New Explorer II Looks Right!!

[C0d]

So I have been hurting my eyeballs trying to tell the difference, which to the casual observer aren't many.
However Rolex' press brief does acknowledge a redesigned case and updated proportions (the Rolex way, nothing too dramatic).

Looking at them side by side, I have noted the following,

1. Crown guards on the updated model are smaller
2. Lugs seem to taper ever so slightly more
3. More subtle numerals on the bezel
4. Numerals now sit in the middle of the bezel on 226570 bezel, the older model (216570) appears to have a smaller gap between the numerals and the dial. There is a bigger gap now. Question is, is the bezel now thicker or the numerals are now aligned differently?

Maybe its just me eyes, but the new model/revision appears more aesthetically pleasing than 216570. What do you think?

eXPLORERii.jpg Rolex-ExplorerII-216570-White.jpg

[Grapenut]

I think your reference photos have slightly different angles to them. I don't see any noticeable difference.

[afmars]

One this is for sure - the lug-width to end-link ratio is smaller. Whether they tapered the lugs more or widened the bracelet is not clear but to me the bracelet look wider.

I think the crown guards may be an illusion caused by the angle.

You are right in this photo the bezel text is vertically centered in the new version, however when I look at my 216570 the bezel text is also centered.

[Maxy]

Case is same. No difference.

[GradyPhilpott]

Where's the ceramic bezel!

[Cru Jones]

Worst “50th anniversary” model.... but, still a nice watch nevertheless

[i-spy]

Interesting observation

[samuel019]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Where's the ceramic bezel!

EXACTLY!!!

I am sure this has been stated/asked but you mean to tell me different hands, old/new movement from the GMT, and maybe bezel font constitutes 50th anniversary special????

Sorry but I am glad I have my Explorers already and I wont be exploring my local AD or Grey dealer to get one of these. NO THANKS.

But thank you to Rolex for saving me some money. Appreciate that sincerely

[haaX]

Originally Posted by afmars

One this is for sure - the lug-width to end-link ratio is smaller. Whether they tapered the lugs more or widened the bracelet is not clear but to me the bracelet look wider.

I think the crown guards may be an illusion caused by the angle.

You are right in this photo the bezel text is vertically centered in the new version, however when I look at my 216570 the bezel text is also centered.

Agree. The endlinks are defo wider compared to the case itself. On the bezel the endlinks on both sides are slightly wider positioned relative to the case. Look at how 22 and 2 on the bezel alignes to the sides of the endlinks.

My guess is still 21mm bracelet - but a smaller case.

[afmars]

Also the black outline around the hour markers looks a hair thinner on the new model.

[afmars]

Better to compare with these images from Rolex marketing materials

https://content.rolex.com/dam/2020/u...ng?imwidth=500

https://content.rolex.com/dam/2021/u...ng?imwidth=500

[imsayingthough]

Ive never cared for this reference.

[RTG]

I really like the matte hands of the new update.

Have to try one on before commenting on the wider bracelet. The 215670 fits me perfectly and I never longed for a wider oyster.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by afmars

Better to compare with these images from Rolex marketing materials

https://content.rolex.com/dam/2020/u...ng?imwidth=500

https://content.rolex.com/dam/2021/u...ng?imwidth=500

Exactly the same except movement and crown no dial.

[D007]

The dial looks smaller - as its using a smaller movement (3285 instead of the larger outgoing 3187). This would probably mean a slightly bigger bezel to compensate since they are keeping the 42 mm size.

[P1nky_Up]

Had you not had 226570 in red on the bottom right of your pix I would’ve thought it was the 216570 and the one below was the 226570. They’re the same, even if there may be a slight subtlety to it. I’d never be able to tell the difference on someone’s wrist if I didn’t see the crown on the dial. Or the orange hand on the black dial.

[Pw92676]

This is like comparing a photos of the same person with a ever so slightly different part in their hair. Unappreciable difference.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Maxy

Case is same. No difference.

Not according to Rolex


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[omx5o]

This is straight from Rolex YT.

"Rolex is introducing the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II. This technical watch, in Oystersteel, now features a redesigned case and bracelet, bringing enhanced visual balance and harmony while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage. It combines a white lacquer dial with black hour markers and black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands that stand out for their matt finish, and features an optimized Chromalight display. It is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology."

Might the bracelet be wider at 22mm?

And what is optimized Chromalight? Is that what the Aurora teaser was referring to?

[EDIT]
I just compared images and I am pretty sure the bracelet is now 22mm.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by omx5o

And what is optimized Chromalight? Is that what the Aurora teaser was referring to?

Acc to Rolex, In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer.

[C0d]

Originally Posted by Maxy

Acc to Rolex, In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer.

In short, its great. Best ever.

[afmars]

Originally Posted by omx5o

This is straight from Rolex YT.

"Rolex is introducing the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II. This technical watch, in Oystersteel, now features a redesigned case and bracelet, bringing enhanced visual balance and harmony while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage. It combines a white lacquer dial with black hour markers and black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands that stand out for their matt finish, and features an optimized Chromalight display. It is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology."

Might the bracelet be wider at 22mm?

And what is optimized Chromalight? Is that what the Aurora teaser was referring to?

[EDIT]
I just compared images and I am pretty sure the bracelet is now 22mm.

Yes, bracelet is def bigger.

[SeaDweller50]

Case and bracelet changes same as new Submariner’s. Slightly slimmer lugs to fit wider bracelet. Must be 22mm now, which would equate to .5 mm either side.

[Crazy Lugs]

Still too damn big!

[007timer]

Very disappointed. For a 50th production year. It has no ceramic bezel, no green attributes and nothing to set it apart from the old version.


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[jerryguo]

Lug is the only obvious change to me

[JohnGingerwood]

I have liked it since it came out in 2011.

[haaX]

Originally Posted by SeaDweller50

Case and bracelet changes same as new Submariner’s. Slightly slimmer lugs to fit wider bracelet. Must be 22mm now, which would equate to .5 mm either side.

Wider bracelet - or smaller case? These two are aligned from the assumption that the end links on new and old have the same width.

It has the same movement as the 40 mm gmt. No phantom hands on the black dial - because it wouldn’t work with the shorter hour hand?

With the sub 41mm wasn’t 41mm. Is the exp2 really 42mm?

It does make most sense that the bracelet is 22 mm, though, and that the comparison is way off.

[Mrngrz46]

Originally Posted by haaX

Wider bracelet - or smaller case? These two are aligned from the assumption that the end links on new and old have the same width.

It has the same movement as the 40 mm gmt. No phantom hands on the black dial - because it wouldn’t work with the shorter hour hand?

With the sub 41mm wasn’t 41mm. Is the exp2 really 42mm?

It does make most sense that the bracelet is 22 mm, though, and that the comparison is way off.

From your picture I can say that I like more the proportion of the old one.
The difference between bracelet and lugs is not so big like it was for the old sub and add more “movement” to the watch

[rmagoo57]

Is the crown "flatter"? Same with the crown guards, not as pronounced?? Looks a little less chunky. But, I like the proportions of the old model better. Thoughts??