Items Similar to 2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570

Rolex Explorer II in Stainless Steel REF 16570

Rolex Explorer II 16570

Rolex Explorer II 16570T

Rolex Explorer II 16570

Rolex Explorer II Men's Wristwatch 16570 Stainless Steel Automatic 1 Yr Wnty

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 8

2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570

Name: 2002 Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Model 16570
Brand: Rolex
Price: 8800 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel 40mm White Dial Polar Dial, Model 16570 c.2002 Throughout the course of the 20th century, the Rolex brand built itself into a household name largely in part due to its cutting-edge sport watches that quickly became coveted status symbols. The Submariner was built for the deep sea diver, the Cosmograph Daytona for the race car driver, and the Explorer II Polar was a timepiece specifically designed for… the spelunker. Suffice to say, with cave diving not being one of the more glamorous outdoor activities, the Explorer II Polar went largely unappreciated beyond its very specific intended audience and was only produced between 1988 and 2011. And it’s a shame that it was, considering that a watch built for extended periods of darkness and isolation can’t help but include several features that are —plainly put — very cool. The immaculately grainless snow-white dial — from which the watch derives its name— sets the stage for all the little details that dance across it, allowing each one a more visually striking presence beneath the crystal (and also making it more desired by collectors than its black dial-sporting predecessors from the Explorer II line). The face is outfitted with glow-in-the dark hands and indices made from Super LumiNova. Each of the indices is ringed in white gold that has been painted black, adding an extra hidden touch of extravagance to an otherwise functionality-based timepiece. Since one can easily lose track of whether it is day or night after enough time in the depths of a cave, each of the 24 hours of the day are etched and painted onto the stainless steel bezel, and a second hour hand circles the dial at half the speed of the primary hour hand, making sure that the wearer is always aware of the exact time. Between its offbeat set of features and its status as one of Rolex’s more obscure offerings, the Explorer II Polar has developed a cult following among those whose style functions as a sly subversion of status. It has become a favorite of the Brooklyn hipster set, as they have taken to seeing it as a sort of anti-Rolex. Not many watches can find an equally comfortable home in both Williamsburg and the bottomless depths of a cavern. But the Explorer II Polar never claimed to be anything close to a typical timepiece. Additional Information: Maker: Rolex Model: 16570 Year: 2002 Material: Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal Dial: White, Super-LumiNova Movement: Automatic Case Measurement: 40mm Weight: 121g Size: Fits up to an 8, Adjustable Condition: Pristine Vintage Made in Switzerland Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of your watch mechanism for ONE year from the purchase date. Our watches are guaranteed to be of the period, material and manufacturer stated. Any damage due to accidents and/or wear and tear from use is excluded from this warranty. Stephanie Windsor is an independent watch dealer and is not authorized, endorsed, sponsored by, associated with and/ or affiliated with the original watch maker brand. Stephanie Windsor only sells pre-owned, vintage and refurbished watches that are subject to one or more of the following: Repair and replacement of damaged or worn parts or the replacement of the original watch crystal. The original maker of the watch is not under any obligation to service watches by Stephanie Windsor.

Creator:

Rolex

Design:

Explorer II WatchExplorer Collection

Case Material:

Stainless Steel,Steel

Weight:

121 g

Strap Material:

Stainless Steel

Case Shape:

Round

Movement:

Case Dimensions:

Diameter: 1.58 in (40 mm)

Style:

Modern

Place of Origin:

Switzerland

Period:

21st Century

Date of Manufacture:

2002

Condition:

Minor losses. very good pre-owned condition.

Seller Location:

New York, NY

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU1661110928062

View Invoice

Shop All Rolex

Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.