Watch Paparazzi

Actor Tom Hardy spotted wearing Rolex

Tom Hardy was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Explorer II in the white dial configuration — the so-called "Polar" variant of reference 216570 — a choice that aligns precisely with the actor's reputation for functional, no-fuss style over conspicuous luxury. The sighting adds Hardy to a growing list of serious watch wearers in Hollywood who gravitate toward professional-grade Rolex tool watches rather than flashier complications.

The Explorer II ref. 216570 was introduced at Baselworld 2011, replacing the smaller 40mm ref. 16570 with a more assertive 42mm Oyster case in 904L stainless steel. The white dial variant — internally known as the Polar dial — pairs crisp applied hour markers and a bold orange GMT hand, a nod to the model's original 1971 design intended to help cavers and polar researchers distinguish day from night in environments without natural light. The fixed 24-hour graduated bezel remains the Explorer II's defining functional signature.

Beneath the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits the calibre 3187, a movement Rolex developed specifically for the Explorer II and the Milgauss. It incorporates the proprietary Parachrom hairspring, offering superior resistance to magnetic fields and thermal variation, along with the Paraflex shock absorber system. Power reserve sits at approximately 48 hours, and the movement is chronometer-certified by COSC.

Among collectors, the ref. 216570 occupies a specific and respected niche. It is regarded as one of the most mechanically honest references in the modern Rolex catalogue — purpose-built, visually coherent, and free from the speculative frenzy that surrounds the Daytona or steel sports models. The white dial commands a modest premium over the black dial variant on the secondary market but remains comparatively accessible within the Rolex ecosystem.

Hardy's watch history skews toward robust, masculine references consistent with his screen persona — this Explorer II fits that pattern exactly. At retail the ref. 216570 listed around $8,550 before its discontinuation, with the updated ref. 226570 now carrying the line forward. Grey market values for the 216570 have held firm, reflecting steady collector demand for the outgoing generation.