The Rolex Explorer II

[987PC]

Originally Posted by iliketime

the rehaut engraving took place during the switch over from the Z serials to the next letter

It’s the m series which also has the 3186 movement, somewhere around 2008 onwards

[GJ-PGMTII]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Possibly my favorite model. Would like to add a cream 16550 someday.

Does anybody know if it’s possible to get the older faces. Will it work on the new 42mm models?

Thanks,

George

[aero]

There is a reason they have different sizes.

Aero.

[GJ-PGMTII]

Originally Posted by aero

There is a reason they have different sizes.

Aero.

Why - thought it was just to keep up with the trends.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[62396241]

I wish I had my 16570 back from the Rolex AD.. Been a month.. I’m sure they will relive me of $750 as soon as it’s finished..






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[218225]

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk Pro

[crazymcmichael]

Originally Posted by 218225

Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk Pro

where did you found this?

[218225]

Advert in a Dutch newspaper. Made a screencapture since I could not save it.
The add is always with a white dail, or has always been with a white dial.


Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk Pro

[J.P.Jones]

I tried both the black and the white-dialed 216570 at the dealer today, and, even though the encounter was brief, the Polar would be my clear choice. However I have to admit that the 42mm size isn't to my liking, it's just too big for my wrist. 116570, with its more realistic 40mm case would be nice to have. I can see it being worn as an everyday watch. Like the others had said above, it flies under the radar.
Question - the GMT hand, can it be synchronized with the hour hand, when not needed?

[watchapedia]

Love the 16570, does anyone know how many links it should have?

[Sherbie]

Hoping this may help someone




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BMWSiMan]

Hi guys & gals. I'm new to the forum, having just purchased my dream 1655 Explorer II to accompany my 55yr old 1675 GMT Master (bought in 1973)...

Quick question; my 1655 is on a 91350 bracelet with 580 links. Would this have been the original one supplied with the watch? I need to source an extra link.

Thanks for your help!

[ERH]

My favorite watch is my Rolex Polar, 16570, purchased in 2011. It is the most comfortable watch, and easy to read.

[twall3]

Originally Posted by Sherbie

Hoping this may help someone




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

This was SUPER helpful for a recent purchase. Thanks so much for posting!

[Rodrigo082]

There getting difficult to get (my AD told me that actually it’s easier to the get Submariner than the Explorer ii )

Pitty because it means it’s becoming popular and the hype will shot prices over the sky ... I hope I can get one before it happens

[DDDan]

It took me 13 months from the main Rolex AD here in Melbourne to get an Explorer II in Polar.

I was told at the beginning of my wait that it wouldn’t be too hard, then 2 months in I was told that it was going to be near impossible and that they were seeing only 4-5 come in per year, about 6 months in I was told that they’re now hot property and that everyone wants them all of a sudden, then finally 13 months later I got a call. Only problem is that I got impatient and bought a mint condition 18’ model, so now I have a spare to sell.

F** it, I hope they go up! I’m not usually that lucky though!

[VintageRadar]

The white dial is incredible!

[Nonuendo]

just got the white dial explorer II and loving it. It's my new to me work watch. Amazing fit and finish

[Burr]

Originally Posted by BMWSiMan

Hi guys & gals. I'm new to the forum, having just purchased my dream 1655 Explorer II to accompany my 55yr old 1675 GMT Master (bought in 1973)...

Quick question; my 1655 is on a 91350 bracelet with 580 links. Would this have been the original one supplied with the watch? I need to source an extra link.

Thanks for your help!

Welcome! To answer your question, no, the newest bracelet on the 1655 would of been the 78360 on the tail end production years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dry]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Wow it's a pretty and uniformed patina development on the markers Richard. I think I can settle with cream markers and hands if I can't get a white dial to turn cream. It actually looks prettier with a matching contrast of clean white dial peppered by cream markers and hands.

What's approximate SN is yours and how is your wearing patterns? Outdoor, sunny or safe Queen when you start to notice the transition?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes the cream markers of the early 16570 can only be found in some models from late 1980s to early 1990s . It was a production fault in that the tritium on some batches turned yellow or pumpkin coloured after 10+years. rolex corrected the fault in mid 1990s after complaints of it turning biege. These "defective " models are fast becoming collectors item being sold on the internet for $15K to 20K depending on condition .
Of course some owners would try to expediate the ageing process of some later models or mimic it by placing it in the hot sun or UV light but for these
the markers would have tell tale sign like unevenness or small microbubbles akin to crackling . so beware.
I myself was very fortunate to own a 1992 model that has a pumpkin patina hour markers even more yellow than the one sold above. I almost sold it off in mid 1990s when it turn slightly yellowish as initially it looks "firty" but it has somehow mellowed and gives a seasoned character to the 16570. My gut feeling is that it would go up in value soon as a google search of the internet reveals very few of these Tritium "corn" dial or Pumpkin patina.

[dry]

rsz_220201216_230806_1.jpg

[peobles21]

I do prefer the long term used Of this watch if any one have it pls hit me up

[TheVTCGuy]

What does everyone think of the rumor I heard at my AD, that the 50th anniversary Explorer will use the 41MM case currently in the new Sub?

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

What does everyone think of the rumor I heard at my AD, that the 50th anniversary Explorer will use the 41MM case currently in the new Sub?

Well the 42 is just too big so it does make sense. I have a 16570 and holding it next to the current model with oversized hands and 42mm makes it look like a fashion watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[twt2]

Originally Posted by dry

Attachment 1191043

Beautiful! I am wondering why so many of the early 90’s 16570 have patina on the index but not on the hands. Your version is rarely spotted. Anyone know?

[mrs_LA]

Originally Posted by twt2

Beautiful! I am wondering why so many of the early 90’s 16570 have patina on the index but not on the hands. Your version is rarely spotted. Anyone know?

This is common on all watches in this era (80s-90s), not just for 16570. Differences in production for hands and dial can result in differences in the tritium mix/application, and consequently a difference in aging. 9 times out of 10, the hands always age much lighter than the dial. Even on the example posted above, the hands are shades lighter than the dial.

[Explorer2Fan1991]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

What does everyone think of the rumor I heard at my AD, that the 50th anniversary Explorer will use the 41MM case currently in the new Sub?

Step in the right direction - Have both the 40mm and 42mm .. and 42 is just slightly too big, IMO

[JULIANSTIMEPIECE]

Thanks for clarifying.

[Glaze88]

My newly acquired 1999 16570 Black Dial Explorer 2. I cannot wait to put this on the wrist and I am already looking at trying to add a Polar 16570 as well.

I just love the Classic look of the 16570 over the 216570.

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by Glaze88

My newly acquired 1999 16570 Black Dial Explorer 2. I cannot wait to put this on the wrist and I am already looking at trying to add a Polar 16570 as well.

I just love the Classic look of the 16570 over the 216570.

Nice. I've got its brother. A serial 1999 Polar.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro