Rolex Explorer II “Polar” Tritium 16570

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Description

The Rolex Explorer II Polar might just be king of tool watches. It more than satisfies the basic criteria: simple case, solid bezel, highly legible, screw-down locking crown and built as tough as they get. But with the addition of two of the most practical features in watchmaking – a date window and GMT function – the watch fills a gap in the market where nothing else comes close.

The white “Polar” dial on the watch is reminiscent of the snow and ice covered regions for which it was forged, giving the watch a serious but comfortable appearance on the wrist. The luminous material in the hands and dial markers are an off-white snow-like colour, providing extra texture on the extremely legible black and white contrasted dial.

The reference 16570 is the last Explorer II to feature a red GMT hand, as Rolex transitioned to using a large orange GMT hand on new models which collectors either love or hate. Rolex also bumped up the case size to 42mm on the newer models, which some collectors with small-medium wrists find too large.

This example features a tritium dial and tritium hands, a luminous material used by Rolex up until 1999. Collectors love tritium dials because of the unique and extremely attractive patina the luminous material takes on over time. On this watch the luminous material has barely aged (the watch has probably not seen the sun much in its life!), so the watch will continue to develop an individual profile over time in accordance with one’s wearing habits.

The watch is in very good condition commensurate with its age, showing light signs of wear on the case and bezel. The case shows prominent bevels, sharp lines and an overall thick profile. The full-size 12-link bracelet is in very good condition, showing only very light signs of wear. The original factory tritium hands and dial are matching and in excellent condition

The Rolex Explorer II ‘Polar’ has experienced a huge surge in popularity over the last few years and finding well preserved examples prior to the 2000’s has become extremely difficult. 

The watch comes with its original papers.

The watch has had a complete mechanical service in March 2022 and is in excellent working condition.

Hailwood Peters guarantees the watch for authenticity. Hailwood Peters provides a one-year warranty on the watch.

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