The Rolex Explorer II has a unique tradition since it began with the desire to reach new heights. It has accompanied climbers, cave divers, and explorers of every kind. The Explorer II has become the watch of choice for speleologists, volcanologists and polar explorers. The Rolex Explorer II was built to give adventurers a tool that they can depend on even in the worst extremes the earth has to offer.
The Explorer II is made with 914L Oystersteel which is extremely resistant to the elements and corrosion free. The chromalight display and large hour markers give the wearer extreme visibility both in daytime and in the darkness. The Oyster bracelet has both the comfort extension link system called Easylink which allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length 5 mm as needed. The Oysterlock folding clasp helps prevent accidental opening.
The Explorer II is packed with features. It has the Rolex cyclops lens which is a distinctive feature on all Rolex timepieces that contain a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position. The black dial especially provides a stark contrast against the white hour markers, increasing visibility. Rolex enhanced the white dial hour markers by surrounding them with a black Oystersteel which gives each hour marker a 3D effect that is highly visible and exceptionally masculine. In the darkness both models shine with bright blue luminescence both on the hour, minute, second and GMT hands, as well as the hour markers around the dial.
As if to leave no stone unturned or mountain left unexplored, Rolex added the GMT function to the Rolex Explorer II. Unlike the earlier Explorer I, the Explorer II has a 24 hour markings that go around the bezel. A bright orange hand provides support to track a 2nd time zone which could be critical especially for explorers that may be traversing long distances and crossing multiple time zones during their adventure. Or perhaps they might want to keep their home time close to them at all times while exploring the unexplored regions of the earth.
Each Rolex II has a screw down crown with a Twinlock double waterproofness system which provides 330 feet of water resistance. These timepieces are tough and each have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. They are protected with Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers to protect the watch from accidental time loss due to banging or rough treatment which might happen while on excursion. The 42 mm case is larger than many Rolex timepieces, giving adventurers even more visibility when they need it.
The new caliber 3285 automatic movement is wholly crafted by Rolex and contains a rapid-setting feature for the hour hand and stop-seconds for precise time setting. Like all automatic Rolex timepieces it winds in both direction with its perpetual rotor. However the new 3285 provides an enhanced 70 hours of power reserve which is nearly 3 days of reserve.
Watch Bands Rolex Explorer II
Rubber B has developed multiple bands for the whole lineup of Rolex Explorer I and Rolex Explorer II timepieces. As you can see from the visual above, Rubber B has custom designed bands for all of the various Explorer models including the 39mm Explorer II, the 40 mm Explorer II and the newest 42 mm Explorer II models. For more information on this lineup visit our Rolex Explorer page here.
The above visual shows the differences between the Explorer models. Although there is quite a difference between the Explorer I and Explorer II, as the various functions such as the GMT, the date window are clear upgrades from the original timepiece. However, the legibility of the Explorer II has increased dramatically between the reference 16570 and the two newer models manufactured after 2011. The hour markers are much larger, as are the luminescent hands.
The 2 mm difference in the case may seem a miniscule difference, but Rolex took high advantage of the larger real estate. Most notably the GMT function hand has changed from a thin red hand to a thicker and more substantial and visible orange hand with elongated tip.
The Rubber B Rubber Cuff Series band has a NATO strap appearance with a tang buckle. However it is made with 100% vulcanized rubber and is strong and fully weather resistant.
The Classic Series is the original Rubber B band that is built with Blocked Integration engineering, which provides a flawless motionless flush mount to the Explorer case. This band also supports the original folding clasp provided by Rolex.
The Velcro Series is Rubber B’s unique band utilizing the strongest Velcro Alfatex closure and titanium insert for comfort, strength and security.
The Tang Series is Rubber B’s multiple colored series for the 40 mm Explorer II. It has 5 solid colors and 3 multicolored options. It utilizes a standard tang clasp which is easy to adjust and made with 916L steel.
All of the Rubber B bands are made in Switzerland of the highest grade vulcanized rubber. This is both supple and strong and provides a weather resistant material that can support aquatic and athletic activities. Visit our Rolex site for all of our bands for Rolex watches.
