Rolex Explorer I 39mm vs Rolex Explorer II 42mm

Rubber B was the first company in the world to develop custom rubber watch straps exclusively for Rolex timepieces, and since then, the company has added several other prominent watchmakers to its product portfolio. Rubber B creates custom rubber watch bands for watches produced by Panerai, IWC, Audemars Piguet, and others.

In this article, we’ll review the differences and history of the Rolex Explorer I Ref. 214270 and the newest Rolex Explorer II (Released in 2021) Ref. 226570. Later, we’ll go over the similarities and differences between the Rolex Explorer I Mark I and Mark II (2146570).

What Rolex did Edmund Hillary wear?

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sir Tenzing Norgay scaled Mount Everest. That year, Rolex sponsored the expedition and supplied Edmund Hillary with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch. At the time the watch did not bear the Explorer name it’s known by today, in fact, the inspiration for the watch’s name came from that expedition.

The Rolex Explorer I 39mm was released in 2010 at Baselworld in Switzerland. This watch included a larger case and the solid-link 904L stainless steel Oyster bracelet.

The first Explorer II was released (Ref. 1655) in 1971. When it was released, the original Rolex Explorer was missed for its sportier feel. The Explorer II surprised Rolex enthusiasts with the extreme visual differences.

The second variation of the Explorer II, released in 1985; (Ref. 16550) was clunkier, and the case and dial were significantly different in their design. The crystal was now sapphire and the movement was now 3000. Four years later, another similar model was released, (Ref. 16570) making a statement and setting the groundwork for the future look of the Explorer II.

Differences between Rolex Explorer I 39mm (Ref. 214270) and Explorer II 42mm (Ref. 226570)

Dials

The newest Explorer II (Ref. 226570) Dial comes in black or white, whereas the past Explorer I (Ref. 214270) only had a black dial as an option. The Explorer I featured an Arabic numeral dial with 3-6-9 markers. The Explorer II features no numerals, but what is also called a “Maxi Dial”, the circle index markers are also a clear difference. The Explorer II dial is known by Rolex enthusiasts for its clearer readability.

Bezels

Both Bezels of the Rolex Explorer I 39mm and Explorer II 42mm are made from steel but are visually very different. The Explorer I features a high-polished bezel for a sleeker look and is reflective and shiny. The Explorer II has a satin-finished bezel in texture and stands out dramatically because of its 24-hour GMT tracking embossed onto it; the count-up bezel (also known as a driving bezel) also helps to measure elapsed time. (If damage incurs onto the Explorer II bezel the satin-finish and numbers make it slightly harder to repair– not wanting to damage the numbers).

Lugs

The Explorer II features what is called in the world of horology a “Super case”. Super case means that the lugs of the case are much larger than the Explorer I which has the basic case. The watch lugs are much thicker in width on the Explorer II and the Explorer II has crown protector lugs as well and the Explorer I does not.

Movement

Both watches are automatic. The base caliber of the Explorer I is 3132 and has regular basic timekeeping. The base caliber of the Explorer II is 3285 and features a GMT movement and display date. The Explorer II also has an additional hour hand (the orange hand) that allows you to track another time zone or your own time.

Glide lock Clasp

An important addition to the Explorer I version Ref. 214270, is the type of shock absorber, along with a Parachrom hairspring. In addition, a new Oysterlock folding clasp with a satin-finished easy-link extender to adjust the watch bracelet. The Explorer II Ref. 226570 has a slightly broader glide-lock clasp and is polished rather than media-blasted, in texture. This Rolex still features the same 5mm easy-link system (so you can adjust the link measurement without tools).

Straps – Rolex Explorer I 39mm vs Rolex Explorer II 42mm

Rubber B offers a variety of straps for a variety of watches. For the Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II all three versions of Classic, Tang buckle, and Cuff Series are offered. For the Explorer I Rubber B also offers a Velcro strap in solid Jet Black to match perfectly with its black dial. Vulcromatic Straps are offered for the Explorer II; the dual-colored straps come in different combinations of black, white, and orange and pair excellently with the iconic orange hand.

Comparing the Rolex Explorer I Mark I (Ref. 214270) and Explorer Mark II (Ref. 214270)

In 2010, Rolex released the newer model of the Rolex Explorer, which was now 39mm instead of its predecessors at 36mm. In this section of this post, we’ll review the similarities and differences between the Rolex Explorer I Mark I and Rolex Explorer I Rolex Mark II.

Similarities:

Both the Rolex Mark I and Mark II have the same movement (3132) with the same para chrome hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber and 48-hour power reserve. Both watches share the same exact bracelet. Both still feature the solid clasp and easy link extension. Both cases are exactly the same apart from a few small changes that had some Rolex enthusiasts excited and others annoyed.

Differences:

One of the biggest differences between these two models is the upgrade on the Mark II, now with larger and lume added to the 3-6-9 numerals. The original Mark I had its Arabic numerals in solid white gold, it had no lume and caused issues for readability in the dark. Another major difference is the handset. On Mark I, the largest hand does not reach the track on the outside all the way, and it’s rumored that Rolex had used the old handset from the 36mm Explorers that they had leftover coining the Mark I’s nickname as the “shorthand” Explorer.

The newer Mark II version was released in 2016, now with larger hands that are slightly fatter and reach the track along the edges, giving it a sportier look.

It is speculated Mark I may become a collectible in the future, horology enthusiasts believe this watch to be a “mistake by Rolex” with its un-lumed dial and shorthands. The first release of the Rolex Explorer 16550, for example, has paint that is slightly off, giving it a yellowish tone; and it’s still going for outrageous prices. People think a similar situation will happen with the Rolex Mark I.

Straps:

Rubber B recently dropped a new series of straps for these watches. No matter which version of these Rolex you have, you can protect your bracelet by switching it for the highest quality vulcanized Rubber strap on the market. For the Rolex Explorer I 39mm, they offer straps from their Classic Series in solid colors, dual-colored VulChromatic®, SwimSkin® Vegan Alligator, Tang-Buckle, Velcro, and the SwimSkin® Twill Cuff Series.

Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today

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If you would like to learn more about our complete product catalog, shipping policies, pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued associates will be happy to answer your inquiry in a prompt manner.