Review: Rolex Explorer II - 16570 - Black Dial

[G3Z]

Hi all,

I’ve been a lurker on here for a while, I couldn’t just lurk anymore - I feel I have to take part on such a great forum. I’ve read so much on here, I thought it was only fair to contribute.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Explorer II - 16570 - Black Dial
Year: 2000
Caliber: 3185

So, to start this off - all I can say is this watch has been my fascination since I first got into watches with a passion. I acquired this only 4 months ago and for the 4 months it’s lived on my wrist day and night. This has lead to my Omega Seamaster 2254.50 gathering dust.

I am an outdoors person, so what better companion to have beating away (frequency rate of 28,800 beats per hour) on your wrist and flourishing on full moving mechanical charge, other than an expedition qualified, tool tested, modern vintage...Explorer II...

First of the super-luminova (didn’t want tritium/patina)
Lug holes (classic)
Solid end links (no rattles)
No rehaut markings (classic)
P serial

As you can see, I am quite passionate about this watch - it’s not for investment, keeping in a safe or anything of a kind - this watch will live the life it was made for.. it goes hiking/sea swimming//desk diving and globe trotting.

The Explorer II also doesn’t look like a typical Rolex either, not to the untrained eyes anyway.. it goes with any attire and just flies under the radar - the black dial was a must have for me, personally - I love the understated dial and I do love a black dial anyway, I didn’t even consider the polar - which most probably think is strange.

The 16570 wears beautifully on the wrist, the fixed bezel gives the feel of a 38-39mm. The fixed, domed bezel also let’s the rucksack shoulder straps pass over the watch without getting stuck on the bezel (always an issue for me with a bulky dive bezel). The tapered, lightweight bracelet almost let’s you forget you have anything on the wrist (total watch weight 126 grams) and to finish on design, the fairly slim oyster case allows the watch to fit under most sleeves, which is great for protection - only exposing the watch for timing checks.

Having a brushed finish throughout the case and bracelet really does help maintain a tool feel with the watch looking consistent even when scratched. There is nothing fancy or show boating about this model, it’s utilitarian down to the core, you cannot buy this watch to show off the brand, as it will 99.9% go unnoticed.

They have increased in price over the last few years, but to be still priced so far under the GMT Master for the sake of a rotating bezel...I thank the markets for giving me a bargain for the better piece.

[JP.]

Welcome to TRF!

16570 is a definite classic. Enjoy!

[Wittymoniker]

Nice write up, and a really under rated piece.

[hknslmz]

Enjoy every day you wear it!

[Paul7]

Beautiful, looks like you got a nice unpolished one. I never cared for the polar either.

[franklin]

I agree with your observations. Mine is the current model. It goes wherever I go.

[G3Z]

Thank you for the comments all. I look forward to doing an update in the future when the watch is a bit more weathered on the wrist and an update on observations.

[franklin]

Originally Posted by G3Z

Thank you for the comments all. I look forward to doing an update in the future when the watch is a bit more weathered on the wrist and an update on observations.

I am looking forward to your update.

[interestedwatcher]

The 16570 was my first Rolex sports watch - amazing value for money, and an underrated watch. Wear in good health.

[Maximus84]

You’re right about the comparison vs the equivalent GMT Master. With the only difference being the rotating bezel, the Exp II seems an excellent buy.

I personally have the Polar, and love it for everything that it is. In either dial, an exceptions, watch and it seems prices are climbing.

[daredevil]

Look forward to have this model in the future

[wcollection]

Always preferred the black dial


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[jtg]

I've been thinking about picking up one of these lately - actually pretty much the exact one you have (drilled lugs & luminova). The polar gets more attention these days, but the black is a true under-the-radar classic. Thanks for the review.

[WatchDog2011]

i can feel a genuine love and passion. great review, thanks

[Paul7]

Very nice, I like my 2002 model. It's currently running +1 spd, amazing. Not a great photo, but here it is exploring Montana this summer.

[gerry100]

Lusted after a Sub Date SS for decades but never ready for various reasons.
Only Rolex I really knew.
Low interest rates on my cash,looming inflation and advancing age made
me decide it was time to run out and buy one.
Big wake up at my local AD when a used ExpII 16570 black
was all they had in the case. A little TRF time and I made an offer over “grey” with a
Certified service.
Doesn’t shout Rolex but beautiful and a perfect fit for my lifestyle

[Strat25]

Was my second ever Rolex. Loved it…until the Exp II :)


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[Carroll]

Amazing review, the Exp II 16570 black is indeed a classic watch.

[watchrocker]

Amazing! Thanks for the review

[alfredtv]

I just picked one up too, my 1st rolex! I can't be happier with my step into the rolex world and no stopping me now! I do have to say I am putting a protective film on it and am thinking about an everest band because I like the oysterflex look

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by alfredtv

I just picked one up too, my 1st rolex! I can't be happier with my step into the rolex world and no stopping me now! I do have to say I am putting a protective film on it and am thinking about an everest band because I like the oysterflex look

Congrats. How would it look on the new Tudor BB Pro strap?? Would it fit??

[Watch Maniac]

Can't go wrong with wearing that every day

[timehaschanged]

what a stunning reference. too bad i didnt grab this when i had the chance

[blatchcorn]

It's an amazing watch. And it is great to have a watch that matches your personality. I also like hiking but always felt conflicted about whether I'd wear this or my Garmin Fenix which is the ultimate outdoors tool IMO.

Have you got thoughts on Explorer I or II vs Garmin Fenix?

[seriously_watch_this]

Great write up. I have the same one...I call mine the "Tank"...because it is! Great daily driver.

[der-kaiser]

Great review! thanks for the picture!

[elyshh]

The Rolex explorer 2 is a great watch. It's very comfortable to wear and has an excellent black dial that is very easy to read. I would highly recommend this watch to anyone looking for a great watch.