Rolex Explorer II Polar - ref. 16570 - what iteration?

[funkright]

Rolex Explorer II Polar - ref. 16570 - what iteration?

Thinking of picking up one of these, but given their age and multiple iterations, what is the best path or model to pursue? Drilled lugs, not drilled lugs, are there different types of bracelets that came with these? Just looking to pickup a good/great condition version after getting some guidance from this group. I own a 116710LN right now, which, most likely will be staying around. Also own a PAM627, staying as well.

[Gabik]

It is better to find the last years of production 2009-2010.

P.S And don't wear a Rolex with a rubber strap :).

[funkright]

Originally Posted by Gabik

It is better to find the last years of production 2009-2010.

P.S And don't wear a Rolex with a rubber strap :).

Thanks. And rubber only in the summer

[rootbeer7]

Later drilled lugs (easy strap change) and solid end link.

[dcorn]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Later drilled lugs (easy strap change) and solid end link.

This is what I'm looking for, it really narrows the options. Only 2000-2003.

[joe100]

The explorer 2 16570 usually came on either a 78360 or 78790A bracelet. In some more rare cases, they were ordered with a 93150.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

For me, SEL, 78790A, SL dial/hands, cal. 3185, no-holes case. 04’-07’ish

[Livermoron]

My polar has the 3186. I wish I had a jubilee bracelet for it.

[Jackie Daytona]

Mine is a 07-08 era, but honestly I was originally looking for an early 2000s era watch.

The 3185 is great as a movement. You get the drilled lugs. Pricing is a little lower avoiding the 3186 pricing nonsense. Sort of the best of all worlds IMO. 78790a bracelet

[pk552502]

Definitely go with the holes case. Even better if you get a tritium model. A nice crisp case. I don't like the no-holes case as much.

[faimag]

I would not mind any particular date as long as the condition is good. If i had to choose I would opt for a pre-1998 with tritium and drilled lugs.

[Serif]

16570 from 1990 until 2011/12. Case lug holes up to around 2002 Y & 2003 F series none after. 3185 calibre up until 2007 and 3186 after until 2011/12. The 16570 had thicker white gold plot surrounds that changed to thinner around 2010.
I bought my 16570 new in 2008 with the 3186 movement so no experience of the 3185. Enjoy your watch whatever you purchase.

[rohada]

I have a turn of the century 14060M and paired it with a similar vintage 16570 because I developed a fondness for that old school tool watch vibe with the drilled lug holes and bracelet holes. For the 16570, I like late 90's and early 2000's with the SWISS or SWISS-T<25 dials, as that designation was a bit different. For me, the 40mm case wears better than the 42mm. I also prefer the longer, red GMT hand on the older models versus the current orange GMT hand. I'm happy with these older watches. I wish you well.

[SLWoodster]

I really want one but in 16550 cream dial.

[Gabik]

Originally Posted by Serif

16570 from 1990 until 2011/12. Case lug holes up to around 2002 Y & 2003 F series none after. 3185 calibre up until 2007 and 3186 after until 2011/12. The 16570 had thicker white gold plot surrounds that changed to thinner around 2010.

Do you want to say that in 2011-2012, models 16570 and 216570 were produced simultaneously? :)

[funkright]

This is such a rabbit hole, didn’t realize that.

I do think a solid end link version with holes would be interesting and appealing to. Specifically for strap changing.

Strap changes on my 116710LN is such a PITA