Weekly Watch Photo – Rolex Explorer ref. All the finer points, such as the Oystersteel bracelet with the trademark Oysterlock folding clasp and Easylink Comfort Extension, make wearing the Explorer II comfortable under any conditions. Does that matter? Everest.Making its debut in 1971, the modern Explorer II added the date and an additional arrow-tipped 24-hour orange hand with hour markers on a fixed bezel.This Explorer II Rolex review discusses the finer points of the wristwatch and how it has changed over time.Choosing a Rolex Explorer II reflects a desire to own a classic timepiece that projects confidence, style, and rugged endurance.It looks handsome in the boardroom, at a cafe, or exploring the wilderness.The modern design of the Explorer II increases visibility in extreme conditions.The original had an easy to read, time-only display and simple design.The Explorer II watch was larger than the original, and the dial optimized for viewing in dark conditions, allowing the wearer to distinguish day from night in places like the polar regions or inside a cave where the customary cues of night and day are difficult to observe.The luminescent hands and markers at 2.5-minute intervals allow you to read your watch in the dark.You can distinguish night from day using the 24-hour orange hand.The original Explorer II model with the arrow-tipped 24-hour orange hand is known as the “Freccione” from the Italian freccia, meaning arrow.These features were characteristic of reference 1655, making it a classic for the brand.The Explorer II used the same movement as the GMT-Master, but the fixed bezel prevented showing a second time zone.Reference 1655 was not favored with good sales during its 14-year run, despite its advanced features.The next significant advance for the Explorer II was in 1985.Reference 16550 added some significant, signature changes to the model:The updated movement allowed for independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand for GMT timekeeping.The 16550 also added the option for both a white dial and black dial (black was the only option on the 1655).Later editions of the 16550 added black surrounds to the markers and hands for contrast and better visibility against the white dial.The dial on the 16550 was simplified, replacing the busier 1655 dial.One characteristic of the 16550-white dial was its tendency to change to a cream color over time due to a flaw in the paint.This “defect” made the 16550 popular with collectors.It was a transitional model that evolved to become the Rolex 16570.Changes to the 16550 over time consolidated in reference 16570, introduced in 1989.These included the white “Polar” dial and the black surrounds on the hands and markers.Rolex updated the motion to calibre 3185 and 3186 in later editions.The 16570 model remained in production for 22 years until it was replaced by the current reference 216570.The Explorer II turned 40 in 2011.
The stainless-steel bracelet can be adjusted by removing links, too.You may not be in the market for a Freccione, but there are plenty of older, even vintage, Explorer II’s on the secondary market. There are advantages from a purely investment point of view to owning a used Rolex, but it can be a significant investment. Last update on 2020-08-31.NanaDC participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A robust, highly refined tool watch, the Explorer II swiftly became the watch of choice of speleologists, volcanologists and polar and jungle explorers, thanks to its specially designed features. ).Fastidiously fashioned from high-quality parts – including a The Rolex Explorer’s also built to be more comfortable than Slipping on the Explorer’s Oystersteel bracelet is like slipping into a warm bath. Explorer II. Everest. Rolex’s chronographs provide the split-second timing Indiana Jones wannabes need to Let’s face it: the Rolex Explorer’s best judged as a luxury sports watch, rather than a timepiece survivalist While some tout the Explorer as the subtle Rolex, that oxymoronic honor belongs to the In diffused light, the Rolex Explorer is as classy as a Yamaha Baby Grand. The Rolex Explorer 214270 2016 – Review: New Hands and Indexes (Live ... By Brice Goulard.