The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 18 September 2020, 12:15 AM   #1
Wembleyisgreen
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Real Name: Mike
Location: Allison Park
Watch: 214270
Posts: 540
16570 Explorer... Do you consider it one of the air/pilot watches?

If you put together a land/air/sea trio would you include the 16570?

I’m curious because as we all know the spelunking storyline of the watch especially the polar version and then I read this earlier elsewhere:

“ There is an extra 24-hour hand that points to a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings. The logic behind this is that cave explorers are often in the dark, and therefore, can’t tell the difference between AM and PM. The 24-hour hand points to either 10:00 or 22:00, the wearer can now know whether it’s day or night.”

I’ve heard others state it’s not a true GMT watch whatever they mean by that...

Thoughts?
Wembleyisgreen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 12:26 AM   #2
Dsmith1974
"TRF" Member
 
Dsmith1974's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Real Name: Duncan
Location: London
Watch: DD 40
Posts: 2,262
Yes I’d add it to the trio for land (not air).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Dsmith1974 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 12:30 AM   #3
franktehtank
"TRF" Member
 
franktehtank's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Canada
Watch: Sub, GMT
Posts: 712
I've always thought of the explorer II as Rolex's travel/adventure watch. For a few reasons:

- Rugged (aren't they all, though). More so with the tough and easy to replace steel bezel. Nothing to rotate on the outside and get jammed with sand or dirt. Waterproof enough for most anything you can throw at it, and a tough steel bracelet.
- Two time zones. When you're traveling, all you want to know at a quick glance is the local time, and your home time. No need to constantly flip between time zones with a rotating gmt bezel. Land in your new time zone, quick hour hand adjustment to local time and you're good to go
- If the GMT hand is set to local time, it can be used as a compass. Part of the adventure aspect.
franktehtank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 12:40 AM   #4
-dustin
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Real Name: Dustin
Location: A, TX
Posts: 1,559
Air? No. Land? Yes.

Wonder why some would say it's not a true GMT...?
-dustin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 12:54 AM   #5
Wembleyisgreen
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Real Name: Mike
Location: Allison Park
Watch: 214270
Posts: 540
But isn’t land usually referencing a vehicle/racing and a chronograph?
Wembleyisgreen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 01:19 AM   #6
timlaw
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Tim
Location: Worcestershire,UK
Watch: Coke 16710
Posts: 894
not really

the explorer name is land related as the name suggests - the ascent of Everest will always be linked with the names Hillary and Explorer

a racing themed watch will normally have a tachymetre scale and probably a chronograph function like say a Daytona
__________________
Tim.

124060 Submariner, 16710 Coke, 16570 Black dial, Datejust 41 Wimbledon dial, Tudor Black Bay GMT, Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue, Tudor Black Bay 58 925, Tudor Prince Date Chronograph (panda dial)
timlaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 01:55 AM   #7
capote
"TRF" Member
 
capote's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Sweden
Watch: 16570
Posts: 7,317
I have been wearing mine on an airplane as well as out walking, seemed to work fine.
capote is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 02:54 AM   #8
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 42,990
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wembleyisgreen View Post
. . .

I’ve heard others state it’s not a true GMT watch whatever they mean by that...

Thoughts?
The original Explorer II was not a dual-time watch. It only depicted time in either 12 hour format or 24 hour format.

The GMT was always a dual-time watch because you could use the bezel for a second time-zone (GMT is the name of the watch, not the function).

Today, both the Explorer II and the GMT II are true dual-time watches as both have independently adjustable hour/24 hour hands.

If you are putting together an air/land/sea group, you are putting a historical representation together, nothing more. Air-king/DJ/Sub would work, but tradition says GMT/Sub/Daytona - it's your collection, call them how you want.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 03:30 AM   #9
Paul7
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 898
Quote:
Originally Posted by franktehtank View Post
I've always thought of the explorer II as Rolex's travel/adventure watch. For a few reasons:

- Rugged (aren't they all, though). More so with the tough and easy to replace steel bezel. Nothing to rotate on the outside and get jammed with sand or dirt. Waterproof enough for most anything you can throw at it, and a tough steel bracelet.
- Two time zones. When you're traveling, all you want to know at a quick glance is the local time, and your home time. No need to constantly flip between time zones with a rotating gmt bezel. Land in your new time zone, quick hour hand adjustment to local time and you're good to go
- If the GMT hand is set to local time, it can be used as a compass. Part of the adventure aspect.
Can you explain how that last feature works?
Paul7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 03:33 AM   #10
101031-28
"TRF" Member
 
101031-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Watch: 1665
Posts: 4,736
My understanding is that technically speaking, the Explorer II was created to assist speleologists while inside the cave where, due to the dark environment, they are unable to tell the difference between daytime and nighttime. With that in mind, I personally would consider it more of a land vs air watch.
__________________
He could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex.

Ian Fleming
101031-28 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 05:01 AM   #11
Wembleyisgreen
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Real Name: Mike
Location: Allison Park
Watch: 214270
Posts: 540
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
If you are putting together an air/land/sea group, you are putting a historical representation together, nothing more. Air-king/DJ/Sub would work, but tradition says GMT/Sub/Daytona - it's your collection, call them how you want.
Great point! In my estimation it’s a dual time watch therefore works as a Pilot’s watch. I need to pick one up!
Wembleyisgreen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 06:53 AM   #12
Dr.Stu
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dr.Stu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: New York City
Posts: 530
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
The original Explorer II was not a dual-time watch. It only depicted time in either 12 hour format or 24 hour format.

The GMT was always a dual-time watch because you could use the bezel for a second time-zone (GMT is the name of the watch, not the function).

Today, both the Explorer II and the GMT II are true dual-time watches as both have independently adjustable hour/24 hour hands.

If you are putting together an air/land/sea group, you are putting a historical representation together, nothing more. Air-king/DJ/Sub would work, but tradition says GMT/Sub/Daytona - it's your collection, call them how you want.
Or, more simply. because it doesn't have a rotating bezel.

Also, the bezel numbers are recessed- supposedly so they can be felt in the dark (e.g. of a cave).

And, the numbers on the bottom of the bezel, numbers (10-12-14-16) are flipped "rightside up" because they don't ever rotate, vs. a GMTs bezel on which all the numbers are arranged so that they are always upright at the top when the bezel is rotated.
__________________
“Own time or time will own you.” —Brian Norgard
Dr.Stu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 08:10 AM   #13
jlovda
"TRF" Member
 
jlovda's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: John
Location: Midwest
Watch: 5513,1675,216570
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by franktehtank View Post
I've always thought of the explorer II as Rolex's travel/adventure watch. For a few reasons:

- Rugged (aren't they all, though). More so with the tough and easy to replace steel bezel. Nothing to rotate on the outside and get jammed with sand or dirt. Waterproof enough for most anything you can throw at it, and a tough steel bracelet.
- Two time zones. When you're traveling, all you want to know at a quick glance is the local time, and your home time. No need to constantly flip between time zones with a rotating gmt bezel. Land in your new time zone, quick hour hand adjustment to local time and you're good to go
- If the GMT hand is set to local time, it can be used as a compass. Part of the adventure aspect.
A perfect description. I love my Exp II.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr.Stu View Post
And, the numbers on the bottom of the bezel, numbers (10-12-14-16) are flipped "rightside up" because they don't ever rotate, vs. a GMTs bezel on which all the numbers are arranged so that they are always upright at the top when the bezel is rotated.
I never noticed that tidbit of trivia. And I look at my watch a million times a day.
jlovda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 08:13 AM   #14
jlovda
"TRF" Member
 
jlovda's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: John
Location: Midwest
Watch: 5513,1675,216570
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by capote View Post
I have been wearing mine on an airplane as well as out walking, seemed to work fine.
jlovda is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 10:46 AM   #15
CK19
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Delaware
Posts: 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul7 View Post
Can you explain how that last feature works?
Point 12 hour hand at sun, the 24 hour hand will point north (if they are set on the same time zone).
CK19 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 11:12 AM   #16
Paul7
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 898
Quote:
Originally Posted by CK19 View Post
Point 12 hour hand at sun, the 24 hour hand will point north (if they are set on the same time zone).
Thanks, I did not know that. By 12 hour hand you mean hour hand, correct?
Paul7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 11:20 AM   #17
Nikrnic
"TRF" Member
 
Nikrnic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Real Name: Louis Nick Ric
Location: Michigan, USA
Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs,
Posts: 10,159
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul7 View Post
Thanks, I did not know that. By 12 hour hand you mean hour hand, correct?
Yes

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
Nikrnic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 12:32 PM   #18
subprimero
"TRF" Member
 
subprimero's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: John
Location: Texas
Watch: 14060
Posts: 3,431
This is the definitive Explorer thread and IMO the best thread I have ever encountered on this forum:https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=345242
subprimero is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 01:48 PM   #19
askdanny
"TRF" Member
 
askdanny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: HND/SEA/CDG/AMS
Watch: Clock on my A330
Posts: 725
The only 16570 black dial i've ever seen in the wild was on the wrist of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A320 Captain. He told me he had been wearing it daily for 20 years.
__________________
Rolex stories you won't find anywhere else: https://coron.et
askdanny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 01:53 PM   #20
Wembleyisgreen
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Real Name: Mike
Location: Allison Park
Watch: 214270
Posts: 540
Quote:
Originally Posted by askdanny View Post
The only 16570 black dial i've ever seen in the wild was on the wrist of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A320 Captain. He told me he had been wearing it daily for 20 years.
Solved!
Wembleyisgreen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 06:20 PM   #21
LPan
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Real Name: L
Location: London
Watch: me collect more...
Posts: 337
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nikrnic View Post
Yes

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
I did not know that at all and I have been collecting and swapping Rolexes for the last 10 years! Wow.
LPan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 06:30 PM   #22
danwang0520
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Real Name: Daniel
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Watch: my signature
Posts: 2,668
Explorer II is considered a land piece as the purpose is to help cave explorer to tell the time in a 24-hours format.....
danwang0520 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 08:49 PM   #23
Thuilln
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Nick
Location: YUL
Watch: 16570
Posts: 1,936
Quote:
Originally Posted by CK19 View Post
Point 12 hour hand at sun, the 24 hour hand will point north (if they are set on the same time zone).
True in Northern Hemisphere only, during standard time (not daylight saving time).
__________________
Nick

_________________________________________
14060M - 114200 - 114270 - 214270 - 16710BLRO - 16570 - 3570.50 - Cartier Tank Solo - Cartier Tank Française ‘Yearling’ - CWC Navy Diver
Thuilln is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 08:52 PM   #24
HogwldFLTR
2024 Pledge Member
 
HogwldFLTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: What's on my wrist
Posts: 33,247
Exp II was really for spelunking originally so neither fish nor fowl nor good red herring.
__________________
Troglodyte in residence!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599
HogwldFLTR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 September 2020, 09:56 PM   #25
iliketime
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Real Name: Jack
Location: NYC
Watch: 16570, 16710
Posts: 1,534
Its good for all purposes, since its all steel construction makes it practically indestructible. Gmt, plus 100M Wr!
iliketime is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
16570 , explorer , gmt , pilot watch , polar


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.