Description

The present watch is the Rolex Explorer II reference 226570, the definitive evolution of a timepiece engineered specifically for the world’s most daring explorers. Introduced in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the collection, this reference preserves the rugged, tool-watch DNA of its predecessors while introducing refined proportions and the pinnacle of Rolex’s mechanical performance. With its high-contrast “Polar” white dial and distinctive 24-hour bezel, the Explorer II remains an uncompromising instrument of precision for those who navigate environments where day and night blur into one.

The 42 mm case is crafted from Oystersteel, an alloy belonging to the 904L family that is noted for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and its ability to maintain a brilliant lustre even in the harshest conditions. The case architecture is characterized by its fixed steel bezel with 24-hour graduations, which, when used in conjunction with the signature orange 24-hour hand, allows the wearer to distinguish day from night or track a second time zone effortlessly. This functionality was originally designed for speleologists and polar explorers, but today it serves as a highly practical GMT complication for the modern traveler.

The “Polar” white dial is perhaps the most legible display in the Rolex catalog. Its matte surface is populated by applied hour markers and hands that have been treated with a black PVD coating, creating a sharp contrast that ensures instant readability. The indexes are filled with Chromalight, a luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark. The iconic orange hand provides a vibrant pop of color, serving as a functional nod to the original 1655 reference of 1971.

At its heart lies the Calibre 3285, a movement at the absolute forefront of watchmaking technology. It features the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. With a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, the Explorer II offers “weekend proof” autonomy, allowing the wearer to set the watch aside for a few days without losing the time or date.

Completed by an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock folding safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, the ref. 226570 is a watch that prioritizes utility and comfort above all else. It is a robust, reliable, and iconic piece of equipment that embodies Rolex’s spirit of adventure, standing as the ultimate companion for those who seek to push the boundaries of the known world.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.