Which Rolex Explorer Is A Better Choice For You? (Explorer 1 vs Explorer 2)

Just got the white 226570. I have the e2 16570 black and I love that thing. But the new polar was calling.

Both. They compliment each other. You will see.

Fantastic video brother 👏

I am not like the regular Explorer its to small for me , i jus to have the explorers 2 both colors , i sold them , but I start loving the 42 mm but I think black , it’s sober but look classic not so flashy and robust , so i will go for one of the new 42 mm 👍

Both are amazing watches. If I had to choose between the 2, would take the Explorer 36mm. It’s timeless and subtle. But I really do like the Polar!! As always, great content and vid!! Thanks!!

Explorer II. More functional. Also everyone has the Explore 1.

Both - White Explorer 2 to compliment the Black Explorer.

There is just something about the Explorer 2 polar that just draws me to it. I love how tough but yet elegant it is.

why isnt the explorer more popular? its in a similar category as the DJ, even the OP is higher up. IMO it should be right at the top being the most pure form of a Rolex watch.

Honestly what’s so special about the Explorer 1, it literally just tells the time and that’s it. The Railmaster smacks it up with all its tech and antimagnetic co axial movement. The Explorer 2 40 or 42 Polar on the other hand is a masterpiece. A real watch with real functions.

The Explorer 1 is a homage watch to the actual watch used to summit Everest for the first time; the watch that went to the summit was a Rolex OP.

The Explorer 2 is a purpose built field/exploration watch. It is the real deal.

The modern Explorer 2 does nothing for me. The 39mm Explorer 1, however, is the perfect one watch collection. It's like a nice pair of jeans. It's perfect for all the things you like to do. If there is an occasion where it doesn't fit, you have to ask yourself: do you really want to be there?

There definitely was a need for a date complication back then, it simply didn't exist because the technology didn't exist yet. When you're climbing a freezing mountain for several days knowing what day it is is definitely important.

So they should simply add a date window the the explorer 1. Give customers a choice of time only or date window

Well said!!!

I went for the Explorer 1 39mm (214270). It's the ideal GADA watch, looks neutral in comparison to the other Rolexes and the size is perfect for my wrist. It was a good decision. My next one might be the Milgauss as I really like the gimmicky lightning hand.

For me the Explorer I is boring, so in July I requested the Polar Explorer II from an AD and four months later it was sitting on my wrist. Not even a single regret in choosing it.

I just need a watch for sailing trips and spelunking or mountain climbing. Nobody is doing a review on these watches underwater of in caves. This is how twisted the watch industry has become -people wear diving/mountaineer watches for fashion. The Explorer II is a way superior Watch. How else would you tell if it’s day or night when you descend down to a dark cave, drive into the arctic circle or sail down to the Antarctica in the summer with the classic explorer, where cellphones are often not used? These are the real issues needs to be addressed on these watches, not just esthetics.

I have both and love them a lot. The Explorer 1 is probably my favorite due to its versatility and magical charm. It works in every environment. The Explorer 2 is awesome because it’s bigger and bolder with the polar dial and orange gmt hand. It is also very rugged and elegant but in a different way than the Explorer 1. That being said I have to go with the Explorer 1.

I would sacrifice my child for an explorer 2

In my opinion explorer 2 . Not even close

Do you think a watch can be a dress piece on a steel bracelet, or must it be on a leather strap to pair with black tie?

Would be happy with eather one

Love the Rolex Explorer 1☝🏻 is My choice because besides the minimalist design without worry to adjust date at every March there is an Arabic 3,6,9 so the result is easy to read the time in a second. Awesome 👍🏻

I want both as a 2 watch collection.

The watch market is dumb right now you can’t buy anything at decent price! Rolex 36mm explorer now trading 7-9k !!! What the heck !

So obvious, Explorer 1. LOL 😄

Amazing video, explorer I for me

This video is beyond awesome, i immediately liked and saved it to my favourites. I was always going to go for an Explorer 1 but i will now take closer look at the explorer 2. Thanks for the info. A++++

It's time to move on buddy. Rolex is just a gateway. Go through the gateway and find independent horology.

I picked up my Explorer 1 on Saturday after only ordering it 2 months ago (yes there really is a God) and I love it. For me it’s the simplicity and understated look of the watch that I love. It looks smaller on the wrist than imagined due to the tapering of the strap but what really stands out is the quality and finish. It is remarkable. So it doesn’t need any distracting bells and whistles to look stunning. I’m also of an age that I don’t want all the fancy add-ons as my exploring days to the North Pole are over. The Explorer 2 is an inbetweener watch. It’s trying hard to be an Explorer 1 but at also a Submariner and in doing so fails on both accounts.

I have a Submariner No-Date 2020. And now i want an Explorer 1... Am i normal ?

I really like both of these watches and have a difficult time choosing between the two. Some days the i, some days the ii. But at the end of the day it will be the Explorer, I have a submariner anf the Explorer checks boxes my submariner does not, like 3, 6, 9 Arabic numerals.

Great post!....you're a wonderful story teller....thank you!

Not a biased opinion but I think the explorer 1 MK1 with the full gold 3,6,9 is nicer. I bought one as an investment and it’s still with plastic on it in the box🤓👍🏻

Love my Exp 2 polar. Perfect companion to my Hulk and OP41 silver dial. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to add an Exp.

Excellent video, but this makes me completely forget about all the other watches I like because they both have such a perfection and simplicity in everything I’m lookign for in a watch

The Explorer II is too garish for its own good.

Both!

May I know how long did u have to wait to get an Explorer from an AD?

Beautiful 🍾

I love my Explorer 2 but I want to add an Explorer 1 to the collection. Great video

Explorer II white dial is the real deal. Comparing the Explorer I, I prefer the Omega Railmaster 2503 which is in my collection.

Love this analysis 👏

As someone who views a watch as a tool. It all depends on what your occupation or hobbies are to require a field watch. Are you someone who engages in weekend hiking and fishing at a mountain lake or stream and want a watch that is robust and yet simple enough you can read the time with a flick of the wrist? The Explorer is for you.

Are you someone who works on the Alaskan North Slope in perpetual daylight or darkness? The Explorer 2 white dial would be an excellent pick.

Are you someone who goes on extended hiking trips and wants a timepiece with a day & GMT complication? The black dial Explorer 2 is an excellent pick. Just as a side note, if you set the GMT hand to the military time equivalent, it will always point South in the Northern Hemisphere and can be used as an aid in navigation if your compass becomes unusable.

A watch is more than a fashion piece. It’s a tool that’s used on a daily basis and tells something about us as individuals and our adventures.

Explorer 2 polar best watch 😍😍😍😍😍

I love them both, there is no wrong answer here 😊

I have the Explorer 214270 and I can only say it makes me smile every day.

Shout out from SA 🇿🇦

I own An Exp II 16570 black dial and is a very "Jack of all trades" kind of watch but I cant help but being attracted by the explorer especially the 1016 theyre both definitely very different to each other but despite appreciating the E2 very much I feel the appeal of the explorer is there and maybe ill make a move to acquire one in the future