Rolex
*Unpolished* 1991 Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 16570) Polar "Chi Chi" Dial
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.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXEXP216570-20 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Explorer II | |
| Model | 16570 | |
| Serial | U2XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | White "Polar" | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 78360 Oyster Bracelet W/ 501B End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive unpolished case boasts sharp chamfers and crisp factory finishing throughout, with only light signs of honest wear present. The fixed stainless steel 24-hour bezel is also in exceptional condition, showing only minor signs of use and retaining all of its factory black enamel. The case back is adorned with a charming engraving that reads "Ed, All my love, Barb, 9-12-92". The original Rolex 78790 Oyster bracelet with 501B end pieces retains 11 links that show no stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original white "Chi Chi" dial with black marker surrounds is perfect, showing no notable age or damage, and boasts a vivid yellow patina within the tritium lume plots. The aforementioned lume plots exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial, but coordinate nicely with an eggshell patina. Under UV light inspection, the 24-hour hand exhibits some superficial lume loss and remains stable, while the rest of the hands exhibit no degradation.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.