Review
PoyFR shares his long-term ownership experience with the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 116570, specifically addressing the initial concern about its prominent 'fat hands.' His post delves into how this design feature, initially perceived as a potential drawback, ultimately enhances the watch's legibility and overall user satisfaction. This article explores the practical aspects of watch design and how they impact daily wearability and enjoyment.
As you know I have the latest Explorer II (Ref : 116570).
From a few weeks ago till today, my sentiments are the same. I find it to be an impeccable sport or tool watch, it wears comfortably, it looks nice and it fells superb.
In the beginning I noticed the large hour and minute hands, which was the only thing I thought could bother me, I say I thought because in getting older I know already that reading time gets a little more (and more) complicated. After a few weeks with the watch, nothing changed, safe for those 'fat hands', well there are big, and they do not bother me, because from whichever angle and light I look at time, I can tell time within a microsecond and I love that!
When I
acquire a new piece, I pay attention to how I am able to read time, but often I
corrupt myself to see better just because I am too attracted (yes I still take some
plunges... ;-) , but in then wearing some of the pieces, I realize it is not that easy to read time unless specially positioned or
in wearing my glasses, or sometimes
with more light. This often takes away the instant pleasure...
With this new Explorer II, it is just an uncomplicated plain pleasure; in an instant from any position or angle time (and second time too) can be seen and read.
To me this watch is over perfect and those fat hands make this watch perfect to do the job it is meant to do... you know... telling time.
It is a bit of a 1655, a bit of a 16550 and a bit more of the 16750, it however has its own charisma, it does the perfect job… it tells time, and winds beautifully with its bigger than other Explorer winding crown.
The 42mm
watchcase might not be for everyone, but it is great for medium large to large
wrists.
As for the overall quality of this watch, what else can be said , it is a Rolex.
I give this watch a note of 9,9/10
(I took off 0,1 leaving a gap for creations ;-)
I am fortunate ;-) To me the only one watch that
beats this one is the JLC MMR, a parenthesis and a unique time companion. Time is heard and not read...
Oh and, thanks to PANERAI in Firenze for in the 90’s, knowingly or not , introducing wearable watches rendering readability easier.
An early morning shot ;-)
The Rolex Explorer II reference 1655, often recognized by its distinctive orange 24-hour hand, was introduced as a tool watch for speleologists and polar explorers. It offered enhanced legibility in low-light conditions and a fixed 24-hour bezel to distinguish between AM and PM in environments where day and night cycles are obscured. This model stands apart from its GMT-Master sibling by focusing on a specific utility rather than multiple time zones, making it a specialized instrument within the Rolex professional line.
This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the automatic Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. A robust acrylic crystal protects the black dial, which is characterized by its luminous hour markers and the prominent orange 24-hour hand. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, suitable for its intended robust use.
Collectors value the 1655 for its unique aesthetic and its position as the original Explorer II. Its fixed bezel and distinctive hand set differentiate it from later Explorer II iterations and other Rolex sports models. The reference appeals to those who appreciate purpose-built watches and the early design language of Rolex's professional series, representing a specific chapter in the brand's history.
I appreciate the fact that ease of use is important. I remember well becoming increasingly frustrated with the Patek 5130P. The nature of the dial and hands made it often very difficult to read the time. And, call me picky, but being able to tell the time has to be a major criterion for a watch. So, yes, I do get the fact that this watch has an easy-to-read dial. I also appreciate the fact that you love it. And that is the beauty with watch collecting. No taste is "correct". I happen to dislike
Via forums the interaction can sometimes take away the real meaning or not the full meaning of what someone tries to say. It often goes too fast. Personally I know that at times I speak or write too fast, but unless I use a different noticeable vocabulary (that usually is immediately recognisable), any posts or post replies I do are meant with my full respect. To make matters worse, I am not born English tonguedโฆ and I sometimes interact too fast which at times leaves me omitting to detailing al
You wrote something which is very important, I think. There is a very special, almost intimate, relation between each of us and our watch(es). It can be utility, functionality, personality, poetry, everything you want, it doesn't matter. We don't always need good reasons to love, hopefully. This is why this kind of post is important, to my eyes. Each of us has a special journey, with our watches, and it is always interesting to share that. I had pleasure to read you, guys! Aaah, as for the watch
RMLOL wait, time will come, and this watch will be wrapped under your dufflecoat, do not forget to then tell us about it ;-)
but something tells me you're already blurring... wait... but know it does not reverse, otherwise tell me why Afflelou gives 2 instead of one RMLOL
An evil lawyer, that's all he is ;-) This message has been edited by PoyFR on 2012-01-04 06:02:01
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