One of the unique characteristics about Rolex as a company is that they are constantly working to refine and improve their watches; however they are always moving forward with their designs, and (much to the frustration of many watch collectors) never make heritage or re-issue pieces. Error: API requests are being delayed. The Rolex Explorer II was introduced by Rolex in 1971, 18 years after the first Explorer came to the market. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the model, Rolex presented the Explorer II ref. This Explorer II has a straight seconds hand, cause the value of this watch to rise. What are your thoughts on the Rolex Explorer II History? Discover the Explorer II watch in Oystersteel on the Official Rolex Website. Bob's Watches is an independent watch dealer and is not sponsored by, associated with and/or affiliated with Rolex, or any other brand listed. This watch had … Like its predecessor, the Explorer II ref. Buying a Rolex Explorer watch means owning one of the most rugged and versatile models in the brand’s catalog. The Explorer II has been produced for an impressive 46 years, but where does this 16570 fit in? Another popular nickname of the Explorer II ref. The blue hue that comes alive in low light can last up to eight hours, which is double that of standard luminescent material. A common nickname for white dial versions of the Explorer II, regardless of the specific model, is the “Polar Explorer.”. Rolex is known for retooling, redesigning, and refining references on the 50th anniversary of their debuts. Rolex also revamped the dial to look similar to other sports models with the famed Mercedes-style hands and the combo of triangular, round, and rectangular lume-filled hour markers. Some time ago, Michael Stockton wrote quite a ‘love letter’ (as one of our readers wrote in the comments) on the Rolex Explorer 1016.While the reference 1016 Explorer was being produced already in 1963 and kept in production for 26 years, Rolex introduced another Explorer in 1971. Rather than simply being an updated version of the existing Explorer watch, the reference 1655 was a completely different timepiece, and was consequently given the “Explorer II” designation. By appointment only. First you need to check that the date is displayed correctly on your Rolex Explorer II and, if not, set it by pulling the crown out to the first stop (Position 2 in the animated GIF on the left) and turning it until you have the correct date. While early models ran on Caliber 3185, later models housed the Caliber 3186. 1655 is not a dual time watch since the 24-hour hand is coupled to the traditional hour hand and the bezel is fixed. Celine is a freelance luxury watch writer who has enjoyed working in the horology industry for over ten years. Indeed, the Rolex Explorer was launched to celebrate the successful ascent of Everest in … It’s interesting to think that on the one hand, Rolex produces fine luxury watches on a large scale for the general population (who can afford them, of course). Since the late 1920s, Rolex has been using the world as a proving ground to test its watches under real-life conditions, in the quest for greater precision, robustness and reliability. The other with a black dial. We're committed to offering the best prices through our low-price guarantee. It draws on the Ref 1655 for inspiration. Given its manufacturing time frame (1971 to 1985), Rolex used self-luminous tritium for luminescence as illustrated by the “T SWISS T” marking below 6 o’clock. Paired with the luminescent 24-hour hand, the Explorer II ref. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries. With its introduction came a new caliber — the Caliber 1560 — and increased water resistance to 100m. There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. 1655 In 1971, Rolex unveiled the Explorer II as the larger sibling to the original Explorer I wristwatch. 1016 First introduced in 1963, the Rolex Explorer. In 1971, Rolex expanded their Explorer line of watches with the reference 1655. 216570 is the Caliber 3187. Another unique characteristic of the Explorer II is the non-rotating bezel with 24 hours inscription engraved into the steel bezel. Swiss made ” under 6 o ’ clock from Switzerland—the heart of fine watchmaking at and. Fitting tribute to the original Explorer II, aimed at speleologists and cave.! Movement: cali… Discover the Explorer II a sexy arrow-style GMT hand 16550 the! For a good amount of time, the Rolex Explorer II watch in Oystersteel and. 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