ROLEX EXPLORER II

The history of this Rolex Explorer II

Launched in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II was designed for those who lose their bearings between day and night, cavers deep within caves, volcanologists or explorers of the polar regions where the sun never sets in summer. The solution lies in two features: a 24-hour hand that completes a full rotation of the dial in a day, and a fixed bezel graduated over 24 hours, allowing the wearer to tell at a glance whether it is 8 am or 8 pm. Introduced in 1989 as the successor to the 16550, the Explorer II 16570 features an independently adjustable hour hand, enabling it to display a second time zone. Produced until 2011, before the collection switched to a 42 mm case, it underwent several subtle changes over the course of its production run. On the later series, the flange bears the ‘ROLEX’ engraving repeated all the way round the dial, a detail found on this 2010 model.

Case, calibre and bracelet of this Explorer II

The 40 mm Oyster steel case features polished sides and brushed lugs, beneath a fixed brushed steel bezel with engraved 24-hour markings filled in black. The screw-down crown and solid screw-down case back ensure water resistance to 100 metres. Beneath the sapphire crystal, a Cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3 o’clock. The black dial features a triangle at 12 o’clock, luminescent baton hour markers and dots, a Mercedes-style hour hand and a red 24-hour hand tipped with an arrow. The calibre 3185, a chronometer-certified in-house automatic movement, contains 31 jewels and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. It controls a quick-set date and a separately adjustable hour hand, which tracks local time whilst travelling, whilst the 24-hour hand maintains the reference time. The brushed steel Oyster bracelet fastens with a folding clasp bearing the Crown logo.

Why this Rolex watch

This generation remains the last 40 mm Explorer II, a diameter that slips effortlessly under a cuff. Its solid steel bezel, without an insert, does not discolour over the years and maintains a clear 24-hour display. The black dial gives the watch a understated, functional look, more discreet than the Polar version with its white dial. The model is no longer in production, and this example combines the features sought after on the second-hand market: a flange engraved with the ‘end of production’ mark, a full set of accessories and its original warranty card. For those seeking a Rolex with two time zones, it offers a more understated display than a GMT-Master II.

Contents and condition

This Explorer II comes as a complete set with its green Rolex presentation box, outer box, green chronometer seal, two booklets, including the Explorer II manual, the green leather card holder and the international warranty card dated June 2010. Having been worn, it is in very good condition, with slight signs of external wear, whilst both the case and the bracelet remain in excellent overall condition. The engraved markings on the bezel are clear and the dial shows no visible marks.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.