My latest acquisition
I'm excited to share my latest acquisition, the Rolex Explorer II 16570. This reference, first introduced in 1971 and designed for cave spelunkers to distinguish between day and night, now sits on my wrist, tracking New York time and giving me those precious extra minutes for coffee before meetings.
The Explorer II has been on my wishlist for nearly two years. I'd been debating between a modern reference and a neo-vintage version. A couple of months ago, I was surprisingly offered an allocation for a Polar dial Explorer II from Rolex. However, the timing wasn't right, and the maxi case wasn't quite what I was looking for.
A month ago, I took a trip to New York for a friend's graduation, and I told myself I wouldn't return to Los Angeles without a new Rolex. This conviction led me straight to the Diamond District as soon as I landed. After two hours of searching, I found it: a beautiful 16570 with a Polar tritium dial and creamy lume plots. It was love at first sight, and putting it on, I instantly thought of the song "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin.
One unique detail about my Explorer II is its white gold hour markers, which traditionally have black surrounds. The team at Craft and Tailored explained that this is a rare case of strong patina, where a combination of faulty paintwork and harsh weather conditions like humidity and sun damage caused the black paint to wear off. While I wouldn't call it a "Chicchi di Mais" dial, the creamy lume plots truly stand out against the Polar dial.
This is a piece I plan to keep and enjoy for a long time. Even though my trip to New York was brief, this watch holds incredible memories for me: my first solo trip, a major milestone for a close friend, and meeting new people. As much as it might sound materialistic, our watches truly are an extension of ourselves, offering a glimpse into our personalities. I'm absolutely thrilled with my Explorer II—not just the watch itself, but especially the story and memories tied to it.
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