For decades, the Rolex Explorer II has been a beacon for adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike. The reference 216570, specifically the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570, represents a significant milestone in the model's evolution, bridging its robust heritage with modern watchmaking advancements. This article delves deep into the intricacies of the Rolex Explorer II 216570, exploring its design, functionality, history, and why it continues to be a coveted timepiece for collectors and explorers around the globe.

A Legacy of Exploration: Tracing the Roots of the Explorer II

To truly appreciate the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570, it's essential to understand its lineage. The Explorer line was born from Rolex's close association with expeditions, most notably the successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. The original Explorer, reference 1016, was designed as a tool watch for extreme environments, prioritizing legibility, robustness, and reliability.

Building upon this foundation, the Explorer II was introduced in 1971 with the reference 1655. It catered to a specific niche: speleologists and polar explorers who needed to distinguish between day and night in environments devoid of natural sunlight cycles. This first Explorer II featured a fixed 24-hour bezel and an additional 24-hour hand, a groundbreaking feature for its time.

Over the years, the Explorer II underwent several iterations, refining its design and functionality. However, it wasn't until the introduction of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 in 2011 that the model truly entered a new era.

The 216570: A Modern Interpretation of a Classic

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 was released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II. It marked a significant departure in size and design while remaining true to the core spirit of the Explorer II. Perhaps the most immediately noticeable change was the increase in case diameter from 40mm to 42mm. This larger size provided enhanced wrist presence and improved legibility, crucial for a tool watch intended for challenging conditions.

Beyond the size, the Explorer II 216570 reintroduced several design cues from the original reference 1655, most notably the iconic "Maxi" dial with larger hour markers and hands. These elements, filled with Rolex's proprietary Chromalight luminescent material, offered exceptional low-light visibility, a critical feature for exploration in dark environments.

Decoding the Design and Features of the Rolex Explorer II 216570

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 is more than just a watch; it's a meticulously engineered instrument designed for performance and durability. Let's dissect its key features:

The Robust Oystersteel Case

Crafted from Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel, a 904L stainless steel alloy, the 42mm case of the Explorer II 216570 is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, scratches, and impacts. Oystersteel is renowned for its robustness and ability to withstand harsh environments, aligning perfectly with the Explorer II's intended purpose. The case features a brushed finish on the top and polished sides, offering a balanced aesthetic that is both rugged and refined.

The Fixed 24-Hour Bezel: A Timekeeping Compass

The hallmark of the Explorer II is its fixed 24-hour bezel. Engraved and filled with black enamel, the bezel works in conjunction with the dedicated 24-hour hand (often referred to as the GMT hand) to indicate a second time zone or to simply distinguish between AM and PM hours. This functionality is invaluable for explorers, travelers, and anyone needing to track time across different time zones or in environments where day and night are indistinguishable.

The bezel's fixed nature contributes to the watch's robustness and prevents accidental rotation, ensuring accurate timekeeping in demanding situations. The contrasting black enamel against the steel bezel enhances legibility and adds a touch of visual appeal.

Dial Options: Polar White and Black

The Rolex Explorer II 216570 is available in two dial variations: Polar White and Black. Both dials are designed for maximum legibility under all conditions.

  • Polar White Dial: Often nicknamed the "Polar Explorer," this dial is highly sought after for its striking contrast and exceptional visibility. The black hour markers and hands stand out sharply against the white background, offering unparalleled readability, especially in low-light conditions thanks to the Chromalight luminescence.
  • Black Dial: The black dial version provides a more traditional and understated aesthetic. The white hour markers and hands offer excellent contrast against the black background, maintaining the Explorer II's commitment to legibility.

Both dial options feature the iconic Mercedes hour hand, a signature Rolex design element, and the distinctive orange 24-hour hand, a nod to the original Explorer II 1655, adding a touch of vintage charm to the modern design.

Chromalight Display: Illumination for the Darkest Depths

Rolex's Chromalight display is a crucial feature of the Explorer II 216570. This proprietary luminescent material emits a long-lasting blue glow, providing exceptional legibility in darkness for up to eight hours. The larger hour markers and hands on the 216570, combined with Chromalight, ensure that time remains easily readable even in the most challenging low-light environments, such as caves, mines, or during nighttime expeditions.

The Caliber 3187 Movement: Precision Engineering at its Core

Powering the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 is the Rolex caliber 3187, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured in-house. This movement is a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision, reliability, and robustness.

Key features of the Caliber 3187 include:

  • Chronometer Certification: Like all Rolex movements, the Caliber 3187 is COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) certified, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy and precision.
  • Parachrom Hairspring: The movement incorporates Rolex's patented Parachrom hairspring, made from a paramagnetic alloy that is highly resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, enhancing timekeeping stability.
  • Paraflex Shock Absorbers: Paraflex shock absorbers provide superior resistance to shocks and impacts, further contributing to the movement's robustness and reliability in demanding conditions.
  • Perpetual Rotor: The self-winding mechanism is driven by Rolex's Perpetual rotor, ensuring efficient and continuous winding of the mainspring, providing a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

The Caliber 3187 is a workhorse movement, designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance under pressure, making it the perfect engine for the Rolex Explorer II 216570.

The Oyster Bracelet and Oysterlock Clasp: Security and Comfort

The Explorer II 216570 is fitted with a robust Oyster bracelet, crafted from the same Oystersteel as the case. The bracelet features solid links and a brushed finish, complementing the watch's rugged aesthetic. It is equipped with the Oysterlock safety clasp, preventing accidental opening and ensuring the watch remains securely fastened to the wrist, even during strenuous activities.

The bracelet also incorporates the Easylink comfort extension system, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm without tools. This feature is particularly useful for adapting to changing wrist sizes due to temperature fluctuations or activity levels.

The Rolex Explorer II 216570 in the Market and as an Investment

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 enjoyed a successful production run from 2011 to 2021, when it was succeeded by the reference 226570. During its tenure, it became a highly sought-after model, appreciated for its robust design, practical functionality, and Rolex pedigree.

In the secondary market, the Explorer II 216570 retains strong value and is considered a desirable investment piece by many collectors. Its discontinuation has further fueled its collectibility, and well-maintained examples in good condition often command prices above their original retail. Factors influencing its value include condition, box and papers, and dial color (Polar White tends to be slightly more sought after).

While not explicitly designed as an investment, the Rolex Explorer II 216570's robust construction, timeless design, and Rolex brand recognition contribute to its enduring appeal and strong resale value. It's a watch that can be worn and enjoyed daily while also holding its value over time.

Who is the Rolex Explorer II 216570 For?

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 appeals to a broad range of watch enthusiasts, including:

  • Adventurers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Its robust construction, GMT functionality, and exceptional legibility make it an ideal companion for hiking, trekking, traveling, and any outdoor pursuit.
  • Collectors: The Explorer II 216570's historical significance as the 40th-anniversary model and its discontinuation make it a desirable piece for Rolex collectors.
  • GMT Watch Enthusiasts: The dedicated 24-hour hand and fixed bezel provide a practical and reliable GMT function, appealing to those who frequently travel across time zones.
  • Those Seeking a Versatile Sports Watch: While robust, the Explorer II 216570's design is also versatile enough for everyday wear, blending seamlessly with both casual and smart-casual attire.
  • Individuals Appreciating Quality and Craftsmanship: The Explorer II 216570 embodies Rolex's commitment to quality, precision, and durability, appealing to those who value fine watchmaking.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Rolex Explorer II 216570

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 216570 is more than just a tool watch; it's a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to innovation, robustness, and timeless design. It successfully bridges the gap between its heritage as a purpose-built instrument for exploration and the demands of modern watchmaking. With its robust Oystersteel case, practical GMT functionality, exceptional legibility, and reliable Caliber 3187 movement, the Explorer II 216570 remains a highly sought-after timepiece for those who appreciate adventure, precision, and enduring quality. Its legacy as a modern classic in the Rolex sports watch collection is firmly secured, and its appeal will undoubtedly continue to resonate with watch enthusiasts for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Rolex Explorer II 216570

Q: What is the price of a Rolex Explorer II 216570?
A: As the Rolex Explorer II 216570 is discontinued, it is only available on the secondary market. Prices vary depending on condition, box and papers, and dial color, but generally range from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 USD and upwards. It is recommended to check reputable pre-owned watch dealers for current market prices.
Q: What are the key features of the Explorer II 216570?
A: Key features include a 42mm Oystersteel case, fixed 24-hour bezel, GMT function with a dedicated 24-hour hand, Polar White or Black dial with Chromalight luminescence, Caliber 3187 self-winding movement, Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension, and 100 meters water resistance.
Q: Is the Explorer II 216570 a good investment?
A: The Rolex Explorer II 216570 is generally considered a good investment in the watch world. Its discontinuation has increased its collectibility, and its value has tended to appreciate over time. However, watch values can fluctuate, and it's important to research market trends and purchase from reputable sources.
Q: What is the difference between the Explorer II 216570 and the newer 226570?
A: The main difference is the movement. The 226570 features the newer Caliber 3285 movement, offering improved efficiency, a longer 70-hour power reserve, and enhanced accuracy. Design-wise, the 226570 has slightly refined case proportions and a slimmer profile, although the overall aesthetic remains very similar to the 216570.
Q: Is the Rolex Explorer II 216570 waterproof?
A: Yes, the Rolex Explorer II 216570 is waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet). It is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not for deep-sea diving. As with any watch, it's recommended to have its water resistance tested periodically, especially before engaging in water activities.

References and Sources

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