From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: the Rolex Explorer II and the famous men who wear it
Rolex has always created watches for those who brave the extremes.
When the Rolex Explorer II was launched in 1971, it was aimed at spelunkers, who explore
the depths of caves.
Fifty years on, the appeal of the Rolex Explorer II has gone beyond the sport.
From its beginning as a tool watch, it is now widely enjoyed as a robust and versatile
everyday watch.
Let's take a look at the Rolex Explorer II's evolution, as seen on the wrists of the famous.
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The inaugural reference 1655 (sixteen fifty five) established many of the key features
of the Explorer II.
The Explorer II has always been a steel watch, with the 1655 measuring 39 millimeters.
Its best known features are the 24-hour bezel and the extra 24-hour hand, which help the
wearer tell daytime from nighttime hours.
The 1655 was also heavy on the lume, from the five minute tritium markers to the bright
orange 24-hour hand.
These features ensured optimal legibility even in the dark.
Today, the 1655 is a sought-after vintage tool watch among Rolex collectors.
Anthony Kiedis, Jason Statham, and Orlando Bloom all wear the 1655.
The modern era of the Explorer II began in 1985, with a design closer to the model that
we know today.
The case size increased from 39 to 40 millimeters.
It also featured a wider bezel, a Mercedes hand, a sapphire crystal, and a red GMT hand.
Its new movement, the Caliber 3086 (thirty eighty six), also meant that the GMT hand
was independently adjustable, and it could display a second time zone.
Also notable was the new white dial version.
Due to a paint defect, some of the white dials turn cream or ivory over time.
Gordon Ramsay wears this model with a creamy dial patina.
In 1989, Rolex made several upgrades to the Explorer II with the reference 16-5-70 (one
six five seventy).
It received a new movement, an in-house Rolex caliber with independent hour hands.
On the white dial version, the hour markers were changed from the previous white gold
to contrasting black surrounds, further enhancing the dial's legibility.
The lume also evolved over its 22-year production run - from tritium, then LumiNova, and finally
the Super LumiNova.
Roger Federer, American explorer Ed Viesturs, and actor Aaron Paul all sport the Explorer
16570.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, Rolex introduced the 2-1-6-5-70 in 2011.
It featured an increased size of 42 millimeters, a Maxi Dial with larger hour markers and hands,
and longer-lasting lume using Rolex's own Chromalight material.
It also paid tribute to the inaugural Explorer II, by bringing back the iconic bright orange
24-hour hand.
Prince Harry, John Cena, and Tom Hardy, all wear the Polar white dial model.
For the Explorer II's 50th anniversary, Rolex stuck to its winning formula, and gave it
subtle but significant upgrades.
Thinner lugs and a slightly bigger bracelet give it a more balanced look.
Anti-reflective crystal coating, and optimized Chromalight display provide even better legibility.
It also comes with the new generation Caliber 3-2-8-5, which boasts 70 hours of power reserve.
Roger Federer is the face of the new Explorer II - and we can't wait to see who else will
get their hands on it!
The Rolex Explorer II is indeed built to last.
Which model was your favorite?
Tell us in the comments section!
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