Review From Sant Blanc

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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