From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: the latest versions of the Rolex
Explorer II. 216570 versus 16570.
The Rolex Explorer II is one of the most versatile watches from Rolex. The original version was
created for cave explorers who spend a lot of time in the dark.
Today, it’s considered by many as an excellent daily-wearer. The Explorer II is currently
being produced with the reference 216570, but many still find its predecessor, the 16570,
to be a viable choice.
The 16570 was launched in 1989 and enjoyed a 20-year run, which validates its popularity
and importance in the Rolex Explorer II’s history. Despite being discontinued, it’s
still sought after by many Rolex fans.
By 2011, Rolex launched the 216570, a bigger and bolder update, which is their answer to
the market’s move towards larger timepieces. Let’s look at the minute details that make them
different:
First, they have a different case size. The 16570 has a 40mm case. With the 216570, Rolex
employed the Maxi Case.
The case stayed at 40mm, but they beefed up the bezel, lugs and crown guards. Later editions
of the 216570 were then increased to a 42mm case.
With more space to occupy, this made many of the watch’s elements larger: the crown
and crown guards, the numbers on the bezel, the luminous hour markers on the dial, the
hands, and even the index markers.
Many would point out however, that the 16570’s details, despite their smaller size, were
more elaborate, intricate, and proportioned.
Let’s go to the dial and hands. The 216570 was launched on the 40th anniversary of the
Rolex Explorer II. As a tribute to the inaugural ref 1655, they took its most distinguishing
element – the orange 24-hour hand.
This is one of the easiest ways to tell the latest versions apart, as the 16570 has a
narrow, red 24-hour hand with an arrow at the tip, similar to the ones found on GMT-Master
watches.
The Explorer Two text on the dial, also appears in black or white in the 16570. While in the
216570, it’s in a bright shade of orange.
Both 16570 and 216570 are fitted with 904L steel Oyster bracelets, but an upgrade was
made with the latest version.
To be in proportion with the expanded lugs, the 216570 has slightly wider bracelets. Apart
from the size, the new version was also the first to be equipped with Rolex’s Easylink
Comfort Extension.
The link extends the bracelet by up to 5mm. This comes in handy for when the wrist contrasts
or expands due to humidity and temperature.
To keep up with all the changes, the movement had to change, too. The 216570 is powered
by the Caliber 3187, with Parachrom hairspring and the Paraflex shock protection, it's well
equipped to handle rougher elements.
Both considered classics in the Rolex line-up, choosing between the 16570 and 216570 boils
down to two aspects. For a more subdued design of neutral colors, the 16570 is your best
bet.
For a larger watch and one that has bolder details, then the 216570 might be the one
for you.
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