Over 100 Years of Heritage
Buying Guides & Advice
Rolex
Watches
Rolex Explorer II History: The perfect companion for exploring the unknown
• benjohnson
Upon its 1971 launch, the Rolex Explorer II joined an impressive collection of luxurious sports watches, combining practicality, class, and function. However, rather than for scaling peaks like its 1953 predecessor, this dedicated adventure watch was custom-built for spelunking, also known as cave exploring.
Like all Rolex timepieces, the Rolex Explorer II features the luxurious craftsmanship its Swiss creator is renowned for. However, its features and layout offer Rolex collectors a unique timepiece that continues to stand out.
Here, we dive into the Rolex Explorer II, including the Explorer’s trademark features and how this iconic sports watch helped Rolex make history.
Table of contents
- Rolex Explorer II history
- Rolex Explorer II features
- Rolex Explorer II models
- Shop the Rolex Explorer II at Miltons Diamonds
Rolex Explorer II 226570 - Gents Watch - White Dial - 2022
Rolex Explorer II History
Reliable and robust, the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Explorer was one of Rolex’s first tool watches. It was designed for adventurers, and its origins lie in the Swiss brand’s passion for aiding those who push the boundaries of human knowledge.
In 1952, leading world explorers were on the cusp of conquering the highest peak on planet Earth – Mount Everest. Many had tried and failed before this, with many lives lost. However, the 1950s British adventurers were adamant they would defeat the peak – and Rolex wanted their watches to be there when it happened. So, in 1952, Rolex presented the British mountaineers with large Pre-Explorer prototype models, eventually becoming the Oyster Perpetual Explorer.
Rolex Explorer 114270 - Gents Watch - Black Dial - 2001
The Rolex Explorer officially launched in 1953, offering explorers precise and reliable timekeeping in the most dangerous conditions. The Explorer II was later released in 1971, creating its own success with new features, looks, and sizing. Rather than for scaling peaks, the original Rolex Explorer II was designed for cave explorers, allowing the wearer to keep track of time in the dark and dangerous spaces where the sun never rises or sets.
Rolex Explorer 226570 - 42mm - Black Dial - 2021
Rolex Explorer II features
Rolex is no stranger to creating high-calibre watches for specific niches and sports people. So, what makes the Rolex Explorer II so special?
To start, the Rolex Explorer II features a 24-hour hand and bezel that helps keep spelunkers oriented at all times, essential for those who explore polar regions or areas daylight can’t reach. The 24-hour hand and hour markers feature a luminous display with a long-lasting glow. This, juxtaposed against the Explorer’s simple yet chic white or black dial, enables the wearer to easily distinguish the hours between night and day.
The Rolex Explorer II is also extremely corrosion-resistant, maintaining its outstanding look and finish even in the harshest environments.
Rolex Explorer II models
There have been several versions of the Explorer II, from models with subtle tweaks and changes to more significant overhauls. Read on as we look at Rolex Explorer II’s history and how this iconic tool watch has evolved.
1971: The first Explorer II
The first Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 with reference 1655, offering Rolex collectors a larger and updated version of its 1953 predecessor. It is infamously known as the “Steve McQueen” Rolex, despite the actor being better associated with other Rolex models. It also boasted a military look. However, this would - be reimagined and replaced in later models with designs more aligned with the Swiss brand’s traditional look.
The 1971 Explorer II featured the iconic steel 24-hour bezel and coloured 24-hour hand that have distinguished the Explorer series today, alongside a 39mm stainless steel case and matching Oyster bracelet. Its 24-hour bezel and markings were designed to help the wearer tell the time in the dark, with the hand pointing to either 10 hours or 22 hours to differentiate between AM and PM hours.
1985: Reference 16550
The 1985 Explorer II featured plenty of upgrades, bringing the Explorer series much more in line with the version as we know it today. It increased from 39mm to 40mm, boasting a sapphire crystal, a new Caliber movement, and a white dial variation.
The 16550’s new Caliber movement greatly opened the watch to a wider range of explorers, as its 24-hour hand could now be adjusted to display a second-time zone, thus making the Explorer a true GMT watch. However, the 16550’s bezel remained fixed, as it still does today, separating it from the GMT Master series.
1989: The Polar Explorer
The 1989 Explorer II introduced minor updates to the tool watch, including a new Caliber 3185 movement and outlined hour markers. The updated black hour markers juxtaposed stylishly against the model’s white dial, creating a remarkable look. This model, alongside all other Explorer II’s with white dials, has since come to be known as “Polar Explorers”.
The Explorer II reference 216570
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Rolex released the Explorer II 216570, offering a contemporary design as glamorous as functional. It increased in size to 42mm and introduced an illuminated dial with a minty blue glow.
2021: Reference 226570
The 226570 was launched in celebration of the Explorer II’s 50th birthday, with a new movement, Chromalight display, and bracelet. Not much else was changed. However, this model remains a sought-after Rolex creation, featuring the luxurious sense of opulence the Swiss brand is renowned for.
Rolex Explorer 226570 - 42mm - Black Dial - 2022
Shop the Rolex Explorer II at Miltons Diamonds
With various models to choose from and decades of history behind each one, the Rolex Explorer II is an iconic addition to any Rolex collection. Its design is steeped in luxury, acting as a true style icon while demonstrating the Swiss brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and making history.
Our Rolex Explorer II collection offers an exemplary range of new and pre-owned Rolex Explorer II models, complete with Rolex boxes, papers, and manuals. Shop the collection today to find the perfect one for you! Or, for more stunning models from throughout Rolex's history, including the original Rolex Explorer, shop the complete Rolex collection.
Related Articles
The watches you see online at Miltons Diamonds are the same watches you can buy in our Liverpool stores. Our expert team has handpicked each watch we sell, and they are ready for you to purchase online or in-store.