The Watch: The Rolex Explorer II 16570 is one of the great neo-vintage tool watches: rugged, purpose-built, and beautifully wearable. This particular example, with its crisp white "polar" dial and 40mm stainless steel case, dates to 2001 and includes its full original set: inner and outer boxes, booklets, and papers.
The 16570 features a fixed 24-hour bezel, designed for cave explorers who needed to distinguish day from night. That functionality now makes it a natural travel companion, as the independent red 24-hour hand allows you to track a second timezone. Powered by the in-house Rolex Caliber 3185 automatic movement, this model carries all the hallmarks of the late five-digit generation: tritium had just been phased out, cases had not yet been bulked up, and bracelets were still light and beautifully tapered with hollow end links.
This example is in overall excellent condition, with sharp lugs, clean dial and hands, and solid bracelet stretch. The clasp closes a bit softly (no hard snap, but holds securely), and winding the movement feels slightly tight, likely from age and dried lubrication, but timekeeping is solid and consistent.
A classic white-dial Explorer II in complete form, this is a strong example of a model that remains criminally undervalued compared to its GMT-Master cousin.
Condition: Excellent case and dial. Light wear consistent with age. Clasp closes with light resistance but holds firm. Movement winds tightly but runs well.
Includes: Full set – watch, box, papers, booklets.
