Rolex is presenting the latest creations brought to life by its unique watchmaking expertise. Among these are the new-generation Explorer and Explorer II, watches that take us from the highest mountain peaks to the most isolated polar regions. Watches in the Explorer range have mastered the extreme frontiers of exploration: from mountain tops to the depths of caves, in the biting cold of the Arctic or the searing heat of volcanoes. On all types of adventure the Explorer II, thanks to its 24-hour display, became the watch of choice for polar explorers, speleologists and volcanologists.

The new-generation Explorer and Explorer II are emblematic of Rolex’s perpetual drive to improve, its never- ending quest for excellence. And, without ever sacrificing performance —one of the range’s essential requirements— the watches are also elegant.

This year, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer goes down to its original size from 39 mm to 36 mm and is also now available in a two-tone yellow Rolesor version. Combining Oystersteel and 18K gold, Rolesor is a signature Rolex style that flawlessly blends strength and elegance. At 36 mm, it returns to the size of the original model launched in 1953 following the first ascent to the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May that year.

The black dial, now lacquered, bears the index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals that are the cornerstones of the model’s personality, evoking the determination and spirit of adventure that give rise to great achievements. The new-generation Explorer’s Chromalight display is particularly impressive. In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material with which they are filled or coated. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.

The new-generation Explorer reference 124270 —stainless steel— and reference 124273 —Two-Tone— is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology. The bracelet now features Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension link.

Sticker Price $10,800 USD for two-tone and $6,450 USD for steel.

Movement Update for the Explorer II

Rolex is introducing its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II ref. 226570. This technical watch, in Oystersteel, was created for the boldest explorers and now features a redesigned case and bracelet. This update brings enhanced visual balance and harmony to the timepiece while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage. A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 42 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Explorer II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.

On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers —whose black coating is applied using PVD Physical Vapour Deposition— and the black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands stand out for their matt finish. The 24-hour hand retains its characteristic orange hue, which is the same colour as the Explorer II inscription that has featured on the dial since 2011.

The new-generation Explorer II is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2018 and is fitted on this model from 2021. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 3285 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3285 extends to approximately 70 hours.

The watch now features a small Rolex coronet on the dial at 6 o’clock to differentiate this reference from its predecessor. The watch continues to be available in both dial versions, white and black.

Sticker Price $8,550 USD. For more info on Rolex click here.