Rolex Explorer II Polar "Swiss Only" 16570 automatic 40 mm Full Set 1998

The origin

The history of the Explorer II begins with reference 1655, unveiled in 1971. It distinguished itself from the Explorer I by offering additional features designed for cavers. Indeed, the 1655 adds a 24-hour hand and bezel, intended for use by cavers when exploring caves, to distinguish day from night. As a Rolex advertisement of the time indicates.

Like other Rolex professional watches, such as the “Milgauss” or the “Turn-O-Graph” for example, the “Explorer II” received a mixed reception when it was launched. For many, the fact that this watch had a 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour bezel meant that it could not technically offer a GMT function, unlike its counterpart, the “GMT-Master” 1675. For these reasons, Rolex ceased production of the 1655 in 1984. It was replaced by reference 16550 in 1985, which featured a new caliber offering a true GMT indication. The “Explorer II” thus became a dual time-zone watch, while the “GMT-Master” became a triple time-zone watch. The watch is also modernized, with the addition of a sapphire crystal. Finally, the dial, available in black or white, became more conventional, in line with other Rolex sports watches: Mercedes hands, a smaller 24h hand and triangular, round and rectangular tritium-filled hour markers.

Finally, the next model is known as reference 16570, launched in 1989. Evolutions were slight, with most of the 16550's features retained. The white “Polar” dial features hands and hour-markers outlined in black, rather than silver. The movement has also evolved, and this reference has also seen the addition of the Rolex engraved flange and the switch from tritium to LumiNova and then to SLN, during its 22 years of production.

Getting to know you

At Lepage, we're particularly fond of this reference 16570, which straddles the line between vintage and modern models, taking elements from both generations to produce a fantastic “cocktail”. And it's certainly the easiest model in which to enter Rolex's neo-vintage universe! Indeed, the 16570 has many of the features of modern Rolex watches, while retaining an undeniable retro style. It is reliable, with proportions much closer to the 70s than to the 2000s. The model is powered by Rolex's caliber 3185, an automatic caliber offering a 50-hour power reserve.

Finally, the model we offer in this 10h10 episode is a “Swiss Only” version. It's a transitional model from Rolex, introducing a non-radioactive material: LumiNova.

The package

This 1998 example is among the “neo-vintage” collectors' pieces prized for their sobriety and efficiency. This watch is in excellent condition. We offer it “Full Set”, with its case, manual and warranty certificate. This Rolex Explorer II watch has left our workshops for polishing/satin-finishing and has been authenticated and checked by our Rolex-certified watchmaker. This watch benefits from our Lepage Vintage one-year warranty. What's more, you can benefit from a free engraving on the caseback.