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· Explorer II
Explorer II Reference 16570
The longest-running Explorer II reference — 22 years in production. The 16570 mirrors the 1016 in the Explorer I line: a watch so right that Rolex saw no reason to substantially change it. Cal. 3185 brought the independently settable 24-hour hand (could be set separately from the hour hand, useful for a second time zone). Multiple dial and hands variants emerged over the production run as tritium gave way to SuperLuminova. The white "Polar" dial remains one of the most iconic Rolex sport watch dials, with its clean, legible layout.
Notable: 22-year run. The white "Polar" dial is one of the most iconic sport watch designs in watchmaking.
Technical Specification
| Reference | 16570 |
| Production years | 1989–2011 |
| Case diameter | 40 mm |
| Case material | Oyster steel (→ 904L from ~2003) |
| Movement | Cal. 3185 |
| Jewels | 31 |
| Frequency | 28,800 bph |
| Power reserve | 50h |
| Crystal | Sapphire, flat |
| Water resistance | 100m |
| Bracelet | Oyster with hidden Oysterclasp |
| Lume | Tritium → SuperLuminova (from ~2000) |
| Dial colour | White or black |
| Numerals | 3–6–9–12 Arabic plus 24-hour bezel |
| Hands | Red 24-hour hand, Mercedes hour, baton minute |
| Crown | Triplock Oyster screwed crown |
| Date | Yes — date at 3 o'clock with Cyclops |
| Bezel | Fixed stainless steel 24-hour bezel |
| Serial range | A – P series |
Variants & Production Marks
MK0-II (1989-99): tritium, various dial details
MK III-V (1999-2011): SuperLuminova, 904L steel (late), updated clasp
Both black and white "Polar" dials throughout