The Polar Explorer II is a highly desirable sports Rolex watch, without being the obvious choice like say a Submariner.  Model reference 16570

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

From the serial number between the bottom lugs we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1991.

CONDITION

The 16570 Explorer II is one of Rolex’s longest serving models, starting out in 1989 and running until 2011.  They all had 39mm stainless steel cases, an automatic movement with GMT hand and date, and the choice between the black or white ‘polar’ dial.  Changes did happen, but they were gradual.  The lume material changed from Tritium, to LumiNova to Super-LumiNova.  The drilled lugs that make changing the bracelet so easy were dropped, and the bracelet got a different clasp.  But this example is an earlier, tritium version with drilled lugs and smooth bracelet clasp.

This is an easy watch to wear everywhere – you can read this article written after the author had worn his daily for 18 months straight.  And this example does have signs of use – the case has some marks, especially on the bottom right lug, and it also appears to have been polished.  So has the bracelet, and this looks great for it – this bracelet was also produced in 1991, so is likely to be original to the watch.  The movement is Rolex’s 3185, as found the GMT too, so you have the GMT hand that revolves once every 24 hours, allowing you to use the fixed bezel on the outside to read the 24 hour clock.  The hour hand can be set independently to allow for time zone changes quickly and without upsetting the minute hand.  Advancing the hour hand like this also allows you to quick set the date.  The polar white dial is excellent, as are the hands and the sapphire crystal is hard to fault too, except for a small scratch over the date window.  The signed crown screws down correctly, but does have a small dink.  Some paint has been lost to the numerals on the outer bezel, which is normal with this model Explorer, but it is not bad and preferable to a poor repaint.  No box or papers, but guaranteed original like all our watches.  We have taken a photo on a leather strap just to show how versatile this design can be.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  42.1 mm

Width without crown  39.1 mm

Between lugs  20 mm

Lug to lug length  47.3 mm

Case Thickness  12.3 mm

Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 199 mm.  The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.

All sizes are approximate.

Included with this watch is a 6 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

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