The New Rolex Explorer II : 42mm

Rolex Explorer II announced in 2011, featured several updates from its predecessor. The reference 216570 comes with the option of a black dial or white dial. Adding contrast and a bit of flare reminiscent of its ancestor from 1971, the new Explorer II features an orange GMT hand, very much complementing a new 42mm case, which is substantially larger than the 39mm generation.

The Rolex Explorer II comes from a long line of timepieces made to support exploration and overcoming challenges such as mountain climbing, or cave diving.  Rolex has been at the forefront of exploration for over 60 years.  The first Explorer 1 accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their first ascent of Mount Everest on May 29th, 1953.  This astounding feat took them 29,028 feet to the top of a previously considered insurmountable peak.

Since the early days of exploration, the Rolex explorer has become the cornerstone of the human determination and spirit of adventure.  These timepieces are made to be precise, robust, and able to withstand the effects of cold, pressure, and banging around without losing its time.

The Explorer II is still fitted on the most famous case in history – the Rolex Oyster case.  This is not only protected by scratchproof sapphire glass but provides a double waterproofness system that can help explorers rain or shine.

More importantly, the caliber 3230 is a movement that was built entirely by Rolex and updated in 2020.  It is precise and resistant to shocks, and magnetic fields – both important requirements for Explorers at every level.

The New Rolex Explorer II : 42mm

New cutting-edge technologies were included by Rolex to go along with a chronometer movement – the calibre 3285 – which was developed entirely in-house at Rolex. Rolex has made great innovations over the years to improve accuracy, reliability, and durability.  It takes a great deal of work and research to have Rolex make significant changes.  More often, Rolex will only tweak a change here or there to make gradual improvements.

However, in the case of the 3285, Rolex launched a major upgrade from the 3130 caliber along with multiple patents.  It has a Chronergy escapement made of nickel-phosphorous and a  non-magnetic Parachrom Hairspring.  This increases the dependability and reduces the chance of magnetic interference.  The improvement of efficiency increases the power reserve by 15 percent, to an amazing 70-hour reserve.  That is a huge increase over the previous 48-hour power reserve of the older caliber 3130.  

The Parachrom hairspring also handles temperature variations better and the Paraflex Shock absorber provides excellent shock absorption.  These are key features for explorers worldwide that depend on Rolex accuracy.  The 3285 contains 31 jewels.   

This new movement sets the GMT hand apart from the standard timekeeping and is read by using the 24-hour bezel, which is non-rotating on its 904L steel case. Water resistance on the Explorer II 42mm is unchanged at 100 meters.

The new-generation Explorer II utilizes a 42mm case of Oystersteel and it has a screw-down crown with a twinlock double waterproofness system built in.  The ice-blue glow of the luminescent dial provides excellent visibility at night.  Yet, the hour markers themselves are raised and surrounded by a PVD surrounded by black metal which increases the visibility and the aesthetics at the same time.  The same PVD treatment is done to the hour and minute hand. 

The Orange hand provides an impressive GMT function which can be seen on the 24 hour markings around the bezel.  You can either choose the white dial or black dial versions.  Both have the exceptional beauty and reliability of the Oyster 3 link bracelet to complete the package. 

At a recommended price of $8,550 the Explorer II packs in tremendous features and value, making it one of the best Rolex deals on the market.  Compared to the soaring prices of the GMT II, the Explorer contains the same quality, features, and Rolex exceptionalism for a significant discount.

Rubber B has an extensive array of bands and colors for the Explorer II. Besides the classic band which tightly conforms to the Explorer case, Rubber B recently came out with a new Rubber Cuff series which looks like real Twill but is actually 100% rubber.

All Rubber B bands are made from pure Vulcanized Rubber in Switzerland. These bands are made with non-toxic, non-marking, and allergy-free materials. For more information visit our Rolex Explorer II page here.