The Rolex Explorer II, a tool watch designed for exploration and adventure, has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. Its robust build, dependable functionality, and iconic design have cemented its place as a legend in the horological world. This article will focus specifically on a fascinating subset of the Explorer II family: the 16570 models produced during the transition from Tritium to Luminova lume, a period representing a rare and often overlooked chapter in the watch's history. These watches, produced around 1998, offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern reliability, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The shift from Tritium to Luminova in 1998 marks a significant point in Rolex's history. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, had been used for decades to create luminous markers on watch dials and hands. While effective, concerns regarding its radioactivity led Rolex, along with other watch manufacturers, to adopt Luminova, a non-radioactive luminescent material. This transition period resulted in a small window of time where Rolex produced Explorer II 16570 models with a mixture of the two luminescent materials, creating a unique and collectible characteristic. These watches represent a fascinating middle ground, bridging the gap between the older, Tritium-equipped models and the newer, entirely Luminova-based watches. Understanding this transition is key to appreciating the nuances and value of these specific Explorer II references.
The 16570 Reference: A Closer Look
The Rolex Explorer II reference 16570, produced from 1989 to 2011, saw several subtle changes throughout its production run. These changes, often minute, are highly significant to collectors and significantly impact the watch's value. The dial, hands, and bezel are key areas of focus when identifying these variations. The transition to Luminova in 1998 is one of the most significant of these changes, and it's crucial to understand its implications.
Before 1998, the Explorer II 16570 featured Tritium lume, which possesses a distinct creamy, yellowish-green glow. Over time, Tritium lume can degrade, resulting in a faded or uneven luminescence. The watches produced after the complete transition to Luminova, on the other hand, exhibited a brighter, more consistent, and whiter glow. The watches produced during the transitional period in 1998, however, show a fascinating blend of both – often with Tritium on the hour markers and Luminova on the hands, or vice-versa, resulting in a unique and subtle variation in lume color and intensity. This inconsistency, rather than being a defect, is a hallmark of these specific watches and contributes to their collector appeal.
Identifying the Transitional 16570s:
Identifying these transitional Explorer II watches requires careful examination. A trained eye can often discern the subtle differences in lume color and application. While there isn't a definitive visual guide separating the Tritium and Luminova, the transitional models present a distinct blend that can be easily distinguished from the purely Tritium or purely Luminova examples. High-resolution images and detailed comparisons with known examples are often necessary for accurate identification. The serial number can also be helpful, although it doesn't directly confirm the lume type. The serial number range for the 16570 will help narrow down the potential production year and thus the likelihood of encountering a transitional piece.
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