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Explorer II

Introduced: 1971

Purpose / Inspiration:
The Explorer II was Rolex’s answer to the demands of speleologists, polar explorers, and anyone navigating in environments where day and night lose meaning. Unlike the original Explorer, which was built for mountaineers, the Explorer II was tailored for those who spend days—or even weeks—in darkness or unchanging daylight. Its signature 24-hour hand and fixed bezel made it possible to distinguish AM from PM, a vital feature for life underground or in the Arctic.

Designer:
Designed by Rolex’s in-house team during the golden era of tool watches, the Explorer II was more of an evolution than a stylistic leap. It borrowed the robust Oyster case of the Submariner and added a fixed bezel and an additional hand, offering a rugged, functional alternative for professionals—not playboys.

Case size:

  • Classic: 42mm (modern Ref. 216570 and Ref. 226570)
  • Other sizes:
    • 40mm (Ref. 1655 and Ref. 16570)
  • Oyster case with wider lugs and crown guards
  • Thicker profile—built to handle tough conditions
  • Flat sapphire crystal with Cyclops date magnifier

Case options:

  • Oystersteel (904L stainless steel—ultra corrosion-resistant)
  • Brushed case and bracelet for no-glare durability
  • Screw-down Twinlock crown
  • Solid steel caseback—tool watch through and through
  • 100m water resistance

Powered by:

  • Automatic in-house movements:
    • Caliber 3187 (used in Ref. 216570)
    • Caliber 3285 (used in current Ref. 226570—introduced 2021)
  • Power reserve: ~70 hours (Cal. 3285)
  • Independent 24-hour GMT hand—can track a second time zone
  • COSC + Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 seconds/day)
  • Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers

Bezel:

  • Fixed 24-hour engraved bezel
  • Steel with black-engraved numerals
  • Allows 24-hour reading with orange or red GMT hand
  • Bezel has remained largely unchanged across generations—utilitarian by design

Dial options:

  • White dial (Polar) or black dial—iconic dual identity
  • Applied Chromalight markers with blue lume
  • Mercedes hands with luminous fill
  • Bright orange 24-hour hand (throwback to the original Ref. 1655)
  • Cyclops date window at 3 o’clock
  • Matte dial with bold legibility for low-light environments

Water resistance:

  • 100m
  • Designed to handle ice, cave water, or a dive in the lake
  • Screw-down crown for solid resistance to the elements

Bracelet:

  • Oyster bracelet—brushed steel, solid end links
  • Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink (5mm extension)
  • Heavy-duty feel without sacrificing comfort
  • Tool watch strength with everyday refinement

Still in production in both dial variants. The Explorer II is now more popular than ever, particularly the white “Polar” dial version, praised for its clean look and unique place in the Rolex lineup.

Why it matters:
The Explorer II isn’t built to dazzle—it’s built to endure. It’s the adventurer’s GMT, worn by volcanologists, cavers, and even Steve McQueen (though debate rages about which model). The bright 24-hour hand isn’t just for looks—it was made to save lives. If you want a Rolex that means business, doesn’t follow trends, and has real-world roots, the Explorer II stands tall.

Stainless. Stealthy. Ready.
For the Places Maps Don’t Cover—This Is Your Rolex.

If You Want the One Built for the Edge of the Earth, This Is It
From Ice Caves to Urban Mazes—The Explorer II Leads the Way

References for Explorer II