The Rolex Explorer II 16570 | Better than the rest?
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The Rolex Explorer II, The McQueen watch...or was it? It wasn't. However, it COULD be YOUR watch! And what's better than having another watch?
Anyways today Michael reviews the Rolex Explorer II and talks about it's history a bit and how Rolex designed this watch around cavers as opposed to divers (Submariner) and drivers (Daytona).
Check it out!
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#rolex #explorerii #16570
Today, Michael dives into some of the history of the Rolex Explorer II, alongside a full review of the watch!
The watch we're looking at today is a Rolex 16570 Explorer II with a Polar white dial, basically untouched. It's about as close to new old stock as you can get for a watch of its age, and it's absolutely beautiful.
But where did it come from? The Submariner's origin as a dive watch is clear, as is the origin of a watch like the Daytona as a racing chronograph. But the Explorer II? Well, it turns out it was invented for the sport/art of cave diving, or Spelunking. Spelunkers needed a watch that was not only highly visible in the dark, but also one that gave them the ability to read the time in terms of AM or PM since they'd be in caves and thus couldn't see the sun to determine what time of day it was. Rather than a more traditional AM/PM indicator like you might see on some watches, where it basically looks like a moonphase except it's the sun and the moon rotating around the disc in question, Rolex opted for something closer to a GMT in execution. The "GMT" hand on the original Explorer IIs were tied to the main hour hand, and were essentially set as a function of whether it was daytime or nighttime, though later models eschewed this purpose in exchange for a true GMT functionality.
Rolex's first attempt at this was the 1655, released in 1971 and ran until 1985, a reasonably long lifespan for a Rolex reference. One of its more notable features is the brand didn't just lume the hour markers, as is tradition, but also every half hour mark between them to allow for lumed plots to coincide with the 24 hour graduations on the fixed steel bezel. From there we have the 16550, which ran from 1985 to 1989, and introduced a more traditional Rolex sport watch dial layout with rounded indices and the option for a black or white dial. Most importantly, though, the caliber 3085 was introduced into the watch, allowing for the second hour hand to function as a GMT.
Rolex followed this model up with the 16570, which ran for a whopping 22 years straight (1989-2011), and was basically a perfected version of the 16550 in many respects. It introduced the caliber 3185, a perfected version of the previous movement, and saw dials with tritium, Luminova, and eventually SUper Luminova lume markers. And then came the 216570, the current model Explorer II and the watch that divided opinions like no other. The case was increased to 42mm, the orange second hour hand returned, and the overall footprint of the watch was just expanded.
In 1980 I purchased my first Rolex. In the Jewellers they had a Submariner, an Explorer 2, and a GMT Master. I wanted all three.
I purchased the GMT. I was travelling internationally for work, every day a different country. The dual time capability made my life a lot easier, in a time before smart phones and laptops.
I wore it every day until 1999, when I celebrated a divorce and the millennium with a new 16570 Polar Explorer 2. I still wear it on a regular basis.
In 2016 I heard that Rolex Sports were going to get harder to buy, so I picked up a 114060 Submariner no date Ceramic.
Loved all of them. The GMT was an old friend, on my wrist through car crashes, financial crashes, marriages and divorce hearings. Beautiful exotic girls, hookers and models alike, fell asleep on my arm, listening to its rhythmic tick. It was on my wrist when I signed huge business deals and on my wrist when it all went wrong, and I sat alone with a bottle in a hotel room with the lights out.
The Polar was a fun watch, I still travelled, although not at such a frenetic pace, and the only girl on my arm was my wife. I could wear it to the beach or the boardroom. It went under a suit sleeve, or with a t shirt.
The Sub looks beautiful, its an iconic watch, although I don’t dive any more. Its also a bit too “flash” for work these days. I now wear a Datejust, or an Air King, or a simple Oyster Perpetual, on the days when I am in the office. But I wear it some weekends, and still smile when I remember that day in the Jewellers.
Loved this comment. Early next week my first ever Polar arrives. Took a while, and the decades have caught me up- but I got there.
Reads like a poem :)
Do a series called "random watches", where you stop random people and get a story about the watch theyre wearing.
Oh i love that
A "man on the street" (subway, bar, restaurant)."Cool watch. Tell me about it."
Really enjoyed the video. One tiny thing, rolex did change the movement of the 16570 right at the end, around 2009, they changed from the 3185 to the 3186 movement. So for around 3 years they used the 3186, making the 3186 explorer ii a bit more rare, collectable.
Pretty wild that this wasn’t mentioned in this video 😂
In my opinion you should show everyone in the team watch collection or their most sentimentally attached watch
Watching this during online school is just wonderful. You should do a series where you go and ask people what different watches are, and what makes them cool.
Agreed! Study!
I wanted to get that explorer last year but couldn’t find a clean one and ended up getting op 39 mm .Seeing this watch made me sad after saving money for years I ended up with a watch I’m ok with not in love with.What a beauty
I have a 1991/1992 16570 with the hour indices on the dial outlined in black, not white gold. Is this unusual? I always assumed it was fairly standard.
I have a 2006 Polar and I love it!!!! I bought it last yr from Federico for $5,200 and now they are at least $6,500-7K
You guys should totally do a video series talking about the history of Theo and Harris! Would love to hear how it all started, the watches which were bought/sold first, the struggles and the journey to get to where you guys are today.
In German, sordid bars and pubs are often called “Spelunken”, so “spelunkling” gave the video a whole different meaning for me. 🤣 And I was so close to believe that it might just be the perfect watch for this task, and still, it very well may be!
Series idea: the silent companion. Each episode focuses on a person and their watch(s) whilst recalling key life moments experienced with that watch on the wrist.
T&H Holiday gift guide has got to be on the horizon... everything from watches, wine and Walph Lauren
Oh...you bet your bottom dollar
The Explorer II is quickly becoming one of my favourite Rolex model! Love love it! Great video!
Thank you!
Thr most underrated Rolex Sports around today - and a beautiful watch.
I've gone through a variety of SS Rolex sport models over the years and have eventually arrived at the 42mm Explorer II (216570). It's by far my favorite one! Absolutely love it. Rolex's last and greatest tool watch, imo.
How do you like it in comparison to submariner and yachtmaster?
"The Inspiration" -- History lessons on what inspired the look or function of various unique and/or important watches.
"Time for Style" -- Pairing watches with various looks, with an emphasis on getting us to rethink what works with what.
"His and Hers" -- Various watch models that either come in a h&h set, or can be paired as such.
Do you préfère compare to a sub 14060 for exemple or gmt 16700 ?i hesitate
Can you please do a video on what one should look for when buying vintage watches? As a relative newbie to vintage watches, I’ve always stayed away due to the fear of buying a franken-watch or in any other way unoriginal piece. Would love to get some advice on how to inspect vintage watches, especially when buying from private sellers. Thanks!
don't buy vintage if you have no clue.
Would love to see you something with cars again, like your Wrangler vid. Extra points for a Chopar Mille Miglia feature🚘
Have a great holiday season everyone stay healthy and be nice to one another the world needs this.
Man, I discovered this channel 6 months ago… this is, by far, the best video from you guys. Please make more like this one! It’s informative and so fucking funny!!! Michael know how to be funny without make an effort!! This is rare!
Great video Ricky...
Some obvious issues:
1. As an avid Spelunker, I always bring along M&M's. Most of us do. (Tracking)
2. You forgot to say, "BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!" when you charged your watch on your forehead.
3. I'm a yeti... JK about the Spelunker thingy...
4. Does the 40mm fit on a 160 cm wrist? I would trade in my Omega Spectraman for this one.
If none of this makes sense, I also may need a Geratol to get through the day.
I love this watch. It's a perfect watch for everything.
Agreed!
I would love to see more videos about watch history. Do please an serie about the history of big and small watch brand. Like: Rolex, Patek, omega, Seiko, cortina, Oris, Invicta, etc...
We’ll do short films on those don’t you worry!
the 'GMT' 3rd hand can be used for a 2nd time zone too...
“All the bats in the cave are scratching my watch” 😂! Very funny one
A couple series/video ideas:
1. Watch Head-to-Head battles (same watches from the same category, brand, complication, etc.)
2. Watch pairings (watches + coffee, watches + clothing "looks", watches + whiskey, etc)
Love the content guys, happy holidays!
At 2:50 who’s wrist is that? And what is the circumference? And also, what is your wrist size Michael?
I would really like iT if someone could answer this question. If you say it is to big for your wrist, we’re interested in why and what size your wrist is.
Really really like it if you could answer
I'd love to see a video on the lesser known Bond watches, like the gruens, Seiko, and heuers. Or one on some brands you believe are sleeper hits and will blow up down the line :)
Series ideas: Christmas Special, New Years Special, shopping for a liquor run (focusing on dad and son bond with watch eye point of view), A year after owning the vintage Patek Calatrava (your grandfathers watch maybe an interview), shopping for a watch, pawn or flee market shopping hunt, T&H Christmas Gift Guide.
There are early adopters and those late to the party. I've had mine for about 1 year. Buy one now.
Good call, only been going up since this post!
Why is "Liquor Run" actually Wine Run? You need to take the wine away, replace it with actual liquor.
This is the first time I've heard the word Spelunker, and for that I thank you.
One of my favorite watches ever. Wish i could actually afford it. Also his story he came up with as a cave diver was hilarious lol
Thanks!
For the AR coating, I prefer not to have one because it can flakes off overtime. I think Rolex is trying to make a crystal that have the same function with AR coating without applying the coat on top that can flakes at all.
seriously one of the underrated Rolex. Would love to get one of them some day, cant beat the white dial.
Truly, it’s a statement
This is in no way underrated. It has the hype it deserves. (I do like it)
You guys could do something similar to crown and caliber where you have two people (ex: michael and Christian) choose 3 watches for the other person and have them pitch, give the history, and explain why the watch is for them
You could have mentioned the solid end links and the no holes case which are selling points for that particular 16570
Thanks for the note!!
The 16570 is not a quick set date. You have to advance the hour hand to change the date.
Buying my first Rolex this Christmas from Theo and Harris. Can’t wait 😁.
Which watch
Video recommendation: T&ASMR. Christian does videos after 4pm (so he'll obviously be intoxicated) where he just whispers into the microphone and taps on watches/straps in the T&H shop.
I have one too, M-Series with the Chapter ring, unpolished and hardly worn!
First, love the videos Michael does. That semi dry/sarcastic humor just...works. Also, that "allow me to reintroduce myself" reference was/is hysterical 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Video recommendation: watch restoration (showcasing watches that come in to the Theo and Harris shop) overlooking the movement, the cleaning process and maybe fitting the watch with a suitable strap etc. I'm sure a lot of people would like to see how T&H runs the watch shop basically. PS I would really like a strap from Jean Rousseau since I'm a poor student, and last time I bought a strap from T&H I accidentally bought one that wasn't long enough hehe...
Series idea: Versus series between watches in a common ground for example dress watches, under 1000, steel sport watches, and etc.
Did you just say they caver would have a head lamp...... to charge the lume?
Wouldn't they just use the light?
I think it would be awesome if you got a super macro lens to capture the beauty of vintage watches and the aging also, like the shots watchfinder does but if you make it with vintage watches... now that's a unique channel.
I took a shot every time you said "Spelunker" or "Spelunking" and now I'm on my way to the ICU. Also, thanks for teaching me what Spelunking is.
When Rolex designed the original, cavers used carbide lamps for exploration caving. If you held your watch up to one of those to charge it, the crystal would get covered in soot.
Wait.... Listed as a 1990 watch on the site, but has “Swiss made” on dial which dates it to 2000 or later. Hm.....
Also no lug holes so that makes it at least 2002.
@@ronaldvangulden7314 you and I piecing this mystery together 😂
Pretty weird. Swiss Made, solid end links and no lug holes. It's already sold though🤔
@@ronaldvangulden7314 I’ve always wondered, how can you tell solid vs hollow end links? Apart from feel? Yeah I saw that. Very odd. Perhaps not 100% factory
@@willthebatboy The endlinks are pretty easy to recognize. The hollow endlinks have a sort of "wing" underneath the case back side to hold it in place and the way the first link connects to it is also very different. The difference in hollow and solid normal links is also pretty easy to see when you look at the middle hollow links from the side. The new solid center links also will have no play.
Love this one but still prefer the 42mm w orange 24 hr. hand, it just pops in such a fun way.
Video series recommendation: watches worn in movies (not a video stating this watch suits this character).
Love that!
Often when I watch a movie I end up googling to find out the details of the watch I saw in the movie. I am surprised there is not a website dedicated to the topic!
I would do a video on Grand Seiko 9F quartz movements as a "more than meets the eye" style video. Grab one of the 60th anniversary ones from London Jewelers and compare the dial/case finishing with another GS (non-quartz) and then grab a Patek Calatrava and hit it with the loop to show comparisons on the quality. Might be interesting!
Video Idea(s): Advent Calendar, 25 days of videos, ranging from each one of your collections, to tips to new collectors, to guides on buying vintage watches... and a final video showing you guys shipping me a strap right on Christmas day :)
What's up guys this is Theo from Christian & Harris ;) Video recommendation: Restoring a vintage piece; turning it from what most would consider trash in to a beautiful wrist adornment and document the process (and put one of your beautiful straps on it too, of course) :)
Video Idea/ series idea: "What are you paying for?" I know there are videos out there that explain this topic, but it might be helpful to have a series covering different topics like "Finishing quality"/"Serviceability"/"Rarity, History"/"technical complication"/ "Vertical Integration". I think deep dives into each of these topics framed around the idea of a series rather than a quick explainer video trying to capture them all could be interesting for new coming watch collectors.
It's easy to say "well this is a good movement" but why is it a good movement. For example on the "Finishing quality" video you might have some macro shots side by side and try to go into depth on researching the techniques used to produce those pieces. Then once all the videos were complete you could place them in a nice little playlist on the channel and refer people to it :)
I know it's not a super original idea, but I think the framing and the detail could be an interesting spin. It could make it a "one stop shop" for intro collectors looking to get more detail but having it still be palatable. It could also then showcase the wide range of pieces you have in the watch shop.
Either way, thanks for all the videos and I'm looking forward to the100k celebration. I've been here since like 600 subs and it's crazy to see how far you have grown.
It isn’t more for Arctic and Antarctic environments where you have 24 hrs of day or night. Once went to the Arctic in summer and putting on sunglasses at midnight because of sun and not alcohol was kinda novel.
Video recommendation: Spelunking with watches NOT designed for spelunking - basically writes itself. Obviously this would be done practicing the buddy system, your buddy should always be wearing a watch designed for spelunking - safety.
Had problems with sound at the beginning of this video, the first thing I heard clearly was ‘we’re giving away a strap-on’. Happy holidays indeed.
Can I also say, probably no new idea, but the one we have all been waiting for is Christian's state of the collection. I honestly think the last one ranks between the two Mayer Talking Watches - not saying that for the strap. Great vibe, and boy does he sell his own watches!
Do a series, on-going, that relates to the current holiday. Could be a watch received as a gift, would look good for that holiday or maybe the watch colors match up with the holiday.
Nice to see you back Michael,we need liquor run back.It made my friday night watch it in the garden with a bombay sapphire and tonic,sheer bliss!!
Video series:
-Traveling and watches: short stories of different trips you guys have taken and how the watch you took on the trip connects to you and was useful
watch strap colours with watches would be a cool update
Christian can certainly deliver here
Would be great for you guys to do an episode about the famous Santos warn on the wrist of the first pilot ever filmed - Santos Dumont.
Perhaps you could extend this episode and talk about watches in the history of aviation (i.e. WWI & WWII). Howard Hughes' Patek would be really interesting to hear about too!
Love your chanel & love your new straps!
As far as watch channels go, T & H seems to be one of the most fashion conscious channels.....maybe combine either view wrist shots with fashion and ask for people to submit their best "pairing of watches with assembles and showcase them and then describe why you agree, or disagree with the combination......could also do it with celebrity pictures, I always see celeb watch shots on Instagram and some are......not exactly how I would pair a watch to clothes.....basically id like to see something that integrates watches and fashion a little more. Thanks.
Topic Idea > T&H Team records a session with a watchmaker and talks about the different components inside the watch and the history behind the creation of watches.
You should do a "Wine and Watches" segment where you pair a wine with a watch in the shop!
I’m sorry who is the curator of the Theo and Harris watch shop?
Jokes aside, I’d like to see a video behind the curation process I think it would give us a better connection and understanding of the watches being sold.
I would like to see a series where fans send in their favorite watch and a short story about them and the watch and yall give yalls thoughts and share the love that the watch community has
Why not showing us the backstages of Jean Rousseau's workshops since you talk about those leather goods ? Also I finally got my father to buy one of the straps available at the t&h shop! Hope to get it for christmas!
Awesome watch l own the 40m Polar and 42m Polar l highly recommend both watches both are underrated 2021 New Explorer is coming both watches are going to jump up in price.
Video series idea: how other industries influenced and changed the watch world (for example when panamerican airways asked rolex to make a travel watch and they made the gmt)
Suggestion for a new series:
Which watches to wear best in wich lighting conditions...
You could go to a lighting store, maybe collaborate, who knows...
“Best watch for 2:00pm middle of Fall”
A suggestion, in a previous video you all mentioned story telling. When you get a watch that you know the the history of get a glass of wine and I will get a beer and I will listen for hours!!
I would love to see "a Diver's Armageddon" watch comparison. The "best of the best" divers. The Rolex Sea Dweller, Seiko Prospect "Tuna", Omega Ploprof and other that I might have missed. I haven't seen something like that yet in the internet. Thank you!
I would absolutely adore a Liquor run episode with all T&H members. Nice watch and video episode, also very thankful with Jen for all the attention you give to your customers at the shop.
Thank Michael,
Great video today. How about a video about your bubbleback, what bubblebacks were, recognizing bubblebacks, and when and why they were phased out.
I would like a video on watch misconceptions or old rumours that we still believe or held on too much to long
Series ideas: first vintage/luxury watch stories
An interview maybe or just telling the story behind a watch and its owner...could be cool as to make people feel the real bound between a woman/man and her/his watch
Start a podcast about watches, fashion, style, wine, houses/architecture, business, etc!! 🙏🏻
Okay, I like the explorer ii and I get the appeal. But the more I look at it, even as a "tool watch", the less it appeals. The font around the bezel, the round hour indices, the overall design vibe is almost cartoonish. Rolex watches are indeed iconic, but in doing so, walk the line of cliche. It's legible, yeah, but... not sold on it.
Video idea: A supercut of the best responses to the question “Is that a REAL Rolex?”, which Christian’s snark is perfectly suited to dole out.
You guys should do more “off topic”videos I love those !! I actually got my Hermès ties because of that video
Idea for a new series and a new strap for me :D : A chronological reserach about good and old vintage swiss brands that are dead (in the quartz era) but the names of their still remains like enicar or some other very good old watch manufacturer!
Man I would love to see a video on a Rolex that can be dressed up and down, looks good with a t-shirt and jeans as well suits or shirts, Chinos... What would you folks suggest... 3 to 5k budget.
I adore any Rolex Explorer model. Maybe do video series on the devolution of watch brands. Maybe start with Movado?
Genius!
Video recommendation: secret santas but everyone gift each other watches
I wish my “friends” where into watches, because I would force them to do this.
I would love to see a video talking about historical watch predictions. Yours or from others.
Bro Christian was probably hangover of the trip to dallas, and needed to hire Obi wan's young son to film, btw you did a great job reviewing the Polar Rolly, next time introduce yourself by saying "Hello there"! Greetings from Canada! (I really need that GMT for the snowy weather out here)
Video series idea: what watch would historical figures wear if wristwatches were around. Think Lincoln, Franklin, Jesus, etc
Like a good coffee (lots of chrome espresso machines ?) colab, that would be a strapping idea!
Wearing my 16570 Polar Swiss only dial Spelunking at my desk today... ;) Love it!!
There was some witty shit in there 👍🏼 They introduced the black dial, because like your first video with Christian, the all white dial was too shiny and needed to be toned down for better dynamic range when viewing in a cave! In all truth though, this was really good and I learned some stuff I didn’t know!
I think it would be interesting to learn about the different type of hands (shapes) Rolex had used over the years and which were most popular.
I say it all the time... bring back Liquor Run. Christian and Michael are great, but Rollie is a "normal" guy (not necessarily a watch geek) who just likes watches. This makes his insight very interesting.
Just wanted to say I love the dead pan jokes in this episode. Thanks
how about a video of Christian and Anna reacting to the very first Theo&Harris videos?
Damn I miss my Explorer II... It was such a perfect watch for every situation!
I love that watch. I want this watch to be my next Rolex. Please do a special on what watches professional men’s and women’s golfers wear on their wrists.
Good production values evident in this post, even while the presenter is “B Team.”
Always enjoy your videos! How about live-streaming a liquor run video (if it hasn't already been done)?
Video idea: some kind of a game or challenge between T&H crew where you guys have to face each other for the survival of the fittest. When the challenges is done, losers of the game can only wear a watch his/her hate the most for a month.