SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16570
Series: Y
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3185
Water Resistance: 330 ft./100 m.
Case: 903L grade Stainless steel
Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
Notes: The Explorer II is one of Rolex's newer models, having been introduced in 1971 as a supplement to the original Rolex Explorer, and with the current model 16570 having been introduced in 1989. The Explorer II was designed for cave exploration, or any other sort of extended expeditions where the wearer would need a reliable way to determine day from night. The red "GMT" hand used in conjunction with the 24 hr. markings on the bezel serve this purpose. I purchased my Explorer II new from an authorized dealer in February of 2004, and the is early Y Series example is the last series to have drilled through lug holes (later in the Y series production run, Rolex switch to solid lugs without the hole visible from the outside of the lug). The experience of receiving it will always be treasured as this was the first brand new Rolex I ever purchased. The Explorer II is the Rolex watch I most often wear, both dress and casually. The white dial and understated bezel make the watch an excellent choice to wear with a suit (one of the main reasons I purchsed the watch). The ability to track a 2nd time zone also makes the watch ideal to wear while traveling. While the watch is highly sought after in the Pacific Rim, most US dealers I speak to say that the Explorer II is one of the slower sellers in the Rolex line up. Given the versatility and functionality of this watch I'm actually surprised it isn't one Rolex's most popular models.