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Rolex Explorer II
Rolex Explorer II
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 White dial Full Set 2021
226570Available
€ 9.700
IT
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
Rolex Explorer II
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 Black dial Full Set 2021
226570Available
€ 9.200
IT
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The Rolex Explorer II
Despite its name, the Rolex Explorer II is not a direct successor but instead a rugged sibling within the esteemed Explorer family. The Rolex Explorer is known for being a sporty, everyday watch, while the Explorer II steps it up as the ultimate tool-watch, featuring an orange hand for a second time zone and a 24-hour display on the bezel. Prices for these sought-after models have been rising, making them a hot item among collectors.
The History of the Rolex Explorer II
The debut of the Rolex Explorer II in 1971 introduced watch enthusiasts to its distinctive fixed 24-hour bezel and striking orange 24-hour hand. It serves as a compelling alternative to the larger and more costly GMT-Master II. Sporting a stainless-steel case, it is water-resistant up to 100 meters, thanks to its Oystercase and Twinlock crown. In its earlier days, the Explorer II was available in both 39mm and 40mm sizes, while the modern editions have bumped up to 42mm since 2011.
Rolex Explorer II Variations
The Rolex Explorer II offers a range of variations to cater to different tastes. While 42mm models are now prevalent, earlier 40mm versions still captivate collectors. The Explorer II is available in classic black and the iconic white 'Polar' dial. Selecting between these dials often comes down to personal taste: the black dial for a timeless look or the white for a striking contrast.
Since its inception, the Explorer II hasn't seen many updates, only five since 1971. The original Ref 1655, often called 'Freccione,' was produced featuring a unique black dial and is now a coveted piece, fetching around €30.000 on Wristler. The subsequent 16550 introduced several enhancements, such as white gold round hour markers, tritium-based luminous material, and a sapphire crystal, staying true to a 40mm size, and sharing its caliber 3085 with the GMT-Master. This iteration could get you around €18.000 on Wristler.
The biggest update arrived in 2011 with the ref 216570. The stainless-steel Oyster case grew to 42mm, offering a more robust feel compared to older models. This version reintroduced the orange, arrow-shaped 24-hour hand from the original 1655. In 2021, the update focused internally with the advent of the calibre 3285 movement, enhancing the power reserve to 70 hours.
The Adventurer's Watch
You might even call the white dial Explorer II the ‘Polar’, owing to its standout look. The Rolex Explorer II is the perfect companion for adventurers and researchers who spend prolonged periods in environments where time can easily slip away, like dense cave networks. Rolex introduced the additional 24-hour hand to assist in distinguishing day from night, not unlike the GMT-Master (II).
The Current Market and Pricing
Today’s market for the Rolex Explorer II presents intriguing possibilities for buyers and investors alike. The newest Ref 226570, launched in 2021, boasts state-of-the-art features with calibre 3285 and a starting retail price of €9.900. Its market price can vary, sometimes reaching up to €14.700 based on demand. Vintage references, like the 1655 and 16550, continue to attract high prices due to their rarity and condition. Current prices for the Rolex Explorer II, like the vintage Ref 1655, fluctuate between €9.700 and €14.600.
Prices of the Rolex Explorer II
The original 1971 Rolex Explorer II ref 1655 remains the heavyweight of the family, commanding around €30.000. For those with €9.000 on Wristler, the 42mm black dial reference 216570 represents an entry point into the Explorer II world, with the white dial variant often priced about €1.000 higher due to its heritage. Meanwhile, 40mm models typically range between €14.000 and €19.000 on Wristler, for a well-preserved full set.
In recent years, collectors and enthusiasts have gravitated towards vintage and pre-owned Explorer II models, pushing prices upward, sometimes by more than 100%. If you lean towards a model echoing vintage styles, consider the ref 216570. Alternatively, competitors like the Rolex Submariner Date or Submariner No Date cost around €13.000, whereas the weightier GMT-Master II climbs from €15.000 for the black bezel to an impressive €40.000 for the GMT-Master 'Lefty' or 'Sprite' from 2022.