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Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 “Polar”, Stainless Steel, White Dial, 1999, Unpolished, Germany LC100

The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 for people who work in places where day and night lose their meaning, such as cave explorers, polar researchers and scientists in remote regions. Its 24-hour hand tells you whether it is day or night, even after weeks underground. The reference 16570 is the version that made the Explorer II truly popular, and with its white dial, collectors call it the “Polar”.

The 40 mm Oyster case is made of stainless steel and water resistant to 100 meters. The fixed steel bezel carries an engraved 24-hour scale, which together with the 24-hour hand can also be used to read a second time zone. This example has never been polished. The case still shows its original sharp edges and the correct lines of the lugs, exactly as it left the factory. For collectors, an unpolished case is one of the most important things to look for in a modern vintage Rolex, and it is becoming harder to find every year.

The white dial is what gives this watch its nickname. The black-framed markers and black hands stand out sharply against the white, which makes the watch wonderfully easy to read. The bright red 24-hour hand adds a strong accent, and the Cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3 o’clock.

Inside works the Rolex caliber 3185, a self-winding chronometer movement with an independently adjustable hour hand. You can change the local time in one-hour steps without stopping the watch, which makes it very practical when traveling.

The watch sits on a stainless steel Oyster bracelet.

The watch dates from 1999 and was delivered for the EU market. The LC100 code confirms that it was sold in Germany. It is in excellent, unpolished condition and comes with its papers.

"A Polar Explorer II in its original, unpolished state, and a true tool watch with a clean, timeless look!“.