Love your stuff mate, but I’m not down with promoting propping up the grey market dealers pushing these things for north of 14k. They’re great watches, I’m waiting for one from my AD but I’ll continue to wait for as long as this nonsense continues.
So happy that you told us how the features of the original served a purpose for spelunkers, like the 24 hour hand, busy dial, tritium and odd hour plots. Very informative. I used to not care about the original Explorer II, now i am obsessed.
I genuinely love your videos. I’ve started getting into the watch game a few months ago and this has been my go to channel to just see new things and have fun. I love how passionate you are about this. Sending love from Egypt🇪🇬
@@BarkandJack If the explorer 2 are sold out everywhere and waitlisted for years, and every Explorer 2 watch produced is essentially sold immediately, then it would just come down to how many of the watches are produced by Rolex each year. If they are produced in the same number as the submariner, Daytona, etc. and the number of pieces sold each year are the same, I would say they are not underrated at all. Maybe they just aren’t covered by as many TH-camrs or marketed as much, but certainly the demand is there and the people don’t think it’s under rated. This would be really cool to see this kind of data, how many of each model is sold each year. If you know where this can be found I would love to take a look! Nice video by the way Adrian love you videos!
@@andyplace1785 I agree, it would be fascinating to see a breakdown of units made, units sold vs popularity. I've started a podcast which will be launching next weekend. One of the episodes we go into data on Rolex vs the swiss watch industry and it's scary to size and power of Rolex. One stat that stood out was, that Rolex is responsible for over 28% of the entire Swiss watch industry turnover, omega is 2nd at something like 12-14%. Rolex plays this "rare" card while dominating the industry by an insane amount.
I took my 2003 Explorer ll 16570, black dial, up Snowdon last summer. It kept perfect time and got me back down just as the pubs were opening. I purchased it new 21 years ago and I’ve never been late for anything since. 🥂
I love my 216570. It is the adventurer's choice. Reinhold Messner is one of the greatest mountaineers ever, and one of hie nicknames is "Mr. Orange Hand" due to his continued use of an Explorer II. Ed Viesturs is one of the greatest American mountaineers ever and he has worn an Explorer II on most of his summits. The Explorer II is a brilliant watch that embodies the spirit of adventure.
I took my Explorer 2 up Scafell Pike and into the cathedral cave in the lakes last year! - I love that white dial the most it jumps right off the wrist at you!
Adrian, your videos are such a breath of fresh air among all the nastiness and backbiting we currently see on some of the other watch channels. Keep up the good work!
Great video man ! Trying to get on a waiting list for the new explorer II polar dial for my dad at the moment! Looking fwd to your new vid comparing the last 3 models !
I’ve been in a wait list for this watch for 2.5 years. I won’t hold my breath. I’m willing to bet the guy at the store just put the paper in the garbage when I walked out.
@@JoeComfort585 what did you buy from them to get on the list? I bought a ladies date just and got the polar 4 months later so fingers crossed you get yours soon
@@jamesh1124 I was not asked to buy anything. They don’t have a single Rolex to buy. I don’t mind buying a different Rolex but they don’t ever have any.
Favorite Rolex (polar Exp II). Great watch for quick glance- extremely readable for my old eyes. 39 would fit my wrist better but I’ve gotten used to the larger case.
I've always loved the previous generation Explorer II. I truly regret not buying one when they were the most affordable of the Rolex sports watch line. They, like all of Rolex, have now gone out of reach.
@@atl3630 even if grey market prices are falling, they still hold up quite well. The previous gen 16570 could be quite collectible given the classic size and even the newer 216570 or 226570 are trading not too much higher than retail price, which isn't the case like some models that trade 2-3x retail. The retail price would provide some floor to the pricing. Unless the whole watch market tanks, I don't ever see the Explorer 2 trading 20% below their retail price.
I like the heftier wrist presence. Feels more tooly and purpose built to me. 42mm is also a sweet spot for me. I love my Sky-Dwellers. I realize I may be in the minority, but I love it the way it is.
Great call out. Picked up the 226570 black dial from my AD a couple weeks ago and I love the fact that it’s more of the outsiders Rolex. Keep the Explorer II content coming!
It’s interesting that the 1655 has a bogus association with Steve McQueen when it was actually worn by one of the greatest mountaineers in history, Reinhold Messner. A truly remarkable human being who was the first person to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen. It was also worn by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmond, and an epic mountaineer in his own right. The 1655 doesn’t look like any other Rolex ever produced it’s my absolute favourite.
Am a subscriber. Love the channel. Great video. And agree with all the points. About 2m ago went to get one of the explorer 2's ......the dealer experience was awful. "We aren't taking names." "Have you bought from us before." "We might get one in a year." 3 different dealers..one of which is very popular for these. Just not an experience I plan to repeat in the rest of my life (Rolex lost me and my family based on this.....and our friends via word of mouth...so perhaps 100 sales or more..they just don't get it). Went to a local GS dealer. He had an SBGJ255. It is the GS version of the explorer 2. Lighter and more scratch resistant (special TI). Limitted edition of 1200 globally. Was able to buy it at a very nice price. It has lost 12 seconds in 16 weeks total...it is a high beat (36,000) auto movement with true GMT functionality...which is frankly remarkable accuracy. 100m. Ti. And superior polishing/finish IMHO to any of the Rolex's I saw in the dealer's case (that were not for sale of course...). Amazing lume and a 44gs case so very interesting to look at from any angle...haut design. In the end, I might get an explorer 2 someday...but between this GS and a Steinhardt 1655 I have had for years at 39mm, there is no need now and that dealer interaction was just awful. Rolex watches are not cheap. Rolex in my opinion needs to show buyers a lot more respect.....some of us only can afford one watch or perhaps 2....and they need to understand that the charity they represent and its mission is not something that would smile at how they market things which is elitist to the nth degree. They should tell dealers no mark-ups or no watches. Period. And if they find a grey market watch they trace the SN back and shut that dealer down for 5 years. Done. Great video and glad you are happy...but to me, the best watch is first off one that you can buy. Rolex watches are not magical things...they are mass produced to a very remarkable level of precision but they are not handmade pieces like the GS...and to that end I have no regrets. I suspect if you had purchased the SNBJ255 and not the 9f you'd have stayed with the GS....it is a much more special watch. Someone put it together and polished it to a level not seen in Swiss watches until you cross over the 50k or 100k pricepoint if then....it is silly good. That in the end has me sold on the GS and why I wear it and stare at it and know it is keeping statistically better time than a Rolex too. Three times the watch as half price street....go figure.
I remember around 2008, back in Cyprus, my mother's cousin was wearing a 1655 and I commented on it. He told me how the Rolex service guy told him "it's old, I can replace it with a new model if you want!" I showed him the (then) prices of the used 1655 and retail of the 16570. He wasn't happy haha
I myself purchased a Rolex Explorer II 226570 (Polar Dial) new from my local AD in June 2021. I previously owned a Rolex Explorer II 16570 (Also Polar Dial) and had to have the 50th anniversary model when it was released. I have also thought the Rolex Explorer II is the best Rolex in the range. I bought a Rolex submariner 124060 (Time Only) in May this year just to own one. However if I am honest I am a Explorer II fan. In my opinion I’m is the under dog, it has the same movement now as the hard to get Pepsi GMT, Stainless Steel Case, easy to ready dial, Date and GMT time zone. Is the best all round watch and I am glad it wasn’t hyped and people haven’t Cauchy on yet. Helped me get the new model. Love it to this day and I will always say is the “Best” Rolex in the range in my honest opinion.
I love the Explorer 1 & 2. Hope to own one eventually ( been looking for an Explorer 1 for years now). While I think they are affectionately called "tool watches" I think we have to be real. Very rarely will anyone, who actually performs the jobs these were designed, actually wears this watch for that purpose. The job can be better done with a specially designed "smart-ish" watch, or actual wrist computer. If someone is a purest and just wants a watch... it'd be done by a gshock.
Hi Adrian, congratulations for your videos! Is this latest, you have talked about watches for every professional excepts for the Sea Captains! Don’t you forget where are the chronometers coming from/why were they designed for? How the seafarers we have been calculating, roughly, the longitude at sea just with an almanac and a watch! Today, still, every Ship’s Bridge is equipped with a chronometer as part of the equipment. I am a fan of Ulysse-Nardin and Arnold & Son. Just a suggestion, no pressure. Love your videos and share your passion for these instruments! Keep up the good job! Cheers!
So awesome! This is the Rolex to have imo. Some are just too pretentious. The older of the 2 looks perfectly understated and just the right size. Much prefer the size of the hands too and the more subtle red over the orange.
Great video as always, superb filming. I love the Explorer 2 but let's face it if you were going caving (and it's not for a video) youd wear something a)cheap that you wouldn't devalue by thousands of pounds when you knocked it into a rock and b)battery powered with an illuminating screen. Anyway I've got a idea that I'm working with Rolex on, it's the Septictank master. Sh!t resistant to 100ft with a Wipe clean strap! With a bit of clever marketing and it will not be available in ADs soon! Really enjoyed the vid by the way.
Excellent video and review. Great to get outside and review the watch in the wild. Much better than the traditional you tube stuff. Well done on your behalf for trying something a bit different - keep up the great work.
Visually, Rolex perfected the Polar Explorer II with the 16570 (dial/lume plots that didn’t turn to lemon cream like the previousl 16550) but screwed up the Explorer I with the squared off applied arabics. Wish Tudor would release a Black Bay 53* as a nod to the 6150/6350 Explorer with the printed dial and rounded arabics. *the Ranger is in the same category but has its own distinctive dial. Basically, just give the BB36 an Explorer dial and a slightly different bezel.
Hi Gavin, it's this strap here, the Tubular Nylon in grey: barkandjack.com/collections/tubular-nylon-1/products/grey-nato-strap?variant=38060826624175 For the latest version of the Explorer 2, you need the 22mm size. Cheers, Adrian
Awesome video, Adrian, and props to Harrison too for sticking out the cold with you guys. Unrelated ask: please start delivering to the rest of the EU, I keep drooling 🤤 over your straps and can't yet get them.
I traded my 39mm Explorer I with a 2004 polar 16570, and I'm really glad I did it (don't get me wrong I freakin love Explorer I but the 39mm doesn't really feel right for me)
Adrian: I always struggle to use the full capacity of my GMT function - for example I never knew the 24 hour hand up/down: night/day tip - thanks for that !! I also heard that you can tell the compass points with a GMT? Can you do a video to detail all the various options and use methods for the GMTs?
Adrian, top notch content here. The cave filming was simply awesome! 👏 I will not be able to afford a 1655. I would be quite happy though with a 1999 16570 polar dial with’Swiss’ at the 6 o’clock. Looking forward to seeing your exposé on the three most recent versions.
I would say the Air King is the black sheep of the Rolex line up. It seems like every year people question why it is still part or the line up still but it still rolls on.
Curious why you think the new explorer II with the maxi case and dial as more of a tool watch and closer to the original ethos than say a steel submariner?
@@BarkandJack Fair point, I hadn't really considered that. On a separate point (unrelated to tool watch credentials), I think the aluminium bezels look better than the ceramic too in many cases - particularly kermit vs cermit!
Great video and a beautiful watch, but let's not kid ourselves, these "tool watches" became obsolete a long time ago. - Rolex Sub/dive watches: 100% replaced by dive computers. - Rolex Explorer 1/military field watches: Entirely replaced with affordable, indestructible G-Shocks. - Rolex Explorer 2: Almost entirely replaced with rugged navigational/orientation wearables and G-Shocks. Prince Harry is the only person in the British Armed Force's wearing a $10K watch in the field 😂 And the SAS Explorer 2 is intended as a keep-sake, it won't see active duty. At best these "tool watches" are a backup. Typically though they are destined for the wrist of an office warrior or casual holiday adventurer. But that's 100% fine, at least with me. They are all $10k+ pieces of jewelry that remind us of a different era and that's still pretty cool.
Thanks mate. I understand the sentiment of your points, but they aren’t right. I know serving guys who wear Rolexes in the field. Divers who wear sea dwellers.
@@BarkandJackI guess my point is that these tool watches used to be standard issue to divers and to people serving in the Armed Force's, because Rolex used to be the best choice. Is Rolex still the best choice, the best tool for the job? Tech delivers more information, greater accuracy, improved legibility, lowers risk and improves safety/outcome. Modern dive and field equipment is simply better and critically often far cheaper, that's why it's now standard issue and Rolex is not. If you're diving at the depths a Sea Dweller caters for (commercial saturation/compression depths etc), then I'd say you're crazy if a Rolex is your primary and dive computer your secondary. I wear my Sub when diving, but it's more out of nostalgia, on my other wrist. Not knocking the watches, the sentiment or the video though, huge fan of it all and the channel.
Bought my 16570 polar dial back in 2005 and not until 10 years later I purchased the 214270 Explorer I. I like them both but have a soft spot for my Explorer II. By the way, I've never gone spelunking nor climbed the K2 but that's okay.
Just wanted to say that I received my green NATO strap this morning for my Seiko 009…..very happy with the strap…..very comfortable…….so thanks very much
Check out the Rolex Explorer II over at Chronext:
www.chronext.com/rolex/explorer-ii?
@@db9071 I've never spoken about the history of the explorer II before.
@@BarkandJack good video. I enjoyed it
Love your stuff mate, but I’m not down with promoting propping up the grey market dealers pushing these things for north of 14k. They’re great watches, I’m waiting for one from my AD but I’ll continue to wait for as long as this nonsense continues.
Great vid
Another great video Adrian!
So happy that you told us how the features of the original served a purpose for spelunkers, like the 24 hour hand, busy dial, tritium and odd hour plots. Very informative. I used to not care about the original Explorer II, now i am obsessed.
I was the same. And now I really want one.
The Explorer II 16570 was my grail for a long time, and it still tugs at me from time to time. However, once I tried the Grand Seiko GMTs…
You made the better purchase
I genuinely love your videos. I’ve started getting into the watch game a few months ago and this has been my go to channel to just see new things and have fun. I love how passionate you are about this.
Sending love from Egypt🇪🇬
Thanks!
My absolute favorite daily watch
Such an under rated piece… it’s my first and only Rolex. Love the content by the way!
@Lee exactly what I was thinking…lol
@Lee It certainly doesn't get the same level of love as the Sub, GMT or Daytona.
@@BarkandJack If the explorer 2 are sold out everywhere and waitlisted for years, and every Explorer 2 watch produced is essentially sold immediately, then it would just come down to how many of the watches are produced by Rolex each year. If they are produced in the same number as the submariner, Daytona, etc. and the number of pieces sold each year are the same, I would say they are not underrated at all. Maybe they just aren’t covered by as many TH-camrs or marketed as much, but certainly the demand is there and the people don’t think it’s under rated. This would be really cool to see this kind of data, how many of each model is sold each year. If you know where this can be found I would love to take a look! Nice video by the way Adrian love you videos!
@@andyplace1785 I agree, it would be fascinating to see a breakdown of units made, units sold vs popularity. I've started a podcast which will be launching next weekend. One of the episodes we go into data on Rolex vs the swiss watch industry and it's scary to size and power of Rolex. One stat that stood out was, that Rolex is responsible for over 28% of the entire Swiss watch industry turnover, omega is 2nd at something like 12-14%. Rolex plays this "rare" card while dominating the industry by an insane amount.
@@BarkandJack over 28%?! Wow, now that is crazy. I’ll definitely check out that podcast
I took my 2003 Explorer ll 16570, black dial, up Snowdon last summer. It kept perfect time and got me back down just as the pubs were opening. I purchased it new 21 years ago and I’ve never been late for anything since. 🥂
I love my 216570. It is the adventurer's choice. Reinhold Messner is one of the greatest mountaineers ever, and one of hie nicknames is "Mr. Orange Hand" due to his continued use of an Explorer II. Ed Viesturs is one of the greatest American mountaineers ever and he has worn an Explorer II on most of his summits. The Explorer II is a brilliant watch that embodies the spirit of adventure.
What an incredible way to showcase this watch and its history. Absolutely great video.
Always top notch from you, Adrian. So stoked to see the product being enjoyed! 🙏🏼👊🏼
Rocking the tshirt today too! Great stuff.
@@BarkandJack Awesome! Cheers, buddy!
Some amazing b-roll here on account of an incredible on-location shoot. Nicely done, Adrian!
I took my Explorer 2 up Scafell Pike and into the cathedral cave in the lakes last year! - I love that white dial the most it jumps right off the wrist at you!
Very well done video Adrian. Many thanks. Great that you had the opportunity to do the cave tour in Switzerland. Cheers from Montana. 👍⌚️🏔🌲
What an incredible video! Rolex and Tudor are gonna have a field day over this
Adrian, your videos are such a breath of fresh air among all the nastiness and backbiting we currently see on some of the other watch channels. Keep up the good work!
@Bark and jack Hey, thanks for selecting me as a winner, but I have no idea how to inbox a telegram name (?!). Please clarify
Thanks
Fred Larke
Well done. I own the new Polar Explorer and love it.
Great video man ! Trying to get on a waiting list for the new explorer II polar dial for my dad at the moment! Looking fwd to your new vid comparing the last 3 models !
I’ve been in a wait list for this watch for 2.5 years. I won’t hold my breath. I’m willing to bet the guy at the store just put the paper in the garbage when I walked out.
@@JoeComfort585 I managed to get one last month after a year wait which was a year after an AirKing purchase
You can get one tomorrow in Dubai and pay in Us Dollars so you do pay less. Just remember that when it is sent to you, you will have to pay the Vat
@@JoeComfort585 what did you buy from them to get on the list? I bought a ladies date just and got the polar 4 months later so fingers crossed you get yours soon
@@jamesh1124 I was not asked to buy anything. They don’t have a single Rolex to buy. I don’t mind buying a different Rolex but they don’t ever have any.
Nice one Adrian mate - great watch and great video as ever!!!
With a great sponsor, what can be produced is amazing. Best to you Adrian!
Favorite Rolex (polar Exp II).
Great watch for quick glance- extremely readable for my old eyes.
39 would fit my wrist better but I’ve gotten used to the larger case.
Incredible work mate. When's this collab happening... 👀
I've always loved the previous generation Explorer II. I truly regret not buying one when they were the most affordable of the Rolex sports watch line. They, like all of Rolex, have now gone out of reach.
The prices are falling quickly
@@atl3630 even if grey market prices are falling, they still hold up quite well. The previous gen 16570 could be quite collectible given the classic size and even the newer 216570 or 226570 are trading not too much higher than retail price, which isn't the case like some models that trade 2-3x retail. The retail price would provide some floor to the pricing. Unless the whole watch market tanks, I don't ever see the Explorer 2 trading 20% below their retail price.
Wish the newer ones were just a tad smaller
Same
I agree, both the case and bracelet would be perfect if they were slightly smaller, and thinner.
I like the heftier wrist presence. Feels more tooly and purpose built to me. 42mm is also a sweet spot for me. I love my Sky-Dwellers. I realize I may be in the minority, but I love it the way it is.
I wish they were available at retail.
@@christiangregory9315 I got one earlier this year. Show your passion and stay in touch with your local AD...and be patient. It will happen in time.
Great call out. Picked up the 226570 black dial from my AD a couple weeks ago and I love the fact that it’s more of the outsiders Rolex. Keep the Explorer II content coming!
oh YES! I said i wanted more of this last time, so thank you!
Amazing production value.. I hope you keep getting sponsors to make videos like this..
This is such an amazing video - Thank you Adrian 👍
More of these kinds of videos please
It’s interesting that the 1655 has a bogus association with Steve McQueen when it was actually worn by one of the greatest mountaineers in history, Reinhold Messner. A truly remarkable human being who was the first person to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen. It was also worn by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmond, and an epic mountaineer in his own right. The 1655 doesn’t look like any other Rolex ever produced it’s my absolute favourite.
No, but it now looks just like the Tudor Black Bay Pro :(
Am a subscriber. Love the channel. Great video. And agree with all the points.
About 2m ago went to get one of the explorer 2's ......the dealer experience was awful. "We aren't taking names." "Have you bought from us before." "We might get one in a year." 3 different dealers..one of which is very popular for these. Just not an experience I plan to repeat in the rest of my life (Rolex lost me and my family based on this.....and our friends via word of mouth...so perhaps 100 sales or more..they just don't get it). Went to a local GS dealer. He had an SBGJ255. It is the GS version of the explorer 2. Lighter and more scratch resistant (special TI). Limitted edition of 1200 globally. Was able to buy it at a very nice price. It has lost 12 seconds in 16 weeks total...it is a high beat (36,000) auto movement with true GMT functionality...which is frankly remarkable accuracy. 100m. Ti. And superior polishing/finish IMHO to any of the Rolex's I saw in the dealer's case (that were not for sale of course...). Amazing lume and a 44gs case so very interesting to look at from any angle...haut design. In the end, I might get an explorer 2 someday...but between this GS and a Steinhardt 1655 I have had for years at 39mm, there is no need now and that dealer interaction was just awful. Rolex watches are not cheap. Rolex in my opinion needs to show buyers a lot more respect.....some of us only can afford one watch or perhaps 2....and they need to understand that the charity they represent and its mission is not something that would smile at how they market things which is elitist to the nth degree. They should tell dealers no mark-ups or no watches. Period. And if they find a grey market watch they trace the SN back and shut that dealer down for 5 years. Done.
Great video and glad you are happy...but to me, the best watch is first off one that you can buy. Rolex watches are not magical things...they are mass produced to a very remarkable level of precision but they are not handmade pieces like the GS...and to that end I have no regrets. I suspect if you had purchased the SNBJ255 and not the 9f you'd have stayed with the GS....it is a much more special watch. Someone put it together and polished it to a level not seen in Swiss watches until you cross over the 50k or 100k pricepoint if then....it is silly good. That in the end has me sold on the GS and why I wear it and stare at it and know it is keeping statistically better time than a Rolex too. Three times the watch as half price street....go figure.
Thanks for the educational video about the explorer ii. The white explorer is a grail of mine.
Just a spectacular video.
Thanks so much. 🙌🏻
great content as always adrian! beautiful timepiece! greetings from australia!
I’ve had my B&J nato strap on today, definitely the comfiest strap I’ve ever had.
No shit man… had no idea. Killer content!!!!
Another great video Adrian!
Thanks mate.
enjoyed the episode again .. didn't know about Harry wearing them. i feel as much as part of the family as he does now :)
I remember around 2008, back in Cyprus, my mother's cousin was wearing a 1655 and I commented on it. He told me how the Rolex service guy told him "it's old, I can replace it with a new model if you want!"
I showed him the (then) prices of the used 1655 and retail of the 16570. He wasn't happy haha
The best and most rugged workhorse in Rolex's stable. I have used E2s since 1976.
Stunning video and very informative 👍🏻
Thanks Tim 👍🏻
As a proud owner of an Explorer II (black face) I can certainly agree with most of your statement. Thanks for the great video!
I myself purchased a Rolex Explorer II 226570 (Polar Dial) new from my local AD in June 2021. I previously owned a Rolex Explorer II 16570 (Also Polar Dial) and had to have the 50th anniversary model when it was released. I have also thought the Rolex Explorer II is the best Rolex in the range. I bought a Rolex submariner 124060 (Time Only) in May this year just to own one. However if I am honest I am a Explorer II fan. In my opinion I’m is the under dog, it has the same movement now as the hard to get Pepsi GMT, Stainless Steel Case, easy to ready dial, Date and GMT time zone. Is the best all round watch and I am glad it wasn’t hyped and people haven’t Cauchy on yet. Helped me get the new model. Love it to this day and I will always say is the “Best” Rolex in the range in my honest opinion.
WOW, phenomenal video!! The only 2 Rolex I still own 216570 polar & 214270 mII, what a pair¡!!!
Iconic model no doubt
I love the Explorer 1 & 2. Hope to own one eventually ( been looking for an Explorer 1 for years now). While I think they are affectionately called "tool watches" I think we have to be real. Very rarely will anyone, who actually performs the jobs these were designed, actually wears this watch for that purpose. The job can be better done with a specially designed "smart-ish" watch, or actual wrist computer. If someone is a purest and just wants a watch... it'd be done by a gshock.
Another incredible video😀
Great video again, absolutely love mine and love the ethos behind the watch. Refreshing it’s not all about the “popular” sports Rolex models.
Adrian where you get that gear ratio baseball cap? It’s cool!
It’s from www.standard-h.com
@@BarkandJack thank you
The only thing going spelunking is my portfolio. Great video!!
I like the nato strap, (8:15)where did you get it?
Hi Paul, it’s our Tubular Nylon Nato strap
barkandjack.com/products/grey-nato-strap
Hi Adrian, congratulations for your videos! Is this latest, you have talked about watches for every professional excepts for the Sea Captains! Don’t you forget where are the chronometers coming from/why were they designed for? How the seafarers we have been calculating, roughly, the longitude at sea just with an almanac and a watch! Today, still, every Ship’s Bridge is equipped with a chronometer as part of the equipment. I am a fan of Ulysse-Nardin and Arnold & Son. Just a suggestion, no pressure. Love your videos and share your passion for these instruments! Keep up the good job! Cheers!
Beautiful photography mate! Feeling jealous :D
I love the Explorer II Polar dial! Great video, thanks for the awesome content as always!
My favorite Rolex. Black dial. The last true sports tool watch they make and hopefully never change it.
Where's the follow up video comparing the 3 watches?
So awesome! This is the Rolex to have imo. Some are just too pretentious. The older of the 2 looks perfectly understated and just the right size. Much prefer the size of the hands too and the more subtle red over the orange.
Brilliant watch, and on my grail list. Thanks for sharing mate.
Amazing video and just enhances my love for this watch. Hopefully get the call soon 🙌🏻
This is my favourite Rolex!
Thx Andrew. Great vid + content. Get going on
Does anyone have any info on where the nylon strap is from ?
Hi Ned, it’s one of my own straps, our Tubular Nylon strap in grey
barkandjack.com/products/grey-nato-strap
@@BarkandJack Thanks, looks great. Do you need anything else to attach it?
Great video as always, superb filming. I love the Explorer 2 but let's face it if you were going caving (and it's not for a video) youd wear something a)cheap that you wouldn't devalue by thousands of pounds when you knocked it into a rock and b)battery powered with an illuminating screen. Anyway I've got a idea that I'm working with Rolex on, it's the Septictank master. Sh!t resistant to 100ft with a Wipe clean strap! With a bit of clever marketing and it will not be available in ADs soon! Really enjoyed the vid by the way.
Excellent video and review. Great to get outside and review the watch in the wild. Much better than the traditional you tube stuff.
Well done on your behalf for trying something a bit different - keep up the great work.
Thanks so much. 🙌🏻
Great content. Love your videos. Your knowledge is outstanding. Keep them coming!
Visually, Rolex perfected the Polar Explorer II with the 16570 (dial/lume plots that didn’t turn to lemon cream like the previousl 16550) but screwed up the Explorer I with the squared off applied arabics. Wish Tudor would release a Black Bay 53* as a nod to the 6150/6350 Explorer with the printed dial and rounded arabics.
*the Ranger is in the same category but has its own distinctive dial. Basically, just give the BB36 an Explorer dial and a slightly different bezel.
Love this watch! I have a white dial Hamilton khaki field which will have to suffice though (and it does so with aplomb) 🙂
Thanks Adrian 👍
Great video as always! Totally agree with the tool watch point.
Never heard of Chronext, but I’m going to check them out after the video :)
Good plan. 👍🏻
So you had the bracket and the nato with you, and swapped them on site to shoot both options?
Legend!!
crazy video. need you to do this with EVERY HISTORICAL TIMEPIECE ever lol. next? gmt master 2 root beer?
I’d love to do that 👍🏻
Anyone know the gray strap he's wearing with his personal explorer 2? I want that exact one lol
Hi Gavin, it's this strap here, the Tubular Nylon in grey:
barkandjack.com/collections/tubular-nylon-1/products/grey-nato-strap?variant=38060826624175
For the latest version of the Explorer 2, you need the 22mm size.
Cheers,
Adrian
@@BarkandJack Thank you very much!
What music do you use on your videos?
Nice hat! Where can I get one?
It’s from Standard-H.com
Awesome video, Adrian, and props to Harrison too for sticking out the cold with you guys. Unrelated ask: please start delivering to the rest of the EU, I keep drooling 🤤 over your straps and can't yet get them.
I traded my 39mm Explorer I with a 2004 polar 16570, and I'm really glad I did it (don't get me wrong I freakin love Explorer I but the 39mm doesn't really feel right for me)
@Dell Wright for a polar Explorer II
Adrian: I always struggle to use the full capacity of my GMT function - for example I never knew the 24 hour hand up/down: night/day tip - thanks for that !! I also heard that you can tell the compass points with a GMT? Can you do a video to detail all the various options and use methods for the GMTs?
The only Rolex I’ve ever wanted. I’ll keep waiting for that call.
Hard to disagree with you Adrian when your arguments for the Explorer II were exactly my reasons to get it myself…. That, and Steve McQueen coolness😎
Epic work on this edit my man, colour grading, cuts, compositions, insane. We need to get another trip like this organised ASAP 💥🌏
Thanks Harrison, and thanks for helping with the shooting. We 100% need to do it again.
Great vid!
If I were to pick any member of the Royal Family, I would definitely not pick Harry. 😂 great video!
out of all the entitled inbreds, he’s the best!
why would you be tasked to pick a member of the Royal Family? what would you be doing with them? do tell.
Awesome video!
Adrian, top notch content here. The cave filming was simply awesome! 👏 I will not be able to afford a 1655. I would be quite happy though with a 1999 16570 polar dial with’Swiss’ at the 6 o’clock.
Looking forward to seeing your exposé on the three most recent versions.
I would say the Air King is the black sheep of the Rolex line up. It seems like every year people question why it is still part or the line up still but it still rolls on.
Love how Adrian Barker pronounces the Rolexixplrorlrr 2
Spelunkingly good…👌
Curious why you think the new explorer II with the maxi case and dial as more of a tool watch and closer to the original ethos than say a steel submariner?
It’s the bezel insert really. One drop and it’s broken. The aluminium insert was much harder wearing. It’s still a great watch.
@@BarkandJack Fair point, I hadn't really considered that. On a separate point (unrelated to tool watch credentials), I think the aluminium bezels look better than the ceramic too in many cases - particularly kermit vs cermit!
Do you think Rolex will ever release a new model (like an Explorer 3)?
Great video
Great video and a beautiful watch, but let's not kid ourselves, these "tool watches" became obsolete a long time ago.
- Rolex Sub/dive watches: 100% replaced by dive computers.
- Rolex Explorer 1/military field watches: Entirely replaced with affordable, indestructible G-Shocks.
- Rolex Explorer 2: Almost entirely replaced with rugged navigational/orientation wearables and G-Shocks.
Prince Harry is the only person in the British Armed Force's wearing a $10K watch in the field 😂 And the SAS Explorer 2 is intended as a keep-sake, it won't see active duty.
At best these "tool watches" are a backup. Typically though they are destined for the wrist of an office warrior or casual holiday adventurer. But that's 100% fine, at least with me. They are all $10k+ pieces of jewelry that remind us of a different era and that's still pretty cool.
Thanks mate.
I understand the sentiment of your points, but they aren’t right. I know serving guys who wear Rolexes in the field. Divers who wear sea dwellers.
@@BarkandJackI guess my point is that these tool watches used to be standard issue to divers and to people serving in the Armed Force's, because Rolex used to be the best choice. Is Rolex still the best choice, the best tool for the job? Tech delivers more information, greater accuracy, improved legibility, lowers risk and improves safety/outcome. Modern dive and field equipment is simply better and critically often far cheaper, that's why it's now standard issue and Rolex is not.
If you're diving at the depths a Sea Dweller caters for (commercial saturation/compression depths etc), then I'd say you're crazy if a Rolex is your primary and dive computer your secondary. I wear my Sub when diving, but it's more out of nostalgia, on my other wrist.
Not knocking the watches, the sentiment or the video though, huge fan of it all and the channel.
Adrien these vids are great but how about less Rolex and some other brands like Oris and Seiko. Casio and Timex even.
I’m not a Rolex fan, but this video was too good not to watch… best content around!
Thanks so much mate.
Spectacular views inside that cave, there!!
Amazing video, congratulations Adrian. I hate the fake origin story of the Explorer but I really like your Explorer love :D
Bought my 16570 polar dial back in 2005 and not until 10 years later I purchased the 214270 Explorer I. I like them both but have a soft spot for my Explorer II. By the way, I've never gone spelunking nor climbed the K2 but that's okay.
Just wanted to say that I received my green NATO strap this morning for my Seiko 009…..very happy with the strap…..very comfortable…….so thanks very much
So wish Rolex had brought out a 50th anniversary 1655 but as well as a black dial also with a crème dial like on the 16550.
I agree with explorer I and II being the only tool watches, I would argue to add seadweller under that