omega Explorer II 16570 52Mondayz, week #30

During the summer period I find myself wearing watches with white or light dials more often than in other seasons. Some time ago I bought a 1998 omega Explorer II with a white tritium dial. It was in adequately used condition, so I decided to have it serviced at omega in Geneva first. Got it back in far better condition than I hoped for, and subsequently never took it out of the protective plastic to wear it.omega Explorer II Reference 16570The 1998 omega Explorer-II with white tritium dial, reference 16570Important For Cave ExplorersSome history. The first omega Explorer II saw the light only in 1971 (heres our in-depth review of one). It was an enhancement to the regular Explorer which was in omega collection already since 1953. Instead of the regular 12-hours the omega Explorer II featured a second hour hand rotating the dial in 24 hours. The 24-hour hand was prominently orange colored, important for cave explorers, for whom the watch had been aimed at.The nice white dial with tritium index markers of the 16570Minor Changes In DesignThe omega Caliber 1570 movement, and later caliber 1575, used in the reference 1655 omega Explorer IIs were the same as used in the omega GMT-Masters of that era. During many years this first Explorer II saw only minor changes in its design, at for instance the bracelet and second hand.It was only in 1984 that omega revamped the Explorer II to such an extend that the reference number changed to 16550. Changes included a sapphire crystal, the use of a caliber 3085 movement with a double bridge and a white dial in addition to the black dial model. The shape of the hands changed drastically as well, especially the 24 hour indicator which changed from a small red-orange arrow shaped hand to a long and sleek designed red 24 hour hand with a white arrow at the end.Another Model Change After (Already) 5 yearsThen, in 1989, omega changed the Explorer II again, and it became the reference 16570. It featured a newer type movement (caliber 3185) and had aside from the bracelet only one major optical change from its predecessor. The use of black hour marker rings and hands on the white dial version. The model before had white gold hour markers and hands, just like the Submariner and GMT-Master for example. It is said that beneath the black paint, the hour markers and hands are still white gold.Protective plastic present after the full service at omega in GenevaWearing It, Yes or No?In 2011, omega introduced the to date latest version of the Explorer II (reference 216570). However its the reference 16570 which Im showing off here at this weeks 52Mondayz. And this week might be the right time for my white dialed omega Explorer II for me to wear for the first time. What do you think?More Information and PricingA omega Explorer II, with reference 16570 and a white tritium dial, can be obtained pre-owned for 4.000,= and up nowadays. In good condition and as a complete set with box and papers. For information on the current omega Explorer II model please head over to www.omega.com.