Model Reference
The new reference model 216570 was introduced in 2011 and celebrated 40 years of the Explorer series. The new reference took the place of reference model 16570 which had already been around for some years, and it was a major step foward because the size of the watch increased from 40mm to 42mm.
The production of reference model 216570 was continued for ten years until 2021 when Rolex launched reference model 226570 in celebration of the 50th year of Explorer II series.
The 42mm Oystersteel case makes a difference straight away. The wrist presence of the watch exceeds that of the preceding 16570 model and Rolex redesigned the dial accordingly to maintain balance of proportions between dial and case.
With an additional hand you get a nod to the previous generation. Rolex included a distinctive orange 24 hour hand that reads against a 24 hour scale on the fixed steel bezel. The hand can indicate the home time while the traditional hour hand shows the local time, thus making it possible for the watch to have a second time zone.
Both black and Polar white dials were offered, however, they do not resemble one another simply by their colouration. Black hour markers and hands on the Polar white dial create such a striking contrast which is commonly associated with the Polar Explorer II.
The movement of the watch is automatic Calibre 3187 with Paraflex shock protection and Parachrom hairspring. This watch has a sapphire crystal glass with a Cyclops date magnifier and a 100 metre water reisistant casing.
The 216570 takes on new significance in the light of the original Explorer II released in 1971. The watch, reference 1655, featured the orange 24 hour hand as a key element of the design. Almost fourty years later, Rolex consciously returned to the visual element while giving the Explorer II a much bigger face.
It helped the watch stand out from other models. The previous generation, the 16570, had been rather discrete in its appearance; the 216570 brought back the emphasis on the 24 hour function while upping the size of the case to 42mm. It wasn't merely a larger version.
The Explorer II is unique becuase of its history which differs from that of the usual Explorer. It was designed for those who spent prolonged amounts of time in the environment where daylight could not help in telling day from night. Later, the independent adjustment of the hour hand turned out to be useful for travelling. The 216570 represents both of the aspects; its design obviously references the 24 hour watch idea while its mechanics makes it applicable outside exploration.
At a Glance
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The pre-owned Rolex Explorer II 216570 combines a bold 42mm Oystersteel case with the practical ability to track a second time zone. Its fixed 24-hour bezel and distinctive orange GMT hand reference the original Explorer II from 1971, while the choice of a black or white “Polar” dial provides excellent legibility and two very different looks.
Produced from 2011 to 2021, the discontinued 216570 is powered by the reliable Rolex Calibre 3187 and offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Its rugged construction, strong wrist presence and modern proportions make it an excellent choice for everyday wear, while its decade-long production history and popular Polar dial give it lasting appeal among collectors.
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The selection of the 216570 begins with an unusually basic choice - black or polar? The distinction is quite significant in terms of wearing it on your wrist, mainly due to the size of the 42mm case along with the white dial's contrast treatment.
BQ Watches gives you the opportunity to buy from a selection of pre-owned Rolex watches with guidance from specialists who can discuss condition, production year, accompanying documentation and the differences between available prices.
If a 216570 is already sitting in your collection, you don't have to be looking for another watch to speak with us. A professional valuation can establish its current market worth. Should you later decide to sell, our team can make an offer, while an exchange is available if you'd rather put its value towards another watch.
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