The Rolex Explorer II

[Edwin Ong]

I love this complete orange hand !

[De Sisti]

Excuse me for jumping into this discussion. I'm only doing so because I've sent
my Explorer II off for servicing (bought in 1994, serial S6*****). When I bought
it, it looked great to me. Now, with my eyesight failing, I find it difficult to focus
on it. A colleague in work had a similar model, but with a cream coloured dial. I
could focus on it with no problems.

I've read somewhere that these cream dials weren't produced for very long and
that they are very rare. Has anyone heard of someone having their white dial
repainted to cream? I'm very tempted to purchase a black dial, as the contrast
of the different colour hands and hour markers will make it easier for me to focus on.

[capote]

Originally Posted by De Sisti

Excuse me for jumping into this discussion. I'm only doing so because I've sent
my Explorer II off for servicing (bought in 1994, serial S6*****). When I bought
it, it looked great to me. Now, with my eyesight failing, I find it difficult to focus
on it. A colleague in work had a similar model, but with a cream coloured dial. I
could focus on it with no problems.

I've read somewhere that these cream dials weren't produced for very long and
that they are very rare. Has anyone heard of someone having their white dial
repainted to cream? I'm very tempted to purchase a black dial, as the contrast
of the different colour hands and hour markers will make it easier for me to focus on.

First off, welcome Second: You're not really jumping into any discussion, this thread has been dead for 6 months Anyway, the cream colour was a factory defect. They started out white and turned cream colour later on. They are way more expensive than the ordinary white ones since people tend to like collecting defect Rolexes. I have never heard of anybody trying to repaint the dial though.

[dan5]

Hello Gents,

I saw a expoler ii for sale buy trusted sell today....Can anyone please educate me on the year and movement of this model. 16570 snd Serial Y 822xxxxx. Thanks

[capote]

Originally Posted by dan5

Hello Gents,

I saw a expoler ii for sale buy trusted sell today....Can anyone please educate me on the year and movement of this model. 16570 snd Serial Y 822xxxxx. Thanks

Welcome If the watch has a ROLEXROLEXROLEX engraved rehaut, it has the 3186 movement, which was the last one for this model. The earlier had a 3185 movement. There are/were some internet hype with the later movement, but IMO its not worth the premium of getting the 3186. Since the new Explorer II 216570 has the newer 3187 movement they are infact both obsolete. Not familiar with the different serials but If the watch in question has lug holes its an older model.

[Rsvrider]

Is the 216570 the only 42mm? What was the 1st yr off production/release? Any of you fortunate enough to share a side by side pic of both the 40mm and the 42mm? The more I read about the opinions of owning an ExpII the more I want one. Seems like the perfect daily all arounder. Leaning towards a black faced with OD green NATO. One more thing, would it be wrong to switch the hands to the thicker ones and the big orange hr hand too on a modern?
"The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday"

[toddster]

I have a W series (~1995) that has the luminova dial, not <T25 (tit). A couple comments I've received, "is when did you have the dial replaced as the orig dial was trit"? Does anyone know that history? I purhcased mine used, no B&P and without a complete history of the piece. I've had it serviced at RSC, so no doubts on authenticity of the watch.

Thanks!

[mikkolopez]

Originally Posted by toddster

I have a W series (~1995) that has the luminova dial, not <T25 (tit). A couple comments I've received, "is when did you have the dial replaced as the orig dial was trit"? Does anyone know that history? I purhcased mine used, no B&P and without a complete history of the piece. I've had it serviced at RSC, so no doubts on authenticity of the watch.

Thanks!

I have a swiss T<25 dial, bought circa 1995 (so they were still available in 1995) albeit one of the last few, with the dial still in best condition saved for the patina-ed hourmarkers and now lack of readable lume. RSC asked me if I wanted to have the dial changed to a later Swiss Made dial and have SL on the hourmarkers, I said no as I'd rather retain the OEM/stock dial.

The hands on the other hand has seen better days with the black borders have some imperfections already, that has been changed.

[bsandiford]

The 216570 explorer II is a fine watch but for me it marks a departure of Rolex into the oversized and blingy market that is aimed at Chinese new millionaires. No doubt that technologically the 3187 movement is a marvel but for me 16570 is already a classic. It marks the sports/tool watch at the perfect dimensions of 40mm. The lume isn't the best but its Rolex's last watch that was perfect. Snap one up on the vintage market peoples!!

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by bsandiford

The 216570 explorer II is a fine watch but for me it marks a departure of Rolex into the oversized and blingy market that is aimed at Chinese new millionaires. No doubt that technologically the 3187 movement is a marvel but for me 16570 is already a classic. It marks the sports/tool watch at the perfect dimensions of 40mm. The lume isn't the best but its Rolex's last watch that was perfect. Snap one up on the vintage market peoples!!

'Oversized and blingy' is a bit strong... it's only 42 mm and is finished in the same way as the old model i.e. mostly brushed. Of course these things come down to personal preference and opinion, but I see the 216570 as being more functional than the 16570. The dial & hands are easier to read, the lume is much better, and the clasp is more readily adjustable

I still like the 16570 (I had two of them) but the updates for the 216570 have given the Exp II a new and hopefully long lease of life. It is no longer an 'also ran' trailing the Sub and GMT

[jcd]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but the 216570 replaced the 16570, correct? I only ask because my local AD had them on display next to each other. Seemed odd to me to display the old and new style together like that. I'm glad they did though, it was an interesting to compare side by side like that. It's amazing what a difference only 2mm makes.

[capote]

Originally Posted by Psmith

I see the 216570 as being more functional than the 16570. The dial & hands are easier to read, the lume is much better, and the clasp is more readily adjustable.

I will give you a more adjustable clasp but I think the fat hands on the new one is overkill. Looks like a tool watch for senior citizens.

Originally Posted by jcd

Sorry if this is a silly question, but the 216570 replaced the 16570, correct? I only ask because my local AD had them on display next to each other. Seemed odd to me to display the old and new style together like that. I'm glad they did though, it was an interesting to compare side by side like that. It's amazing what a difference only 2mm makes.

Yes, that is correct. The 16570 is no longer in production.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by capote

I will give you a more adjustable clasp but I think the fat hands on the new one is overkill. Looks like a tool watch for senior citizens.

Perhaps spelunking is a popular occupation for senior citizens?

[authenticwatch]

Great collection of these watches. Very nice looking. It is my favorite watch.

[Czechman]

Is there any way to determine if my Explorer II 16570 with a D serial has a 3186 or 3187 movement without opening the case?

[mwatch]

Originally Posted by Czechman

Is there any way to determine if my Explorer II 16570 with a D serial has a 3186 or 3187 movement without opening the case?

Do you mean 3185 or 3186? I think the switch to 3186 was during the Z serial run.

[AJSM]

3187 is only in the 42mm case.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Czechman

Is there any way to determine if my Explorer II 16570 with a D serial has a 3186 or 3187 movement without opening the case?

in a 16570 the 3186 i believe will be accompanied by an engraved rehaut?

Originally Posted by AJSM

3187 is only in the 42mm case.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by subtona

in a 16570 the 3186 i believe will be accompanied by an engraved rehaut?

Not necessarily - I have seen Z serials with the engraved rehaut and 3185 movement, although it's fair to say that the last of the 16570s will have both the engraved rehaut and 3186

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Psmith

Not necessarily - I have seen Z serials with the engraved rehaut and 3185 movement, although it's fair to say that the last of the 16570s will have both the engraved rehaut and 3186

wasn't certain, i defer to Clives details.

[Czechman]

Thank you and my apologies for the double post. I tried to delete it twice with no luck.

[jeffboehm]

I have owned an explorer ii for about 5 years and I am very happy with it. It still oops great even though its showing its age and I am a proud rolex owner.

[timepiecehobby]

cool vintage watch.

[Czechman]

Current thinking is to not do any cosmetic embellishments to vintage watches. Service the movement, but no polishing or changing out parts such as hands and dials because that will diminish the value. Refinished dials are a definite no-no.

[honitel]

Excellent choice on that Explorer 2, The explorer is a good choice for any watch!

[jamesbondOO7]

I like my 16570 a lot. Extremely comfortable and practical.

[mrhy]

this is one senior citizen who prefers the 16570,the only thing that turns me on with the 216570 is the orange hand

[Roy7]

16570 Explorer II Y-Generation Functions?

So pulled out to position one, allows you to wind, position 2, allows you to adjust the main hour hand, position three, adjust the hour and minutes.

Is there a way to adjust the date only?

Thanks again.

[G-Web]

Explorer II is a fantastic watch in all its iterations.
Here's my newest love, a 16550 from the mid 80's.
-GW

[anttiwi]

Nice