16570 Purchase Advice

[pinosport]

I've been looking at an Explorer II 16570 for a while now (wish I pulled the trigger back then. The demand for this watch seems to have picked up lately) and now I am looking to purchase. Given that this reference is no longer in production, really my only option is to buy used. Looking at the used Rolex market, I feel like I can look at it 1 of 2 ways:

1. Find "Swiss Only" late series models out there in excellent condition. I've even seen NOS out there, but these are going for a premium price.
2. Look at purchasing an earlier production in good condition, sending it to an RSC and have it fully serviced, and hopefully getting it back to factory spec.

I'm leaning towards the 2nd option because I can save the premium price and use that towards having it fully serviced. At that point, I'll have a watched verified and certified by Rolex. If I went with a 2011 production watch, I assume it will need to be serviced in the next couple of years. So either way the watch will end up at an RSC. I do fully intend to wear this watch daily. Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

[sillo]

Have you settled on a specific configuration you prefer? Do you want tritium or luminova, holes or no holes, solid end links or hollow, 3185 or 3186? There's a bunch of different ways to configure the watch since it was in production for almost 20 years. I'd choose what I want the most and start to narrow down the search from there.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by pinosport

I've been looking at an Explorer II 16570 for a while now (wish I pulled the trigger back then. The demand for this watch seems to have picked up lately) and now I am looking to purchase. Given that this reference is no longer in production, really my only option is to buy used. Looking at the used Rolex market, I feel like I can look at it 1 of 2 ways:

1. Find "Swiss Only" late series models out there in excellent condition. I've even seen NOS out there, but these are going for a premium price.
2. Look at purchasing an earlier production in good condition, sending it to an RSC and have it fully serviced, and hopefully getting it back to factory spec.

I'm leaning towards the 2nd option because I can save the premium price and use that towards having it fully serviced. At that point, I'll have a watched verified and certified by Rolex. If I went with a 2011 production watch, I assume it will need to be serviced in the next couple of years. So either way the watch will end up at an RSC. I do fully intend to wear this watch daily. Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts.

I'd go 216570, but that's just me, who happens to be the coolest dude ever

[dhknola]

My vote is a 5 digit with SEL...Amazing and classic watch with the red hand 24 hour which I like more than the new orange one.

[dreyep]

I did No. 2 with a 2005 model.

Not taken it to RSC yet but will do so in next fortnight. No polishing needed or wanted. The black on the 6 on the bezel has worn away a little at the top right of the number. Anyone know whether they fill this in at service as standard, or is it extra or not something that they do?

Anyway, good luck!

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by pinosport

Looking at the used Rolex market, I feel like I can look at it 1 of 2 ways:

1. Find "Swiss Only" late series models out there in excellent condition. I've even seen NOS out there, but these are going for a premium price.
2. Look at purchasing an earlier production in good condition, sending it to an RSC and have it fully serviced, and hopefully getting it back to factory spec.

Depends on how factory spec do you want it. Do you want absolutely no scratches on it? If so, it'll likely be too much of polishing. Just go with 1. If you're OK with leaving small scratches on there, option 2 might not be bad.

Originally Posted by sillo38

Have you settled on a specific configuration you prefer? Do you want tritium or luminova, holes or no holes, solid end links or hollow, 3185 or 3186? There's a bunch of different ways to configure the watch since it was in production for almost 20 years. I'd choose what I want the most and start to narrow down the search from there.

That's also a factor. For example, I'm a huge fan of SEL and I know if same watch could be had with HEL or SEL, I'd definitely choose SEL bracelet. Some prefer tritium as it starts to age, some prefer more unchanged look of luminova. If you want a 3186, SEL, no lug holes, superluminova watch, you basically have to go for 1.

[watchtung]

I just went through this and went with 2 basically.

The one I got has been pretty banged up and polished but I wanted tritium and worn. Eventually I may send to Rolliworks and RSC, I might start at RSC to get paper then to Rolliworks.


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[Nikrnic]

I like your second idea of going the RSC route. I like no holes with the 3185 but choose what you prefer. If you ship to RSC you'll get a like new piece back with documented papers and you'll know exactly what you have. I've heard more people are doing this now as well.

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[Sjmoore11]

I found the dial I wanted (beautiful yellow tritium on polar dial) and sent to RSC for a service. The bezel was very worn so I’m replacing it but no polish as the case is in decent shape. Should be getting it back any day now!

[Thuilln]

I just bought a Y serial black dial 16570 and I can tell you it’s worth every dollar. I think it’s my favourite Rolex. It has SEL and lug holes, which is a combo I really like. Whatever you find, you won’t regret it.

[Saaci]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I just bought a Y serial black dial 16570 and I can tell you it’s worth every dollar. I think it’s my favourite Rolex. It has SEL and lug holes, which is a combo I really like. Whatever you find, you won’t regret it.

I too have a Y series. Great combo. Don't get bamboozled into going for a 3186 version if you plan to wear the watch. 3186 selling for such a premium that it has become for speculators only.

[DKS2375]

IMG_0190.JPG
I bought a U series in June and sent it to Mike at Rolliworks. They did a complete service of the movement, light polish and brushed the bezel. Came out great and keeping time gaining 1 minute a day.


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[Boaters]

They are both beauties I have a 16710 and love it good luck on your decision

[Austin in Japan]

Originally Posted by DKS2375

Attachment 1067134 ...and keeping time gaining 1 minute a day.

I hope you mean 1 second!

[igy22]

1 minute a day? are you sure?

[DKS2375]

Originally Posted by igy22

1 minute a day? are you sure?

Lol......1 second.


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[pigman08]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I just bought a Y serial black dial 16570 and I can tell you it’s worth every dollar. I think it’s my favourite Rolex. It has SEL and lug holes, which is a combo I really like. Whatever you find, you won’t regret it.

This one is on my radar as well, but with the white dial.


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[fania123]

Do yourself a favor and hold off from buying and Rolex right now the market is ridiculous.

[J to the Z]

I bought mine (P serial) about a year ago from an AD that also sold pre owned. They just serviced it before I bought it and they also provided a 2 year warranty, both of which gave me peace of mind. You might want to also consider looking at older models sold by ADs.


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[iliketime]

Originally Posted by fania123

Do yourself a favor and hold off from buying and Rolex right now the market is ridiculous.

seconded, i eventually bought a tritium dial after securing a specific Z serial with 3186, no engraved rehaut full set because thats what I wanted eventually. This tritium dial 16570 has holes case but I bought it head only and now the hunt is on for endlinks and bracelet. However this is one of my edc pieces after I had it refinished at rolliworks.

[pinosport]

Originally Posted by fania123

Do yourself a favor and hold off from buying and Rolex right now the market is ridiculous.

Originally Posted by iliketime

seconded, i eventually bought a tritium dial after securing a specific Z serial with 3186, no engraved rehaut full set because thats what I wanted eventually. This tritium dial 16570 has holes case but I bought it head only and now the hunt is on for endlinks and bracelet. However this is one of my edc pieces after I had it refinished at rolliworks.

Holding off..that was the other option...which I really didn't want about . What I really want is a late series (no holes, SEL, 3186 movement, engraved reahaut). But those go for the premium price right now. Thanks for all the replies TRF!

[ashernoah]

I did #2 exactly with a 2000 P serial Polar. Holes case luminova Swiss only dial, solid end links. Took it to RSC a few days after it came for an overhaul. I think it’s great option — worked out well.


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[pinosport]

Originally Posted by ashernoah

I did #2 exactly with a 2000 P serial Polar. Holes case luminova Swiss only dial, solid end links. Took it to RSC a few days after it came for an overhaul. I think it’s great option — worked out well.


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If you don't mind me asking, what did you have done and approx what was the cost?

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by fania123

Do yourself a favor and hold off from buying and Rolex right now the market is ridiculous.

T