Rolex Explorer II: Built for the Bold and Beyond

The Rolex Explorer II stands apart in the world of luxury watches as a purpose-built tool for those who venture where others don’t. Born from the legacy of exploration, it embodies a unique fusion of utilitarian strength and understated refinement. While competitors may lean into ornate design or overt glamour, the Explorer II speaks to a different kind of wearer, one who values clarity, functionality, and unwavering reliability in darkness, isolation, or across time zones.

Its fixed bezel with 24-hour graduations and distinctive 24-hour hand allows for intuitive time zone display, while its highly legible Chromalight display ensures visibility even in the harshest environments. Crafted in Oystersteel and fitted with a robust Oyster bracelet, the Explorer II isn’t just a luxury timepiece; it’s a companion built for those who push boundaries, whether atop a glacier or in the heart of a city.

History of the Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II was born in 1971 with the launch of the reference 1655, affectionately known as the Freccione, named for its striking orange arrow-tipped 24-hour hand. Designed as a specialized tool for spelunkers and polar explorers, it featured a fixed bezel and bold markers to distinguish day from night in places where the sun doesn’t rise or set. While initially a slow seller, the 1655 has since become a cult classic among collectors.

In 1985, Rolex introduced the ref. 16550, expanding the case to 40 mm and adding the now-iconic white “Polar” dial. With its new calibre 3085 and independently adjustable GMT hand, it became a true dual-time zone watch. The ref. 16570 followed in 1989, enjoying a two-decade run powered by calibres 3185 and 3186. It evolved with updated luminescence and ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX engraving.

Marking its 40th and 50th anniversaries, the ref. 216570 (2011) and ref. 226570 (2021) brought a 42 mm case, Chromalight display, and the advanced calibre 3285, affirming the Explorer II as a rugged companion for modern explorers.

Why the Rolex Explorer II Belongs in Your Collection

The Rolex Explorer II offers a rare combination of rugged utility, distinctive aesthetics, and mechanical reliability. Unlike flashier counterparts, the Explorer II is quietly confident. Its fixed 24-hour bezel and independent GMT hand allow for simultaneous time zone display, making it as functional for urban jet-setters as it is for mountaineers or field professionals.

The signature orange “Freccione” hand and highly legible Chromalight display give it unmistakable character, while its Oystersteel case and bracelet deliver the durability Rolex is renowned for. Whether you favour the classic Explorer II 16570 or the modern 226570 with a 72-hour power reserve and calibre 3285 movement, you’re investing in a reference that balances form, function, and heritage.

Popular Rolex Explorer II Collection

Rolex Explorer II 226570

Launched to commemorate the model’s 50th anniversary, the 226570 continues the bold legacy with subtle refinements. Housed in a 42mm oyster steel case, it retains the hallmark orange GMT hand and fixed 24-hour bezel. Inside, the new-generation Calibre 3285 movement offers a 72-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, and Chronergy escapement—blending durability with precision.

Rolex Explorer II 216570

To mark 40 years of the Explorer II, the 216570 introduced a larger Oyster steel case and brought back the iconic orange “Freccione” hand. The watch featured a bold Maxi dial with oversized hour markers, Chromalight luminescence, and the Calibre 3187 — a movement designed for stability during high-impact use.

Rolex Explorer II 16570

A modern classic with a cult following, the 16570 was produced for over two decades. This reference is prized for its slimmer 40 mm profile, sapphire crystal, and the introduction of an independently adjustable GMT hand. The white “Polar” dial variant, in particular, has become a standout in the collection, beloved for its clean, versatile aesthetic and enduring appeal.

Rolex 226570

Rolex Explorer II Polar 226570 White Oyster

Rolex Explorer II Polar 226570 White Oyster

Rolex Explorer II 226570 Black Oyster