2002 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Black

The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 Black Dial is a quintessential neo-vintage Rolex sports watch, combining the rugged functionality of a professional exploration instrument with the classic proportions that have made five-digit Rolex references increasingly desirable among collectors. Produced from 1989 to 2011, the 16570 features a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case with a fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, originally designed to help explorers and cave researchers distinguish day from night in environments without natural sunlight. Its glossy black dial features applied white-gold hour markers, luminous Mercedes-style hands, and a distinctive red 24-hour GMT hand that provides a striking contrast against the monochromatic design. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnification, screw-down Twinlock crown, and 100 meters of water resistance complete its purposeful construction. What makes this particular example especially desirable is its exceptional mint condition and unpolished case, preserving the original factory contours, sharp lug profiles, and crisp transitions between brushed and polished surfaces. Finding an Explorer II from this era with such well-preserved case geometry is increasingly appealing to collectors who value originality and condition.

Movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provide approximately 48 hours of power reserve, along with independently adjustable local-hour functionality that allows the wearer to change time zones without interrupting the movement's operation. The red 24-hour hand can be used to track home time, while the fixed steel bezel provides a clear reference for reading the additional time zone. The Explorer II collection was originally introduced in 1971 with the legendary Ref. 1655, a purpose-built watch designed for spelunkers, polar explorers, and professionals operating in challenging environments. The 16570 refined that concept with a slimmer, more versatile case and modern sapphire-crystal construction while retaining the understated tool-watch character that defined the original. With its timeless black dial, classic 40mm proportions, reliable automatic GMT movement, and particularly desirable mint, unpolished condition, this Rolex Explorer II 16570 represents an outstanding example of one of Rolex's most enduring professional sports watches.

Serial: K,984,XXX

Dated: 2002

Case Reference: 16570

Dial/hands: Luminova

Case: 40mm - Stainless Steel

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Oyster

Movement: Rolex 3185 - Automatic

Glass: Sapphire

Accessories: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty papers

Lug Width: 20mm

Functions: HMS, Date, GMT

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Unpolished sharp case with no wear. Bracelet has no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Case back sticker still intact. Watch is running (+7 280 amp).