Rolex Explorer II 226570 42mm 2024 Full Set

Rolex Explorer II 226570 42MM (2024 Full Set)

Introduction

The Rolex Explorer II 226570 in 42mm form represents the latest evolution of one of Rolex’s most enduring tool watches. Released as part of the 50th anniversary continuation of the Explorer II line, the 226570 carries the DNA of a model originally conceived for those who pushed the limits of human endurance. 

The Origins of the Explorer Line

To understand the 226570, it is essential to look back at the origins of the Explorer name. The Explorer was introduced in 1953 following the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Rolex supplied the expedition with Oyster Perpetual watches that survived the extreme conditions of the climb, proving the reliability of the brand’s technology at high altitude and freezing temperatures. The Explorer became a symbol of durability and simplicity, with a focus on clarity, precision and resilience.

As exploration expanded beyond mountaineering into subterranean and polar expeditions, Rolex saw the need for a timepiece that could function where natural light was absent. This led to the creation of the Explorer II in 1971.

The Birth of the Explorer II

The first Explorer II, reference 1655, arrived in 1971. Unlike the original Explorer, which was designed for climbers, the 1655 was made for cave explorers and professionals who worked for extended periods without daylight. The defining feature was a fixed 24-hour bezel paired with an oversized orange hand that rotated once per day, allowing the wearer to distinguish between day and night.

This 40mm stainless steel watch housed the Calibre 1575 movement and featured a date complication at 3 o’clock. Its distinctive orange “Freccione” hand, from the Italian word for arrow, became the defining characteristic of the model. While the 1655 was not initially a commercial success, its function-driven design gave it a cult following decades later as a true professional tool watch.

Evolution Through the Generations

Reference 16550

By the mid-1980s, Rolex updated the Explorer II to reference 16550. The case remained at 40mm, but the movement was upgraded to the Calibre 3085, allowing the 24-hour hand to be set independently from the main hour hand. This gave the Explorer II true dual-time functionality. The model was offered in both black and white dials, marking the first time Rolex introduced colour variation into the Explorer II line. Some of the white dials developed a cream patina over time due to paint imperfections, a feature that adds charm to surviving examples today.

Reference 16570

Released in 1989, the 16570 continued to refine the Explorer II’s design while maintaining its technical focus. Still 40mm, it housed the Calibre 3185 and later the 3186 movement, both known for reliability and precision. This generation transitioned through tritium, Luminova, and Super-LumiNova lume, reflecting Rolex’s advancements in luminescent technology. The white “Polar” dial variant became an icon in its own right, appreciated for its clean and legible contrast.

Reference 216570

The Explorer II underwent a major transformation in 2011 with the release of the reference 216570. The case size increased to 42mm, bringing a bolder wrist presence and improved readability through Rolex’s Maxi dial layout. The orange 24-hour hand made a return, paying homage to the 1655. The watch introduced the Calibre 3187, which incorporated Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, enhancing resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. The 216570 marked the model’s entry into the modern era while maintaining its core identity as a professional tool watch.

The Rolex Explorer II 226570

In 2021, Rolex unveiled the reference 226570, effectively replacing the 216570 while refining nearly every element of its design. By 2024, the 226570 had become the benchmark for the modern Explorer II, combining half a century of development with Rolex’s latest technical standards.

The 226570 retained the 42mm diameter but achieved better balance through subtle case re-profiling. The lugs were slightly slimmer, and the bracelet was widened to improve wrist ergonomics. Despite its size, the watch maintains the proportions of a professional instrument rather than a dress-oriented sports model.

Technical Specifications

The case is constructed from Rolex’s proprietary Oystersteel, a 904L-grade stainless steel renowned for corrosion resistance and exceptional polish. It is water-resistant to 100 metres, with a screw-down crown and Triplock sealing system. The fixed 24-hour bezel remains satin-brushed with engraved numerals, a hallmark of the Explorer II line since its inception.

Inside is the Calibre 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement introduced across several of Rolex’s professional models. It features the Chronergy escapement for improved efficiency, a Parachrom hairspring for magnetic resistance, and a 70-hour power reserve. Like all modern Rolex calibres, it is COSC certified and tested to Rolex’s in-house Superlative Chronometer standard, ensuring accuracy within -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.

The sapphire crystal includes a Cyclops lens over the date window, treated with an anti-reflective coating on the underside to reduce glare.

Dial and Hands

The 226570 is offered in two dial variants: black and white (commonly called the Polar dial). Both versions use Chromalight, Rolex’s proprietary luminous material that emits a long-lasting blue glow. The hour markers and hands are crafted from 18ct white gold to prevent tarnishing.

The black dial version features polished white gold hands and markers, while the Polar dial uses a matte black finish on the hands and surrounds for superior contrast. The orange 24-hour hand adds both functionality and a visual link to the 1655. This configuration allows the wearer to track a second time zone or use the hand as a day/night indicator, depending on preference.

Bracelet and Clasp

The bracelet is Rolex’s three-link Oyster design, fully brushed to maintain a tool-watch aesthetic. It integrates seamlessly with the case and includes the Oysterlock clasp for security. The Easylink extension system allows for a 5mm adjustment without tools, useful for accommodating temperature-related wrist expansion. The bracelet is solid throughout, contributing to the watch’s overall weight and feeling of durability.

The Explorer II in Historical Context

The Explorer II occupies a distinct place in Rolex’s professional range. While the Submariner was built for divers and the GMT-Master for pilots, the Explorer II was designed for land-based expeditions. Its fixed bezel differentiates it from the GMT-Master II, placing emphasis on reliability and ease of reading over the ability to track multiple time zones simultaneously through a rotating bezel.

Throughout its history, Rolex has avoided radical redesigns of the Explorer II. Instead, each generation represents subtle refinement. The 226570 continues this philosophy, offering improvements in comfort, accuracy, and finishing without altering the watch’s core purpose. The large orange hand remains an instantly recognisable visual feature, bridging the earliest 1655 with today’s model.

Explorer Heritage

The Explorer name is one of the oldest in Rolex’s catalogue. It represents an ethos rather than a marketing category. From Everest to the poles, Rolex positioned the Explorer as a symbol of human endurance and technical precision. While modern wearers may not subject their watches to such extremes, the heritage of durability and purpose remains the foundation of the design.

Over seven decades, the Explorer line has evolved from a 36mm manual-wind watch to an advanced automatic instrument capable of tracking two time zones and resisting the rigours of professional exploration. The 226570 captures that journey by merging historical references with cutting-edge movement technology and modern finishing standards.

Design Philosophy

Rolex’s approach to evolution rather than revolution is evident throughout the Explorer II’s timeline. The 226570 exemplifies this principle. It is not a dramatic redesign but a refined execution of a proven concept. The watch retains the monochromatic palette, legible indices, and rugged case architecture that have defined the model for over fifty years.

The white Polar dial, in particular, has become one of the most distinctive designs in the Rolex range. Its clean appearance and high contrast against the orange hand make it both functional and visually striking. The fixed bezel ensures reliability under all conditions, a detail that reflects the model’s original purpose for spelunkers and field geologists.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Explorer II 226570 42mm from 2024 stands as the most refined iteration of a line that began in 1971. It preserves the essential character of the Explorer II while introducing modern improvements that enhance precision, comfort, and longevity.

With its combination of Oystersteel durability, 70-hour power reserve, and balanced design, the 226570 continues to embody the spirit of exploration that defined the earliest Rolex tool watches. A full set example from 2024 highlights not only the enduring craftsmanship of Rolex but also the continuity of a model that has remained faithful to its purpose for over half a century.

Excellent Condition.

Dial and hands are flawless.