Make: Rolex
Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16570
Year: 1999
Movement: Automatic calibre
Box and papers: Yes, box & papes
Case: 40mm Oyster steel case
Dial: ‘Polar’ white
Bracelet/Strap: Oyster steel bracelet
Condition: Neo-vintage, excellent (small mark on crystal)
Serviced: January 2026
Warranty: 6 month RHW warranty
A Transitional Explorer with Collector Appeal
The Iconic Legacy
The Rolex Explorer II was designed for those operating beyond the limits of daylight.
Introduced in 1971, it was built specifically for cave explorers and polar adventurers, individuals who could spend extended periods without natural light. The fixed 24 hour bezel and additional GMT hand allowed the wearer to distinguish between day and night, a crucial function in extreme environments.
Reference 16570, produced from the late 1980s through to 2011, represents the longest running and most versatile generation of the Explorer II. It refined the design into something that could be worn both as a true tool watch and as an everyday Rolex.
This example from 1999 sits right at an important transitional point.
Why You’ll Love It
• 40mm stainless steel case
• White “Polar” dial with black outlined markers
• Fixed 24 hour bezel
• Rolex automatic movement with independent GMT hand
• Reference 16570
• 1999 production
• Transitional Swiss-only dial
• Recently fully serviced
• Excellent neo vintage condition
The standout feature here is the dial.
The “Swiss-only” marking at 6 o’clock places this watch in a very short production window around 1998 to 1999, marking the transition from tritium to Super-LumiNova. These transitional dials are increasingly sought after by collectors due to their rarity.
The polar white dial itself offers incredible legibility and contrast, giving the Explorer II a completely different character to its black dial counterpart.
Iconic Status
The Rolex built for extremes, worn far beyond them.
The Rolex Explorer II was created for those operating in some of the harshest environments on earth. From cave systems to polar expeditions, it was designed as a functional tool rather than a status symbol.
Over time, that purpose driven design became its identity. Unlike more overtly luxurious Rolex models, the Explorer II has always been associated with individuals who value function, reliability and quiet confidence.
Its clean dial, fixed bezel and GMT functionality have made it a favourite among collectors who appreciate understated tool watches. The polar dial versions in particular have developed a strong following for their distinctive look and versatility.
Today, the Explorer II remains one of the most honest watches in the Rolex collection. Built for a job, but worn by those who simply appreciate what it represents.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This Rolex Explorer II reference 16570 from 1999 features the desirable Swiss-only polar dial, has been fully serviced this year, and is presented in excellent neo vintage condition.
Price £6,950.
• PayPal or PayPal guest checkout online, allowing you to use your PayPal account or any major debit or credit card
• Bank transfers
• Secure email payment links
• Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store
• In person card payments available in store and by private appointment
• Book a private appointment via our website
A true transitional Explorer with real collector appeal.
Make: Rolex
Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16570
Year: 1999
Movement: Automatic calibre
Box and papers: Yes, box & papes
Case: 40mm Oyster steel case
Dial: ‘Polar’ white
Bracelet/Strap: Oyster steel bracelet
Condition: Neo-vintage, excellent (small mark on crystal)
Serviced: January 2026
Warranty: 6 month RHW warranty
A Transitional Explorer with Collector Appeal
The Iconic Legacy
The Rolex Explorer II was designed for those operating beyond the limits of daylight.
Introduced in 1971, it was built specifically for cave explorers and polar adventurers, individuals who could spend extended periods without natural light. The fixed 24 hour bezel and additional GMT hand allowed the wearer to distinguish between day and night, a crucial function in extreme environments.
Reference 16570, produced from the late 1980s through to 2011, represents the longest running and most versatile generation of the Explorer II. It refined the design into something that could be worn both as a true tool watch and as an everyday Rolex.
This example from 1999 sits right at an important transitional point.
Why You’ll Love It
• 40mm stainless steel case
• White “Polar” dial with black outlined markers
• Fixed 24 hour bezel
• Rolex automatic movement with independent GMT hand
• Reference 16570
• 1999 production
• Transitional Swiss-only dial
• Recently fully serviced
• Excellent neo vintage condition
The standout feature here is the dial.
The “Swiss-only” marking at 6 o’clock places this watch in a very short production window around 1998 to 1999, marking the transition from tritium to Super-LumiNova. These transitional dials are increasingly sought after by collectors due to their rarity.
The polar white dial itself offers incredible legibility and contrast, giving the Explorer II a completely different character to its black dial counterpart.
Iconic Status
The Rolex built for extremes, worn far beyond them.
The Rolex Explorer II was created for those operating in some of the harshest environments on earth. From cave systems to polar expeditions, it was designed as a functional tool rather than a status symbol.
Over time, that purpose driven design became its identity. Unlike more overtly luxurious Rolex models, the Explorer II has always been associated with individuals who value function, reliability and quiet confidence.
Its clean dial, fixed bezel and GMT functionality have made it a favourite among collectors who appreciate understated tool watches. The polar dial versions in particular have developed a strong following for their distinctive look and versatility.
Today, the Explorer II remains one of the most honest watches in the Rolex collection. Built for a job, but worn by those who simply appreciate what it represents.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This Rolex Explorer II reference 16570 from 1999 features the desirable Swiss-only polar dial, has been fully serviced this year, and is presented in excellent neo vintage condition.
Price £6,950.
• PayPal or PayPal guest checkout online, allowing you to use your PayPal account or any major debit or credit card
• Bank transfers
• Secure email payment links
• Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store
• In person card payments available in store and by private appointment
• Book a private appointment via our website
A true transitional Explorer with real collector appeal.
