About the Rolex Explorer II
Introduced in 1971 as a direct evolution of the original Explorer, the Rolex Explorer II was purpose-designed for spelunkers and expedition professionals who needed a fixed 24-hour bezel and a prominent orange GMT hand to read a second time zone at a glance. The reference 16570, produced from 1989 through 2011, is the definitive 40 mm generation and is offered in both white and black dial configurations, with the white dial sometimes referred to as the Polar dial by collectors. The reference 216570, launched in 2011, enlarged the case to 42 mm, strengthened the bezel, and updated the movement while retaining the signature 24-hour hand and the chunky Mercedes hour hand that define the model's look. Across every generation the case is crafted in Oystersteel, giving the Explorer II its signature combination of tool-watch toughness and refined finishing.
What to Look For
When shopping the Explorer II collection, the case size is the first dividing line — ref. 16570 pieces measure 40 mm while ref. 216570 pieces measure 42 mm — and dial color, white or black, significantly affects both aesthetics and secondary-market demand, with the white Polar dial of the 16570 commanding particular collector interest. Condition, dial originality, and the presence of box and papers are the primary value drivers across both references, so buyers should pay close attention to the alphanumeric suffixes in reference codes, which indicate production periods and dial variants within each generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 and ref. 216570?
The ref. 16570 is the 40 mm generation produced roughly from 1989 to 2011, while the ref. 216570 is the 42 mm generation introduced in 2011 with an updated movement and slightly larger case proportions. Both share the fixed 24-hour bezel and dual time-zone functionality that define the Explorer II, but the 216570 offers a more contemporary wrist presence.
Does the Rolex Explorer II come in both white and black dials?
Yes, the Explorer II has been offered in white and black dial variants throughout its history on both the 40 mm and 42 mm platforms. The white dial version of the ref. 16570 is often called the Polar dial by collectors and is among the more sought-after configurations in the secondary market.
Are the Rolex Explorer II watches at Bizak and Co. authentic and ready to ship?
Every Rolex Explorer II listed at Bizak and Co. is authenticated before sale and available to ship directly to buyers across the United States. Our inventory includes multiple examples of both the ref. 16570 in 40 mm and the ref. 216570 in 42 mm, spanning white and black dial options so buyers can find the exact configuration they want.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
