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- 1996 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar White Dial - T Serial - SOLD
1996 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar White Dial - T Serial - SOLD
The Rolex Explorer debuted in 1971 as what is now a legendary vintage sport watch, the 1655. It offered a robust steel case, an easy to use GMT function with a fixed steel bezel, and a date. It made sense to develop that platform further as a specialized tool for "speleologists, volcanologists and polar and jungle explorers". Speleologists can spend days at a time exploring deep in caves and caverns, often losing their sense of time and of day and night, and the GMT function allows these explorers to keep track of 24 hour time with the fixed bezel keeping the setting secure.
The formula has consistently worked, seeing as Rolex continues to produce an Explorer II today, albeit in a different larger and slightly "blingier" style. The Explorer II Reference 16570 is an under-appreciated Rolex sports model, and a perfect example of the ethos of Rolex: creating tools best suited for specific jobs.
The watch offered here is a T series, indicating circa 1996 production. This watch is in excellent condition and is a well preserved example of the "Polar" Explorer II.
Condition as follows:
Case: Excellent condition 40 mm stainless steel case with only very minor wear as shown in the photos. The case is extremely sharp with crisp edges and bright polished surfaces. Serial and reference number are both clear between the lugs.
Bezel: Original fixed steel bezel in excellent condition with the original sunburst brushed finish.
Dial/Hands: Original gloss white dial and hands with original tritium free from any defects.
Caseback: Excellent condition original caseback with only minor wear.
Crystal: Original sapphire crystal in excellent condition - there is one very minor scratch in between the 5 and 6 markers.
Movement: Rolex 3185 Automatic GMT movement keeping excellent time. All functions work as they should. Watch keeps COSC time.
Bracelet/Strap: Original 93150 bracelet showing only very minor stretch. The bracelet is sized for a 7.75” wrist on the largest
Accessories: No box, papers or other accessories are included.