(1999) 16570 Polar & (1999) 16710 Coke, some observations & differences

[illition]

Hi all,



I picked up a 1999 16570 Polar today, and now have on hand 2 "Swiss Only" 5 Digit references.

While observing the both of them side by side, I noticed some differences and thought it might be interesting to note some of the points down!





*To note, both watches have been authenticated by an Ex-Rolex technician and known to have all original parts. Other than that, i'm not entirely sure of their history.



1. Laser Etching: The Coke has laser etching on the sapphire crystal but the Polar does not. For the last 3 years owning this piece, I thought that the laser etching was standard but after noticing the Polar was missing the laser etching I did some light research and now find that this might actually be a replacement (authentic) crystal. Does anyone have any insights on this?



2. Polishing: The Coke is much more polished than the Polar. I only noticed this upon comparing them side to side. I think the most noticeable difference for me is the crown guard. On the Polar I can see a very distinct line that runs parallel to the crown (& the rolex signed on the crown).









3. Movements are about the same, and they both run well. Although my Coke is probably due for a service as it's winding is pretty rough. Other than that, if I wear it as an "auto" it runs perfect and has no issues keeping time or holding power reserve.



4. Wearability: They both fit the same although I am a little more cautious when wearing the coke. The bezel is painted aluminum insert and if scratched might be pretty costly or difficult to replace. The coke also stands out a little more and attracts more attention as compared to the Polar which pretty much flies under the radar always.



5. Lume: The lume plots on the Polar seem to be ever so slightly more yellow than on the Coke. The lume on this Polar also seems to be more "yellow" than I remember my old Polar had (although that was Tritium, so that is quite strange). I remember reading online in the past that tritium watches kept in the safe tended to turn more "yellow" and patina more than tritium watches that were constantly exposed to UV - wonder if it's the same for Luminova (which these two have). My Coke sees a lot of light & sunlight on a daily basis - but as far as I know, the Polar has been a safe queen at least for the last 7 months.





All in all, these are both 22 year old watches and are holding up well given their age, and i'm glad to own 2 "Swiss Only" 5 Digit references.

[OrangeSport]

Very nice pair - always preferred Coke to Pepi.

I have heard before that Rolex supplied replacement crystals aren't always engraved

Do you have trouble getting straps to fit? Maybe digit Sub can eat into straps..

[illition]

Good to hear, I've heard some are supplied with a sideways S, and some with no laser etching at all - quite strange that it's not consistent across the board!

No trouble getting straps to fit! 20mm lugs are an easy strap fit.

[Nickyisrael]

Lovely watches. The ultimate 2 watch combo in my opinion.

[russ86]

Own both of them, love wearing them also

[Old Expat Beast]

The LEC is extremely hard to spot over a white dial. Several members have posted about not having one on their Polar, only to find it after intensive searching with various angles, lights and a 10x loupe.

[illition]

Thanks for the replies! I'll be sure to try out a loupe + UV light