The Black Explorer II Needs More Love!
Yes, I know the title is kind of silly....Rolex gets plenty of love already. But when it comes to the Explorer II, the Polar seems to get all of the attention, and understandably. But I think the black model gets underappreciated, and honestly it would be my pick of the two.
I personally think the orange GMT hand pops more against the black, and I enjoy how the black engraved GMT numbers pair with the black dial and the white indices contrast sharply against the black dial.
What does everyone else think? Or do you think there are other Rolex models that are underappreciated? (I'll put in a mention for the Air King!).
Photo via Hodinkee: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-new-rolex-explorer-ii-ref-226570-in-both-polar-and-black
Dial Lover. Bracelet Fanatic. Seikoholic.
I agree the Polar gets more attention, and I am in the Polar camp, I prefer the white dial over the black. I think part of the reason is that with the original Explorer the black dial was it, there was no choice of other color. So, when they added the white dial on the II, it created a choice which many if not most, gravitated towards. Either way they are both very nice watches and I would be happy to have either on my wrist.
Problem is Rolex makes so many sport models with only a black dial. So when there is a white dial sport model it’s a nice alternative to always all black watches.
Team Polar
I think the white is more interesting, given the lack of white dials on other models. But as with all white dials wears slightly larger and I prefer the black on wrist.
I rock the polar dial myself but only cuz I have a Speedmaster so that has my slot for a black dial. I’d personally like to keep the entire Explorer line (1 & 2) a secret and low key. However the white dial gets some good attention but that black dial does pop.
I love both versions but I went with the black dial and have no regrets - it’s a great watch in either dial color
Would be more interesting for me if they made it in 40mm
Both very nice, but I prefer the white dial.
I still think the black Explorer 2 is the best watch Rolex have. It's the middle ground between over-priced anonymity and simply trying too hard.
Both gorgeous, and I like the Polar — but I prefer the black dial, it pops more in my opinion, especially with the updated glossy lacquered black and AR of the 226.
I confess if I would have to choose between these two I'd get the Polar as well, but the black is beautiful too. If there was a wheel of fortune and I won one, it wouldn't be a problem 😂
The black Explorer has been my Grail.. I can only dream of owning one. I wanted to see if it would suit me so a bought an homage because I was too intimidated to go into an AD lol .. when I got my cheap homage at that moment I wanted it because it's still the only Rolex that hasn't been really changed from an actual tool watch in the Rolex line. Below is my homage that made me want the black Explorer II more.
I prefer the white one because it is a rolex that is much more special and unique. How many rolex's with a complete white dial exist? Just the explorer 2 (maybe some datejust). But there are plenty rolex models with a black dial.
Have a peek at my WRUW today! I had both versions to choose from at the time and I went for the black. It's closer to the look of the 1655 which I have always loved.
Team Polar 😃
I think the black is the better version myself and I feel the same way about the Zenith Chronomaster Sport, another watch where the white dialed version is by far the more popular option of the two. But I feel the opposite.
They both look great. My preference would be the black dial.
White dial for the win. So fresh and clean.
White dial for the win. So fresh and clean.
And I prefer it at 42mm!
Old Black Ghost Hands!
New White Polar Dial!
Zenith Double Vision!
I prefer the white one because it is a rolex that is much more special and unique. How many rolex's with a complete white dial exist? Just the explorer 2 (maybe some datejust). But there are plenty rolex models with a black dial.
Skydweller as well, but your point still stands.
Old Black Ghost Hands!
New White Polar Dial!
Zenith Double Vision!
Want one!
I have two complains about the white exp2. Especially since i would like a 16570 as a first Rolex.
Every instagram acount I follow seems to have one and take brilliant picture of it. 🤣
The black paint on the white gold surround make me a bit sad. As it is the part of the look of a moderately modern Rolex.
Oh shout I forgot something. I would like to pay for it under 5k as it used to be before the recent investors madness.
Be my choice out the two makes for a slimer profile with the black dial,plus everyone doesn't own that one 🤣
I think the Explorer 2 is an overlooked Rolex in general.
Weird that I overwhelmingly prefer black dials and own fewer white dials than any other color BUT the polar dial on the Ex2 just looks "right" to me.
Perhaps I've been conditioned or as I theorized in another post I'm just a basic bitch but I've long been a fan of the original, iconic and/or stock look of many material goods. This preference has saved me from the urge and added expense of buying limited editions but it also perhaps makes my collection a little too vanilla for most palettes.
Great food for thought though!