THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16570
YEAR: 1995
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

For those of you who’ve visited the Falco showroom in recent weeks, you’ll have noticed quite a few five-digit “Polar” Explorers. Amazingly, all 7–8 we had in stock earlier this week (including this one) vary slightly: from satin and cream dial 16550s to tritium, Luminova, and Super-Luminova 16570s.

The most collectible Polar Explorers are almost undoubtedly the cream dial, white gold–surround 16550s, where both the dial and hands age to a rich “Panna Cotta” colour. However, in even rarer instances, the same effect can occur on 16570s.

The watch we have here dates to 1995 and features a gorgeous Panna dial that has developed a beautiful patina over the past 30 years. The tritium lume on the markers and hands has also aged to an even, creamy hue, matching the dial beautifully. The case has been polished in the past but remains strong, with particularly well-defined lugs.

The original full-link 78360/501B bracelet with “S”-stamped clasp shows minimal stretch. The movement was recently serviced by Rolex and is running impeccably at +1 s/day, with an amplitude of 300° and zero beat error. It comes complete with its original boxes, wallet, translation papers, and original guarantee.

Cream dial 16570s rarely come to market, and this is a wonderful example. The shades of beige is even more amazing in person.