THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 16570
YEAR: 1995
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex Explorer II was, for a long time, an under-appreciated gem in the world of vintage Rolex collecting. That has changed in recent years, with early models such as the 1655 'Steve McQueen' and 16550 now commanding considerable attention amongst collectors, along with an ever-increasing price tag. 

The 16550 was produced for a slender 4 years, before the model we see here, the 16570 was introduced in 1989. The present example, a tritium dial 'polar' 16570, is nicknamed "Chicchi Di Mais" (Corn Kernels), due to its delightfully aged creamy patina on the hour markers and hands. 

The watch is in fantastic condition; the dial is spotless, proudly displaying its creamy accents. The case is extremely thick and displays the general wear marks you would expect. The 78360 bracelet retains its full links and is original to the watch as it bears the stamp W4 (April 95). The watch has recently been serviced and is running perfectly at +3 s/d, 260 amps and with a beat error of 0.1. It also passed a 10 bar pressure test. A Chicchi 16570 is certainly one of the coolest 5-digit Rolexes around.