Rolex Explorer II Polar ref. 16570 Box and Service Papers

Fulfilling perhaps one of the most niche use cases of any model that Rolex have made, the Explorer II first debuted in 1971 to satiate the demand for a relatively specific timepiece for a particular type of explorer, Spelunkers. Made only of steel, the Explorer II evolved from its mountaineering predecessor as a watch to be worn by cave explorers. Featuring a stainless steel construction, it was designed so that none of its parts might crack or break off against a rock in cramped conditions, such as a bezel insert.

To be worn on multi-day excursions where its wearers would go for days without seeing the Sun, the Explorer II comes equipped with a GMT hand (which started life as an AM/PM indicator locked to the local hour hand) along with a 24-hour bezel and a date function at 3 o’clock all in a bid to help spelunkers from losing track of the day and night cycle while they were in caves.

Featuring its signature fixed stainless-steel bezel, arrow-shaped 2nd hour hand, and robust design, the Explorer II makes for an incredible jack-of-all-trades timepiece as it comprises of just about everything your modern exploring needs might demand. Whether you're 500m under a mountain, 30m underwater, or 10,000m in the air on a trans-Atlantic flight, the Explorer II has you covered with its impressive array of functions, and the ref. 16570 that we have here toes the line between modernity and vintage sophistication thanks to its 40mm diameter (which has since increased to 42mm), along with its variety of vintage quirks such as its hollow bracelet centre links, thinner case and more elegant proportions.

Offered in excellent condition, this example shows almost no signs of wear following its 2019 service with Rolex. Its white dial is bright, its black-outlined hands are prominent, and its bezel is fresh and free from any signs of damage that might interrupt its sunburst polish or remove the black enamel in its recessed 24-hour scale. Its fresh case and lug bevels are wonderfully prominent and its crystal is in perfect condition. All in all, this example is in impeccable condition inside and out, with it working and running as it should. Presented with almost everything it could possibly have, this example unfortunately does not include its original guarantee papers, with its Rolex service guarantee card serving as the next best thing.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16570
Set: Watch, inner + outer boxes, 2019 Rolex Service Papers and corresponding invoice, Hang tag, and booklets (no original guarantee/papers) 
Year: 1995
Dial: White
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic cal. 3185
Case Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug-to-lug: 47mm
Weight: 125g
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Internal Stock Number: HW-26-A035