Rolex Polar Explorer II – Ref. 16570 (2002): A Classic Worth Revisiting

Produced from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, it bridged the gap between vintage charm and modern reliability. The “Polar” variant, with its striking white dial, has become a cult favorite among collectors — and for good reason.

This 2002 example sits right at that sweet spot in the model’s timeline. At 40mm, it wears comfortably while still delivering the tool-watch presence Rolex intended. The crisp white dial, paired with black hour markers and hands, offers exceptional contrast and legibility — the kind of clarity you appreciate whether you’re in bright snowfields or dim light.

Inside beats the Caliber 3185, a reliable automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve and a 24-hour GMT function for tracking a second time zone. As a holes-case version, it keeps that practical, tool-watch charm collectors appreciate — a small detail lost on modern models. The fixed 24-hour bezel works with the red GMT hand to make dual-time tracking effortless, while bright Super-LumiNova lume ensures excellent visibility in low light. With 100 meters of water resistance, the 16570 is ready for almost any adventure, from mountain trails to city streets.

Two decades later, the Polar Explorer II still feels relevant — not because it tries to follow trends, but because it has always been exactly what it needed to be: a dependable companion for those who go their own way. Well-proportioned, dependable, and undeniably versatile, the Polar Explorer II continues to prove why it’s one of the most enduring and admired references in the Rolex lineup.Polar Explorer II