IN-DEPTH: Future classic? The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570

Editor’s note: Today’s review is a little unusual on several accounts. Most significantly it’s of a watch that’s been discontinued for seven years. Given this fact, Bruce (of BLNR fame) has written a more personal, evocative piece, which makes sense as much ink has already been shed in tribute to the details and intricacies of this particular Rolex Explorer II. So why talk about it now? Well, I’m of the firm belief that the star of the Explorer II is on the rise — especially the polar version — so it’s the perfect time to shine a little light on it. Plus, you never know what we’ll see at Basel tomorrow … Back when I was shopping for my first Rolex, I was offered a ‘new old stock’ Explorer II 16570 by the local boutique at a decent discount. I brushed it off at the time due to a fixation with the Submariner (which ironically ended up as a Datejust) and also the limited knowledge that it was a past model and recently replaced by an improved 216570 in 42mm. Why in the world would I have bought that old 16570? It made no sense to me at the time.…

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