The Rolex Explorer has been evolving for over half a century, but its foundational principles have remained unchanged throught the decades – simplicity, reliability, and adaptability. It’s a sports watch, that much is clear, but thanks to its pure design and sleek silhouette, it feels as much at home in the boardroom or the bar as it does on the mountainside. Of course, the latter is where the Explorer earned its reputation, having been designed for testing on Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s 1953 expedition to Mount Everest. The ref. 1655 that Norgay wore can still be seen at the Beyer Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, which many consider an important site of horological pilgrimage.
The Explorer II features an arrow-shaped 24-hour hand that points to a fixed bezel with 24-hour graduations. This enables the wearer to distinguish between the hours of the day and the hours of the night, which is essential for those who venture into environments where light does not dare to. Its highly legible dial, Chromalight markers, and waterproof Oystersteel case have made it the watch of choice for avid mountaineers and spelunkers alike.
The ref. 16570 is powered by the caliber 3185 – a 31-jewel self-winding movement that ticks at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 50 hours.
Our offering is in excellent condition, but – regrettably – comes without any of its original boxes or papers. It has an “A” Serial, which dates it to 1999. Ticking per specs.
The watch is covered by 1 year of limited warranty from ChronoTimepieces.
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| Complications/Functions | Central seconds, Chronometer, Date, GMT, Luminous hands, Luminous indices, Screw-down crown |