Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 ("Polar")
GMT / Travel Watch (Sports Watch) · Rolex (Rolex SA), tier: luxury / high-end tool watch.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Modern Luxury Era (Late 1980s-2010s)
Type
GMT / Travel Watch (Sports Watch)
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA), tier: luxury / high-end tool watch.
Movement
Automatic self-winding Rolex Caliber 3185 or 3186, operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with approximately 48 hours of power reserve and 31 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40 mm, case thickness: ~12.2 mm, lug-to-lug distance: ~47 mm, lug width: 20 mm. Wears slightly larger than its 40mm sizing due to the prominent fixed bezel and solid lug design.
Description
The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 with the white Polar dial is an iconic neo-vintage sports watch engineered originally for subterranean explorers and spelunkers. Featuring a stark white dial, highly legible black hands and hour markers, and a robust stainless steel case with a fixed 24-hour bezel, it balances utilitarian ruggedness with everyday luxury. Its independent 24-hour hand allows tracking of dual time zones, making it an exceptional travel companion. Beloved by collectors for its classic 40mm proportions, the 16570 represents the ultimate bridge between vintage charm and modern reliability.
Key Features
Distinctive white Polar dial, fixed 24-hour stainless steel bezel, vibrant red independent 24-hour GMT hand, classic 40mm neo-vintage case proportions, and robust Oyster bracelet.
Dial Description
Glossy white ("Polar") dial with black-outlined circular, triangular, and rectangular applied white gold hour markers filled with luminous material. Classic Mercedes hour hand, sword minute hand, and a distinctive red 24-hour GMT hand. Features a date window at 3 o'clock magnified by a Cyclops lens.
Case Material
Stainless steel (904L alloy), featuring a combination of brushed surfaces on the top lugs and polished sides.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective Cyclops lens magnifying the date window.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel with a brushed finish, engraved with a prominent 24-hour contrasting black lacquer scale used for tracking a second time zone.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Triplock/Twinlock winding crown featuring the Rolex coronet logo, protected by integrated stainless steel crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with solid/hollow three-piece links and an Oysterclasp safety folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel case back with brushed circular finish, typical of Rolex tool watches without exhibition windows.
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding Rolex Caliber 3185 or 3186, operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), with approximately 48 hours of power reserve and 31 jewels.
Water Resistance
Rated to 100 meters (330 feet / 10 ATM), suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, but not professional saturation diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, utilizing entirely in-house movements and components.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s to 2010s (production span for the 16570 model ran from approximately 1989 to 2011).
Cultural Significance
A staple of modern horological culture, the Explorer II represents the quintessential utilitarian luxury sports watch. While historically overshadowed by the Submariner and GMT-Master II, the Polar variant has achieved cult status among enthusiasts for its unique aesthetic.
Condition Notes
Case shows minor hairline scratches consistent with careful wear. Bezel engravings remain sharp with intact black lacquer. Crystal is clean without visible scratches. Bracelet exhibits minimal stretch. Overall condition is very good to excellent.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value generally ranges between $8,000 and $11,500 USD, heavily dependent on the presence of original box and papers, production year, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended professional service interval is every 5 to 10 years to ensure lubrication and seal integrity. Water resistance testing should be conducted annually if exposed to moisture. Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush.
Similar Watches
Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 (differs with a rotating 24-hour bezel), Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270 (differs with no date and no GMT function), Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT.
Interesting Facts
The Explorer II was originally introduced in 1971 with the Ref. 1655 (known as the "Freccione" or "Steve McQueen" watch), designed specifically to help cave explorers distinguish between AM and PM in total darkness. The 16570 generation is renowned for being one of the most reliable and daily-wearable sports watches Rolex ever produced.