Okay, so I’ve been meaning to share this for a while now, and today seems like as good a day as any. It’s about my little adventure with the Rolex 16570. You know, the Explorer II? Yeah, that one.
I remember first laying eyes on it back in the day. The prices were alright, not too crazy. It was launched in ’89, replacing an older model. It was meant for explorers, folks who love mountain climbing and stuff, tough and all that. I did some digging around, saw that it holds its value pretty well, and apparently, it was made for people who like to climb mountains and endure harsh weather. I mean, that’s not exactly me, but I liked the sound of it.
So, I started looking for one. Checked out a few different places, you know, just to see what was out there. They’re pretty similar to the older 16550, but with a different kind of steel and a newer movement inside. Not a huge deal, but enough to make a difference. I noticed that this model is pretty popular, and I figured it would be a good addition to my small collection.
The Hunt Begins
I went to a few watch shops, talked to some sellers. Some were nice, some were, well, not so nice. I had my eye on a specific one for a while and watched the price go up a little and down a little but mostly up. Eventually, I found one that felt right. The price was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but not crazy high.
The Purchase
I finally decided to go for it and I bought the thing! It was exciting, I’m not gonna lie. Paid the guy, got the watch, and walked out feeling like a million bucks. Or at least like someone who just bought a pretty cool watch.
Living with the 16570
- Wearing it: First thing I did was put it on. Felt good, solid. It’s got that classic Rolex look, you know? The red 24-hour hand is a nice touch, it’s something that grew on me.
- Checking the Time: Keeps time like a champ, as you’d expect. No complaints there. It is a Rolex.
- Showing it Off (a little): Okay, I admit, I did show it off to a couple of friends. They were impressed, I think. Or at least they pretended to be.
- Just Enjoying it: Mostly, I just wear it and enjoy it. It’s a good watch, reliable, and it looks great. It goes with pretty much everything, from jeans to a suit, it does not look out of place.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s my story with the Rolex 16570. It was a bit of a journey, but I’m glad I did it. It’s a solid watch, a classic for a reason, and it’s something I’ll probably keep for a long time. If you’re thinking about getting one, I’d say go for it. Just do your research, find a good one, and enjoy the ride! It is a pretty good base for a watch collection. I wear it almost all the time and only switch it out for my Pelagos FXD for specific activities.
