THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16570
YEAR: 1991
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

For many years, the Rolex Explorer II was an underappreciated gem in the world of vintage Rolex collecting. That has changed in recent times, with early references such as the 1655 “Steve McQueen” and the 16550 now commanding serious attention from collectors—along with ever-increasing price tags.

The reference 16550 was produced for just four years before being succeeded by the 16570 in 1989. The 16570 then enjoyed a substantial 22-year production run before being replaced by its larger 42 mm successor. Over this long lifespan, Rolex introduced numerous subtle changes across the dial, case, and bracelet.

The watch offered here is one of the very earliest 16570s to leave the Rolex factory. The tritium lume on the markers has aged to a deep, creamy hue, while the hands are slightly lighter—a common trait for this reference. The case has been polished before but remains very strong, with thick lugs and crown guards.

The movement has been freshly serviced by us, and is running at +2 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 285° and a beat error of 0.1 ms.

That warmth in the lume makes all the difference on black-dial Explorers—an exceptionally beautiful watch on the wrist.