The Rolex Explorer II, a watch synonymous with adventure and exploration, has a rich history marked by significant evolutions in its design and movement. Among the most sought-after variants is the reference 16570, affectionately nicknamed the "Coal" due to its distinctive, slightly darker dial color compared to its predecessors. This article delves deep into the specifics of the Rolex Explorer II 16570 "Coal," focusing particularly on its movement, the Caliber 3186, and comparing it to its predecessor. We will also touch upon the broader context of the Explorer II lineage, including a brief look at the earlier 16550 model.
The Rolex Explorer II 16570 represents a pivotal moment in the watch's history. Produced from 1989 to 2005, it marked a significant upgrade from its immediate ancestor, the 16550, in terms of both aesthetics and movement. The 16570 solidified the Explorer II's position as a robust and reliable tool watch suitable for challenging environments, while also enhancing its appeal as a collector's item. The "Coal" dial variation, with its subtly darker shade, adds another layer of desirability to this already popular reference.
The Caliber 3186: A Quantum Leap in Precision and Reliability
The heart of the later 16570 models, produced from around 2000 onwards, is the Caliber 3186 movement. This represents a crucial upgrade over the earlier Caliber 3085 that powered the earlier 16570s. While the 3085 was a robust and reliable movement in its own right, the 3186 introduced several advancements that significantly enhanced its performance and longevity.
The most notable improvement was the incorporation of the then-revolutionary blue Parachrom hairspring. Developed by Rolex, the Parachrom hairspring is made from a paramagnetic alloy, offering significantly increased resistance to magnetic fields compared to traditional hairsprings. This is a critical advantage in today's world, where magnetic fields from everyday devices like smartphones and laptops can affect the accuracy of a mechanical watch. The Parachrom hairspring also boasts greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations, contributing to superior accuracy and stability over time.
Beyond the Parachrom hairspring, the Caliber 3186 also benefited from several other refinements. While Rolex doesn't publicly disclose all the specific details of its movements, it's clear that the 3186 represents a higher level of engineering and manufacturing precision than its predecessor. This translates to improved timekeeping, greater shock resistance, and enhanced longevity. The increased reliability and accuracy of the 3186 made the later 16570 models even more desirable to both professional users and collectors. The movement is also known for its smooth, consistent operation, a testament to Rolex's dedication to meticulous craftsmanship.
Comparing the Caliber 3186 to the Caliber 3085
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