Watch Paparazzi

Golfer Jordan Spieth spotted wearing Rolex

Jordan Spieth, the Texas-born golfer who by age 21 had already claimed the Masters and U.S. Open titles, was photographed wearing a Rolex Explorer II in stainless steel with a white dial — reference 16570, a watch that quietly disappeared from Rolex's official catalogue in 2011 yet continues to command serious attention on the secondary market.

The Explorer II ref. 16570 was produced across two distinct generations from 1989 through to its discontinuation, powered first by the Cal. 3185 and later by the refined Cal. 3186, both featuring a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, sapphire crystal, and the signature orange 24-hour hand that distinguishes the Explorer II from its single-timezone sibling. The white dial — often referred to as the 'polar' dial — was introduced alongside the classic black version and proved particularly popular for its legibility and clean aesthetic. Water resistance sits at 100 metres, and the screw-down crown with triplock winding stem ensures the kind of robust reliability that defines Rolex's tool watch philosophy.

From a collector standpoint, the 16570 occupies an interesting position. It lacks the cult status of the 5512 Submariner or the Paul Newman Daytona, yet among practical-minded enthusiasts it is considered one of the most honest Rolex references — no precious metals, no diamonds, just a well-engineered instrument watch with genuine exploratory heritage dating back to Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1957 Antarctic expedition. The white dial 16570 in particular has seen renewed appreciation since the introduction of the larger 42mm ref. 216570, with purists preferring the 40mm case proportions.

Spieth's choice reflects his known preference for understated kit both on and off the course. A Rolex ambassador, he has been seen across multiple references, but the 16570 signals a collector instinct rather than mere brand loyalty — this is a watch chosen for what it is, not what it costs.

On the grey market, discontinued white dial 16570 examples in good condition regularly trade above their original retail price. With original UK RRP around £5,800, clean examples with box and papers now fetch meaningfully more, reflecting steady demand from collectors who missed the window during active production.