Rolex Explorer II Polar Tritium Dial (Ref. 16570), 1996

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance Introduced as a purpose-built tool watch for cave explorers, scientists, and adventurers working in environments where distinguishing day from night became difficult, the Explorer II has always favored function over flash. Fixed bezels replaced rotating ones. Large luminous markers prioritized legibility. Even the additional 24-hour hand existed solely to solve a practical problem rather than add visual complexity. The reference 16570 refined that philosophy into what many enthusiasts now consider the definitive Explorer II. Produced for more than two decades, it balanced the rugged charm of earlier references with modern reliability while retaining proportions that many collectors feel Rolex has never improved upon. At 40mm, it wears effortlessly, and the clean white Polar dial creates a personality entirely different from its black counterpart. For tritium enthusiasts, early 1996 examples occupy a particularly desirable place in the production run. They represent the final years before Rolex transitioned away from tritium luminous material, allowing these watches to develop the soft creamy patina collectors actively seek today. Combined with an untouched case and original accessories, they have become increasingly difficult to replace. Writer’s Thoughts We probably inspect more five-digit Rolex sports watches than anything else, and every once in a while one immediately separates itself from the rest. This Explorer II did exactly that. The unpolished case still has the sharp lines that define a truly honest Rolex, while the creamy tritium lume has aged exactly the way we'd hope to see on a mid-1990s watch. The dial remains beautifully preserved without the spotting or damage that can occasionally appear on Polar examples, allowing the warm lume to stand out even more. Reference 16570 is accompanied by its original papers and red tag, making it especially attractive for collectors looking for an untouched example. An original Rolex box can easily be added to complete the package, but the watch itself is already everything we'd want to see from a 1996 Explorer II. It has simply been preserved the right way. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Rolex Model: Explorer II Year: 1996 Case Material: Stainless Steel Case Size: 40mm Dial: Polar with tritium lume Movement: Automatic GMT Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex Oyster bracelet Buckle/Clasp: Original Rolex Oyster clasp Contents: Original papers, red tag Condition Case: Unpolished case retaining crisp factory edges with light honest wear throughout. Dial: Original Polar dial in excellent condition with no visible signs of damage or deterioration. Hands: Original hands with attractive creamy tritium lume matching the dial. Crystal: Clean with light signs of careful use. Strap/Bracelet: Original Oyster bracelet showing normal signs of honest wear. Buckle/Clasp: Original Rolex Oyster clasp in excellent working condition.