Released in 1989, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16750 features the upgraded cal. 3185 with later examples fitted with the cal. 3186. While much of its aesthetics remain similar to its previous model ref. 16550 such as its 24-hour bezel, the ref. 16570 was in production for a much longer period of time, approximately 22 years before it was replaced by the ref. 216570.

During its lengthy production run, various dial variants were featured at a time where Rolex was experimenting with different luminous materials to be used on the dial. Early examples of the reference featured a “SWISS-T<25” dial with tritium where later examples were fitted with a “SWISS” dial for Luminova. However, over the years, collectors have noticed a common trait for examples of the reference from circa 1997 with a U serial. With a distinct feature of bearing the early “SWISS-T<-25” dial, usually emitting green light in other examples produced before 1997, these examples all emit blue light, known as a transitional variant of the reference and dubbed by collectors as “Tritinova”.

The present example Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with an attractive black dial from circa 1997 with a U serial is indeed one of the “Tritinova” examples of the reference. Rare and scarcely produced, the present watch is offered in excellent overall condition and is complete with its original guarantee and presentation box.