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Rolex Explorer II
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Rolex Explorer II
The original Explorer became the timepiece of choice among climbers and other rugged adventurers who refuse to compromise on Rolex quality. The company updated the line with the Explorer II which was originally released in 1971. A revised Explorer II followed in 2011 with a larger 42mm case and new movement. The Explorer II features a dial designed to offer optimum clarity in all conditions and fixed 24 hour bezel with a dedicated, independent 24 hr hand. This allows accuracy in conditions where it is difficult to distinguish between day and night, such as polar regions or in deep cave systems.
The Rolex Explorer II became a go to watch for world travelers and adventurers across the globe with its rugged frame and impressive dates, time zones and iconic looking bezel. Aimed at those mentioned previously, this watch was designed and manufactured with a specific group of explorers and scientists in mind. This watch was for those who might spend long hours in underground labyrinths without any sunlight, noting them of the current time of day. Regular watches in this situation would be helpless in this situation as they do not distinguish between AM and PM.
The Rolex Explorer II is equipped with an additional hour hand that makes one full rotation per day and works in combination with an additional 24-hour bezel that is present on the watch. These highly sought after watches have become somewhat of a collectors item for many as they possess these unique features and characteristics. View our complete collection of Rolex Explorer II watches today and get in touch if you need any help with selecting your watch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Explorer II features a 24-hour hand and fixed bezel, originally designed for cave explorers and adventurers to distinguish day from night. It also allows the wearer to track a second time zone, setting it apart from the standard Explorer.
The pre-owned market offers access to a wide choice of Explorer II references, from classic models with distinctive orange “Freccione” hands to modern versions with larger cases. Buying pre-owned also avoids waitlists and can offer better value than new.
The Explorer II has been made in 40mm and 42mm case sizes over its history. Buying pre-owned gives you the option to choose the size and reference that best suits your wrist.
The Explorer II increased to a 42mm case size in 2011 with the release of the reference 216570. Earlier generations were 40mm. Both sizes are available on the pre-owned market.
The Explorer II has been worn by professional adventurers, explorers, and mountaineers, such as renowned climber Reinhold Messner. Notable celebrity wearers include actors Jason Statham, Orlando Bloom, and Anthony Kiedis, who are associated with the vintage Explorer II reference 1655, as well as Tom Hardy, Prince Harry, and John Cena for modern versions like the ref. 216570.
The Explorer II is popular with collectors thanks to its unique design and tool watch functionality. Certain vintage references and rare dial variations in particular are known to increase well in value.
Yes. Every Explorer II we sell is carefully inspected by our Rolex specialists, with full checks on the movement, case, Rolex serial numbers, and other parts of the watch to guarantee authenticity.
Yes. Each Explorer II is supplied with a 12-month movement warranty. If the watch is still covered by Rolex’s 5-year manufacturer warranty, the remaining coverage will also be included.
We ship in-stock Explorer II watches by insured Royal Mail Special Delivery, with next-day delivery before 1pm to most UK addresses, Monday to Saturday.
Authentic Explorers feature the correct case, construction, precise movement, and Rolex’s anti-counterfeit details. Purchasing an Explorer II from a trusted specialist like Watches.co.uk is the best way to ensure you’re getting a genuine watch.
