The Rolex Explorer II

[ebis]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Hoping this may help someone

I have an S serial that has a 93150 submariner bracelet. Was is possible that Rolex interchanged bracelets at that time?

[johnphiladelphia]

The white dial is incredible... Finger's crossed I manage to snag one later this week!

[RolexDaytona88]

I am looking to buy a 1982 Mk5 Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with Arabic date wheel! The watch comes with box and papers, additionally the dial, hands and bezel are original and not service. In my pictures are you able to confirm this?! I’ve done my research but worried if I missed anything?! It’s such a clean Rolex and so retro, I love it!!!! Any idea what you guys would buy the watch for?! Good investment?! Future potential?! What’s it worth?! I really appreciate you help guys:)))

Thanks

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by RolexDaytona88

I am looking to buy a 1982 Mk5 Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with Arabic date wheel!

You’re probably better off asking this question in its own thread over in the vintage section as it’s just going to get overlooked in this thread. Loads of very knowledgeable people over there.

https://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

Looks like a nice watch, is the bezel a mark 3 rather than the 4 that you’d expect on a 1982 mark 5 dial though? There was likely some cross over but 1980/mark 4 dials were assumed to be the cut off for mark 3 bezel. Aftermarket Arabic date wheels can be picked up cheap on eBay so you’d want evidence that its factory before paying any premium on it (although if this is the Maunders one then I think they have UAE documents with this watch, and they are nice guys)

[GJ-PGMTII]

Originally Posted by RolexDaytona88

I am looking to buy a 1982 Mk5 Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 with Arabic date wheel! The watch comes with box and papers, additionally the dial, hands and bezel are original and not service. In my pictures are you able to confirm this?! I’ve done my research but worried if I missed anything?! It’s such a clean Rolex and so retro, I love it!!!! Any idea what you guys would buy the watch for?! Good investment?! Future potential?! What’s it worth?! I really appreciate you help guys:)))

Thanks

I love that face. It’d be amazing if they re-released that next time around.


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[tebers]

Thanks for sharing this. Do you know if Rolex shipped the 3186 movement without the engraved rehaut? Has anyone seen this in the wild before?

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by tebers

Thanks for sharing this. Do you know if Rolex shipped the 3186 movement without the engraved rehaut? Has anyone seen this in the wild before?

I'm not sure about other models but the Explorer II seems to have no set date for anything. The changes were perhaps made at a set time but this manifested itself a little all over the place. This can also be seen in the quoted article, which is the best reference I have come across. My own 16570 is quite original but is a 1999 model with a 1998 original bracelet, a Swiss Made dial and drilled lugs. Looking at some published dates for changes, my watch should not be possible. It is however quite original. So for yours.... yes perhaps.

[Tri-National-Man]

My newly acquired 1990 Polar Explorer..

[southparkclyde]

Originally Posted by Tri-National-Man

My newly acquired 1990 Polar Explorer..

Nice patina!

[toastmh]

Originally Posted by tebers

Thanks for sharing this. Do you know if Rolex shipped the 3186 movement without the engraved rehaut? Has anyone seen this in the wild before?

I have not yet seen in the wild. I can tell you that my watch is M serial with engraved rehaut and 3186. Dates to 2007 based on the bracelet clasp. Maybe earlier in 2007 they put some 3186 in older cases they still had stock of?

[tirefryer]

Journey started with a frustrated decision to buy an ExpII (2021 ref 216570) since nothing else was in stock at my AD. Much to my surprise, it became my daily due to it's versatility as a formal dress watch as well as a tool watch, traveling with me across the USA.
A 2002 ref 16570 came across my AD's shop and he called me about it since he knew how much I enjoyed the 216570, and without a second thought, I bought the 16570 and IT became my daily - beautiful proportions, great size, flew under the radar (which I love) and blended well for any occasion.
My AD was onto my by now and less than 12mo out, he called me again but wouldn't tell me why he needed to see me. I waltz into the shop only to be greeted with a gorgeous 1987 ref 16550 (rail dial, spider-webbing, creamy lume) - needless to say, this replaced the 16570 on my wrist as a daily!
The ExpII has become the ultimate watch for me due to it's versatility, looks, hardiness, subtlety without cutting any corners. Looking forward to enjoying these for years to come and hopefully be able to add a 1655 to complete my ExpII journey

[Glaze88]

My 16550 with a Stardust Dial:)

[N0trub]

My love for the vintage…

[Glaze88]

Cant get enough of this Stardust Dial 0n my 16550

[illiguy]

Looks great

[borango]

Part of my permanent vintage collection. Possibly my favourite piece, along with 1016


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[DECO665]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

The Explorer II...........the stealth Rolex!

Just purchased at 16570 myself and cannot agree more.

Definitely flies under the radar.

A fantastic watch.

[chrissimons]

I really would like to get one in 39/40mm in the years to come ! Hopefully Rolex will come with a smaller one than the present Explorer II in the next years.

[sski]

Originally Posted by borango

Part of my permanent vintage collection. Possibly my favourite piece, along with 1016


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What an absolute beautiful timepiece!

1655 Explorer II + 1016 Explorer = watch nirvana.

[RiverA]

Have you noticed an uptick in the value of the 16570? Even when other model values are coming down, this one seems to be moving up.

[The Novice]

Is the 40mm version subject to magnetism or is it a bigger issue if it is running fast?

[Tri-National-Man]

..Newly acquired full set from 2004.. SELs and fliplock bracelet, SuperLuminova dial, no holes case.. last year of Cal.3185..

[rns188]

Amazing buy


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[RoDubbs]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Hoping this may help someone

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Today the RSC told me that the 78790 bracelet on my 1999 A serial number 16570 was wrong, and I have to buy a 78790A if I want it serviced.

Thank you, this was indeed immensely helpful. Hopefully they come around.

[subtona]

among the finest watches ever produced.

[Steven90210]

Loving my 42mm Explorer II


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[SAP7]

The thing I notice is how much better the older and smaller ones look.

The current iteration has not gained anything good from its upsizing.

[nrhiture]

Great info. I wish they came out with a new 40mm version.