starts to appear around 2000, while lug holes are seen until around 2003. Tritium models were produced until 1998, then there was a year or two of overlap with luminova into super luminova by 2000. The 3186 movement debuted in 2007 with the Rolex branded rehaut, which people either seem to really like or really hate.
My recommendation would be to look for an early 2000s model with super luminova, SEL, and lug holes, the best of all worlds with the 16570. The 3186 movement isn’t that different from the 3185 and I’m not a huge fan of the RBR myself. Here are a couple of borrowed photos of what I’m recommending for you, good luck in your search.