Introduction
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. Released in 2021 as a 50th anniversary launch and ushering in a new era for the Rolex Explorer II collection, the ref. 226570 slimmed down the Explorer II's 42mm dimensions through its slimmer lugs while retaining the iconic fan-favourite orange arrow-shaped GMT-hour hand. Boasting the collection's signature steel bezel with its distinctive radial brushed finish, the Explorer II is the perfect blend of Rolex's legendary tool watch-specific heritage and their modern focus on the luxurious aspects of watchmaking.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$8,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Explorer II
Movement
Automatic cal. 3285
Reference
226570
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
2023
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box, papers, and hang tags
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Introduced to the Explorer II collection through the ref. 16550, this ref. 226570 boasts the collection's famed "Polar" display with a white dial that plays background to the model's large orange arrow GMT hand.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Unmistakable as an Explorer II, this example's bright white dial, 24-hour graduated fixed bezel, and robust all-brushed construction leaves no uncertainty as to the rugged tool watch nature of this iconic timepiece.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall near-mint condition. The steel case and bracelet retain several factory stickers, light signs of wear visible on polished case sids, and on the case back and clasp. The Oyster bracelet has 11 links, 4 of which are removable, and one additional link is included. The watch comes complete with its full set of box and papers.
Our Perspective
Perhaps one of the unsung heroes within the world of Rolex, the Explorer II is a timepiece that has earned its right to enjoy the same level of status and admiration as any other Rolex model thanks to its unique cave exploring use-case and distinctive aesthetic.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
