Rolex Explorer II 216570 challenge haul........................

[MALDONADO]

We're in the air, or the sea, but ..... Under the surface.

Rolex Explorer II History.

In 1971, Rolex launched the Explorer II (ref. 1655). This watch tool, incorporated a large orange needle for a 24-hour display, bezel engraved and graduate. Only sold with stainless steel case and black dial. The needle always remained Synchronized 24 hours with the hours ... in other words, the Explorer II 1655 was not a clock "GMT", since it could not be adjusted independently needle 24 hours ..

The hand 24 hours - is used to indicate whether the time refers to AM or PM example 10 hours or 22 hours, combined with 24-hour graduated bezel, especially useful for cavers, that spend most of their time in dark caves , resulted in losing all sense of day or night.

For the design and size the Explorer II 1655, was remarkable in its release. Due to the large orange needle 24 hours, was nicknamed "Freccione" (arrow) by Italian collectors.

In the black sphere model, the needles create the "ghost" that effect is achieved by painting in black the tail mimicking well with the black color of the field and therefore not see a clear connection between the arrows and cannon of needles, so that appear to "float" on the dial.

Here are the two versions of the Explorer II 1655:

The first version (1971-1974). Needle stick seconds

Second version (1974-1985). Needle seconds blip

In 1985 and 1655 the reference disappears place is occupied by the Explorer II ref: 16550. Although still 40 mm in diameter, this Rolex was radically different from the previous model, as the 24-hour hand was now decoupled from the hours, making the clock hand could move 24 hours in 1 hour, independent hour hand. In other words, 16550 Explorerr II could now be used as a clock "GMT"

In addition, the design of the dial and hands was changed, leaving almost no resemblance to the Explorer II 1655.

16550 Explorer II now had the typical skeleton Rolex in the hands (known as "Mercedes") and a red GMT hand with a smaller triangle. There were two options, white or black. The glossy bezel looks bigger and bolder numbers bezel engraved with a deep ..

Interestingly, some of the first 16550 tubieron a failure in the paint mixture, so that the white dial, eventually became Cream (Known as the "Dial Cream" Explorer II). The black dial version sometimes developed a "spider web" effect due to other faults in the mixture of paint:

"Cream "Explorer II 16550:

"Spider Web" Explorer II 16550:

Production of the Explorer II 16550 lasted only three years:

In 1989 16550 reference disappears and gives way to the reference 16570 almost like the previous model, also with black or white dial, same needles, same size, but the end is added armis closing or security tab as the previous model was smooth

Explorer II 16570

In the year 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of the first Explorer II reference 16570 disappearing and presenting at the Basel fair of that year the reference 216570 an Explorer II adapted slightly in size, to the "demands" of a sports watch of the century, the box goes just about 40 mm to 42mm, while keeping the ratio of typical lines Oyster case maxidial incorporates the "hands and indices larger" third needle GMT All times increases the size clearly referring to the 1971 original model.

Now let's take a closer look at the replica Rolex Explorer II 216570 of the Noob:

- Steel case 42 mm x 13mm high

- Automatic Movement Asian 2836 28800 bph

- Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating on 2.5x cyclops equal to Gen.

- Semi-invisible crown engraved on the glass at 6 (same as Gen) of the best I've seen.

- Sphere and arrows with Super lumen (surprisingly) in blue as Gen.

- Steel Armix 316F (the best rolex bracelet so far) l

- New style flip-lock closure (super high quality)

- Space between 21mm handles

box

Carved from a single block of steel with a satin finish and polished Oyster Box usual compliments the background thread and fine striations characteristic profile.

 

..................

..............................

Edited May 8, 2013 by MALDONADO

[MALDONADO]

Edited May 8, 2013 by MALDONADO

[hiker01]

_{Nicely done! Thanks for taking the time and posting}  

[nicxxa]

Thanks for a great post... looking forward to mine.

[jpz5142]

Real nice, thanks for posting!

[StormTooper4]

Thats such an awesome post , thanks you for making the effort 

[fitmic]

Wow, just wow.

Great post!

[chiman12]

Great write up!

[Cats]

Super post thanks for sharing , make's me more and more convinced that i want to have one.

Carpe Diem

Cats

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[netniet]

Thanks, great post, this was fun reading.

[madmex]

Wow!  just... wow!  speechless here.  I think I'm going to get one... have to get one Thank you for the beautiful pictures and narrative you put together.  Beautiful watch and beautiful job you did.