Introduced in 1989, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 featured a newly upgraded cal. 3185 for earlier examples of the reference and later examples bearing the cal. 3186. Although much of its aesthetics remains similar to its previous ref. 16550 similarly with a solid 24-Hour bezel with an additional GMT hand, examples of the ref. 16570 fitted with a white dial features luminous indexes bordered with black differing from its white gold-bordered predecessor. The reference was produced for approximately 22 years before it was discontinued and made way for the new ref. 216570.

During its long production run, various luminous materials were used with earlier examples of the reference featuring a “SWISS-T<25” dial with tritium and later examples bearing a “SWISS” with Luminova. However, examples with a U serial from 1997 have a distinct feature as it is printed with “SWISS-T<25” although emitting blue light. It is believed that examples from the specific serial range were considered as transitional examples of the reference hence earning its nickname “Tritinova”.

The present example Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with a U serial from circa 1997 is offered in excellent overall condition boasting an unpolished case with its original guarantee stamped by a Hong Kong retailer.