Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II Watches

Rolex Explorer II 16570 is under the lineup of Rolex Explorer II. Remarkably striking, these Rolex watches glanced upon 1971. Initially, the Rolex Explorer 16570 was only available in black dial and orange second hand. Over the years it has been given red hands with a luminous dot on the 24-hour hand.

Preceding its earlier version the new Rolex Explorer II 16570 has got itself a 42 mm case, Oyster bracelet with Easy-Link system of 5mm ply and safety clasp, brand new caliber 3187 movement and blue luminous dial and hands. Rolex procreates a brand new modern adventure and sports luxury watch. Seathing the promised time precisions, the Rolex Explorer 16570 is tremendously potent and tenacious.

New Rolex Explorer II Watches

History of Rolex Explorer II Watches

Rolex, the unbeatable and the incomparable. Yes, that is how it is known to the world. And when it comes to its Explorer II model, it is as much as popular as its other models like the Submariner, GMT Master, and the Datejust.

Before getting to know about anything, it is important to learn its history, so let’s explore Rolex Explorer II and see its evolution through a handful of models.

The Rolex Explorer II was first unveiled in 1971 as an addition to the Explorer I’s model 1954. The added feature with which it came along with was the 24-hour indication that could also be used as a second time-zone. The reason for this 24-hour indication, along with the other features was that it was designed with regard to professional cavers.

Rolex Explorer II 1655

This is the first member to the family of Rolex Explorer II, and it came out as the larger sibling to the Explorer I. This reference featured a sporting dial of 39mm with stainless steel case and matching steel bracelet. These watches were created specifically for the spelunkers, thus with its added features, it was made practical for them. The first feature was the extra 24-hour hand that points to a fixed bezel with the 24-hour markings, and the reason behind this was that the spelunkers are usually in the dark and thus cannot depict and know the difference in the timing, that is whether it is AM or PM. The watch was equipped with an orange hand which was later replaced with the red one. The Explorer II runs on a 1570/1575 caliber which is as same as that of the GMT-Master. It is also heavy on the lume details which ensures optimal legibility in the dark. It is paired with the luminescent 24-hour hand which does the perfect job of telling the wearer whether it is day or night.

Although Rolex Explorer II 1655 did not become popular in its own era but eventually, it became really notable and was referred using several nicknames. The popular nicknames for this reference were Freccione, which is derived from an Italian word which means arrow, referring to its famous arrow-tipped hand; and the other nickname is Steve McQueen Rolex.

Rolex Explorer II 16550

This Explorer reference was presented in the year 1985. It was the first in the Explorer family to come with a 40mm case. It was built in a sapphire crystal and had the calibre 3085 movement. Its 24-hour hand had a longer and thinner arrow-tipped, and the center hands were in the Mercedes style. Plus it was available in the black or white as dial options. The new movement of the watch with 3085 calibre advanced the day and night hours to a Rolex GMT which also was able to indicate a second-time-zone. This watch was in production only until 1985.

Rolex Explorer II 16570

This Rolex Explorer II was released in 1989, and although it came with many of the same features as that of ref. 16550 but still couple of notable upgrades were made. The first major upgrade was the 3185 caliber and this reference was in the production for 22 years and the later models housed the Caliber 3186. Another noteworthy change was that it featured the then "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" rehaut and it used the black outlines surrounding the round hour-markers on the white dials rather than the more traditional white gold ones which gave it a signature look.

Rolex Explorer II 216570

This reference was introduced by Rolex at the celebration of its 40 year anniversary, and this is completely a revamped and a modern model. This is the latest addition to the Explorer II family and was released in 2011 This reference featured an increased case size of Rolex Explorer II 42mm, which made it an even more robust version of the Explorer II. And for the balancing of the larger case, the hands and lume plots also grew in size for even better legibility. To honor the original Explorer II with the ref. 1655, Rolex fitted the latest model with a similar orange arrow-tipped 24-hour hand. This Rolex 216570 is made available in a black or white polar dial, which is coupled with the date window at 3 o'clock which makes this the ideal watch not just for adventurers, but global travelers too. The white version is called Rolex Polar because of its whole white colour. This is powered by the 3187 caliber movement and due to its chroma light display, this Rolex Explorer II Polar exceptionally works well in the dark.

The Rolex Explorer II history is just a captivating one. It is one of the Rolex's which is admired for its vintage as well as for the modern looks and is one of the most popular sports watches by Rolex. Thus it is an exquisite addition to any watch collection.





Features of Rolex Watches

Rolex, since its inception in 1908, has brought various innovative technological revolution to the wristwatch industry and is still evolving. Rolex, which is popular as a mechanical watch also in Japan, has value, functional beauty and reliability supported by the high technical force of skilled technicians is not found in other brands.

Category Point 1
Stainless steel

As a Brand of quality, Rolex Company usually creates its watches using high-quality non-corrosion steel, 904L Stainless Steel, that no other brand uses. Unlike the 316L which is widely used by other brands, 904L steel is very durable and shinier.

Category Point 2
Caliber

Although it’s hidden by the impermeable case, Rolex watches have been equipped with perpetual movements for years. Of which have been greatly celebrated by the watch wearers following its Chronometric performance. Recently, anyhow, the renowned Swiss brand was able to introduce its new movement- Caliber 3255, which is believed to even surpass the set COSC level of Chronometric precision.

Category Point 3
Oyster Case

Recognized as the first impermeable case in the world, Oyster case is one of the largest milestones of Rolex which was invented in 1926. The Rolex Oyster diver watches are guaranteed to have a water resistance of up to 3,900 meters.

Category Point 4
Triplock Crown Seal

Various Rolex sports watches have been fitted with a triplock winding crown seal which helps enhance the waterproofness of the watch. This system, natheless, is fitted in the winding crown’s tube, thus, is only visible after unscrewing the winding crown.

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