Rolex Explorer II 16570 HELP PLEASE

[DRjre086]

Hi folks,

I am in the market for a black dial Explorer II 16570. I prefer two different options: birth year (1986) with tritium dial and hands, or newer version with no log holes, newer bracelet, and engraved rehaut.

Can an expert help me with what years the transition took place between these two? It will greatly help me narrow my search of what to look for and what year model.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

[rollee1]

Tritium ended in 1997, engraved rehaut started around 2006/2007.
Obviously buy the newer one which also has SEL, no holes, LEC.
M and Z serial may have 3186

[DRjre086]

Originally Posted by rollee1

Tritium ended in 1997, engraved rehaut started around 2006/2007.
Obviously buy the newer one which also has SEL, no holes, LEC.
M and Z serial may have 3186

EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thanks rollee!

[Blue_Lume]

I just went through this with a friend yesterday as he was looking at the 40mm and 42mm.

Age, a factor.
Lume brightness, a factor.
Size, a factor.
Bracelet condition (SEL, lug holes etc) a factor.

He didn't really understand until he was holding both in his hand.
For $1,000 more he bought the polar white explorer 2 from ponycar yesterday.

Good for him!

Go somewhere and try them on and see what you prefer.

[douglasf13]

FWIW, many of us are fans of the short transition period starting around the year 2000, which gets you lug holes, luminova and the SEL bracelet. Best of both worlds.

[DRjre086]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

FWIW, many of us are fans of the short transition period starting around the year 2000, which gets you lug holes, luminova and the SEL bracelet. Best of both worlds.

Thanks Douglas. What serial or random?

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by DRjre086

Thanks Douglas. What serial or random?

I believe it is serials starting with P, K to early Y. The good thing is that you can just look and see the lug holes and SELs.

[rollee1]

I have both a T 1996 and M 2007 16570, both are absolutely fantastic and very comfortable.

The T have lost the lume but I had an RSC service, slightly polished (chamfers are sharp) looks new, got new LEC crystal with AR coating as bonus (previous does not), holes case (convenient), both 78360 and 78790 hollow bracelets are light and comfortable. Impressive accuracy at +1 constant!

My M 2007 is 3186 movement, engraved rehaut, SEL no holes 78790A. Accuracy is +1.2.

[stilren]

I recently aquired my first Rolex, the P Series (year 2000) black dial 16570. As some have already pointed out, it has best of both worlds: lug holes, SEL, super luminova, running 3185. I havent used it for much more than wearing inside yet, but it has everything I could want as an elegant and rugged daily wearer.