Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II has never been a watch that can be described as simple, fragile or overly refined.

Worn by scientists and explorers who braved some of the most inhospitable regions on the planet, the Rolex Explorer II was designed from the outset to challenge conventions of what a wristwatch could actually withstand.

Rolex has always been synonymous with exploration, and its creations have been tested in the most extreme conditions that nature can offer. From crossing the English Channel to achieving land speed records and the historic ascent of Mount Everest, it is almost certain that a Rolex has accompanied these great feats.

The Explorer’s history begins with Sir Edmund Hillary’s epic 1953 ascent of Mount Everest, but there are countless historic moments associated with the Explorer and its successor, Explorer II. Its wearers include Ed Viesturs, the only American to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks (and the fifth person to do so without supplemental oxygen); Jean Troillet, the Swiss-Canadian who, at just 21, set a speed record on the Matterhorn and became the first person to snowboard down Everest; and Alain Hubert, the Belgian polar explorer who completed the first record-breaking crossing of Antarctica. Each proudly wore the Explorer II on their expeditions.

The Explorer II is the perfect watch for those looking for something a little more distinctive than Rolex’s traditional sports models. Introduced in 1971 as an evolution of the Explorer, already beloved by mountaineers in the 1950s, the Explorer II features a larger Oyster case that better aligns with sports models like the Submariner and GMT-Master. With a four-hand dial, including a prominent 24-hour hand, the Explorer II is essentially a version of the GMT-Master, but with one major difference: a fixed steel bezel, rather than the classic two-tone bezel of a pilot’s watch.

The choice of the fixed bezel was not dictated by an aesthetic whim, but by a precise practical need for a particular audience: speleologists, or underground explorers. These adventurers spend long periods underground, far from natural light, risking losing their sense of time. The combination of the 24-hour hand with the fixed 24-hour bezel allowed them to easily distinguish between AM and PM hours, an essential function for long expeditions.

While the original Explorer was built for the highest peaks, the Explorer II was designed to withstand the darkest depths on Earth.

The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 is an iconic model that represents the perfect synthesis of watchmaking tradition and technical innovation. First introduced in 1989, this watch was designed to accompany explorers and adventurers in extreme environments, while maintaining distinctive elegance. The 39 mm Oyster steel case offers robustness and resistance, while the Rolex Calibre 3185, and later the 3186, automatic movement guarantees impeccable precision and reliability.

This piece features a black dial with luminous indexes and a red GMT hand that allows you to track a second time zone. It comes with its original and contemporary box, a detail that enhances its collectible value, even if it does not have the original documentation. A timepiece that combines history, character and functionality, perfect for those looking for a timeless Rolex with an adventurous soul.