What Are The Differences Between the Rolex Explorer 16570 and the 216570?

As one of the eminent manufacturers of custom rubber watch bands, Rubber B always maintains a high appreciation for companies who maintain their commitment to quality in the world of horology, and few manage to do so more effectively than Rolex. Occasionally, however, it is possible for even a company such as Rolex to make a luxury timepiece that flies a little bit under the radar.

A perfect example of this would be the Rolex Explorer watch, which is not as well-known as some of Rolex’s other product lines, like the Submariner or the DateJust. As a corrective to this oversight, Rubber B would like to spend a few moments comparing and contrasting the two most current entries in the Explorer product line: the 16570 and the 216570. However, in order to fully appreciate this timepiece, it helps to put it in its proper historical context and understand the original intention behind its creation before examining the more current models.

What is the History of the Rolex Explorer?

While many people associate Rolex watches with aquatic sports, the Explorer, as its name implies, was designed more with caving and underground exploration in mind. It is specially designed to be visible in low-light spaces or in complete darkness. The first Rolex Explorer, 1655, was released in 1971 and is often informally referred to as the “Steve McQueen.” The name was given after people believed he was seen wearing one, but it was a misnomer, as the watch in question was actually a Rolex Submariner.

This earlier model didn’t have GMT hands, as it was more focused on indicating AM and PM, and used a 1575 caliber. Though never the most popular product in Rolex’s catalog, the timepiece would sell well enough to warrant future models. The two most current entries in this product line are the 16570 and the 216570. If you were to only give these two timepieces a cursory examination, they would appear to be very similar watches. However, examining them more closely would reveal some major differences between the two reference numbers.

What Are The Essential Facts to Know Regarding the Rolex Explorer 16570?

Originally introduced in 1989 and manufactured until 2011, the Rolex Explorer 16570 has a case size of 40 mm and a case thickness of 12.2 mm. It has a lug to lug measurement of 47 mm and a lug width of 20 mm, and it used the auto Rolex 3185 caliber movement. This timepiece has a power reserve of 50 hours. The bracelet is made of steel and contains a folding clasp, and the dial window contains a sapphire crystal.

Because of its age and the fact that it was produced for a wide number of years, the Rolex Explorer 16570 is a relatively easy timepiece to find, especially on the gray market. Depending on where you intend to purchase the watch from, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5500 to $7000 for the timepiece.

What Are The Essential Facts to Know Regarding the Rolex Explorer 216570?

Following the discontinuation of the Rolex Explorer 16570, Rolex decided to continue n with the product line through its next iteration, the 216570, which they began selling to consumers in 2011. The 216570 has a case size of 42 mm and a case thickness of 12.5. It measures 50 mm from lug to lug and has a lug width of 21 mm. The bracelet is made from stainless steel and also contains a folding clasp to help secure it. The dial has a window with a sapphire crystal inside of it.

In terms of the more technical specifications, this timepiece uses an auto Rolex 3187 caliber and has a power reserve of 48 hours.

What Are The Primary Differences Between the Rolex Explorer 16570 and the 216570?

If you were to just look at the specifications of these two watches side by side, they are, in a lot of ways, similar if not outright identical. However, there are two primary ways in which these watches differ from one another.

The first, and most immediately apparent one, is the size difference between the two timepieces. The newer model is an entire 2 mm larger, and in the world of horology, that is a significant amount. Despite this, the 216570 is not an especially bulky watch by any means, and 42 mm is a very reasonable size for a luxury timepiece.

The other is that they use different calibers, which makes a difference in terms of such capacities as a power reserve. It is interesting to note that the newer model actually loses two hours in terms of power reserve, as normally, newer models outdo their predecessors where that measure is concerned.

Watch Straps for Rolex Explorer 216570

Need a Custom Rubber Watch Strap For Your Rolex Explorer? Visit Rubber B Today

If you are looking for a custom rubber watch strap for your Rolex Explorer, visit the Rubber B website to see our complete lineup of Rolex rubber watch bands, including custom pieces for the Rolex Explorer. We also regularly update our product line, so be sure to check in with us from time to time to see what new products we’ve added to our catalog.

For more information on this watch, you can go to the official Rolex Website