A very desirable tritium lume Rolex Explorer II ref# 16570 circa 1996 complete with inner and outer box, papers, #’d hang tag and booklets. Featuring a very clean previously polished 40mm case with fixed 24 hour bezel, sapphire crystal, and with original heavy Oyster ref 78790 bracelet with 501B end pieces and matching date code.

Powered by self winding caliber 3075 movement with independently set hour hand for quick change of time zone without disturbing minutes setting. In excellent operating condition and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation.

Note on Neo Vintage and Tritium Lume: As most of you may be aware, this watch falls into the so called “neo vintage” category of sport Rolex models. Unlike the vintage pieces with acrylic crystals, the “neo vintage” designation usually refers to 5 digit reference # sapphire crystal models, but which retain their original tritium lume on the dial and hands. Tritium lume dials can be identified by the SWISS T<25 designation at the bottom of the dial. Luminova introduced in 1998 is designated by SWISS only, and Super Luminova introduced in 2000, by SWISS MADE signature at the bottom of the dial.

Tritium lume  can age to a light ivory or cream, and sometimes even darker more vintage look. Unfortunately, we don’t know precisely about the conditions for change in lume color; there are opinions about the effect of sunlight, moisture, chemistry of the tritum,, and even the lack of sunlight.  We don’t know for sure. Sometimes the color shift it is very subtle, and sometimes quite pronounced.

We are frequently asked if the tritium lume on watches purchased today will continue to age and develop patina. While we do not know for sure, our experience suggests that the aging of the lume occurs in the first 10-20 years, and is typically more pronounced on the early 80’s Subs, Seadwellers, and Explorers, but once again, some do, and some don’t!  Those of us who are fans of vintage, certainly prefer those that do, over those that don’t!