For sale is a beautiful circa 2001 Rolex Explorer II Polar White dial, reference 16570, with correct bracelet & endlinks, full box and paperwork and Rolex service card from 2011. The watch has also been recently serviced and pressure tested.
 
The Polar white Explorer II definitely fits a neo-vintage mould for the modern watch collector with its 40mm case, jangly bracelet and fixed black lacquered 24 hour GMT bezel. The standout Polar white dial is particularly charming with the contrast it creates against the considered design aspects of the watch. Unassuming and with subdued details, this reference used to fly in the shadow of some of its contemporaries, but has appreciated in value and offers something different and clean, within the Rolex sports family.
 
The watch comes with it’s outer cardboard box, inner leather box and original hang tag. It also has the explorer booklet, Rolex Oyster booklet, Rolex Chronometer Certification, Green certification pouch, 2011 Rolex Service Centre card, Rolex 2002-2003 date card and original paperwork. The watch was purchased on the 5th December 2001 In Hong Kong. The watch comes with a Watch Register print out that ensures the watch is legitimately owned. 
 
The watch is a very good example, having undergone full case and bracelet finish restoration. This was done to the highest standard, using laser welding, avoiding any loss of material. There are some very slight scratches from light wear to the polished finishes.
 
The case measures 40mm wide by 12.2mm thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm. This is a sleek case compared to the larger modern references. This is particularly appealing and adds to the neo-vintage positioning of this reference. It is a classic Oyster case with brushed finish to the top of the lugs and polished case sides. There is a neat bevel between the brushed lug finish and polished case sides which is very clean. This reference has the benefit of drilled lugs, meaning strap change is easy. The crown is protected by the polished crown guard. The crown has sharp edges, and the Rolex Cornet logo is in good condition. The thread is good, and it screws down as it should.
 
The bezel is excellent having been refinished using the best practice. It has nothing more than natural loss of the black lacquered 24-hour numerals. It has a beautiful, brushed finish with high polished outer rim. 
 
The case back is classic oyster in Stainless Steel. It has a brushed face with polished sides and neat coin edge finish. It is flanked by a bevelled edge and circular brushed finish. Inside it is signed Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland, Stainless Steel 2180.
 
The watch is on its original 78790 bracelet with 501B endlinks, fitting up to an 8” wrist diameter. It is of 3 link design with satin central piece finish and polished flank links. It has the classic jangle which is loved by some and disliked by others.
 
Under the sapphire crystal with cyclops date magnifier is the glossy Polar white dial. It is desirable over the black dial and it’s easy to see why. It has black-oxidized hour markers, Mercedes hands, simple black dash minute/second graduations, and a date at 3 O’clock. All of the above contrast beautifully against the bright white base tone. The Red GMT hand has a lovely splash of colour which stands out too. 
The super-luminova is bright and stands out in an excellent tone. It complements the bright white of the dial. 
 
The movement is a calibre 3185, which is chronometer certified. It has 31 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 BPH and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It has an independently adjustable GMT hand which is useful for time zones. The movement was recently serviced by an independent watch maker. It has a daily variation of + or - 1 seconds a day.
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is in excellent condition with no noticeable imperfections.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and perfect.
 
Glass: 
The sapphire crystal is original and is in good condition. There are some minor marks around the exterior of the cyclops magnifier. 
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and is in good condition with polished finish and Rolex Cornet. The thread is good and it screws down as it should.
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and has been refinished. It has some slight surface scratches on the polished case sides. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good condition. It has a brushed face with polished sides. It has light surface scratching. 
 
Bracelet:
The watch is on its original 78790 bracelet with 501B endlinks. The clasp is signed Rolex. All aspects are in good condition having been refinished. It will fit up to an 8” wrist diameter.
 
Movement: 
The movement is a calibre 3185. It has an independently adjustable GMT hand. It has 31 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 BPH. It also has a power reserve of 50 hours. 
 
The movement has a Rolex service card from 2011 and was recently serviced by an independent watch maker. It has a daily variation of + or - 1 seconds a day with an amplitude of 320 degrees and a beat error of 0.0m/s.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 40mm
Case width with crown: 42mm
Case thickness: 12.2mm
Case length lug to lug: 47mm
Lug width: 20mm