Rolex

*Rare* 1991 Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 16570) Cream Dial W/ Papers

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It seems as though every reference and iteration of the Rolex Explorer II has details that set them drastically apart from one another, making it the Rolex reference that has seen the most drastic evolution through its tenure. From the first and original "orange hand" matte dial ref. 1655, to the modern 42mm produced today and everything in between.

The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570  was introduced in 1989, directly succeeding the transitional ref. 16550 with some subtle cosmetic and internal upgrades. The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 employs the updated and robust cal. 3185 jumping hour movement, the black paint on the hands and marker surrounds is now standard on the white or “polar” dial variants, and the bezel font has been slightly modified from the previous reference. 

Due to the niche application of the Explorer II and the early stages of production, very few of these "cream" dials were created. It is believed that they all started off stark white, but due to the lacquer used by Rolex at the time, they quickly changed color to a warm and unique cream coloration. While this color-change phenomenon is primarily observed within the transitional Explorer II 16550 reference range, it is now known that a very small number of early serial ref. 16570’s with original cream dials examples do exist. Though they are exceptionally rare and as a result,  minimally documented.

This incredibly uncommon yet extremely charming 1991 Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 remains in beautiful overall condition and is accompanied by its original Rolex guarantee. 

Stock # RLXEXP216570
Brand Rolex
Style Explorer II
Model 16570
Serial N4XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Cream
Millimeters 40
Bracelet Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 501B End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The impressive case retains very thick and symmetrical lugs that exhibit minimal signs of previous polishing and light signs of honest use. The fixed stainless steel 24hr bezel is also in excellent condition, showing light wear from use and missing some factory black enamel which is common. The original Rolex 78360 Oyster bracelet with 501B end pieces retains 13 links that show gentle stretch and will fit up to a 8-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and exceptionally well-preserved "cream" dial is drop-dead gorgeous. The dial itself is virtually flawless, showing no damage or age apart from the aesthetic-enhancing color change. The black hands and marker surrounds create a unique contrast with the cream colored dial that is both very easy to read and highty attractive. The tritium lume within the markers of the dial and hands is a matching ivory color tone that adds another layer of contrast and accentuated the dial color even further, under U.V. light inspection there is no degradation present in either the dial or hands.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes with its original Rolex guarantee paper. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.