The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 is a sleeper hit in the five-digit Rolex lineup. It is often overshadowed by Subs and GMTs, yet beloved by those who know. The Polar variant, with its stark white dial and black accents, stands apart visually from most Rolex sports models. My piece, from the year 2000, is a transitional example: it features Super-LumiNova, drilled lug holes, and the last era of stamped clasps. I wore it for thirty days straight to evaluate form (design), fit (comfort), and function (performance), and came away with a deep appreciation for this understated icon.

Form refers to the watch’s aesthetics: 
its design, proportions, and visual appeal. The Polar 16570 is visually striking in a low-key way. The white dial has a matte-ish (some say it’s glossy but mine appears to be semi-glossy at best) finish that diffuses light, giving the watch a clean, almost clinical feel. The applied black-outlined markers and hands provide strong contrast and legibility. The fixed 24-hour bezel is brushed steel, and the engraved numerals give it a utilitarian charm. It looks purposeful, not flashy. A true tool watch. The red GMT hand adds just enough color to break up the monochrome palette. After a month, I still found myself glancing at it for the aesthetics alone.

Fit refers to how the watch sits on the wrist:

its comfort, weight, and ergonomics. The 40mm case (lug to lug around 47.5mm) wears exceptionally well on my 7 5/8 inch (19.05 cm) wrist. Thanks to the thin case (around 12mm) and flat caseback, it hugs the wrist without bulk. The 

Drilled lug holes make strap changes easy, a subtle but practical throwback. I wore it mostly on the original Oyster bracelet, which, while a bit rattly by modern standards, is light and incredibly comfortable. It slipped under shirt cuffs with no issue, and I never felt the need to take it off during work, errands, or even light hikes.

This particular Explorer II came to me pre-owned, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The case carries a few hairline scratches, the bezel has softened slightly at the edges, and the bracelet has that familiar stretch that only comes with time. But rather than seeing these as flaws, I see them as part of the watch’s story, and now, part of mine. It’s a reminder that this wasn’t a safe queen; it was worn, used, and trusted before it ever landed on my wrist. That lived-in character only enhances the Explorer’s identity as a tool watch meant for real life, not just the display case.

Function speaks to the watch’s mechanical performance, legibility, and utility. The Explorer II was built for spelunkers and adventurers, and that DNA still shows. The independent 12-hour hand lets you track two time zones, useful for travel or remote work. The lume, being

Super-LumiNova, glows bright after exposure to light and doesn’t degrade like older tritium models. The watch is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3185, which kept time within plus two seconds per day all week. The fixed bezel may be less versatile than a GMT-Master, but it is less prone to damage and simplifies the visual language. Water resistance is 100 meters, enough for everyday life.

After thirty days on the wrist, the Explorer II 16570 left me thoroughly impressed.

It is a Rolex that flies under the radar, with just enough quirks (like the red GMT hand and drilled lugs) to charm collectors. The transitional Super-LumiNova dial offers vintage appeal with modern usability. If you want a rugged, all-purpose Rolex that doesn’t shout but always delivers, this one earns a permanent spot in the rotation. For me, it is tool-watch purity done right.