Overview
The reference 16570 Explorer II replaced the reference 16550 in 1989 with an upgraded 3185 movement that included a very useful jumping hour hand for true GMT functionality. It also continued the tradition of offering both a black dial and a white “polar” dial, the latter of which got new black accents on the hands and indices that greatly improved the legibility of the dial. Being one of the few white dial sport watches from Rolex, the polar Explorer II is generally more sought after than its black dial counterpart. The 16570 continued in production until 2011 when it was replaced by the larger 42mm 216570. Since its retirement the once overlooked 5-digit Explorer II has risen in popularity, and despite a sharp price increase in recent years it continues to be one of the best value Rolex sport watches out there.
Specifications
Brand:
Rolex
Model:
Explorer II
Reference:
16570
Year:
1999
Case Number:
A817189
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
40 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
12.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
47.0 mm
Dial:
White
Lume:
Super-LumiNova
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Rolex 3185
Bracelet/Strap:
Rolex 78790 stainless steel bracelet with 501B end links and X11 clasp code
Max Wrist Size:
7.25in (12 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The case shows absolute minimal signs of wear with a few hairlines on the back and a couple very small nicks on the 9 o’clock case side. The case retains good definition between brushed and polished surfaces with the lug bevels still intact. It has likely seen a very light polish at some point. The case back is in excellent condition and remains protected by sticker, presumably from the last service. The bezel retains its brushed finishing and shows virtually no signs of wear outside of a very light scratch near the 22 hour marker. All numbers are sharp and fully filled in black.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The dial and hands are in mint condition with no signs of degradation and fully functioning Super-LumiNova. The sapphire crystal is clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The 78790 bracelet is also in excellent condition with virtually no stretch and only a few very small nicks upon close inspection. It contains the clasp code X 11, which dates the bracelet to 1999 and matches the serial year on the case.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown-winding, time-setting, date-changing, and jumping hour hand are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
