ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Tools · 21 January 2008, 04:00 AM

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:

White Explorer II--D series

White Dial - P serial
CurvedHandOmni.jpg

Last of the 16570's, G serial.
EXII6.jpg

reference 1655, 5 mil. 1575 movement, luminous dot on seconds hand.
(Photo curtesy of Mike)

216570 (Rolex Press Kit photo)
EXPLORER_II_03.jpg

Rebel · 28 August 2009, 12:53 AM

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

greekbum · 15 September 2009, 04:41 AM

16570

uberman20 · 22 September 2009, 07:16 AM

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

paultran37 · 28 February 2010, 01:40 PM

Had one but sold it.

sea-dweller · 28 February 2010, 02:59 PM

Great photos and info.

not_a_doctor · 14 March 2010, 06:55 AM

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

Tools · 14 March 2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by not_a_doctor

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.

not_a_doctor · 14 March 2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

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

Thanks for the info!

rfknauss · 14 March 2010, 10:02 AM

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

Dr. Robert · 14 March 2010, 02:41 PM

The Explorer II...........the stealth Rolex!

risico · 14 March 2010, 05:08 PM

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

Poom · 14 March 2010, 07:12 PM

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.

faingator · 14 March 2010, 11:15 PM

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

DOUBLE 0 SE7EN · 14 March 2010, 11:19 PM

Everyday I love my polar more and more...

teeva3333 · 24 March 2010, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

The Explorer II...........the stealth Rolex!

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

kingblackbolt · 24 March 2010, 01:13 AM

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

Cru Jones · 24 March 2010, 09:42 PM

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?

TIA....

Lol-x · 24 March 2010, 09:54 PM

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

Cru Jones · 25 March 2010, 11:33 PM

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

Dr. Robert · 27 March 2010, 02:58 AM

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

1974 Expl. 2 #1655

Mr. Greene · 9 April 2010, 01:09 PM

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.

brigadoonb · 6 May 2010, 03:43 AM

I love the classic!

Roley · 18 May 2010, 12:58 AM

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

E.Peynado · 18 May 2010, 03:11 AM

3.0 M serial , all original

Roley · 19 May 2010, 07:33 AM

WOW!!

Very nice E.Peynado!.

Roley · 19 May 2010, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.Peynado

3.0 M serial , all original

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

Mr. Greene · 20 May 2010, 06:57 AM

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.

tep663 · 10 August 2010, 10:57 PM

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...

Brich436 · 17 August 2010, 01:06 PM

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

28 August 2009, 12:53 AM	#2
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,220	I'd love me one of those Steve McQueen Explorer IIs. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

28 February 2010, 02:59 PM	#6
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Great photos and info. __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

14 March 2010, 10:02 AM	#10
rfknauss 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,496	Larry, the Explorer II is a true classic Rolex ......... personally I prefer the white dial. __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

14 March 2010, 07:12 PM	#13
Poom "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 349	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. __________________ Watch is all around! I love the crown of achievement!

14 March 2010, 11:15 PM	#14
faingator "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Myers, FL Watch: Rolex Deepsea Posts: 8,726	just got the white dial explorer II and loving it. It's my new to me work watch. Amazing fit and finish __________________ Rolex SS Blk Sub-C V-Series Rolex TT Blk Sub-C V-Series Rolex Sub 14060M V-Series Rolex Explorer II White V-Series Rolex Yachtmaster SS M-Series

21 January 2008, 04:00 AM	#1
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,457	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: White Explorer II--D series White Dial - P serial CurvedHandOmni.jpg Last of the 16570's, G serial. EXII6.jpg reference 1655, 5 mil. 1575 movement, luminous dot on seconds hand. (Photo curtesy of Mike) 216570 (Rolex Press Kit photo) EXPLORER_II_03.jpg __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member Last edited by Tools; 30 November 2017 at 06:09 AM.. Reason: Contributors Larry, Mike, Mark

22 September 2009, 07:16 AM	#4
uberman20 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Charlie Location: Milwaukee, WI Watch: Rolex Sub., 1680 Posts: 23	I am hoping to get a 16550: and this thread is super helpful! Thanks all!

28 February 2010, 01:40 PM	#5
paultran37 Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: paul Location: virginia Watch: PRESIDENT 118238 Z Posts: 455	Had one but sold it.

14 March 2010, 06:55 AM	#7
not_a_doctor "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Steven Location: Toronto Posts: 41	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

14 March 2010, 02:41 PM	#11
Dr. Robert 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 63,662	The Explorer II...........the stealth Rolex!

14 March 2010, 05:08 PM	#12
risico Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: EUROPA Watch: GV LV SSDaytona Posts: 63	Thanks Tools for this excellent review, the white dial explorer is really something!

14 March 2010, 11:19 PM	#15
DOUBLE 0 SE7EN "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: KAAN Location: ISTANBUL Watch: Explorer-PAM233 Posts: 1,645	Everyday I love my polar more and more...

24 March 2010, 01:13 AM	#17
kingblackbolt "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Ren Location: Toronto On Canada Posts: 1,886	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 __________________ “Hail to the king, baby" Ash (Army of Darkness 1992)

24 March 2010, 09:42 PM	#18
Cru Jones 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,171	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? TIA....

24 March 2010, 09:54 PM	#19
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,457	Polar white is the colour of the dial. Some say white and some say polar, its all the same, unless it is cream __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

25 March 2010, 11:33 PM	#20
Cru Jones 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,171	Link to another forum thread with an informative overview of the Explorers: http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....3&postcount=71

27 March 2010, 02:58 AM	#21
Dr. Robert 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 63,662	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 1974 Expl. 2 #1655

9 April 2010, 01:09 PM	#22
Mr. Greene "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: arizona Watch: Seiko 7A28 7049 Posts: 371	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.

6 May 2010, 03:43 AM	#23
brigadoonb "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA Watch: Smurf Posts: 429	I love the classic!

18 May 2010, 12:58 AM	#24
Roley "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Roland Location: GMT -4:00 Today Watch: Enthusiast Posts: 874	I'm still looking for a 1655 with a straight second hand!

19 May 2010, 07:33 AM	#26
Roley "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Roland Location: GMT -4:00 Today Watch: Enthusiast Posts: 874	WOW!! Very nice E.Peynado!.

20 May 2010, 06:57 AM	#28
Mr. Greene "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: arizona Watch: Seiko 7A28 7049 Posts: 371	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.

10 August 2010, 10:57 PM	#29
tep663 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: cavite Posts: 11	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...

17 August 2010, 01:06 PM	#30
Brich436 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Brian Location: East Coast Watch: 124270 Posts: 979	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

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