Rolex Explorer II (Polar)

• Make: Rolex

• Model: Explorer II

• Reference: 16570

• Year: 1997

• Movement: Automatic Cal. 3185

• Box & Papers: Yes, full set

• Case: 40mm Oystersteel

• Dial: White “Polar”

• Bracelet/Strap: Oyster steel bracelet

• Condition: Excellent, pre-owned

• Warranty: 3 month RHW warranty and guaranteed authentic or your money back.

• Return period: 3 day return

The Rolex Explorer II is one of the Crown’s most unique watches, with its design copied and “homaged” by several names big and small but nobody coming close to anything similar, yet original.

One of the most popular tool watches on the market, the Explorer II is Rolex’s answer for spelunkers, climbers, divers and bathtub adventurers.

Initially launched in 1971 as the ref. 1655, the Explorer II suffered lacklustre sales due to its somewhat niche target of cave explorers “spelunkers” (a great word, by the way, heavily underused).

Updated in 1985 and then again in 1989 to the 16550 and 16570 respectively, it underwent a true evolution into something resembling its current form today. Changes included the usual movement and case refinements but most notably the dial transitioned from blocky markers and hands to more Rolex-esque rounded markers and “mercedes” hands with a now-red 24-hour hand rather than orange. The 16570 then remained in production until 2011 - the model’s longest production run.

The 16570, its longest production run, boasts all the best features including its trademark fixed 24h bezel allowing for quick day/night 24 time recognition, and thanks to the jumping hour hand, that bezel now doubles as a GMT bezel which enables dual time-zone tracking. Not only this, but it is the PERFECT size for a Rolex sports watch at 40mm.

Featuring the preferred white ‘Polar’ dial, steel case, sapphire crystal, white gold marker surrounds, polished case and bracelet sides, this has all the feelings of luxury but with the brawn of a reliable tool watch. This specific example dates from 1997 and is presented as a full set.