Exploring the Iconic Rolex Explorer II Polar: A Journey Through Time

The pre-owned Rolex Explorer II, known for its steel case, 24-hour engraved bezel, and dual hour hands, stands out as one of the brand’s most tool-oriented models. Initially released in 1971, the Explorer II was designed specifically for spelunkers, enabling cave explorers to distinguish between day and night in dark environments with the help of an orange arrow-tipped hand pointing to the fixed 24-hour bezel. In the mid-1980s, Rolex updated the Explorer II to include independent hour hands, transforming it from a watch with an AM/PM indicator to one with GMT functionality, and introduced a white dial option.

History of the Rolex Explorer II Polar

The white dial variants of the Explorer II, often referred to as the Rolex Polar Explorer, have become popular among collectors. The original Explorer II reference 1655 was exclusively available with a black dial, but subsequent references (16550, 16570, 216570, and 226570) offered both black and white dials. The white dial option, unique among Rolex sports watches, contributed to its cult following.

Despite being overlooked for many years, the white dial Rolex Explorer II has gained significant popularity recently, rivalling other iconic Rolex designs such as the Pepsi GMT and black Submariner.

Rolex Explorer II Timeline

– 1971: Introduction of the first Explorer II model, ref. 1655 with a black dial.

– 1985: Introduction of the Explorer II ref. 16550, offering a choice of black or white dial.

– 1989: Launch of the Explorer II ref. 16570.

– 2011: Introduction of the larger Explorer II ref. 216570 for the model’s 40th anniversary.

– 2021: Launch of the Explorer II ref. 226570 for the model’s 50th anniversary.

Key Features of the Rolex Polar Explorer II

– Reference Numbers: 16550, 16570, 216570, 226570

– Case Size: 40mm, 42mm

– Materials: Stainless Steel

– Functions: Time with running seconds, date display, GMT functionality

– Dial: White with luminous hour markers

– Bezel: Fixed, stainless steel with 24-hour scale

– Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops magnification lens

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3085, 3185, 3186, 3187, 3285

– Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet (stainless steel)

Detailed Look at Key Models:

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16550 Polar

– Production Years: 1985 – 1989

– Features: 40mm case, Caliber 3085 movement, independent 24-hour hand, Tritium lume, red 24-hour hand, white dials that have aged to a creamy shade.

– Significance: Transitional reference with unique design and functionality changes.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 Polar

– Production Years: 1989 – 2011

– Features: 40mm case, Caliber 3185 or 3186 movements, white dials with black hour marker outlines, Tritium, Luminova, or Super-Luminova lume.

– Significance: Long production run with several updates, including luminescence changes and case style variations.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570 Polar

– Production Years: 2011 – 2021

– Features: 42mm case, Caliber 3187 movement, white dials with black hour marker outlines, orange 24-hour hand, Chromalight lume.

– Significance: Introduction of a larger case size and a return to the orange 24-hour hand.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 Polar

– Production Years: 2021 – present

– Features: 42mm case, Caliber 3285 movement with 70-hour power reserve, white dials with matte black outlines, orange 24-hour hand, Chromalight lume.

– Significance: Updated proportions, new movement with longer power reserve, and enhanced dial design for improved readability.

Characteristics of the Polar Explorer II Dial

The white dial, a defining feature of the Polar Explorer II, is accentuated by outlined luminous hour markers and a 24-hour hand, framed by a stainless steel bezel. Some rare examples feature a cream dial with white gold hour markers, increasing their desirability among collectors. The white dial is a distinctive element that sets the Polar Explorer apart from other Rolex sports watches.

Whether vintage or modern, the Rolex Explorer II Polar is highly practical and impeccably designed, making it a standout piece in Rolex’s lineup.

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