Due to a paint defect, the white dials actually turned into a creamy ivory color after some time. However, those red ones actually faded orange over time, so today, all of the 24-hour hands found on Explorer II ref. Movement:cali… Furthermore, Rolex changed the luminescent material a few times. It’s actually a very sought after vintage Rolex tool watch in collecting circles. He is responsible for all the day to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing and sales. Although it’s a completely revamped and modern model, it also pays a fitting tribute to the inaugural Explorer II ref. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 models made from the mid-2000s and after feature this engraved rehaut. 1900 QUAIL ST 1655. The ultimate toolwatch – the Rolex Explorer II, aimed at speleologists and cave explorers. 16570 was the use of black outlines surrounding the round hour-markers on the white dials rather than the more traditional white gold ones. The “Orange Hand” Ref. Another unique characteristic of the Explorer II is the non-rotating bezel with 24 hours inscription engraved into the steel bezel. 1655 did a great job of telling the wearer the exact time of day (or night) even in complete darkness. The 1655 was named the Explorer II model, launched in 1971. Rolex also revamped the dial to look similar to other sports models with the famed Mercedes-style hands and the combo of triangular, round, and rectangular lume-filled hour markers. Upon its initial release, the Rolex Explorer II watches was met with a rather mixed reaction from the public. With its introduction came a new caliber — the Caliber 1560 — and increased water resistance to 100m. 1655, sporting a 39mm stainless steel case and matching steel bracelet. Rather than the traditional “Mercedes” style hands that can be found on the rest of Rolex’s sports watches, the reference 1655 Explorer II received pencil-style hands for the hour and minute indicators, and a large, arrow-shaped, 24-hour hand that was finished bright orange or red, earning it the nickname, “Freccione” among many Italian dealers and collectors. 16570 models. As with most vintage Rolex watches that were in production for a good amount of time, the Explorer ref. Production of the reference 1655 lasted roughly fourteen years, until it was discontinued in 1984 and replaced by the reference 16550. The Rolex Explorer II 16570, or any Explorer watch for that matter, is not most people’s first thought when they think of a Rolex. Take for example the Explorer II ref. There are multiple iterations of this Explorer II, for example, take a look at the seconds hands in the image and the next image. New posts will not be retrieved. Copyright Bob's Watches. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries. 1655. In 1971, the Explorer II is introduced and, in the same spirit as the Explorer, it perpetuates the privileged relationship that Rolex enjoys with exploration. All brands including Brequet, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, Breitling and Omega, etc are trademarks of their respective owners. Unable to shed it’s uncanny ability to pair with any outfit, occasion, or adventure, the Explorer II will proficiently take over your wrist for months at … 16570 are notably different from early examples of the same model. One of the unique characteristics about Rolex as a company is that they are constantly working to refine and improve their watches; however they are always moving forward with their designs, and (much to the frustration of many watch collectors) never make heritage or re-issue pieces. This is the same mechanical movement of the GMT-Master manufactured during the same era. This Explorer II has a straight seconds hand, cause the value of this watch to rise. Subsequent generations of the Explorer II far more closely resembled each other in design, but the reference 1655 used a different dial and handset than Rolex fitted to all other Explorer II references. The Explorer II is equipped with an additional 24-hour display, a dedicated hand circles the dial in 24 hours rather than the usual 12, pointing to a fixed bezel with 24 hour graduations. To balance the large case, the hands and lume plots on the “Maxi Dial” also grew in size for even better legibility. Let’s delve into the history of the Rolex Explorer II and investigate its evolution through a handful of models. These included the white “Polar” dial and the black surrounds on the hands and markers. Like its predecessor, the Explorer II ref. First you need to check that the date is displayed correctly on your Rolex Explorer II and, if not, set it by pulling the crown out to the first stop (Position 2 in the animated GIF on the left) and turning it until you have the correct date. Starting with the legendary Oyster Perpetual, the world's first automatic and water resistant watch, this success story continues today. Error: API requests are being delayed. Also channeling the original Explorer II, the ref. Buying a Rolex Explorer watch means owning one of the most rugged and versatile models in the brand’s catalog. NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 Ref. The Explorer II features a date display, an additional orange 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel with 24-hour graduations, … From Singapore to Montreal to Geneva to Dubai, Celine has lived all over the world but now calls Southern California home. Rolex introduced a new Explorer II in 1985, the 16550. Bob's Watches only sells pre-owned watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it sells. 1655 runs on the Rolex Caliber 1575. It draws on the Ref 1655 for inspiration. Rather than simply being an updated version of the existing Explorer watch, the reference 1655 was a completely different timepiece, and was consequently given the “Explorer II” designation. Another popular nickname of the Explorer II ref. 1655 watches, each with slight differences in logo styles and/or font. And because these watches were created specifically for spelunkers, there are a few key features on the ref. In 1971, Rolex expanded their Explorer line of watches with the reference 1655. 16570 for 22 years and as such, this particular reference underwent several changes over the course of its production run. Rolex made the Explorer II ref. His Rolex of choice was a Submariner. This timepiece belongs to the same family as the Explorer, which debuted in 1953; however, it is easy to tell the two models apart.The Explorer II stands out thanks to its stationary 24-hour bezel and additional orange hand with a large arrow tip. 1655 underwent a few dial modifications within the same reference. We will see that later on in the Explorer II’s history, Rolex did make changes so that the watch eventually became a dual-time timepiece. By appointment only. The Explorer II ref. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time. In 1989, Rolex unveiled yet another updated version of the Explorer II with the ref. The history of the Rolex Explorer II Rolex has always been known for providing explorers with watches designed for specific sports and circumstances. All Rolex; Mens Rolex; Ladies Rolex; By Model: Rolex Air-King; Rolex Date; Rolex Datejust; Rolex Daytona; Rolex Day-Date President; Rolex Explorer II; Rolex GMT-Master; Rolex Oysterquartz; Rolex Oyster Perpetual; Rolex Sea-Dweller; Rolex Submariner; Rolex Yachtmaster The Explorer models embody the privileged relationship that has always bound Rolex and exploration. The Rolex Explorer II was introduced by Rolex in 1971, 18 years after the first Explorer came to the market. Often, the fiftieth anniversary edition of a watch includes some use of the color green, Rolex’s primary brand color. The Explorer II is available on a three-piece link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel. It even has a few of its own nicknames. Given its manufacturing time frame (1971 to 1985), Rolex used self-luminous tritium for luminescence as illustrated by the “T SWISS T” marking below 6 o’clock. GMT-Master manufactured during the same era. The logic behind this was that folks that explore caves are often in the dark, thus, can’t tell the difference between AM and PM. The Explorer (1953) and Explorer II (1971) were developed specifically for explorers who would navigate rough terrain, such as the world-famous Mount Everest expeditions. The Caliber 3085 movement now meant that the 24-hour hand could be adjusted independently from the traditional hour hand to point to a specific numeral on the fixed 24-hour bezel. An overview of the most important Explorer II references In 1984, Rolex made one of the most extreme changes in the history of the Oyster line: The Explorer II was equipped with a new watch face, a new bezel, a new movement, and a new 24-hour hand. The 24-hour hand was now also longer and thinner. The Rolex Explorer II Ref 216570. 1655 “Freccione,” Rolex outfitted the latest Explorer II with a similar orange arrow-tipped 24-hour hand. 2011 marked the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II. Production of the reference 1655 lasted roughly fourteen years, until it was discontinued in 1984 and replaced by the reference 16550. Indeed, the Rolex Explorer was launched to celebrate the successful ascent of Everest in … 216570 performs exceptionally well in the dark thanks to the Chromalight display. Additionally, unlike the original reference 1655, which was only ever fitted with a black dial, the reference 216570 is available with either a black or white (polar) dial, with the “Explorer II” name now appearing in orange text to match its signature, bright-orange, 24-hour hand. In 1971, Rolex unveiled the Explorer II as the larger sibling to the original Explorer I wristwatch. Finally, Rolex changed to SuperLuminova around 2000 and the dials are marked with “SWISS MADE” under six. The inaugural reference was the Explorer II ref. The 16570 model remained in production for 22 years until it was replaced by the current reference 216570. Therefore, the Explorer II graduated from merely indicating day and night hours to a GMT watch, able to display a second time zone. Despite its lackluster start, not only is the Explorer II still surviving, it’s actually thriving as one of Rolex’s most popular sports watches. 1655 that made it particularly practical for them. The Explorer II has been produced for an impressive 46 years, but where does this 16570 fit in? The Rolex Explorer II was presented by Rolex in 1971 as an addition to the 1954 model Explorer I. One of the unique characteristics about Rolex as a company is that they are constantly working to refine and improve their watches; however they are always moving forward with their designs, and (much to the frustration of many watch collectors) never make heritage or re-issue pieces. 16550 was only in production for four years until 1989. 1655 with an orange 24-hour hand, later replacing it with a red one. The original Explorer II, the reference 1655 had an acrylic crystal, a case diameter of 40 mm, and was powered by Rolex’s 26-jewel, caliber 1575 movement. The history of the Rolex Explorer II is a fascinating one. In addition to the luminescent markers every five minutes, there are small luminous squares at every 2.5 minutes too. This 24-hour indication, among other things, has been designed with regard to professional cavers, for whom a reliable temporal orientation independent of the outside world is of the utmost importance. 1655 became the Ref. The Trusted Name in Authenticated Luxury Timepieces. 1655 was also heavy on the lume details to ensure optimal legibility in the dark. Case diameter:40mm (42mm with crown) 2. 1655 will forever be known as the Steve McQueen Rolex! Nevertheless, the Explorer II ref. 16550 with a couple of notable upgrades. The Explorer II ref. A second-hand Rolex Explorer II today is worth double of the official sales price from back in 1994. It’s also worth noting that Rolex began engraving the rehaut (the space between the dial and the crystal) of its watches with “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” starting in the mid-2000s as an anti-counterfeiting measure. Despite having a rather narrow and unusually specific target demographic, the Rolex Explorer II has remained in production, and has become one of the cornerstone offerings in Rolex’s current sport watch lineup. It is the second generation 39mm Explorer after the first generation was introduced in 2010. This watch had … Before the 1655, no other Rolex model had been introduced as the ‘second’ version of an established watch; the first ever Explorer II changed that. 216570 is offered with either a black dial or a white “Polar” dial. These changes included the sapphire crystal, a caliber 3085 movement with a double bridge, and a white dial in addition to the black dial model. As Rolex continued to test the limits of what’s possible with mechanical watches, they began sending watches on mountain expeditions as a form of “research and development.” That’s right, spelunkers — adventurers who explore caves. The first is “Freccione” derived from the Italian word for arrow, “freccia,” which is in reference to its famous arrow-tipped hand. First came tritium (labeled with SWISS T < 25). What are your thoughts on the Rolex Explorer II History? Taking all these evolutionary changes to this particular long-running reference into account, later examples of the Explorer II ref. Rather than the. 40th anniversary of the model, Rolex presented the Explorer II ref. 16550 with the option of a black or white dial rather than just black. Rolex Explorer II History The Rolex Explorer II was introduced by Rolex in 1971, 18 years after the first Explorer came to the market. 16550 presented in 1985. With new versions of the Explorer II, Rolex made a similar model for fans of the modern watches. While early models ran on Caliber 3185, later models housed the Caliber 3186. 216570, Explorer II still surviving, it’s actually thriving as one of Rolex’s most popular sports watches, Five of Our Favorite Cartier Watches for Men, Rolex Datejust: Everything You Need To Know. Overall, the Explorer II Polar ticks a lot of boxes for those who dare to step outside of the glam of popular sports models offered by Rolex. 1. Yet, on the other hand, if you look at many of their collections, they were, in fact, initially created for a very niche audience. Gray and Sons Jewelry & Watch Specialists Blog. Now that I’ve established the personal story behind the watch, I can move into another great aspect of watch enthusiasm: history. Changes to the 16550 over time consolidated in reference 16570, introduced in 1989. While the Explorer II ref. Although the reference 216570 is a very different watch than the original reference 1655, the oversized, bright-orange 24-hour hand connects the two timepieces, and allows the spirit of the original Explorer II to be encapsulated in a thoroughly modern sports watch that still possess its own unique appearance. Rolex Explorer II History. Therefore, Explorer II ref. The Explorer II ref. 214270 was introduced in 2016. It’s interesting to think that on the one hand, Rolex produces fine luxury watches on a large scale for the general population (who can afford them, of course). 216570. The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 as a sportier follow up to the Explorer. 16550. the details you provide through this website will not be used to send unsolicited email, and … One of the most notable versions is the Reference 1016, which remained in production for an impressive 26 years. Edmund Hillary’s Rolex In 1953, these models became the references 6298 and 6350 when they were fitted with the typical Explorer-type3-6-9 Arabic dial and later with the Mercedeshands. Rolex is known for retooling, redesigning, and refining references on the 50th anniversary of their debuts. The Explorer ref. Celine is a freelance luxury watch writer who has enjoyed working in the horology industry for over ten years. Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. So you can see that before Hillary and Norgay climbed on the top of Everest, … the Explorer II experienced five minor dial changes, four bezel variations, and two different seconds hands; however the overall appearance of the watch remained largely unchanged. New posts will not be retrieved. It is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp, designed and patented by Rolex, that prevents accidental opening. Discounted over the last 22 years, the average annual gain in value amounts to 3.2%.The value of a new watch falls down to its market value after purchase. 1655 watches look orange! Model: m216570-0001 Rolex S.A respects your right to privacy and is committed to maintaining your confidence and trust. Like other more esoteric members of the Rolex sports line, the Milgauss and the Turn-O-Graph for example, the Explorer II received a muted reception when launched in 1971. What’s more, it has always come equipped with a fixed 24-hour bezel and an extra 24-hour hand. The overall history of the Explorer models dates … The overall size of the watch has increased to 42 mm in diameter, the crystal is now made from synthetic sapphire, and the dial and hands have been updated to match the rest of Rolex’s other lines of sports watches – although the bright orange, 24-hour hand has returned as a homage to the defining characteristic of the original Explorer II from the 1970s. There’s an intriguing feature for Rolex collectors on the white dial version of the Explorer II ref. Then in the late 1990s, Rolex switched to Luminova and the dials are labeled with “SWISS” under 6 o’clock. Therefore, because the 24-hour hand points to either 10 hours or 22 hours, the wearer can now know whether it’s day or night. 16550 brought the larger 40mm case size, a sapphire crystal, and Caliber 3085. Subsequent generations of the Explorer II far more closely resembled each other in design, but the reference 1655 used a different dial and handset than Rolex fitted to all other Explorer II references. First, there was the new Caliber 3185 in the earlier Explorer II ref. Since the late 1920s, Rolex has been using the world as a proving ground to test its watches under real-life conditions, in the quest for greater precision, robustness and reliability. 16550. In a world of Cerachrom bezels and Rolesor cases, the 16570’s unassuming looks and subdued details allow it to fly under the radar and onto the wrists of those who long for Rolex’s notorious quality and design without the stigma. For the differences, here is a simplified chart outlining the different Explorer II models, complete with production dates and specs. Only problem is, Hilary wasn’t wearing a Rolex at the time. During this time, the Explorer II experienced five minor dial changes, four bezel variations, and two different seconds hands; however the overall appearance of the watch remained largely unchanged. But of course, unlike the original, the current Explorer II is a dual-time watch with a second time zone display thanks to the independent 24-hour hand. To celebrate, Rolex introduced the Ref 216570. Some time ago, Michael Stockton wrote quite a ‘love letter’ (as one of our readers wrote in the comments) on the Rolex Explorer 1016.While the reference 1016 Explorer was being produced already in 1963 and kept in production for 26 years, Rolex introduced another Explorer in 1971. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the model, Rolex presented the Explorer II ref. Rolex first introduced the Explorer II in 1971. 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