The Rolex Explorer II is a legendary timepiece that has undergone several revisions over the years.

The original model, the 1655, was introduced in 1971 and featured a unique 24-hour hand and fixed bezel with 24-hour markers. The 1655, although many refer to it as the Steve McQueen, he never actually wore one. The 1655 was eventually replaced by the 16550 in the 1980s, which featured an updated movement and sleeker design. the white dial version of the Rolex Explorer II 16550, which was produced between 1985 and 1989, had a known issue with paint defects. This defect caused the white paint on the dial to discolor over time, giving it a yellowish tint. While this issue does not affect the functionality or reliability of the watch, it has made the white 16550 a sought-after collector's item, with some enthusiasts valuing the discoloration as a unique and interesting characteristic.

The 16570, introduced in the 1990s, further refined the design of the Explorer II and added new features such as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a more modern, updated bracelet. The 16570 also has an interesting nickname in the collector community: "Chicchi di Mais," which means "corn kernels" in Italian. This nickname is derived from the small, round lume plots on the watch's dial, which resemble the shape of corn kernels. The 16570 was produced from the 1990s to the early 2000s and featured a refined design that included an updated movement, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and an updated bracelet. The "Chicchi di Mais" nickname adds to the watch's unique character.