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The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 is the 40 mm generation produced from 1989 to 2011, with black or white dials and a fixed 24-hour bezel paired with an additional hand. Its appeal is practical and restrained: the display can distinguish day from night or track a second time zone, while the watch wears smaller than the current 42 mm Explorer II. The long production run brought meaningful changes, so the dial, case, bracelet, movement and condition of the individual watch matter more than any single year or feature.
What the Explorer II 16570 is designed to do
Rolex says the Explorer II launched in 1971 for polar explorers and speleologists, whose environments can make it difficult to tell day from night by ordinary cues. Its extra 24-hour hand reads against the engraved, fixed bezel to show whether the indicated time falls in daytime or nighttime hours. The conventional hour hand can be adjusted independently, allowing the extra hand to remain on a reference time while the wearer sets local time. Rolex’s model history explains this function.
Because the bezel does not rotate, it is not a diver-style elapsed-time bezel. The display is for reading a 24-hour reference, not timing an interval by turning the bezel.
Rolex Explorer II 16570 review: what you get
Specialist buying guides date the ref. 16570 to 1989–2011 and describe a 40 mm case, a red 24-hour hand, and a choice of black or white “Polar” dials. Examples span tritium, LumiNova and Super-LumiNova luminous material, and use either calibre 3185 or, in later watches, calibre 3186. These are characteristics of the reference across its production life, not a guarantee that any particular example retains its original components. See the guides from Fratello and Bob’s Watches.
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#1 Best Overall
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Check Compatibility: Fits 40mm Rolex Explorer II Oyster Perpetual with 20mm lugs. Link width is 16mm. Measure your lug width and check compatibility before purchasing as this item comes in various sizes.
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy, solid 316L stainless steel, this link ensures durability and matches your Rolex band perfectly. Features a matte finish on top and shiny sides for a premium look.
- Easy Installation: Includes one screw for a secure fit. This aftermarket replacement link is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing Rolex band.
- Versatile Fit: Ideal for 20mm lugs on Rolex Explorer II. Note that this link does not fit newer 6-digit models, including Datejust, Submariner Ceramic, Daytona, and others listed. Check our store for compatible links.
Dial choice: black or white Polar
The black and white dials are the clearest visible distinction between examples. Choose by personal preference and legibility in the conditions where you expect to wear the watch; the available sources do not establish a universal advantage or a reliable price premium for either dial.
Size and wearing character
At 40 mm, the 16570 is the smaller-case generation immediately preceding the current 42 mm Explorer II. Case diameter alone cannot predict fit: wrist shape, bracelet sizing and the condition of the case and bracelet all affect how a particular watch feels. Try the actual watch if possible rather than treating the nominal diameter as a fit guarantee.
Rank #2
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility & Size: Bezel Insert compatible with 40MM Rolex Explorer II 16570 Watch in stainless steel.
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Aftermarket Product: This is an aftermarket/generic made to original factory specs for a precise fit.
How 16570 examples changed over time
The 16570 was made for more than two decades, and its details evolved. Fratello’s 2022 guide describes the following broad transitions. They are useful comparison points, not exact cutover rules or authentication tests.
| Feature | Earlier examples | Later or transitional examples |
|---|---|---|
| Luminous material and dial text | Early tritium dials marked “SWISS – T < 25” | LumiNova-era dials marked “SWISS,” followed by Super-LumiNova-era dials marked “SWISS MADE”; the guide places the transitions around 1998–1999 |
| Lugs and bracelet end links | Drilled lug holes and earlier end-link construction appear on some examples | Hole-free cases and changes in end-link construction emerged over roughly 2000–2003, without one hard transition date |
| Movement and rehaut | Calibre 3185 examples precede the later movement change | Fratello dates the calibre 3186 introduction to 2007 and associates it with a Parachrom hairspring and laser-etched rehaut |
Bob’s Watches also describes both drilled- and non-drilled-lug cases and an engraved rehaut on many later examples. Treat the rehaut as a broad later-era clue rather than a precise dating rule: sources differ in how specifically they place its transition. No one visual feature or date establishes authenticity.
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Rank #3
- 16MM Watch SOLID Link for OYSTER WATCH BAND ROLEX GMT 16700 16710 16713 16718 DAYTONA COSMORGRAPH 16520 EXPLORER II 16570 SHINY CENTER
What to inspect before buying a 16570
A reference guide can explain the range of factory configurations, but it cannot verify a watch for sale. Evaluate the particular watch and its records, ideally with a qualified watchmaker or an established specialist.
- Dial and hands: Check that the dial marking and luminous material are consistent with the claimed period. Ask whether any dial, hands or other parts have been replaced; replacement may affect originality even if the watch functions correctly.
- Case: Inspect the lugs, their holes or lack of holes, and the case surfaces for wear or refinishing. Do not infer authenticity from a single case detail.
- Bracelet and clasp: Check end-link fit, clasp details, bracelet stretch and overall wear. Transition-era configurations make the actual fit and condition important.
- Movement and rehaut: Confirm the claimed movement and inspect the relevant details with appropriate expertise. A feature associated with a later period is a comparison clue, not proof that the watch is genuine.
- Service and provenance: Request service records, available documentation and a clear account of known parts changes. Review the seller’s return terms and have the watch examined before relying on claims about its condition.
- Water resistance and function: Do not assume a decades-old watch remains water-resistant. If water exposure matters, require a current pressure test and a check of the watch’s operation.
What is the difference between Rolex Explorer II 16570 and 216570?
The 216570 is the later 42 mm successor generation; the 16570 is the 40 mm reference discussed here. Rolex’s current Explorer II specifications describe a 42 mm case, calibre 3285 and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. Those are current-model specifications, not specifications to transfer to the 16570. Rolex also lists 100 m water resistance for the current model, but that rating says nothing about the present water resistance of an individual 16570. Rolex’s current model information is the source for those later-generation figures.
Rank #4
- CLASSIC STYLE: Michael Kors' 45mm Lexington watches for men feature a silver-tone dial set on a gold and silver-tone stainless steel silhouette
- ANALOG WATCH: These men's watches have a 45mm case, 22mm band width, mineral crystal, Quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
- SLEEK STYLE: Michael Kors watches with a round stainless steel case and a silver dial
- ELEGANT DESIGN: Two-tone men's dress watch with a stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit
- WATER RESISTANT MEN'S WATCH: Up to 100m; can be worn bathing, swimming or snorkeling and shallow diving; 10 ATM
Is the Rolex Explorer II 16570 worth buying?
It may suit a buyer who wants the Explorer II’s day/night or reference-time display in the earlier 40 mm case and is willing to choose carefully among the reference’s variations. Whether it is the right purchase depends on the condition, originality, service history and fit of the specific watch—not simply its dial color or production year.
The cited guides do not provide a current price series, a validated value trend, or a current availability count. There is therefore no supported exact valuation or investment case to offer here. Compare current listings and have any candidate assessed on its own merits rather than assuming one version is automatically more valuable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility & Size: Watch hand, compatible with Rolex GMT 3185-3186, Explorer II 16570, 16700, 16710, 16713 (Black).
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Aftermarket Product: This is an aftermarket/generic made to original factory specs for a precise fit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
