Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570

[gbcecil]

Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570
The new 2012 Rolex Explorer II model 216570 is the latest production of the Rolex Explorer II line. In the early 1950’s, Rolex designed a watch for explorers. Built to withstand the elements, the Rolex Explorer has an extra strong case and a high visibility dial. The Explorer is somewhat of a mix of various Rolex models in that the dial has qualities carried over from previous dials made by Rolex.

Features of the Rolex 216570 are a 42mm stainless steel case making it one of the largest Rolex models in production today. Starting in the late 1990's Rolex has followed a trend to produce larger, heavier, and more resilient watches. This trend started with the Rolex Day-Date and Rolex Daytona models and is still expanding today.

The Rolex 216570 is made with Rolex 904L stainless steel. This is high grade stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion. It also can be polished to a great finish without affecting the integrity of the steel. The bracelet is also stainless steel. It is the Rolex Oyster band with the Rolex 5mm easylink comfort extension. This gives the band a better fit and feel than the traditional Oyster band.

The bezel of the Rolex Explorer II is a 24 hour bezel. It has an independent 12-hour hand that is orange in 2012. This gives the GMT function to the timepiece.

This Rolex is water resistant up to 100 meters or 330 feet.

The face comes in white or black and is covered by a sapphire crystal. Sapphire crystal is very strong and scratch resistant. On the crystal is a 2.5 magnification Cyclops bubble making the date easier to read. On the dial, also called the face, are larger luminous hour markers that can hold a charge all night. This is a new feature as well and follows the trend of larger features. The hands are thicker with the same luminous material as the hour markers.

Around the edge, between the dial and crystal is the Rolex inner-bezel engraving. The engraving says "RolexRolexRolex" all the way around until the 6 o'clock position where at this point is the serial number of the specific Rolex watch.

The movement is the Rolex caliber 31.87 movement. This advanced movement is among the finest in the world. It is automatic and self-winding. It has a 72 hour power reserve when fully charged. The winding of the movement, known as the oyster perpetual movement, is charged by either wearing the watch or by placing it into a watch winding machine. This simulates being worn as the movement charges.

The MSRP on this Rolex model is $7750.00 as of January 2012.

Overall, the new Rolex Explorer II, 216570, is a great timepiece. It is very respectable and resilient. The larger, retro design will take its place in the Rolex story of greatness.


source: http://www.santblanc.com

[Kevin.S]

Just bought the white dial version!! :)

[jaketheenglish]

Personally one of my favorite watches. Great information Brad

[dddrees]

Are you sure the power reserve for the 3187 movement is 72 hours? I was unable to find anything that would suggest that it was anything other than 48 hours.

[gbcecil]

I was unable to find anything written on 72 hours. This was a personal observation on a brand new watch. 48 hours is a safe number. Thanks for the input.

[mailamitnow]

I haven't seen the the GMT or Explorer (same movement) with over a 40-48 hour reserve. But if they upped it to 72, that would add something to fill that 42MM case. I think its too big, but I'm a skinny wrist guy.

[Andad]

The 3187 does not have a 72 hour power reserve. It is around 48 hours just like a 3135 movement.

Interesting review.

[GEO_79]

nice review!but i am quite sure it has 48h power reserve...now i am saving money for this watch;the one with black dial

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by GEO_79

nice review!but i am quite sure it has 48h power reserve...now i am saving money for this watch;the one with black dial

You'll love it! Mine is one week old, couldn't be happier

[Sirhcwave]

Just bought the black one (after struggling with the black vs white dilemma) and couldn't be happier. The orange hand contrasts so well with the matte black face.

[duker66]

Hoping (praying) that I will have the black 216570 next week! Never been this excited about getting a watch. Will be a long week if it doesn't happen.

[Vallhalla68]

My favorite Rolex by far !!!

[loony]

Great Review! Hopefully my next buy...

[strafer_kid]

The big case takes a little getting use to but no doubt an amazing watch!

[Psmith]

Nice write-up, thanks. The current Exp II is a winner for sure

[sea-dweller]

Nice review!

[Jumpmaster]

I've had mine for two weeks. Fantastic accuracy. Great look and feel on the wrist. Exactly the stealth factor I was looking for; doesn't attract attention like some other models. I don't dive or fly, but I do explore! Perfect in all respects!

[Jumpmaster]

BTW, I chose the black dial....never considered the white. It came down to Exp II or GMT IIC. Stealth, 42mm case and readability of dial helped me make my final choice. Maybe a 2006 GMT Pepsi and a DJII in the future to round out the collection...

[kazerone]

This is a fantastic watch !.
the only problem I have with it is the fact that it's 42mm wide...it wears a bit big on me, and it sucks :(