The watch that grows on you fast — and never lets go.
The Explorer II has always been the overlooked one. Less flashy than the Daytona, less obvious than the Submariner — and precisely because of that, more interesting to those who actually wear watches. The 16570 ran from 1989 to 2011 and represents the reference at its most utilitarian: a 40mm steel case, fixed 24-hour bezel, the distinctive red GMT hand, and Calibre 3185 underneath. Sized to sit perfectly on the wrist. Built to be worn every day without a second thought.
This example dates to 1999 and presents in very good condition — honest wear, nothing more. Remarkably, the original green Rolex caseback sticker is still intact after 25 years, a detail that tells you something about how it has been cared for. It comes without box or papers.
I've been wearing this one daily for the past few weeks, and it became a personal favourite faster than almost anything in recent memory. The proportions are exactly right. The black dial reads effortlessly. It disappears on the wrist in the best possible way — until someone asks what you're wearing.
Why we selected it The Explorer II rarely gets the attention it deserves — and that's part of the appeal. This is a watch for the connoisseur: discreet enough to go unnoticed in most rooms, but immediately recognised by anyone who knows. Your colleagues won't react. A fellow watch person will. There's a quiet confidence in wearing something that doesn't need to announce itself. That's exactly what this is.
Prefer a slightly freshened-up finish? We'll give it a gentle polish — complimentary, just ask.
