About the Rolex Explorer II 16570
Rolex introduced the Explorer II in 1971 to serve professional explorers who needed to distinguish day from night in environments with no natural light cues, and the reference 16570 carried that mission forward as the definitive 40 mm iteration produced for roughly two decades beginning in the late 1980s. Built on Oyster steel with a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and the iconic 24-hour hand sweeping a fixed stainless bezel, the 16570 is instantly recognizable as a serious instrument watch that also wears elegantly off the wrist. It was offered in two dial choices — a clean white polar dial and a bold matte black dial — giving collectors two very distinct aesthetics within the same reference, and both variants remain highly sought after on the secondary market.
What to Look For
When shopping for a Rolex Explorer II 16570 buyers should pay close attention to serial-range variations, as the reference spans multiple production runs reflected in the suffixes seen on dealer listings such as 16570A, 16570K, 16570V, and 16570BV, each corresponding to different production periods that affect originality of the dial, hands, and bezel insert. White dial examples are sometimes called polar dials and carry a slight collector premium in certain markets, while black dial 16570 watches appeal to those who prefer maximum contrast on the 24-hour markings. Condition of the case, presence of original bracelet, and matching serial paperwork are the primary value drivers when you buy a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II 16570.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case size of the Rolex Explorer II 16570?
The reference 16570 measures 40 mm in diameter, making it the standard-size Explorer II that preceded the current 42 mm 216570. If you prefer the larger modern proportions, Bizak and Co. also carries the 216570 in both white and black dial variants.
What is the difference between the white dial and black dial Rolex Explorer II 16570?
Both dials are offered on the same 40 mm stainless Oyster case with identical specifications, but the white polar dial provides a bright, high-contrast look against the black 24-hour numerals while the black dial gives the watch a more aggressive, tool-watch appearance. Collector preference for one over the other can shift with market trends, so neither is definitively rarer across all serial ranges.
How do the different serial suffixes on the 16570 affect value?
Listings showing suffixes like 16570A, 16570K, 16570V, and 16570BV indicate different production periods within the reference, and certain runs are associated with specific dial printing styles or transitional details that dedicated collectors track closely. Generally, examples with untouched original dials, unpolished cases, and full paperwork command the strongest prices regardless of serial range.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
