History and Heritage
The Rolex Explorer II, with its distinctive orange hand and robust build, has a fascinating history intertwined with the spirit of exploration and adventure. From its humble beginnings as a tool for spelunkers to its evolution into a coveted timepiece for adventurers and enthusiasts alike, the Explorer II has a rich legacy that continues to inspire.
Origins and Purpose
The Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 as a tool watch designed for explorers venturing into challenging environments, particularly those working in caves and other subterranean spaces. Its primary function was to provide a clear indication of both time and the elapsed time, crucial for navigating and timing expeditions. The addition of a 24-hour hand, a feature borrowed from the GMT-Master, enabled explorers to distinguish between day and night, even in the absence of natural light. This innovation was a game-changer for expeditions where timekeeping was critical for survival and success.
Movement and Performance
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 is powered by the in-house caliber 3187 movement, a testament to Rolex’s commitment to precision and reliability. This self-winding mechanical movement is a sophisticated piece of engineering that delivers exceptional accuracy and performance.
Caliber 3187 Features and Specifications
The caliber 3187 movement is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to precision and reliability. It boasts several noteworthy features:
- Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring: This innovative hairspring is made from a paramagnetic alloy that is resistant to magnetic fields, ensuring greater accuracy and stability in modern environments.
- Rolex’s patented Syloxi silicon escape wheel: This escape wheel, made from silicon, offers exceptional resistance to wear and tear, contributing to the movement’s longevity and accuracy.
- High-precision oscillator: The caliber 3187 features a high-precision oscillator, enhancing its timekeeping accuracy and ensuring reliable performance over time.
- Automatic winding system: The movement is self-winding, using a Perpetual rotor system that efficiently winds the mainspring with the wearer’s wrist movements.
- Power reserve of approximately 48 hours: This ensures that the watch will continue to run even if it is not worn for a short period.
- Chronometer certified: The caliber 3187 movement has been rigorously tested and certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) for its accuracy and performance.
Accuracy and Performance
The caliber 3187 movement is renowned for its accuracy and performance. Its design and construction ensure that the watch maintains a high level of precision, with an average daily rate of +2 to -2 seconds. The movement’s power reserve of approximately 48 hours allows the watch to run for an extended period without winding, making it a practical and reliable timepiece.
Comparison with Previous Explorer II Movements
The caliber 3187 movement represents a significant advancement over the previous Explorer II movements. Compared to the caliber 3185 used in the 16570 model, the 3187 offers improved accuracy, enhanced resistance to magnetic fields, and a longer power reserve. The introduction of the Parachrom hairspring and Syloxi silicon escape wheel significantly enhances the movement’s performance and durability.
Collector’s Perspective
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, appreciated for its robust design, practical functionality, and rich history. This modern iteration of the iconic Explorer II continues to be a sought-after timepiece, attracting both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of luxury watches.
Value and Desirability
The 216570’s desirability stems from a combination of factors, including its robust construction, its association with exploration and adventure, and its limited production runs. The watch’s popularity has led to strong market demand, resulting in consistent appreciation in value over time.
- Condition: The condition of a watch significantly influences its value. A pristine, unpolished example with original box and papers commands a premium. Watches with signs of wear, scratches, or dents will generally fetch lower prices.
- Rarity: The 216570 was produced in limited quantities, making it a desirable timepiece for collectors. Certain variations, such as those with specific dial colors or unique serial numbers, can command even higher prices.
- Provenance: A watch’s provenance, or its history of ownership, can also impact its value. Watches with a known history, particularly those associated with notable individuals or events, can fetch significantly higher prices than those with no documented past.
Market Value
The market value of a Rolex Explorer II 216570 is influenced by various factors, including its condition, rarity, and provenance. A watch in excellent condition, with original box and papers, can command a premium price. Watches with specific dial variations or unique serial numbers are also highly sought after by collectors. For example, the 216570 with a white dial and a “Polar” nickname, due to its white dial and black bezel, is particularly popular among collectors.
Technical Specifications: Rolex Explorer Ii 216570
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 is a robust and reliable timepiece, engineered for exploration and adventure. Its technical specifications reflect its purpose, showcasing a blend of precision, durability, and functionality.
Key Technical Specifications, Rolex explorer ii 216570
The technical specifications of the Rolex Explorer II 216570 are detailed in the following table:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Fixed, 24-hour graduated bezel |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with cyclops lens over the date |
| Movement | Rolex Caliber 3187, self-winding mechanical |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (330 feet) |
| Bracelet | Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension link |
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