top of page
Writer's pictureBert Levi

Rolex Comparisons - Rolex Explorer vs. Rolex Explorer II

Updated: May 6, 2022

Yet another great generational comparison is between the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Explorer II, both of which have been specifically designed for adventurers and their bold and daring endeavors. Both these timepieces were popular upon their release to the markets and their popularity only continues to increase as time goes by. In fact, both the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Explorer II are well-regarded within the watchmaking career field and serve as examples of perfect adventure timepieces, as well durability and reliability.



Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer ref 114270 Mens Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer ref 114270

The Rolex Explorer had been designed to withstand incredibly harsh conditions, to include extreme temperatures between -20 to 40 degrees centigrade. The official and daring test for this amazing timepiece took place in 1953, when a team of explorers started the climb to the peak of Mount Everest. Two of the explorers, one of whom was wore the Rolex Explorer on his wrist, completed the daunting task with the timepiece still working with perfect precision.



Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II ref 216570 Mens Watch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II ref 216570

The Rolex Explorer II, on the other hand, was designed for speleologists. Due to the constant darkness in which they find themselves, cave explorers needed a timepiece to help them keep track of the time while they were in the dark, damp, yet beautiful caves. The Rolex Explorer II allowed them to do so by featuring an easy-to-see red 24-hour hand and a 24-hour fixed graduated bezel, neither of which can be found on the Rolex Explorer. This feature also allows cave explorers to distinguish between daytime and nighttime.


Besides being designed for adventures and extreme conditions, the Rolex Explorer and the Role Explorer II have several similarities. Both are made of solid stainless steel, are self-winding and waterproof for up to 330 feet, feature a synthetic sapphire crystal, are accompanied by a beautiful Oysterlock bracelet with a safety clasp and beautiful Mercedes style hands. Similar to other popular Rolex timepieces, both feature brilliant Tritium fillings.


Both of these models are highly sought after by consumers and collectors worldwide due to their fantastic functionality and outstanding precision and durability, as well as their striking appearance. The Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Explorer II are used not only for mountaineering and cave exploring, but also for bungee jumping, sky diving, power skydiving, parasailing, extreme tourism, thrill tourism, kayaking, biking, and so much more; in fact, the situations in which these timepieces are used are nearly limitless!




Bert Levi Family Jewelers is not affiliated with Rolex SA, and nothing

in this content should be construed as an endorsement by Rolex. We

are not an Official Rolex Dealer, and if you are searching for a new

Rolex, you should visit Rolex.com in order to find an authorized

Dealer. We buy and sell pre-owned Rolexes only.

Comments


bottom of page