1996 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar

The 1996 Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 “Polar” is a quintessential neo-vintage Rolex tool watch, combining the rugged functionality of the Explorer collection with one of the brand’s most distinctive dial configurations. Its 40mm stainless steel Oyster case is paired with a fixed engraved 24-hour steel bezel and a crisp white Polar dial, where black-outlined hour markers and hands create exceptional contrast and legibility. A 1996 example is particularly desirable because it comes from the tritium era, with the dial marked “SWISS–T<25” and luminous plots that can develop attractive creamy patina against the stark white background. The red arrow-tipped 24-hour hand adds the signature splash of color while allowing the wearer to distinguish day from night or track a second time zone, staying true to the Explorer II’s origins as a watch designed for adventurers working in environments without natural daylight.

Powering the 1996 Explorer II is Rolex’s Caliber 3185, a COSC-certified automatic GMT movement that allows the conventional hour hand to be adjusted independently without disturbing the minutes or 24-hour hand. The watch also features a sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier, screw-down crown, drilled lug holes characteristic of earlier 16570s, and 100 meters of water resistance. Produced long before later examples received Super-LumiNova, engraved rehauts, no-holes cases, and the Caliber 3186, a 1996 Polar occupies an especially appealing point in the reference’s history: modern enough for dependable everyday wear, yet old enough to retain the tritium, classic case details, and unmistakable character collectors associate with vintage Rolex. For enthusiasts seeking a five-digit sports Rolex with genuine tool-watch heritage and plenty of personality, the tritium-dial 16570 Polar is one of the standout configurations of the Explorer II.

Serial: T,949,XXX

Year: 1996

Case Reference: 16570

Dial: Tritium – Polar White

Hands: Tritium

Case: 40mm - Stainless Steel

Bracelet: Oyster - Stainless Steel

Movement: Rolex 3185 – Serviced August 2026 - One Year Warranty

Glass: Sapphire

Accessories: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty papers

Lug Width: 20mm

Functions: HMS, Date, GMT

Bracelet size: 7”

Case has some wear with a few scuffs. Bracelet has minimal wear. Dial has a couple spots on lume. Watch was serviced August 2026 by us and comes with a one year warranty.

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.