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Explorer · 1989 to 2011
“Polar 16570”
Grade B · 78/100Today's call: Value buy
B: solid, selective. Ranked #49 of 129 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (2005) | $4,800 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $7,500 – $9,200 |
| Vs original retail | +74% |
| 1-year trend | +4% |
Twenty-two years of the slimmest, most wearable Explorer II. The Polar dial with black surrounds is the configuration everyone pictures.
One of the best value discontinued sports Rolex left: under $10k with real collector demand.
The 90s Explorer II in Polar white, the configuration that turned a caver's tool into a style object. Tritium-dial early examples age into cream lume that collectors pay up for.
It spent decades as 'the affordable sports Rolex' at half Submariner money, then the market noticed everything affordable at once. Still the most watch-per-dollar route into neo-vintage sports Rolex, with drilled lugs until the early 2000s.
Our verdict: Underpriced for what it is. The Polar 16570 keeps grinding upward every small-watch, tool-watch cycle.
| Sizes | 40mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Fixed steel 24-hour |
| Notable dials | Polar white; Black; late 3186 'swan neck' examples carry premiums |
| Caliber | 3185 / 3186 |
| Production | 1989 to 2011 (discontinued) |
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