Rolex Explorer ii

Rolex Explorer ii is the perfect watch for a person who wants a Rolex that is truly high quality without being ostentatious or pretentious. (Simply put, the same collector likely wouldn’t consider a ‘Polar’ and a Daytona ‘Eye of the Tiger!’) Originally devised for spelunking, the Rolex Explorer ii is an idiosyncratic tool watch through and through, and the ‘Polar’ version is unique in the Rolex oeuvre as one of the brand’s only white-dialed tool watches. (A white dial was first introduced in 1985 and has been featured in an array of Explorer II references since.) Each reference has its own details and idiosyncrasies and each is best for a different person.

Collecting Rolex is all about details, as the brand generally makes subtle refinements from year to year rather than radical redesigns. (If you find yourself obsessing over the details between vintage references, you are not alone — welcome to the club!) Today, we will examine the evolution of the Rolex Explorer ii since its introduction, identifying the subtleties that distinguish each generation from the previous so that you can find which is best for you.

There’s no doubt that the Rolex Explorer ii is continually growing in popularity, yet the collection still often flies under the radar when compared to the Submariner, GMT-Master II, and even the original Explorer ‘Explorer I’ models. As Rolex has shifted even further up-market, many of the brand’s sports pieces have taken on more precious metal and more flash. The Explorer II has largely remained unchanged, made only in steel with an unostentatious, almost humble appearance.

The only non-Daytona Rolex tool watch available today with a white dial, the Rolex Explorer ii deserves much more attention. Early 16550 models are most collectible due to their relative scarcity, and references such as the 16570 are available in abundant quantities and are the most recognized pieces in the model line. There is no doubt that the Polar Explorer II is one of Rolex’s most time-tested designs, and as collectors continue to warm up to the model, the Explorer II is likely to experience a renaissance in the coming years.