Rolex Explorer II
Explorer II listings: price and sales statistics
- Listings for sale
- 4
- Median asking price
- $11,750
- Price range
- $8,500 – $12,480
- Made 2021–2025
- Sold listings
- 7
- Median asking price $8,570
Based on asking prices · 29 October 2026
About Rolex Explorer II
Reading Time in the Dark: A Tool Watch Born in Caves
In 1971, Rolex introduced the Explorer II for professionals working in challenging environments with limited access to daylight, such as cave explorers and polar adventurers. Developed to clarify the time of day and distinguish day from night, the model was equipped with a fixed steel bezel with a 24-hour display and a prominent 24-hour hand sweeping the dial. Departing from the simple mountaineering identity of the Explorer series to adopt an independent technical character, this tool watch transformed over time into one of the brand's most unique professional models.
Neo-Vintage Classic: Reference 16570 and 40 mm Case Proportions
Continuously produced from 1989 to 2011, reference 16570 is considered the generation with the most balanced case proportions in Explorer II history. Supported by a 40 mm case diameter, sapphire crystal, and screw-down crown, the model stands out with a black dial as well as a white dial option known among collectors as the Polar. Early production runs house caliber 3185, while late series feature caliber 3186 movement fitted with a blue Parachrom balance spring. Furthermore, micro-details throughout the production run—such as the removal of lug holes and the transition from tritium to SuperLuminova lume—make this reference a subject of subtle examination in the pre-owned market.
Growing Dimensions and the Current Generation: Reference 216570 and 226570
Introduced in 2011 for the collection's 40th anniversary, reference 216570 brought back the large orange hand as a tribute to the first generation while increasing the case diameter to 42 mm. This model featured caliber 3187 with enhanced shock protection, while the indices and hands adopted the Maxi dial form. The reference 226570, which arrived in 2021, was refined externally with slimmer lugs and a re-proportioned Oyster bracelet. At the heart of the new generation lies caliber 3285, which offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours thanks to its Chronergy escapement architecture, elevating the watch to the pinnacle of contemporary horology.
Details to Inspect When Choosing a Pre-Owned Explorer II
When inspecting a pre-owned Explorer II, special attention should be paid to the clarity of the radial brushing lines on the fixed steel bezel and the black enamel numerals. It is critically important that the case lugs remain unpolished or only moderately processed to preserve the case's sharp bevelled edges. Regarding the movement, the smooth operation of the independent jumping local hour hand function and the lume consistency between the dial and hands should be taken into account. Listings on Watchlabb come from individuals with verified identities and contact information as well as approved stores; buyers complete their transactions by contacting the seller directly through the listing page.
Rolex Explorer II — frequently asked questions
Does the Rolex Explorer II have a second time zone (GMT) function?
Yes, modern Rolex Explorer II models offer the ability to track a second time zone thanks to an independently adjustable local hour hand and a 24-hour hand reading against the fixed 24-hour bezel. The independent jumping mechanism that started with reference 16550 continued in models 16570, 216570, and 226570, turning the watch into a practical travel watch.
What are the key technical differences between reference 216570 and reference 226570?
Although both models feature a 42 mm case diameter, reference 226570 offers a more balanced profile with slimmer lugs and a wider-proportioned Oyster bracelet. Additionally, while the 226570 model uses the new-generation caliber 3285 with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, the 216570 model is powered by caliber 3187 movement offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
Is there a structural difference between the Polar white dial and the black dial?
There is no difference in mechanical or material quality between the two dial options. However, on the white dial known as Polar, the index surrounds and hands are made of white gold painted black to increase contrast, whereas polished white gold surrounds are preferred on the black dial.
How can you distinguish between a tritium and SuperLuminova dial when buying a reference 16570?
The text at the six o'clock position on the dial clearly indicates the lume type; the inscription T SWISS T or SWISS - T<25 indicates the use of tritium, the SWISS inscription indicates transitional Luminova, and SWISS MADE denotes SuperLuminova fill. Over time, tritium dials acquire a yellowish patina, gaining an aesthetic neo-vintage character while losing their luminous property; SuperLuminova dials retain their white tone and glowing performance.
What should be inspected on the fixed steel bezel when examining a pre-owned Explorer II?
The fixed steel bezel of the Explorer II model features factory radial brushing lines extending from the center outward and sharp black numeral engravings. On heavily polished watches, these brushing lines and edge angles on the bezel can become faded; therefore, preserving the original lines of the bezel is decisive for its overall condition.