Need Help with Rolex Explorer II 16570

[ckhon6]

Hi everyone, got this Rolex Explorer II 16570 from an independent seller a few months back, everything looks alright the seller even opened the caseback to show the 3185 movement.

However recently looking at several serial numbers online I found that the font on mine looks off, especially the number 3 and 8. Is it possible that the watch is fitted with a counterfeit case?

Attached a few photos and references from the internet. Thanks for the inputs guys

[U5512]

Your 3 and 8 do look different than the samples you provided. Interesting.

[hanybad]

Did it come with papers matching the serial number?

[ckhon6]

Originally Posted by hanybad

Did it come with papers matching the serial number?

Unfortunately no, watch only

[kingflum]

Agree with you, samples differ from your watch. Worth a trip to RSC perhaps.

[ckhon6]

Wondering has Rolex ever used this type of font for their serial before? apart from this the watch feels legit, U serial should have the tritium dial though.

I'm having doubts on the case, is it possible the watch is fitted into a non authentic case?

[pandrew6l]

No expert, but it looks like you have long Es

[GLADIATOR]

Hi
Yes its possible to have a fake case, but a genuine movement.
Your movement looks genuine, but would prefer to see the balance wheel to confirm that.

I think the engraving on your case is OK. but if you could post photos of the engraving on inside of the SEL (solid end link) that could finally determine it.
STOP PRESS - Just relooked you dont have an original ROLEX bracelet!!

My feeling is you are OK
Also if you PM me the serial number I can run a check
Regards
A

[BillA]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

Hi
Yes its possible to have a fake case, but a genuine movement.
Your movement looks genuine, but would prefer to see the balance wheel to confirm that.

I think the engraving on your case is OK. but if you could post photos of the engraving on inside of the SEL (solid end link) that could finally determine it.
STOP PRESS - Just relooked you dont have an original ROLEX bracelet!!

My feeling is you are OK
Also if you PM me the serial number I can run a check
Regards
A

I think OP knows that, looks like just a cheap strap although you might be kidding it is obvious no bracelet in the picture.

I have a 16570, the engravings on the case between the lugs look fine to me.

I look at the other engravings, the "S"'s look the same to me.

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by BillA

I have a 16570, the engravings on the case between the lugs look fine to me.

I look at the other engravings, the "S"'s look the same to me.

Yes - I think all is good.
The fakes engraving at that times was a lot worse, and 'rub marks' look legit.

A

[GLADIATOR]

Serial number is clean too.
I am pretty sure you are 'good to go'
A

[ckhon6]

Thank you so much for the input guys, GLADIATOR just helped me run a check and the watch is clean. Didn't know there is such variances in the serial fonts.

The watch does come with the bracelet, switched and wearing it today!

[ckhon6]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

Serial number is clean too.
I am pretty sure you are 'good to go'
A

Again thank you so much GLADIATOR

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by ckhon6

Thank you so much for the input guys, GLADIATOR just helped me run a check and the watch is clean. Didn't know there is such variances in the serial fonts.

The watch does come with the bracelet, switched and wearing it today!

Attachment 1106687

Attachment 1106688

Bracelet ties up perfectly with watch.
Watch is "U" serial dating to 1997/8
Bracelet is "Z9" for Sept 1997
PERFECT

[U5512]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

Bracelet ties up perfectly with watch.
Watch is "U" serial dating to 1997/8
Bracelet is "Z9" for Sept 1997
PERFECT

[rootbeer7]

and this sums up why TRF is such a valuable resource and forum. Gladiator amazing work and OP you can breathe!!

[erhein]

If the watch is a U serial, then it must have a service dial, no? The dial says Swiss Made, indicating superluminova which didn't appear on the 16570 until 2000. I have an A serial Swiss only dial from 1999. The Swiss Made dial came after that. Wouldn't a U serial 16570 have come originally with Tritium?

[SDREW22]

" SWISS MADE"? Service dial?

[GLADIATOR]

Thats a fair point SWISS VERSUS SWISS MADE
Some how I just dont feel that this would have a service dial

[erhein]

Wouldn't this be the original dial for a U serial 16570? (Not my photo. Photo from a Watchbox listing.)

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by erhein

Wouldn't this be the original dial for a U serial 16570? (Not my photo. Photo from a Watchbox listing.)

In theory yes.
But 1998 was so borderline of change
Rolex serial codes are not exact science they usually straddle 2 years.

I just dont see a 1998/9 watch have a service dial - if it was a 1970 or 1980 - yes it would be an issue.

Just my feeling?

[erhein]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

In theory yes.
But 1998 was so borderline of change
Rolex serial codes are not exact science they usually straddle 2 years.

I just dont see a 1998/9 watch have a service dial - if it was a 1970 or 1980 - yes it would be an issue.

Just my feeling?

Well, I’m certainly no expert but I did quite a bit of research before I bought mine and I never heard of, or saw, an original “Swiss Made” dial on a 16570 prior to the Swiss only dial which appeared only on the 1999 A serial 16570s. Very curious.

[BillA]

OP, your watch is fine, just enjoy it now.

[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by erhein

If the watch is a U serial, then it must have a service dial, no? The dial says Swiss Made, indicating superluminova which didn't appear on the 16570 until 2000. I have an A serial Swiss only dial from 1999. The Swiss Made dial came after that. Wouldn't a U serial 16570 have come originally with Tritium?

Agree

[erhein]

Originally Posted by erhein

If the watch is a U serial, then it must have a service dial, no? The dial says Swiss Made, indicating superluminova which didn't appear on the 16570 until 2000. I have an A serial Swiss only dial from 1999. The Swiss Made dial came after that. Wouldn't a U serial 16570 have come originally with Tritium?

I will correct one detail--there are some late U serial 16570s with a "Swiss only" dial. But if this watch is genuine--and others are far more qualified than I am to judge that--and if the the dial is genuine, then that dial is not original to that watch. It could be a service dial, or the dial could have been replaced under other circumstances, but it is not original to the watch.

[Gtecko]

the 8 do look odd on the case but it is legit , hope you are happy with your watch !

[ckhon6]

Hi thanks for all the inputs guys. Yea I also believe that this being a U serial, this "swiss made" dial is probably a service dial.

It was after reading the fake Daytona sold that I started noticing the odd font. One of the tell from the fake Daytona is from the font of engraved serial numbers.

The font on my 16570 still boggles my mind though. I've searched high and low on the internet pictures of engraved serials and still can't find another example that shares this type of font.

[jbglx]

Another thing , condition of the watch , looks to be with a fair amount of scratches :-)
If you are ok with that , fine . If I were you , I would take it to RSC ,to get rid of those .
Anyway , is a GREAT watch , you´ll love it !