What does “Polar” mean?

'Polar' is the nickname for the Rolex Explorer II with a white dial. The Explorer II, aimed at explorers and cavers who might lose track of day and night, has an extra 24-hour hand read against a fixed 24-hour bezel. White-dial versions were made alongside black ones in several generations: the 40 mm 16570 (from 1989 until 2011), the 42 mm 216570 (2011 to 2021) with a large orange 24-hour hand recalling the original Explorer II of 1971, and the current 226570, introduced in 2021 with caliber 3285.

On the Polar dial, the hands and markers are outlined in black so they stand out against the white, a look many buyers prefer to the black dial. On older 16570 examples, collectors look closely at the shade of the white dial and the condition of the luminous material, which can age differently from piece to piece. Dealers state the reference, card date and set, and check that the 24-hour hand, dial and hands are original, as parts are sometimes replaced during service.

Example: 'Explorer II Polar 216570, 2019, full set, light wear.'