
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Perpetual Date Explorer II, ref. 16570, 40mm, Black Dial, circa 2006
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 2006
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 40 mm
- Stock no.
- vws4051cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4051cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Perpetual Date Explorer II - Model ref: 16570 - 40mm - Black Dial - c.2006 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4051cs), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 2006. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 40 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Superb Rolex Perpetual Date Explorer II - Model ref: 16570 with a Stunning Black Dial, c.2006 The Rolex Explorer was launched in 1953, based around another iconic Rolex model; the 'Bubbleback'. The Bubbleback grew out of Rolex's development of self-winding movements. Adding an oscillation weight increased the size of the movement, meaning it would no longer fit in the standard Oyster case. The classic Explorer II 16570 was released in 1990 and discontinued in 2011. What’s On Offer A superb example of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II, reference 16570, featuring the highly desirable black dial variant, circa 2006. This model perfectly captures the essence of the Explorer line — tough, precise, and effortlessly stylish. The 40mm stainless steel case remains in excellent pre-owned condition with only minimal, sympathetic signs of wear. Its fixed 24-hour engraved bezel complements the deep black dial beautifully, while the striking red GMT hand provides a bold contrast and a practical dual-time function. The dial, clean and well-preserved, features luminous hour markers and the signature Mercedes hands filled with Super-LumiNova for superb visibility in any light. The sapphire crystal, complete with Rolex’s iconic Cyclops magnifier at 3 o’clock, is clear and free from notable marks. Powering the watch is the Rolex calibre 3185 automatic movement, chronometer-rated for exceptional accuracy and reliability — a true workhorse of the brand’s tool watch era. Presented on its original Oyster stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, this Explorer II is ready for any adventure, whether that’s traversing mountain trails or navigating everyday life. A beautifully kept example of one of Rolex’s most versatile and enduring sport watches — robust, refined, and ready for its next chapter.
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches
Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.
Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.
What to look for
- Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
- Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
- Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.
Dating clues
- Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
- Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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