1997 Rolex Explorer 2 Polar 16570
Ref: 16570

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no Rolex box or Rolex paperwork, the watch however does come with Rolex service box and service pouch. The watch comes paired on its original Rolex stainless steel oyster bracelet with hollow end links. The watch is from 1997 and is in worn condition as you can see, general wear to the watch. The watch received a service in January 2019 and is running fantastic, it will come with a 12-Month NON-Waterproof KibbleWatches warranty.

The Watch

The Rolex Explorer was first introduced in 1953, shortly after the first successful summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometers used by the expedition was the forerunner of the explorer, albeit without the name. The Explorer 2 was specifically made for Spelunkers who are cave explorers this meant it was built with a particular specification. The Ref 16570 was introduced in 1989. It has a 39mm stainless steel case satin-brushed sides and brushed top surfaces are exquisitely executed. The TwinLock screw-down crown gives the watch 100m water resistance thanks to its two seal system. A stepped fixed bezel has 24-hour black markings. Sapphire crystal protects the Polar white dial an outer minute track and applied disc, batons, and triangle at the 12 o’clock with black outlines mark the hours. All lumed in Tritium. This being the very last to use Tritium as in 1998 Rolex changed to Superluminova which removed the T to just say Swiss at 6 o’clock. Mercedes’s hands are complimented with the arrow hand for the 24-hour function made more visible with its red hand and white arrowhead. On the reverse, we have the screw-down case back. Inside the movement is protected from vibration and knocks by the ParaFlex shock absorber. The Automatic Rolex Cal. 3185 features 31 jewels and beats at 28,800 beats per hour. Fitted on its original Oyster bracelet with signed clasp.

Personal Note

This was a tough one for me not to jump on myself, being a birth-year watch for me too! But I have to show some restraint otherwise I'd be living on the street with no business, but all the watches! Truly a stunning watch the Polar Explorer 2 is, I'll be adding one to the personal collection at some point in the next 5 years! But if you're in a position to add one now, then don't wait, this is a great example to add and is priced incredibly well, I suspect you won't see it here for long!