Story of Rolex Polar

Left and the Right extreme is 16570 and the two in the centre is 16550

Story of Rolex Polar 

Introduction of Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570. 

Rolex followed up the Explorer II ref. 16550 with the ref. 16570 in 1989.  

It kept its 40mm size and stainless steel Oyster case and Oyster bracelet design, which I think a right and optimized size Rolex had an extensive study. 

New to the dial was the black outlines of the hour markers and against the cool white dial, the luminescent indexes really pop up! So called Polar! 

Also new to the Polar ref. 16570 was the movement. Early models of the 16570 are equipped with the Caliber 3185 automatic movement, while later versions are powered by the Caliber 3186. Also found on the later versions of the ref. 16570 is the “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” engraving on the rehaut as an anti-counterfeit measure. This particular ref. 16550 dates back to 1997/1999 so it’s powered by the Caliber 3185 and does not included the rehaut engraving. Whether opting for a new vintage or the Explorer II Polar, decide here looking at this watch.  

A Robust stainless steel oyster case coupled with a cool white dial and a bright 24-hour hand makes for a timeless sports watch that brings out one’s adventurous side.  

Both exceedingly practical thanks to its time, date, and GMT-hand functions, and impeccably designed, the Explorer II Polar is a Rolex not to be missed. And soon the 216570 will be replaced with newer ceramic Explorer II or III? Keep you vintage Polar is my advice to you. 

HK Snob.

Exploring the Rolex Explorer II models

Last week, we looked into the models of the Rolex Explorer I. If the Explorer I is too simple for you, you may want to get yourself an Explorer II, which is only a little more expensive than the Explorer I and comes with a little more on functions.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Rolex 16570

 

 

 

The 40mm 16570 has a red GMT hand which indicates whether it is the morning of the night. It is important for explorers to know that. Earlier 16570 still has tritium dials while later ones have superluminova on them. Lug holes are also only found on earlier models. Used ones retail for 30k to 37k HKD for both black and white dial. However, I do recommend buying the white dial version as it has a cleaner and simpler feeling on the dial. The proportion of the dial,hands and case is also more balanced than the new 216570.

2. Rolex 16550

 

 

 

3. Rolex 216570

 

 

 

 

The 42mm 216570 is the newest member of the Explorer II family. It is almost a re -edition of the vintage 1655 with an orange 24hour hand. On the black dial version, the hands are poorly proportioned and the hands are too short. Aesthetically, it is not as appealing as it predecessor. A 216570 sells for around 49.5k HKD BNIB and around 42K for used ones.

 

Please give us your views on which Explorer II you would like to have most and we will prepare one of the voters a small gift. Do vote and get lucky.

 

HK Snob



 

 

 



 

 

 

Rolex Explorer II on sales (used)

Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570 bought in 2012 in HK "888"
Condition 9.6/10 , only micro line scratches on the watch as you can see.

Full Set with Box , paper, Full link bracelet asking for HKD$38,000 cash.

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever Group

PS , this watch will be  sent to Rolex to replace a new bezel.

Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570, the 2016 best buy!

 

The new Explorer II Black Dial, the floating Arrow is one of the most cost effective Rolex sport watch we can buy today. The use of new Movement with very high accuracy time keeping. Plus a Size of 42mm!

Rolex AD price in HK is set at HK$60,500.
Comparing with GMT master II Black Blue Ref 116710 BLNR $67,300 and Submariner Date Ref 116610LN $63,900.

With a larger discount, this is classified the best buy for 2016.
Call me for the exact price.

This is the one I am going to hand carry to a Pilot tomorrow in Manila!

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever
Manila Snob
Alabang Snob
Clark Snob
Baguio Snob
Cebu Snob
Makati Snob

Rolex Explorer II Ref 16570 on Sale

Rolex Explorer II unpolished,

A series, 1999 in Excellent Plus Condition!

Paper and Box,

13 Links, I am sure Arnold Schwarzenegger can use this watch.

Asking HKD$28,500 Cash

HK Snob

A rare Cream Spot EX II Ref 16570 on sale

98% New Rare Cream Spot Explorer II full set asking HK$29,500.

HK Snob

Watch Sold on 28 Jan

Rare Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550

Collectors love the cream dial version of this Explorer II. It was white when originally sold in mid '80s but turned out to a custard colour.

This watch has not been polished, 90% new. Looking for Rolex Explorer II Lover with HKD$32,000 Cash only

HK Snob

Trade in his Explorer II Ref 16570 to Ref 216570

                                          2000 Rolex Ref 16570 Explorer II 40mm

                                                              Ref 16570 Explorer II

                                                       Rolex Ref 216570 Explorer II 42mm

Ref 216570 Explorer II 42mm Orange pointer

It has a drive for someone who has been used the Explorer II for 12 years, sold it in some shops and add up So if his wrist is large enough to handle the 42mm. The drive is the greater legibility, the improved 3187 movement, the AR coating (Anti-Reflection Coating) for the Cyclops, the new blue lume, and the upgraded bracelet/Easylink clasp are all pluses for me. Being into "retro", I also like the orange hand and "EXPLORER". And I like his "little brother". it will dress up or down.
Caliber 3187 is super accurate!  Another friend of mine nought it three weeks ago, he has been wearing it in Australia and find the Rfe 216570 gains 4 seconds so far!! that is an record for automatic watch to have this kind of accuracy!

He bought this Brand new Ref 216570 List price at HKD$60,500. with some Discount!
HK Snob

Rolex Ref 216570 Explorer II Orange Pointer on Sales at Wah Hing Mongkok

We found that Mong Kong Wah Hing has stock for Selling the Famous new Ref 216570 Black and White Dial. at price of HKD$60,500
Interested parties, RolexFans should not miss it.
Address Mong Kok Too Tak Mansion, 646, Nathan Road, exit at Mong Kok MTR Bank Centre walking towards North for 20 meters approx.
Mong Kok Snob
PS Photo was taken with an iPhone4s by KF.