Priority Bidding is here! Secure a lower Buyer’s Premium today (excludes Online Auctions and Watches). Learn More

60

Rolex

Ref. 16570

Explorer II

A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and box

Estimate
HK$32,000 - 62,000
€3,500 - 6,700
$4,100 - 7,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1991
Reference No
16570
Movement No
6’063’090
Case No
N203’379
Model Name
Explorer II
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “501B”, max length 205mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “R2”
Dimensions
39mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 23rd June 1992, Rolex Japan service guarantee dated 9th November 2010, 1993-1994 calendar card, instruction manual, product literature, hang tags, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In 1989, Rolex introduced the upgraded Explorer II ref. 16570 featuring a new caliber 3185 in earlier examples and cal. 3186 in later examples of the reference. Though much of its design and aesthetics stayed the same as its previous ref. 16550, similarly with a 24-hour bezel with an additional GMT hand. However, a distinctive appeal set aside the two similar watches. The ref. 16750 fitted with a white dial featured luminous indexes bordered in black instead of the usual white gold bordering witnessed on the previous model. Subtle but distinct, the feature against the white dial generates better legibility and earned its nickname the “Polar Explorer”.

The present example ref. 16570 bearing a “N” serial from circa 1991, is offered in attractive overall condition as is further charmed by the full set of accessories including its original unstamped guarantee, two hang tags as well as a Rolex Japan service guarantee. Regarded as an undervalued Rolex sports model by collectors, it is a fantastic opportunity for lovers of vintage Rolex timepieces to acquire a modern great.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Browse Maker