Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 16570
    Movement No: 8’826’356
    Case No: P959’279
    Model Name: Explorer II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “ 78790A”, endlinks stamped “801”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “DE5”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Dickson Watch & Jewellery Co. LTD. Hong Kong dated 13th September 2001, 2001-2002 calendar card, instruction manual, product literature, green card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With an impressive run of nearly 22 years of production before welcoming its successor 216570. Two variants were available, a black dial and a white dial like the present example.

    Acknowledged amongst the collectors to be one of the most undervalued sleeper by Rolex, the ref. 16570 not only boast an altitude of technical prowess but fine aesthetics with a salute to the passion for adventures.

    During the evolution of the reference, various luminous materials were used, from tritium on earlier examples made in circa 1989 to 1997 indicated by the “SWISS-T<25” at 6 o’clock position, to later examples bearing Luminova with “SWISS” only insignia from circa 1998-1999, and the final transition with Super-Luminova material indicated with “SWISS MADE” like this very example.

    The present example of the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with a P serial from circa 2001 is offered in superb overall condition boasting a strong case is accompanied with its full set accessories. With the latest launch of the new 42mm diameter Explorer II ref. 226570 in year 2021, the present 16570 boasting a classic proportion is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a discontinued exploration icon.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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942

Ref. 16570
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2001
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$35,000 - 55,000 
€4,200-6,500
$4,500-7,100

Sold for HK$81,900

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)