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1995 Rolex Explorer II 16570 – Stainless Steel Polar White Dial

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Details

The Rational GMT Choice

The 16570 Explorer II is the understated alternative to the GMT-Master. While its sibling focuses on the flash of a rotating bezel, the Explorer II stays grounded in utility with a fixed 24-hour steel bezel and a 40mm case. This 1995 example features the Polar white dial, which has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after colorways in the Rolex professional line. It provides a level of legibility and a sportier aesthetic that stands out in a sea of black-dial tool watches.

Purpose Built For Two Time Zones

This watch was built around a movement known for being nearly bulletproof, designed to handle the vibrations and temperature changes of actual exploration. The independent hour hand allows for a true dual time zone setup, making it an ideal companion for travel without the bulk of a larger modern sports watch. It represents the peak of the neo-vintage era where Rolex was still making watches that felt like instruments first and luxury items second.

Honest Wear And A Strong Movement

The case and bezel are in good condition, and the black enamel in the 24-hour markings remains sharp and legible. The Oyster bracelet shows signs of regular use and age consistent with its thirty-year history, but it remains fully functional and accommodates a larger wrist size. Mechanically, the watch is running strong after passing our test bench. This is an honest example of a watch that was meant to be worn, showing the type of character you want in an older tool watch.

The Definitive Daily Driver

This works for the person who needs the utility of a GMT but prefers a more rugged and brushed aesthetic. The Polar dial makes it feel fresh and modern despite being a mid-nineties production. It is a reliable, high-utility Rolex that makes sense as a primary watch for someone who travels or spends their time in active environments. It is a straightforward tool that does exactly what it was designed to do.

Key Specs

Reference: 16570

Model: Explorer II "Polar"

Year: 1995 (W-Serial)

Movement: Automatic (Cal. 3185 GMT)

Case Size: 40mm

Bezel: Fixed 24-Hour Stainless Steel

Bracelet: Oyster (Fits 7.0–7.75in)

Dial: White "Polar" with Tritium Lume

Metal: Stainless Steel

SKU: 578

History

In May 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest wearing Rolex watches. The Explorer — launched that same year — was Rolex's acknowledgment that the Oyster case could go anywhere. Clean dial, no complications, just luminous Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 on a matte black background. Function as design.

The Explorer II followed in 1971 for a different kind of explorer: speleologists and scientists working in environments where day and night lose meaning. A fixed 24-hour graduated bezel and an additional orange GMT hand allowed cave explorers and polar researchers to track whether it was AM or PM when daylight was unavailable.

References 14270 and 114270 (Explorer I, 36mm) and 16570 (Explorer II, 40mm) in our inventory cover the 1990s through mid-2000s — the most mature and reliable expressions of both watches before they were resized in subsequent generations.


1995 Rolex Explorer II 16570 – Stainless Steel Polar White Dial
1995 Rolex Explorer II 16570 – Stainless Steel Polar White Dial Sale price$9,000.00 USD

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4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

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5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

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4 months ago

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