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942

Rolex

Ref. 16570

Explorer II

A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Estimate
HK$35,000 - 55,000
€4,200 - 6,500
$4,500 - 7,100
HK$81,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 2001
Reference No
16570
Movement No
8’826’356
Case No
P959’279
Model Name
Explorer II
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “ 78790A”, endlinks stamped “801”, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “DE5”
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Dickson Watch & Jewellery Co. LTD. Hong Kong dated 13th September 2001, 2001-2002 calendar card, instruction manual, product literature, green card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
With an impressive run of nearly 22 years of production before welcoming its successor 216570. Two variants were available, a black dial and a white dial like the present example.

Acknowledged amongst the collectors to be one of the most undervalued sleeper by Rolex, the ref. 16570 not only boast an altitude of technical prowess but fine aesthetics with a salute to the passion for adventures.

During the evolution of the reference, various luminous materials were used, from tritium on earlier examples made in circa 1989 to 1997 indicated by the “SWISS-T<25” at 6 o’clock position, to later examples bearing Luminova with “SWISS” only insignia from circa 1998-1999, and the final transition with Super-Luminova material indicated with “SWISS MADE” like this very example.

The present example of the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with a P serial from circa 2001 is offered in superb overall condition boasting a strong case is accompanied with its full set accessories. With the latest launch of the new 42mm diameter Explorer II ref. 226570 in year 2021, the present 16570 boasting a classic proportion is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a discontinued exploration icon.

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.
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