The Rolex Explorer II 42mm, the latest version of the 50 year old timepiece which was released in 1970. The current version is the reference 226570, which has received extensive technical and aesthetic makeovers since the original reference 1655 was released. The Rolex Explorer II is quite a bit different from the actual Explorer I which it derives its name. Most notably it it uses dots or dashes for its hour markers instead of adding the Arabic 3, 6, 9 around the dial. Also, it has a big orange hand which provides a GMT function.
Rolex Explorer II 42mm
The reference 226570 came out in 2021. It replaced the more recent reference 216570 which had been in production since it was released on the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, back in 2010. The 216570 featured the larger case with 42mm, replacing the previous 40mm case.
This also increased the hour markers which helped the timepiece become more visible both in daytime and at night. It retained the two models – the black dial and the white polar dial. It also changed the GMT arrow to an Orange tip, similar to the original reference 1655.
This was somewhat significant because in 1985 Rolex had released the reference 16550 which changed the GMT hand to a red stem and black arrow tip. It had been the same design for the next 25 years. The Orange stem and tip returned the Explorer II back to its historical roots. It also adds a more exceptional look to the timepiece and is practical since the GMT hand is unique compared to the regular hour and minute hands.
The new reference 226570 retains the 42mm case of its predecessor and also has a nearly identical look. Both have steel constructed case, oyster bracelets, 24-hour bezels, and black and white dial options. However, the inside of the timepiece is powered by the caliber 3285 movement which has an enhanced 72-hour power reserve. This is a significant upgrade over the former caliber’s 48-hour power reserve.
The new 3285 movement replaces the outgoing 3186 movement and is made entirely in-house by Rolex. It is 15% more efficient, and according to Rolex, it is 2x more precise than the previous version – naming it a “Superlative Chronometer” which is an enhanced set of testing done by Rolex beyond the COSC testing that is done publicly.
The movement is made from nickel-phosphorous which is less sensitive to magnetic interference. It features 10 patent applications and has fundamental gains in precision, power reserve, reliability, and resistance to shocks and magnetism. It has 31 jewels, a Chronergy escapement, Paramagnetic Oscillator balance and a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. It beats at a 28,888 rate per hour. It still features the ability to automatically wind itself in both directions. It also has Paraflex shock absorbers to keep this a truly magnificent Explorer grade timepiece.
The 42mm case is slightly thinner than the previous 42mm case. The lugs are also slimmer. The Oyster bracelet is also slightly wider at 22mm rather than 21mm. The hands on the Polar (white) dial Explorer are matte PVD-coated. This reduces reflection which could become important when scaling a mountain or other “explorer” activities. Rolex added the crown symbol between the words “Swiss” and “Made” at the 6 o’clock position.
However, with these slight changes, the Rolex Explorer II at 50 years old appears to be quite a bit similar to the 40th anniversary model. Unless you are looking inside of it, or scrutinizing the features of the dial, it really wouldn’t strike the average observer as different in any way. This is good because people have truly come to love the new look of the Explorer II. The 42 mm case gives the timepiece a thicker feel which has been a popular movement in watch collecting. The larger hour markers and hands have excellent blue luminescence and tremendous visibility in both day and night time situations.
The Explorer II is certainly a more pure Rolex timepiece. It is unfettered by Rolex’s gemologists encrusting it with diamonds or sapphires, or adding various design changes and precious metals on it. It is a truly tool watch which is a key feature that makes a Rolex a “Rolex,” rather than a mere showpiece. The Explorer II tempts the inner explorer in all of us to test the limits of the human experience. No matter if it is cave diving, mountaineering, or other activities, the Explorer II is the timepiece that will allow you to keep accurate time in 2 timezones and resist the ravages and punishment that may go along with these expeditions.
Rubber B has added several strap options for the Rolex Explorer II 42mm. Pictured above is the Combat strap. This strap is available in both black and blue options. Rubber B also has its standard Tang Buckle series, and its Classic series which supports the original Rolex clasp. All Rubber B products are made in Switzerland of the highest standards and are made with pure vulcanized rubber. For more information visit our Rubber B page for Explorer timepieces here.
