Rolex Oyster Explorer II 226570

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 226570. 42mm oyster steel casing, housing an automatic, self-winding mechanical calibre 3285 movement: 31 jewels, a power reserve of 70 hours. Parachrom hairspring, with shock absorbers. Water resistant to 100 meters. Featuring a white dial, with luminous hour markers with black contrast outlining, for chromalight display. Central luminous hours, minutes and seconds hands, with luminous orange, 24-hour arrow hand for GMT function. Steel bezel , with black Arabic numerals for 24 hour graduation. A date window at the 3 o’clock position. Upon a steel oyster bracelet, with a folding clasp and the 5mm Easylink comfort adjust system. Box and papers dated May 2022.

The Rolex Explorer II has a storied history, introduced in 1971 as a tool watch catering to cave explorers and polar adventurers. The original model, reference 1655, featured a distinctive 24-hour orange hand, earning it the nickname “Freccione.” Designed to aid cave explorers in distinguishing day and night in subterranean environments, it quickly became an iconic timepiece. In 1985, the Explorer II underwent a redesign with the introduction of reference 16550, featuring an upgraded movement and a slimmer profile. Subsequent iterations, such as the 16570 and the current 216570, refined the design and incorporated advancements, including a larger case and improved materials. The Rolex Explorer II continues to epitomize rugged functionality and style, appealing to adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike, while its evolution reflects Rolex’s commitment to precision and durability in challenging environments.