First launched in 1971 as a watch designed specifically for cave explorers, the Rolex Explorer II was created to be a supplementary addition to the existing Explorer collection, rather than a direct replacement for the time-only model that had existed since 1953. Adding both a date display and an additional 24-hour hand, the Explorer II was created to provide a clear reference of day and night hours – even while operating in total darkness, deep below the Earth’s surface.
Produced between 2011 and 2021, the Explorer II 216570 is a 42mm stainless steel sports watch that features both a date display and GMT functionality. Although it closely resembles the current-production version of Rolex’s iconic speleologist’s watch, the ref. 216570 represented a major turning point for the collection when it first made an appearance at Baselworld 2011 and it now occupies an important position in the model’s history. If you’ve been thinking about adding a Rolex sports watch to your collection, here is everything you need to know about the Rolex 216570.
Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570
Explorer II 216570 Key Features:
- Reference Number: 216570
- Production Years: 2011 – 2021
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT-Functionality
- Dial: Black or White (“Polar”) w/ Luminous Hour Markers (Chromalight)
- Bezel: Fixed. Stainless Steel w/ 24-Hour Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3187
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570 History
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II collection in 2011, Rolex released an updated Rolex Explorer II version of its purpose-built outdoor adventurer’s watch. Known as the reference 216570, the new model featured a larger 42mm case – which was an unexpected first for the collection, as the model had maintained its 40mm case diameter since the second generation the watch had appeared in the mid-1980s.
While the new Explorer II 216570 represented a major turning point for the model and brought with it a list of updates and refinements, the reference 216570 retained many of the core elements that had defined the collection for more than a quarter of a century. Just as before the Rolex 216570 was exclusively offered in stainless steel and available with the option of either a black or a white dial. Additionally, just like its 40mm predecessors, the 12-hour hand was independently adjustable from the 24-hour hand, allowing the reference 216570 to simultaneously display two different time zones and function as a GMT watch.
Production of the Explorer II 216570 lasted a full ten years until it was discontinued in 2021, which marked the collection’s 50th anniversary. Replacing the Rolex 216570 was the updated reference 226570, which featured a new movement but largely resembled its direct predecessor. The popularity of the reference 216570 increased throughout its production run, and while it was readily available at a retail level upon its initial release, it became entirely unavailable during the last several years that it remained part of the full Rolex brand’s catalog. Like all stainless steel Rolex sports watches, demand for the Explorer II ref. 216570 far exceeded supply, and waitlists for the model topped out at several years in length before the model was discontinued.
A Closer Look at the Rolex Explorer II 216570
It is often said that Rolex’s approach to excellence and watch design is one that could be considered evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Incremental improvements in the pursuit of perfection is the Rolex way, but this often means that a lot of visual similarities exist between different generations of Rolex models and a close examination is often required in order to fully appreciate the various nuances of a given reference. Below is a breakdown of the defining features of the Rolex Explorer II 216570.
Explorer II 216570 Case
Although the very first Rolex Explorer II (the reference 1655) had a 39mm case, every subsequent model prior to the reference 216570 had featured a 40mm case diameter. Signaling a major turning point for the collection, the then-new ref. 216570 was larger than any other Explorer II watch at 42mm in diameter.
Additionally, while the lug width on all previous Explorer II watches was 20mm, the updated Rolex 216570 featured slightly larger 21mm lugs to better match its larger case. While the larger Oyster case still offered users 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance, its increased size resulted in a significantly larger overall presence on the wrist, immediately separating it from the numerous other Rolex models with 40mm cases and placing it among the absolute largest models in the brand’s collection.
Explorer II 216570 Bezel
Probably the single most defining element of the Rolex Explorer II is its brushed stainless steel bezel that is engraved with a black 24-hour scale. Unlike the 24-hour bezel on the GMT-Master series which rotates bi-directionally, the bezel on all Rolex Explorer II watches is fixed.
However, with the exception of the very first Rolex Explorer II reference, the independently adjustable hour hands on the watch can be used in conjunction with its 24-hour bezel to simultaneously display two different time zones.
Explorer II 216570 Dial
While the original Explorer II was only available with a black dial, every subsequent iteration has offered both black and white dial options – a tradition that continues to this day. The white dial version, known as the Rolex Explorer II Polar, has gained popularity among collectors, who often refer to it as the “Polar Explorer.” Both dial variants of the reference 216570 feature “Explorer II” in bright orange text, matching the 24-hour hand. The hour markers are filled with Chromalight, Rolex’s proprietary blue-glowing luminous material. One notable difference between the two is the finish of the applied marker surrounds: on the white dial, they’re finished in black, while on the black dial, they remain in their natural high-polished 18k white gold state.
Explorer II 216570 Hands
Beyond the larger case size, the most discussed aspect of the reference 216570 was the return of the model’s large, bright-orange, arrow-shaped 24-hour hand. Rolex famously never makes vintage-inspired or heritage pieces, although the brand does occasionally acknowledge various design elements from its past. While the hour, minute, and seconds hands are essentially larger versions of the style found on most Rolex sports watches, the 24-hour hand on the ref. 216570 is a recreation of the version found on the very first Explorer II watch from the 1970s.
Additionally, one other point worth mentioning is that the hands found on the white “Polar” dial examples are finished black (with the exception of the orange 24-hour hand) to match their black-finished hour markers, while the hands fitted to the black dial examples are polished white gold and only feature black finished bases, which gives them a “floating” appearance. Similarly, the bright orange 24-hour hands are not exactly the same on the black and white dial versions of the reference 216570, and the ones fitted to the black dial models also feature black-finished base sections to match the similarly-styled hour and minute hands.
Explorer II 216570 Movement
The Explorer II 216570 is powered by Rolex’s in-house Caliber 3187 movement, which is only found inside reference 216570 watches. An evolution of the Caliber 3186 that powers its predecessor, the Rolex Cal. 3187 is a certified Swiss chronometer and it benefits from modern proprietary Rolex technologies such as a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers for greater resistance to shocks and temperature fluctuations. The Rolex Caliber 3187 offers users a 50-hour power reserve and like all modern Rolex movements that feature the brand’s ‘Superlative Chronometer’ status, the Cal. 3187 promises timekeeping accuracy within -2/+2 seconds per day.
Explorer II 216570 Bracelet
Like many of Rolex’s other sport and tool watches, the Oyster bracelet was the only official option for the Explorer II 216570. With that in mind, the bracelet found on the ref. 216570 represents a dramatic improvement over the Oyster-style bracelet fitted to its predecessor. Unlike the previous style of bracelet, the stainless steel Oyster bracelet on the ref. 216570 features completely solid links (including solid end-links) and a redesigned Oysterlock safety clasp that includes the brand’s Easylink extension system, which enables users to either expand or contract the bracelet by 5mm, completely on the fly and without the use of any tools.
Buying a Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570
Since being officially discontinued in 2021, the Rolex Explorer II reference 216750 is no longer in production and it is entirely unavailable at a retail level. This means that the pre-owned market is now the only place where you can find one for sale. With that in mind, given that the Rolex Explorer II 216750 was in production for a full decade, both black and white “Polar” dials versions are still readily available on the secondary market.
Rolex Explorer II 216570 Price
The price of a Rolex Explorer II 216570 watch can vary widely based on factors such as its age, dial color, overall condition, and whether it includes the original box and papers. As of August 2024, prices for Rolex 216570 watches range from approximately $8,000 to $20,000, reflecting a significant increase from their original retail price. This broad range is indicative of the growing demand for this model and the varying conditions in which these watches are sold.
It’s also important to note that while retail prices were initially the same for both the black and white dial versions of the Explorer II 216570, the white “Polar” dial models tend to command higher prices on the open market. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium, sometimes several thousand dollars more, for the “Polar” dial, making it a more sought-after variant. This trend extends beyond just the reference 216570, as “Polar” Explorer II watches across various references generally hold a higher market value compared to their black dial counterparts.
What to Look for When Buying a Rolex Explorer II 216570
When considering the purchase of a Rolex Explorer II 216570, it’s crucial to apply all the standard precautions associated with buying a pre-owned luxury watch. Rolex remains the most iconic luxury watch brand globally, making it a prime target for counterfeiters. Estimates suggest that there are more fake Rolex watches in circulation than authentic ones, highlighting the importance of buying from a trusted and reputable source. If you come across a Rolex Explorer II priced significantly lower than comparable listings, it’s a red flag—such a deal is likely too good to be true, and the watch may not be genuine.
One reliable method to verify the authenticity of a Rolex Explorer II 216570 is to check for the independently adjustable 12-hour hand. On all genuine models, this feature allows the 12-hour hand to be adjusted independently of the 24-hour hand. This functionality is not only a hallmark of the Explorer II but also a complex and costly mechanism to manufacture, making it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. If a watch lacks this feature, it’s a strong indicator that it may be a fake.
Historically, the Rolex Explorer II was often overlooked in favor of more popular models like the Submariner or Daytona. However, in recent years, the Rolex 216570 has seen a surge in demand as Rolex’s other sports watches have become increasingly difficult to obtain at retail. This rising demand has driven the Explorer II 216570 to become a highly sought-after model, with prices now matching those of other iconic Rolex sports watches. Given its similarity in appearance to the current production model, the 216570 is likely to continue appreciating in value, making it both a desirable and potentially lucrative addition to any collection.
Conclusion
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 has become an iconic model within the Rolex lineup, celebrated for its rugged design, dual time zone functionality, and distinctive 24-hour bezel. Originally overlooked in favor of more popular models like the Submariner and Daytona, the Explorer II 216570 has gained substantial popularity in recent years as collectors and enthusiasts recognize its unique blend of style and utility. This shift in perception has solidified the model’s status as a highly desirable timepiece that offers both practical benefits and a strong presence on the wrist.
As the demand for Rolex sports models continues to grow, the Explorer II 216570 has seen a corresponding rise in market value, making it a sound investment for those looking to add a versatile and historically significant watch to their collection. Its durability, reliability, and distinctive aesthetic make it a favorite among adventurers and professionals alike, while its increasing scarcity only adds to its allure. The Rolex 216570 is not just a watch—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Rolex’s commitment to precision, innovation, and timeless design.
For those interested in purchasing a Rolex Explorer II 216570, Bob’s Watches is a trusted source with a wide selection of authentic pre-owned Rolex models. With their expert knowledge and commitment to quality, Bob’s Watches provides a reliable platform to find a Rolex 216570 for sale, ensuring that you can acquire this exceptional timepiece with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Bob’s Watches offers the expertise and selection needed to secure the perfect Rolex Explorer II 216570 for your collection.
