Rolex Explorer II 'Panna Dial', Reference 16570 | A stainless...
Dial: cream
Calibre: cal. 2185 automatic, 31 jewels
Movement number: 6'354'832
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: E'611'566
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Rolex guarantee, instruction manual, product literature, leather wallet, hang tag and presentation box with outer packaging
Catalogue Note:
Introduced in 1989 as the successor to reference 16550, the Rolex Explorer II reference 16570 continued the legacy of one of the manufacture’s most purposeful professional watches. Conceived for explorers operating in environments where distinguishing day from night could prove difficult, its fixed 24-hour bezel and additional hand provided a practical means of reading time over a full day. Equipped with the automatic calibre 3185, the reference retained the familiar 40 mm Oyster case and was offered with either a black or white dial, the latter affectionately known as the Polar.
Dating from circa 1991, the present example belongs to the earliest years of production and is distinguished by its remarkable ivory dial, commonly referred to by collectors as Panna. While the preceding reference 16550 is celebrated for its cream-coloured dials, comparable transformations are considerably less frequently encountered on reference 16570. Particularly captivating is the contrast between the beautifully aged ivory dial surface and the luminous hour markers, which have retained their striking white appearance. Framed by their black surrounds and complemented by the black Mercedes hands and vivid red 24-hour hand, they create a remarkable interplay of colours.
Accompanied by its full set of accessories, the present Explorer II offers an unusually captivating interpretation of Rolex's most recognisable professional watches.
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Dial: cream
Calibre: cal. 2185 automatic, 31 jewels
Movement number: 6'354'832
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: E'611'566
Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: Rolex guarantee, instruction manual, product literature, leather wallet, hang tag and presentation box with outer packaging
Catalogue Note:
Introduced in 1989 as the successor to reference 16550, the Rolex Explorer II reference 16570 continued the legacy of one of the manufacture’s most purposeful professional watches. Conceived for explorers operating in environments where distinguishing day from night could prove difficult, its fixed 24-hour bezel and additional hand provided a practical means of reading time over a full day. Equipped with the automatic calibre 3185, the reference retained the familiar 40 mm Oyster case and was offered with either a black or white dial, the latter affectionately known as the Polar.
Dating from circa 1991, the present example belongs to the earliest years of production and is distinguished by its remarkable ivory dial, commonly referred to by collectors as Panna. While the preceding reference 16550 is celebrated for its cream-coloured dials, comparable transformations are considerably less frequently encountered on reference 16570. Particularly captivating is the contrast between the beautifully aged ivory dial surface and the luminous hour markers, which have retained their striking white appearance. Framed by their black surrounds and complemented by the black Mercedes hands and vivid red 24-hour hand, they create a remarkable interplay of colours.
Accompanied by its full set of accessories, the present Explorer II offers an unusually captivating interpretation of Rolex's most recognisable professional watches.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
