Rolex
explorer 2 superluminova - millenium

Vintage Rolex Explorer II 16570 collector’s watch with black dial, circa 2003, sold with original box and papers. This model was produced by Rolex between April 1997 and 2011 under the name Explorer II Black Superluminova. It features a round case with a fixed 24-hour bezel in 904L steel, 40 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick.

This vintage watch is ideal for those working across time zones or frequent travelers. Wherever you are in the world, the Rolex Explorer II can indicate your local time in day/night mode and your home or destination time, thanks to its dual hour hands, including a red arrow-shaped "GMT-style" hand. This self-winding chronometer-certified watch features the Rolex caliber 3185 with 31 jewels and quick-set date display. The specific steel used in this timepiece ensures constant reliability regardless of environment, and it is also resistant to magnetic fields. Its movement, based on the earlier caliber 3135, includes a free-sprung balance and shock-absorption system. The caseback and crown are screw-down, with 100 m water resistance certification.

The elegant dial offers dual 12-hour and 24-hour readability. The red GMT hand completes one full rotation every 24 hours and can be read directly on the bezel’s engraved scale. The hour hand, the signature “Mercedes hand,” is independently adjustable to display or change time zones as needed and controls the date display. The watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a quick-set date window and Cyclops magnifier. The bracelet is made of 904L steel and comes with a folding clasp and safety lock.

This model, part of Rolex's timeless classics, allows you to track two time zones without needing a visual reference to distinguish between day and night—especially useful in global business to avoid calling someone in the middle of the night. Despite its rugged, adventure-ready design, it fits perfectly in refined, elegant settings as well.
Its robust and compact case is designed to wear close to the wrist. Thanks to the flush-mounted fixed bezel (unlike the rotating bezel of the Submariner dive watches), the watch avoids sharp edges that could scratch delicate surfaces.

Its Triplock screw-down crown, protected by crown guards, enhances the waterproofness of this automatic watch, which offers a 50-hour power reserve. The adjustable bracelet with removable links and its folding clasp with extension system offer great versatility. Finally, its 40 mm size and compact thickness suit any wrist, allowing it to be worn discreetly under a shirt sleeve—an asset for travel safety.

You’ll find many anecdotes and stories about the Rolex Explorer II on our Watch Stories page. You can also explore more about watchmaking history and iconic models on our "Brand History" page.