The Rolex Explorer II
 

Explorer II Reference Numbers: 1655, 16550, 16570, 216570

Date of production: 1971 until present.

Movement: 1575, 3085, 3185/3186 - 216570, 3187

Case Size: 40mm - 216570, 42mm

Weight: 126 grams

Power Reserve: ~48 hrs

Photographs:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...l.jpg~original

White Explorer II--D series
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...p.jpg~original

White Dial - P serial
Attachment 200384

Last of the 16570's, G serial.
Attachment 200380

reference 1655, 5 mil. 1575 movement, luminous dot on seconds hand.
(Photo curtesy of Mike)
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...0.jpg~original

216570 (Rolex Press Kit photo)
Attachment 200381
http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...8&d=1301283962

I'd love me one of those Steve McQueen Explorer IIs.

16570

I am hoping to get a 16550: and this thread is super helpful! Thanks all!

Had one but sold it.

Great photos and info.

I know the current 16570 is waterproof to 100m, but does anyone know if the Explorer II has had different waterproof certifications throughout its run?

nad

The Explorer II has always had a 100meter waterproof Oyster case.

Thanks for the info!

Larry, the Explorer II is a true classic Rolex ......... personally I prefer the white dial. :thumbsup:
:cheers:

The Explorer II...........the stealth Rolex!
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...1/DSCN0534.jpg

Thanks Tools for this excellent review, the white dial explorer is really something!

I hv 10 Rolex sport, you named it, but just bought Ex II Black yesterday, I feel EX II is the most comfortabe watch to wear and the beauty will gradually shine up to be one of the most beautiful Rolex sport watch, once you look at its dial for 1 minute, this is great watch which I think will be the colletable item in near future. I love ex II.

just got the white dial explorer II and loving it. It's my new to me work watch. Amazing fit and finish

Everyday I love my polar more and more...

Orange Hand
 

Dr. Robert, is that orange hand 5 million series? The font on bezel looks thinner than the older version. Correct me if I am wrong.

ron

Great thread here! I started a recent one for pics and information here if anyone wants to see some good shots...

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...47#post1737747

thanks for the nice pictures and reference material!

question: i notice some people refer to the dial being white, and some people say polar....is there a preferred term? a correct term? :thinking:

TIA....

Polar white is the colour of the dial. Some say white and some say polar, its all the same, unless it is cream :banghead: :banghead:

Link to another forum thread with an informative overview of the Explorers: http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....3&postcount=71

You got a great Rolex. The Rolex Expl. 2...............the stealth Rolex! You can swim w/ it....I don't wear watches in bath, shower, hot tub, steam room or sauna......but swimming...fresh or salt water no problems....I have 2 1655 Expl. 2's, both purchased new and they're bulletproof!
Had them renovated in 2005....
1973 Expl. 2 # 1655
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...1/DSCN0503.jpg
1974 Expl. 2 #1655
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/l...1/DSCN0534.jpg

I have an Explorer II orange hand and love the look. i should be getting it back from Rolex after some TLC in about another week. :cheers:

I love the classic!

I'm still looking for a 1655 with a straight second hand! :thumbsup:

I love mine !
 

3.0 M serial , all original

WOW!! :wow: Very nice E.Peynado!. :thumbsup:

OOPS!! Forgot to quote...but I'll compliment your 1655, straight second hand again. :thumbsup:

I just got my orange hand back from Rolex after some desperatly needed work I know I probably lost some collector value but the watch was in pretty bad shape and I had them replace the hands and dial, along with the servicing and replacement of the bracelet. but it looks extremely good, like I assume it looked when my Uncle bought it originally. I just wish he saved the box. now I have the daily dilema of which watch to wear, the Exp, or the Sub.

my dad has a rolex explorer II orange hand and somebody tokk it in his house... waaaaahhhh!!!!! missed that watch.....most rolex lovers liked it compared to my M series explorer II hahaha...

Explorer 2
 

Hello everyone,

I have a question. I just received a new Explorer 2 white face as a gift and I noticed that my Exp 2 does not have the ROLEXROLEXROLEX inscribed on the inside of the inner ring of the dial. The photograph on Rolex's website shows this feature on the Exp 2.

Does anyone know when Rolex added this feature? My Exp 2 was purchased new from an AD in June of 2010.

Thanks