SOLD – Rolex Explorer II “Polar” 16570

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 16570. 40mm steel casing, housing an automatic, self-winding calibre 3185 movement: 31 jewels, a power reserve of 50 hours. Water resistant to 100 meters. Featuring a white dial, with black outline, applied luminous index hour markers and luminous hours, minutes and seconds hands for chromalight display. Featuring a red, luminous tipped arrow hand. Steel, 24 hour graduated bezel for GMT function. A date window at the 3 o’clock position. Upon a steel oyster bracelet, with a folding clasp. Box and papers dated 2004, service papers dated April 2023.

The Rolex Explorer II “polar” has a storied history dating back to its introduction in 1971. Initially designed for cave explorers and individuals working in challenging environments, the Explorer II featured a 24-hour hand and fixed bezel for tracking a second time zone. The iconic “polar” version, distinguished by its white dial, was introduced later to enhance legibility, particularly in low-light conditions. The original reference 1655 paved the way for subsequent models, with improvements such as the upgraded Caliber 3085 movement in the 1985 reference 16550. The modern Explorer II, represented by the reference 226570 since 2021, continues the legacy with a 42mm case, the Caliber 3285 movement, and a design that seamlessly blends rugged functionality with timeless elegance.