Is it time to let her go??๐Ÿ˜”๐Ÿ˜ข

Hey Crunchers hope everyone is doing well ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ™

I need your help opinion and advice!!!

I own this Rolex explorer 2 for almost 4 years now, it doesnโ€™t really get any wrist time, itโ€™s just too big for my wrist๐Ÿ˜ฉ๐Ÿ˜ฉ Itโ€™s really one of my favorites Rolex watches in the correct catalog, everything is spot on except the size of course ๐Ÿ˜…(for me at least)

So what should I do??โ€ฆ

I kind of feel like Iโ€™m going to regret it as soon as I will sell it ..still have some good memories with it and also I bought it from a Rolex boutique for retail, prices went up and I probably wonโ€™t get offered another but it is what it isโ€ฆ

What do you guys think?? Keep,selll,tradeโ€ฆ

What would you suggest

And if you have any ideas for a substitute that will be more suitable for smaller wrist size I would really appreciate it!!

Thank you very much guys๐Ÿ™

Reply
ยท

That's unfortunate. Sell it if you don't wear it and make a few bucks. Hold on to it if you think you could get over the size issue. Shouldn't impact being offered a different model if you do sell. I don't imagine you'd want another Explorer II.

ยท

Try to find a good pre-2011 Explorer 2 at 40mm, similar looks better size.

ยท

I am big on fitment of a watch on my wrist. Sell it or trade it in to get something that fits you better. You'll enjoy the new piece more on your wrist than admiring this one in the box.

ยท

Sell it.

ยท

Sell it and find a 5 digit Polar

ยท
MrSweet

Try to find a good pre-2011 Explorer 2 at 40mm, similar looks better size.

Might be the way to goโ€ฆ thanks ๐Ÿ™

ยท
usccopeland

That's unfortunate. Sell it if you don't wear it and make a few bucks. Hold on to it if you think you could get over the size issue. Shouldn't impact being offered a different model if you do sell. I don't imagine you'd want another Explorer II.

Yeh you probably right I feel like Iโ€™m gonna miss itBut Iโ€™ll get over it. I didnโ€™t even put it on once the last couple of months. Iโ€™ll can buy something that Iโ€™ll enjoy more and keep some money in my pocket thanks appreciate it

ยท

Great watch love Polar dail

ยท
LTTang

I am big on fitment of a watch on my wrist. Sell it or trade it in to get something that fits you better. You'll enjoy the new piece more on your wrist than admiring this one in the box.

Thatโ€™s trueโ€ฆit is just sitting in the box and itโ€™s not like it is a high end chronograph or perpetual calendar with an open case back or some piece with significant history, at the the end of the day itโ€™s just a steel sports watchโ€ฆ

Better of with something Iโ€™ll enjoy wearing

Thank you ๐Ÿ™

ยท

Sell it for a 16570. Scratch the Explorer ii itch with a more palatable case size.

ยท

I agree with getting a 5 digit polar.

ยท

I would tell you to grow your wrists cause the man has to fit the watch not the other way around๐Ÿ˜‰ no but all jokes aside if youโ€™re not wearing it maybe trade it for a 5 digit polar. Havenโ€™t owned one of these but heard that they are really charming and definitely a bit slimmer

ยท
h_tudor02

I would tell you to grow your wrists cause the man has to fit the watch not the other way around๐Ÿ˜‰ no but all jokes aside if youโ€™re not wearing it maybe trade it for a 5 digit polar. Havenโ€™t owned one of these but heard that they are really charming and definitely a bit slimmer

Dude I be telling this to myself for a year now ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ I guess itโ€™s just ainโ€™t gonna work out and so do Iโ€™m too lazy๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ

ยท

Trade it for the previous 40mm and pocket the rest of the cash

ยท

Be careful with the advice of buying a 16570. I have that watch and I also have a small wrist. Here are my thoughts:

  • The 16570 will definitely do the job in terms of replacing your watch as far as styling and function goes.

  • The 16570 has a much smaller head and will not feel as large when viewed from top.

  • The 16570 has a 3 different bracelet options from factory. In chronological order, the 78760 (lug holes, hollow ends, no flip lock), 78790 (lug holes, hollow ends, flip lock) and 78790A (holes or no holes, flip lock, solid end).

  • The Oyster bracelets on new watches are far superior compared to any of the above, especially for smaller wrists. The older ones have 5 fixed links at the 6 o'clock side. This is a big deal as that won'twork for you. On the 78760 it's a simple matter of doing the modification below (DIY 5 min job with a small hammer and a steady hand) which is reversible and doesn't break anything. Note how the fixed segment is attached directly to the clasp. But if you want the flip lock "security" because you are active this is much harder. Without breaking the bracelet one way or another you won't get a good fit. There are a few options s though if you feel like ripping a link apart. Some keep the taper in tact but compromise the integrity (potentially) some break the taper (easier and uglier).

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  • A 97200 bracelet from the 116610/114060 Submariner does fit those 16570 that have a machined lip, well, kind of. According to the internet it is a "perfect fit". It isn't. The spring bars don't latch into the holes perfectly with a 97200. I have tried. One can use thinner spring bars, those will latch in, but it isn't as tight as the factory band with say 1.8mm Horotec bars. I have tried. One can also fit a modern clasp (provided you can buy one) which solves the fit problem. I have tried but the modern clasps are quite chonky (although you are used to it I suppose). Lastly, there is aftermarket bands, e.g. the Ginault bracelet, which fit ans won't give you trouble but are never factory perfect in terms of finishing.

To this day I haven't found an optimal solution in terms of fit and will likely sell the watch for that reason eventually. Like you, I have always liked this particular model. Gotta buy smaller watches, it is what it is ๐Ÿ˜…

ยท

It's hard to justify keeping a watch that you won't wear.

ยท

I think it looks good, but if it doesnโ€™t feel right I totally get it. Lug overhanging the wrist can definitely be off-putting. That said, it looks to fit a little better than your casioak, maybe lean into wearing slightly larger like that?

ยท

Lmk if you decide to sell! :-)

ยท
SeFra94

Have you tested the verability and look with a different strap instead of thr oyster bracelet? It might help to achive the wrist time that the watch has deserved.

Yes actually most of the time it was on a nato, it is more comfortable but just too bulky for me

Tried a few leather straps too, I just like the look of it better with the bracelet

ยท

I have the opposite โ€œproblemโ€. I just knew I wanted a 5-digit Explorer II. Luckily, Iโ€™m visiting Houston and was able to drop in to a great watch shop here, Hal Martinโ€™s. They have basically one of everything Rolex! I tried on the exact 5-digit Explorer I knew I wanted and it just looked and felt wrong on my 7.5โ€ wrist. The new 6-digit 42mm felt and looked perfect. Itโ€™s amazing what a difference 2mm makes. I would definitely recommend trying other options on before rushing into a decision. Your Rolex is a beautiful watch and will continue to be a beautiful watch whatever ( and whenever) you decide! Good luck!๐Ÿ€

ยท
YourIntruder

I had the same discussion with myself. My solution was to put on a strap to avoid those male endlinks.

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Looks great on you with that leather strap๐Ÿ‘Œ wish I could pull it off like that, guess my wrist smaller itโ€™s like the strap goes straight down

ยท
M.B.David

Looks great on you with that leather strap๐Ÿ‘Œ wish I could pull it off like that, guess my wrist smaller itโ€™s like the strap goes straight down

The 50mm lug to lug is on the very limit of my comfort zone.

ยท

If you canโ€™t get over the size and after the same look I would consider Aqua Terra in 38mm or 41mm , I would have an issue with the explorer L2L as well.

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ยท

I would sell it and go for a 40mm version.

ยท

The 37mm Yachtmaster may be a good replacement.

ยท

Before selling it, I'd take the bracelet off and check out a few of the beautiful custom straps out there, being sure to order them with quick release pins. There's so many options to either dress the Explorer up or down! I've owned the Explorer II (Polar) Ref 226570 for just under a year and own plenty of straps, all of which wear more comfortably than the OEM bracelet that I keep secured with the box and papers.

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ยท

Or just get a CW sealander gmt in 36mm and save a bunch of cash.

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ยท

Sell it and buy another watch you know you would wear more :)

ยท

Gday mate.Try it on some natos !! Gives the illusion of a smaller watch. Worth a try

ยท

The pre 2011 version would fit better, the fact that you thinking of selling is a sign that you will never be happy with it and it will just nag at you. Itโ€™s unlikely that you will fall โ€˜back in loveโ€™ with it