16570 tritium : Different font ? Bezel ?

Hi guys !

Still looking /learning /struggling for a good 16570, I have a question about two watches I saw recently. Both from 1995.



- Different typography (especially on the 'OPD EXPLORER II')
- Looks like different kind of bezel (on 1, numbers are debossed, on 2, numbers looks like paint on bezel)
do not hesitate to click the pic to zoom in

SO I was wondering if there was different bezel, different dials etc ..
Thank you !


Again : I am still learning, and it would be the first Rolex I buy, so I want to be sure and aware of all the details !

Well, i cant deny that those fonts are different, but not sure if anyone has spotted this before

have you searched old sales in HQMilton (ie black dialled 16570s from 1994-6) ?

This is something I wasn’t familiar with either, being a 16570 owner - albeit not a Tritium..

I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a variation in dial writing, as the Sub is common to have various styles of writing fonts.

From my novice knowledge on the ones you’ve provided - I’d say number 1 ( left hand side) 16570 is in better condition and the font is more original, if that’s the correct terminology to use - that one seems the standard style text.

I’d wait for more seasoned enthusiast to chime in on this one.

Also, something isn’t quite right with the 9 in the date on number 2 (right hand side watch) it almost looks undersized.

Good idea to look on HQMilton, they have plenty of old sales. Thanks

@OmeGez Yes it is what I'm thinking, different kind of bezel... but the same year ? strange. Lets see if some people are more expert than us haha
Thanks !

its quite possible the bezel was refinished even ever so slightly, and the black numbering re-enameled. the 16550 had a different bezel for sure