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About Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer is a symbol of precision, adventure, and timeless style. Available in two distinctive models—the Explorer I and Explorer II—the collection offers versatility for different needs. The Explorer I comes in both 36mm and 40mm sizes, featuring a minimalist black dial, luminous markers, and a smooth bezel, perfect for those who value classic style and rugged durability. Its Oystersteel case ensures it withstands extreme environments, from mountain peaks to urban landscapes.
The Explorer II, slightly larger at 42mm, is designed for more demanding adventures. It features a 24-hour bezel and an additional orange 24-hour hand, making it perfect for tracking day and night or a second time zone. Its Polar white or black dial options offer enhanced legibility, while its robust build ensures reliability in extreme conditions. Whether you choose the elegant simplicity of the Explorer I or the functional sophistication of the Explorer II, the Rolex Explorer line is made for those who seek both adventure and refinement.
At Tiger River Watches, we offer a wide selection of Rolex Explorer models to suit every explorer’s needs. Find the perfect Explorer watch you’ve been looking for and start your next adventure with confidence.
History of Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer was born from one of the most significant achievements in human history—the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Rolex created the Explorer to commemorate this momentous feat, engineering a timepiece that could withstand the harshest environments while maintaining precision. Over the years, the Explorer has been refined, with its design evolving to meet the needs of modern adventurers. The Explorer I continues to embody the spirit of exploration with its minimalist design and durability.
In 1971, Rolex introduced the Explorer II, a more specialized tool for explorers and adventurers who require a timepiece capable of handling even more extreme conditions. With its larger 42mm case and iconic “Polar” white dial option, the Explorer II has become a favorite among adventurers who need both practicality and style in the most demanding environments.
The legacy of the Rolex Explorer continues, representing not just a timepiece but a commitment to precision, endurance, and the spirit of adventure
Popular Rolex Explorer Nicknames
The Rolex Explorer may not have as many nicknames as some other Rolex models, but it still carries a few iconic ones. One of the most famous is the “Steve McQueen,” often associated with the Explorer II Ref. 1655. While there is debate over whether Steve McQueen ever wore this specific model, the nickname has stuck due to the watch’s rugged appeal and its alignment with the actor’s adventurous persona.
The Explorer II 226570 with the white dial is often called the “Polar” for its striking, crisp white face, making it a popular choice among collectors. The black-dial version of the Explorer II 226570 is sometimes referred to as the “Freccione,” named after the large orange 24-hour hand, which is a prominent feature of the watch. These nicknames give the Explorer collection a unique character among watch enthusiasts.
Popular Rolex Explorer References
The Rolex Explorer has seen several notable references over the years, each gaining admiration from collectors and enthusiasts alike. The vintage Explorer I Ref. 1016 is one of the most sought-after due to its classic design and historical significance. Another popular reference is the Explorer I Ref. 224270, which introduced a larger 40mm case while maintaining the model’s clean, minimalist aesthetic.
The current Explorer I Ref. 124270 returns to its original 36mm size, offering a modern take on the classic while staying true to its adventurous roots. This reference is ideal for those who appreciate the perfect balance of tradition and innovation in their timepiece.
The Explorer II Polar Ref. 16570 is another highly regarded model, known for its dual-time zone functionality and durable build. Its successor, the Explorer II Polar Ref. 216570, with a larger 42mm case and prominent orange 24-hour hand, offers a more modern and robust look. The current Explorer II Polar Ref. 226570 continues this legacy, providing improved movement with the latest Rolex caliber while retaining the signature features like the Polar white and black dials.
The modern Rolex Explorer IIs on the Rolex website, the ref. 216570, is priced at $8,350 retail. In the secondary market, pre-owned watches of this model are priced between $10,495-$12,495. The Explorer 214270 has a retail price of $6,550 and are going for between $7,195 – $7,595 for pre-owned watches in the secondary market. As the Explorer collection is considerably one of Rolex’s most understated sports watches, its demand among watch collectors and enthusiasts causing them to sell for more than their retail price is rather impressive.
To use the Explorer II like a GMT watch, you can use the 24-hour indicator/hand and the fixed bezel with its 24-hour graduation to read the time of a second time zone while using the regular hour and minute hands to read the local time.
You can also use the Explorer II as a compass. Simply point the regular hour hand at the sun. If the 24-hour hand is set correctly to your local time zone, it will point towards North. Keep in mind – this will only work in the North Hemisphere and only when Daylight Savings Time is not in effect. This method can still work when it is not Daylight Savings Time, except when pointing the regular hour hand to the sun, you would instead look for the midway point between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock position to know which way is South. If in the Southern hemisphere, you would point the 12 o’clock marker towards the sun and look for the midpoint between 12 o’clock and the current hour to know which way points North.
To set the date on the Explorer II, pull the the crown out to the first stop position (closest to the case) and turn it until you have the correct date. The crown can be turned either direction to increase or decrease the date to the correct date. To set the hour hand, pull the crown out to the second stop position and wind until you reach the correct time. To set the 24-hour hand to another time zone of your choice, pull the crown out to the last stop position 3 (furthest out from the case) and adjust the time as needed to whatever time zone you choose.
