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The Rolex Explorer II has always been one of the more understated watches in the Rolex professional collection. Originally developed for adventurers and explorers working in environments where distinguishing day from night could prove difficult, the Explorer II has evolved into one of the most practical and versatile sports watches in the Rolex catalogue.
This 2008 Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 is a particularly appealing example from the final years of production, fitted with the desirable Rolex automatic calibre 3186 movement.
The calibre 3186 is an important distinction for collectors. Introduced towards the end of the 16570's production, it replaced the earlier calibre 3185 and brought several refinements, including the introduction of Rolex's blue Parachrom hairspring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations. Rolex also revised the hour-setting mechanism, addressing the slight movement of the 24-hour hand sometimes observed when adjusting the local hour hand on the earlier calibre.
As the 3186 was only fitted to the Explorer II 16570 during its final production years, these later examples have become particularly sought after by collectors.
The watch itself retains everything that makes the five-digit Explorer II so appealing. Its 40mm stainless steel Oyster case offers excellent proportions, while the fixed 24-hour bezel and distinctive red GMT hand provide a practical second time zone function without the additional bulk of larger modern sports watches.
The original black dial is beautifully balanced, featuring luminous hour markers, Mercedes hands and the red 24-hour hand that gives this generation of Explorer II its distinctive appearance.
Completed by its Rolex 78790 Oyster bracelet, this is a fantastic example of a late-production Explorer II, combining classic proportions, modern functionality and a movement that makes it particularly interesting to collectors.
Key Features
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570
Year 2008
Rolex automatic calibre 3186 movement
40mm stainless steel Oyster case
Fixed stainless steel 24-hour bezel
Original black dial and hands
Red 24-hour GMT hand
Independent local hour adjustment
Blue Parachrom hairspring
Sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnification
Rolex 78790 Oyster bracelet
Engraved Rolex rehaut
Original inner and outer Rolex box
Original Rolex warranty card
Explorer II and Oyster booklets
Original serial swing tag
Rolex wallet
Complete box and papers set
A Word on Condition
This Rolex Explorer II presents in excellent overall condition, with a well-defined stainless steel case and attractive brushed and polished finishes.
The fixed 24-hour bezel remains very well presented, with clearly defined engraved numerals and only minor signs of careful use. The case retains strong proportions, with the lugs and crown guards giving the watch the purposeful appearance expected of a Rolex professional model.
The original black dial is particularly attractive, with clean printing, well-presented luminous hour markers and matching hands. The red 24-hour hand provides a welcome contrast against the black dial and steel bezel.
The Rolex Oyster bracelet also presents very well, complementing the case and retaining the understated character that makes the 16570 such a wearable watch.
Overall, this is a very appealing example of a late-production Explorer II, with the added attraction of the calibre 3186 movement and its accompanying original accessories.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is offered as a complete set, accompanied by its original inner and outer Rolex box, Explorer II and Oyster booklets, original serial swing tag, Rolex wallet and original warranty card.
The presence of the original accessories and documentation is particularly welcome on a later calibre 3186 example, providing additional provenance and making the watch an attractive proposition for collectors.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
For me, the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 is one of the most underrated watches in the Rolex professional collection.
The appeal lies in its simplicity. It is a proper sports watch with a useful second time zone complication, a wonderfully balanced 40mm case and a design that has aged exceptionally well.
What makes this particular example more interesting is the calibre 3186. These later movement examples represent the final evolution of the five-digit Explorer II, offering the familiar proportions and design of the earlier models alongside refinements that would carry into subsequent generations.
There is also something appealing about the black dial configuration. The contrast between the dark dial, stainless steel bezel and red 24-hour hand gives the watch a subtle identity of its own, without relying on the more recognisable coloured bezels found elsewhere in the Rolex catalogue.
For someone looking for a collectible Rolex that can still be enjoyed as an everyday watch, this is a particularly compelling choice. A late-production 16570, the desirable calibre 3186 and a complete set of original accessories make for a very attractive combination.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.