Debuting in 1971, the Rolex Explorer II was released to satiate the demand for a relatively niche timepiece for a particular type of explorer, Spelunkers, or cave explorers as we may call them. Made only of steel, the Explorer II's construction ensures that none of its parts might crack or break off against a rock in cramped conditions, such as a bezel insert. With this use in mind, the Explorer II originally featured its iconic arrow-shaped 24-hour hand to differentiate between AP and PM for spelunkers that might lose track of the day and night cycle while they were in caves for days at a time. The modern Explorer II models have had this function exchanged for a fully operational GMT-hand. Featuring its signature fixed stainless-steel bezel, arrow-shaped 2nd hour hand, and robust design, the Explorer II makes for an incredible jack-of-all-trades timepiece as it comprises of just about everything your modern exploring needs might demand. Whether you're 500m under a mountain, 30m underwater, or 10,000m in the air on a trans-Atlantic flight, the Explorer II has you covered.

Watch is in overall good condition. There is moderate surface wear evident, and bezel has some scratches and dings but most of the enamel is still intact. Edges are well defined and have chamfers visible. The dial has oxidation along the edge and near the date wheel as shown, and some of the luminous material in the hands has flaked off. The bracelet has 13 links total, 3 of which are removable. There is light stretch.

Perhaps one of the unsung heroes within the world of vintage Rolex, the Explorer II is a timepiece that has earned its right to enjoy the same level of status and admiration as any other vintage Rolex thanks to its unique cave exporing use case and distinctive aesthetic.