About the Rolex Explorer II 216570
The Explorer II lineage dates to 1971, when Rolex introduced the original reference 1655 specifically for cave explorers and polar expeditions where natural light cues are absent for extended periods, and the 216570 represents the most refined expression of that mission. At 42 mm, the 216570 wears larger and bolder than its predecessor while retaining the signature Oyster case, screw-down crown, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that define the professional Rolex tool-watch family. The fixed 24-hour engraved bezel works in concert with the prominent orange GMT hand to deliver an unmistakable, at-a-glance reading of a second time zone, and the dial itself, whether white or black, is printed with large luminous hour markers and a Mercedes hands set for maximum legibility. Powering the 216570 is the Rolex-manufactured Calibre 3187, which incorporates the Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers for exceptional resistance to magnetic fields and physical shocks.
What to Look For
When shopping the 216570, the primary choice is dial color: the white dial references such as 216570WHT deliver a brighter, more dressy character that has historically commanded a modest premium on the secondary market, while black dial references like 216570BLK offer sharper contrast and a sportier appearance that many collectors favor. Condition grades, the presence of original box and papers, and whether the bracelet retains its full complement of links and end-links all drive significant differences in value between otherwise identical references within this collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case size of the Rolex Explorer II 216570?
The reference 216570 measures 42 mm in diameter, making it noticeably larger than the standard 40 mm Explorer I and giving it a commanding wrist presence. This size increase over the previous 16570 was one of the defining changes when Rolex introduced the 216570 in 2011.
What is the difference between the white dial and black dial 216570?
Both the white and black dial versions of the 216570 share identical case dimensions, movement, and Oystersteel construction, so the choice is purely aesthetic. White dial examples, sometimes designated with WHT in the reference suffix, trend slightly higher in collector demand in certain markets, while black dial examples designated BLK are prized for their bold, high-contrast readability.
Is the Rolex Explorer II 216570 a true GMT watch?
The 216570 features a 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, which allows the wearer to distinguish AM from PM in a second time zone or in environments without natural daylight, making it functionally a GMT-capable watch. Unlike the Rolex GMT-Master II, the bezel on the Explorer II is fixed rather than rotating, so it is optimized for the AM/PM distinction rather than rapid city-by-city timezone tracking.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
