Rolex Explorer II 216570 Black Dial

The Rolex Explorer II 216570 Black Dial is one of Rolex’s most purpose-built tool watches, designed for extreme environments where distinguishing day from night actually matters. Introduced in 2011 as the successor to the 16570, it marked a major evolution for the Explorer II line with a larger 42mm Oystersteel case, improved legibility, and the in-house caliber 3187 movement. The fixed 24-hour bezel and bold orange GMT hand allow the wearer to track a second time zone or simply differentiate AM/PM—originally intended for cave explorers and polar expeditions.

What sets the black dial apart is its pure functionality and stealth aesthetic. The matte black surface combined with large Chromalight markers and Mercedes hands creates exceptional legibility in low-light conditions, staying true to the Explorer’s “form follows function” DNA. Compared to the white “Polar” version, this one feels more understated, more tactical—less flash, more tool. With 100 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and Rolex’s rugged Oyster bracelet, the 216570 sits in that sweet spot: modern enough to daily, but still deeply rooted in the brand’s exploration heritage.

Reference: 216570

Dated: 2018

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet

Case Size: 42mm x 12.5mm Thickness

Lug Width: 21mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel

Movement: Rolex 3187 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty papers

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has light minimal wear. Bracelet has light wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Runs within spec.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.