Thoughts on ExplorerI II 16570 - Issues?

[HunterST]

Hi all,

I am considering an Explorer II purchase - 16570 and would love to get the opinion of the group.

I'm a GMT and sub guy and have far more experience with those than this model.

Replacement crystal has me a bit hesitant. Price is reasonable. No box or papers.

Thank you kindly,

Eli

[Dan S]

Unfortunately, I don't think there's much anyone can say based on three tiny blurry photos and absolutely no useful information.

[HunterST]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Unfortunately, I don't think there's much anyone can say based on three tiny blurry photos and absolutely no useful information.

I've requested and will post higher resolution pictures - have not yet received them. Here are the specifics that I know so far:

1. The seller says the crystal was replaced because it was chipped. Given the low magnification of the Cyclops, this gives me some pause as this can be a red flag.
2. Seller is asking $7.5k. No box or papers with it.
4. I am considering trade of a Tudor BB + some cash on my end.

[hutch300]

I would not pay that much for that based on what I see. I'd personally go after a black dial with tritium lume.

[HunterST]

Originally Posted by hutch300

I would not pay that much for that based on what I see. I'd personally go after a black dial with tritium lume.

Thanks, Hutch. Appreciate your input. I am considering a 16550 instead. I just happen to like the SEL bracelet of the 16570. I can switch later, I suppose.

[Cru Jones]

No box and papers and bad cyclops for 2x what these used to go for just a few years ago? Not for me….

[Turbo Racer]

I think you could find better examples at that price point with b&p. Since you’re a Gmt guy, did you consider the white dial? Might add a nice contrast to your existing collection. Either way, they are beautiful watches and I think you’d be happy with one. Cheers.

[ogbeans]

Looks great

[dshin525]

for $7.5k you can easily find better examples, especially in the black dial.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Seller would have to have an impeccable reputation, but not having factory crystal (?) and no box/papers that price is very high -

[TimeAZ]

Cyclops doesn't look right

[ltmgeller]

Walk away. Too much for a watch in that condition.

[HunterST]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Cyclops doesn't look right

Agreed. Aftermarket replacement apparently. Shame. Have to walk away from this one.

[stevestil]

move on


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[cornerstore]

The date magnification is a known issue with 16570. Lots of threads here a few years ago discussing the issue. I had a 16570 with lower magnification. Rolex was replacing some crystal replacements with lower magnification. Change in Suppliers caused the issue was cited as the reason.

[HiBoost]

I wouldn't buy this for any price unless a known-good watchmaker did a full analysis on it. Assuming it's even a genuine watch at all, I get highly suspicious when past service involved non factory parts. What else might they have swapped out with some knock-off junk? That cyclops is really something. Didn't think it was possible to make a domed lens like that with seemingly no magnification.

EDIT: per previous post it does seem there was a period of time where genuine 16570 crystals (direct from RSC) had little to no magnification. Crazy. In any case, genuine or not, this isn't the sort of "rareness" that adds value IMO :)

[HunterST]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

I wouldn't buy this for any price unless a known-good watchmaker did a full analysis on it. Assuming it's even a genuine watch at all, I get highly suspicious when past service involved non factory parts. What else might they have swapped out with some knock-off junk? That cyclops is really something. Didn't think it was possible to make a domed lens like that with seemingly no magnification.

EDIT: per previous post it does seem there was a period of time where genuine 16570 crystals (direct from RSC) had little to no magnification. Crazy. In any case, genuine or not, this isn't the sort of "rareness" that adds value IMO :)

Seller states that it was replaced by a local watchmaker who had aftermarket crystals available, but was unable to source the correct sapphire. Agree that it should be inspected very closely by a watchmaker I trust. I am moving on.