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Brandon Skinner openly discusses his mixed feelings about the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570, appreciating its functionality and legibility while questioning its proportions. He invites the community to weigh in on whether this 42mm model is a 'yay' or 'nay' for collectors.
Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570
The Explorer II reference 216570 represents Rolex's 42mm interpretation of the dual-time sports watch, distinguished by its white dial configuration. Produced from 2011 to 2021, this reference offered an alternative to previous Explorer II iterations within the brand's professional watch category.
The 42mm Oystersteel case houses the automatic caliber 3187 movement, providing 48 hours of power reserve. The watch features a fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, white dial, and sapphire crystal, with water resistance to 100 meters. The timepiece is completed by a stainless steel Oyster bracelet.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a modern Explorer II with contemporary sizing and the clarity of a white dial. The 216570 occupied the Explorer II position in Rolex's catalog for a decade, representing the model's specifications during this production period. The white dial variant provides an alternative to other dial colors within the Explorer II range.
But you know I am biased. Not a Rolex guy in general.
And I ask myself, save for the lugs on the ceramic sub, which is its main polarizing feature, why is it that the maxi treatment on subs and even on the GMTs seem to work better than on this one? Does it have anything to do with maxi proportions on a 40mm case vs 42? And it's not because I have the polar 16570. I'm purely looking at it on its own merits the way I look at the 114060 now which I have stopped comparing against the 14060. So while the thought did cross my mind to pair my 16570 with t
I agree with you the Maxi dials dont seem to carry over as successfully over to the 42mm pieces vs. the 40mm.
My favorite modern (tool) Rolex. Because of proportions. Sits perfectly on my wrist, on strap or bracelet. Submariner, gmt master II - too thick for their diameter. Same for deep sea. Sea dweller, maybe more balanced but not for everyone ... In the vintage world it is of course a different story.
I'm admittedly not a Rolex guy, but of the modern tool watches in their catalog, this would be 'the one' if there was one. Still not thoroughly convinced, but it's the frontrunner if I had to choose. Thanks for your answer.
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