About the Rolex Explorer II 16570
Introduced as the second generation of the Explorer II line, the reference 16570 replaced the 16550 and brought with it the caliber 3185 movement and later the caliber 3186, both featuring the Parachrom hairspring in later examples, housed in Rolex's signature Oyster case in 904L stainless steel. The fixed 24-hour graduated bezel — marked from 1 to 24 — allows the wearer to distinguish day from night in a second time zone or in environments with perpetual light or darkness, a practical complication born from Rolex's collaboration with polar and cave exploration communities. Produced across multiple serial epochs, the 16570 spans A through Z and K serial ranges, meaning examples span roughly two decades of Rolex manufacturing refinement. The white dial variant, often called the polar dial, and the matte or gloss black dial variant are both highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
What to Look For
When shopping the Explorer II 16570 for sale, buyers should pay close attention to the serial suffix codes — such as A, K, V, and BV series — as these indicate production era, dial generation, and whether the movement is an early 3185 or later 3186, all of which affect collector value. White dial examples in pristine condition and black dial references with original tritium or luminova plots in crisp shape command the strongest premiums, while full-set examples with original box and papers further elevate desirability and resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer II 16570 and the 216570?
The 16570 is the 40 mm reference produced from 1989 to 2011, while the 216570 is the larger 42 mm successor introduced in 2011 and still recognized as the modern Explorer II. Both share the fixed 24-hour bezel and GMT hand concept, but the 216570 features a larger case, updated movement, and a more pronounced dial layout. Bizak and Co. carries both references, so buyers can compare sizes and generations side by side.
Does the Rolex Explorer II 16570 come in black and white dial options?
Yes, the 16570 was produced in both a white polar dial and a black dial throughout its production run, and both variants are available in this collection. The white dial is sometimes called the polar dial in reference to its arctic exploration heritage, while the black dial offers a more traditional sports watch aesthetic. Both colors appear across multiple serial generations represented in the listings here.
Is the Rolex Explorer II 16570 a good investment watch to buy pre-owned?
The 16570 has demonstrated strong and stable collector demand due to its long production run, practical GMT complication, and status as a true tool watch with Rolex's full heritage behind it. Pre-owned examples in excellent condition, especially those with original dials and matching serial components, have held value well in the secondary market. Buying an authenticated example from a trusted dealer like Bizak and Co. ensures you receive a properly verified watch with accurate reference documentation.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
