Rolex Explorer II - 16570 / 5989U - Very Good - Watch Only

The Explorer II (reference 1655) was launched in 1971. This elegant and rugged model was only available in steel and quickly became the standard for cavers and volcanologists. It featured an orange arrow hand (hence the name Freccione) and a fixed bezel with 24-hour graduation, which allowed the user to easily tell the difference between day and night time. This model has also been identified as the Steve McQueen. The actor was very fond of this model in his private life. The Rolex Explorer II 16570 was first produced in 1988. Three dial versions are available. The first dial has the " SWISS T < 25 " marking at 6 o'clock, referring to the presence of Tritium in the luminescent markers, with a radioactivity level below the 25 MCi required by law. From the end of the 1990's, the " SWISS " marking was added at 6 o'clock instead of " SWISS T < 25 ", because Tritium was no longer used and was replaced by Luminova. Finally, the more recent " SWISS MADE " marking was added in 1999. This reference is available with a white or black dial.