====== Rolex Explorer II 16570 ======
{{wst>image_r|Rolex_Explorer_II|Rolex Explorer II 16570 (black)}}
  *See Also [[Rolex Explorer II]]

**Ref. 16570** was the "modern" **[[Rolex Explorer II]]** produced between [[1989]] and [[2011]].

===== Overview =====
[[Rolex]] introduced the [[Rolex Explorer II|Explorer II]] series in [[1971]] to complement the [[Rolex Explorer|Explorer]] line. It features an additional 24-hour hand like the [[Rolex GMT-Master|GMT-Master]] but the bezel is fixed in place. 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. Accordingly, at the design of the dial a special emphasis was put on excellent readability, even in the dark.

This original [[Rolex Explorer II 1655|Explorer II Ref. 1655]] used a 39 mm case, but was enlarged for [[Rolex Explorer II 16550|Ref. 16550]] of [[1985]] with a larger 40 mm case. In keeping with its sporting intent, it used an [[Oyster bracelet]] and featured [[crown guard]]s. The bezel is marked with numerals at even numbers between 2 and 24 and triangle markers between. The dial is similar to the contemporary [[Rolex Submariner|Submariner]] with a large triangle marker at 12 00, large bar markers at 6 00 and 9 00, and smaller dots at the other hours. There is a date window at 3 00 with a [[cyclops]] magnifier. The hands are Rolex "Mercedes" style, with the [[24 hour hand]] using an arrow point.

Like the "transitional" Explorer II Ref. 16550, the design of Ref. 16570 diverges greatly from the original Ref. 1655. The dial and hands are much more conventional, looking more like a Submariner or GMT-Master than the old model. The iconic huge orange triangle shaped 24 hour hand is also gone, as is a great deal of [[lume]] from the dial. And the bezel is marked with triangles between the even hours rather than stick markers. One notable difference between Ref. 16550 and Ref. 16570 is the black outlines for the hour markers on the dial. This is particularly noticeable on the white dial version.

Like Ref. 16550, the 24 hour hand is independently adjustable, so the Explorer II can now display a [[second timezone]]. This Ref. 16570 was originally equipped with [[Rolex 3185|Cal. 3185]], but was updated in [[2007]] with the new [[Rolex 3186|Cal. 3186]] with the rugged and anti-magnetic [[Parachrom Blu]] [[hairspring]]. Later examples also feature the "ROLEX ROLEX" [[rehaut]] like many other Rolex sports watches.

Unlike its short-lived predecessor, Ref. 16570 remained in production for over two decades. Rolex redesigned the Explorer II in [[2011]] with an even-larger 42 mm case and a new movement, becoming [[Rolex Explorer II 216570|Ref. 216570]].

<WRAP ud ud_mod>
**Reference:**
  * 16570 (steel)
  * Production [[1989]]-[[2011]]
  * Predecessor [[Rolex Explorer II 16550]]
  * Successor [[Rolex Explorer II 216570]]

**Movement:**
  * [[Rolex 3185]] or [[Rolex 3186]], [[self-winding]] (bi-directional winding), 28,800 A/h
  * Certified [[chronometer]] ([[COSC]])
  * 31 [[jewels]]
  * [[Power reserve]] 50 hours

**Case:**
  * [[Oyster]] case, [[stainless steel]]
  * Ø 40 mm
  * 24 hours [[bezel]] fixed
  * [[Sapphire crystal]] with date loupe
  * [[Screw-in crown]]
  * [[Waterproof]] to 10 atm

**Dial:**
  * White or black
  * Hour indexes rimmed in [[white gold]]
  * Red central 24-hours hand with white triangle as pointing arrow
  * Indexes and hands with [[luminous]] color 

**Functions:**
  * Hours, minutes, [[central seconds]], date
  * Independantly adjustable central 24-hours hand ([[dual time-zone]])

**Bracelet:**
  * [[Oyster]] bracelet in [[stainless steel]] with [[folding clasp]]
</WRAP>

===== Literature =====
  *[[Das ZEITGEFÜHL-Uhrenbuch]]; Author [[Gerd-Lothar Reschke]]; ISBN 3-938607-61-0

===== Weblinks =====
  *[[http://www.uhrwald.de/explorer2.htm|Die Geschichte der Rolex Explorer II]], uhrwald.de (German)
  *[[http://www.r-l-x.de/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=79445|Zur Historie der Explorer II]], R-L-X-Forum (German)


{{tag>Watch_models GMT_watches Rolex_models Rolex_Explorer_models}}