Rolex Explorer and Explorer II: two new watch models

Posted by lifata on December 7th, 2023

Rolex has delighted fans with the launch of two updated models, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Explorer II. The watch had a changed case size, improved movement and new design details. Rolex launched two new Explorer watches at the Watches & Wonders exhibition in spring 2021.

The Explorer watch is one of Rolex’s most famous models. The brand launched this replica watch in 1953. The watch was designed for explorers working in extreme conditions, and Rolex collaborated with explorers and mountaineers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. They first wore Rolex Explorer watches to conquer Mount Everest in 1953.

In 1971, Rolex replica developed the Explorer II as a combination of the Rolex Explorer and GMT-Master II. The new model is designed for speleologists and polar explorers. Instead of using a GMT hand to indicate the time in a second time zone, this watch indicates the AM/PM time of day. This need arises among researchers, who may work for days without natural light.

For years, the design of the original Rolex Explorer remained unchanged until the spring of 2021, when the brand launched two updates, the Explorer and Explorer II.

The 2021 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer comes in a smaller 36mm case, exactly like the 1953 original. The previous model with a case diameter of 39 mm has been discontinued. Newer versions are made of Rolesor - a combination of Oystersteel and gold, or just Oystersteel. This material adds character to the watch, with its well-proportioned case. The all-steel version of Explorer looks more stable, and Rolesor adds personality to the watch.

The Explorer’s dial is lacquered in black and optimized with innovative Chromalight luminous material. At night, the hour markers and hands glow blue. During the day, these elements are characterized by bright white tones.

Both versions of the Explorer are powered by the Caliber 3230 automatic movement designed and manufactured by Rolex. The brand introduced this mechanism in 2020. The power reserve is 70 hours.

The Rolex Explorer II saw more design changes. The Explorer II’s case is made of Oyster steel and is 2 mm larger than the previous Rolex Explorer II, reaching a diameter of 42 mm. The change in size visually differentiates the Rolex Explorer II from other sports best fake watches.

Rolex offers the Explorer II in two dial styles: lacquered white and black. The white dial features gold-tone hands with matte black PVD coating and the same applied hour-markers. The black dial model features polished hands and applied white gold hour markers. The new Explorer II brings back the classic orange GMT hand, matching the color of the Explorer II lettering. Both models feature a date window and a Rolex Cyclops loupe. Like the Rolex Explorer, the new Explorer II features an optimized Chromalight display.

Unlike the Rolex GMT-Master II, the 2021 Explorer II has a fixed bezel with 24-hour markers engraved in steel and painted black.

Inside the Explorer II is the GMT-capable 3285 automatic movement, designed and manufactured by Rolex. This is the same mechanism used in the current generation GMT-Master II. The power reserve of this movement is up to 70 hours.

The Rolex Explorer and Explorer II are equipped with a durable stainless steel three-link Oyster bracelet, which was created in the late 1930s. The strap is equipped with a patented Oyster safety clasp to prevent accidental release. Both models are water-resistant to 100m.