The Explorer II was built for people who can’t tell day from night: cave explorers and polar expeditions. The current 226570 comes with a white "Polar" dial or a black one. Mechanically identical, they feel like two different watches.
At a glance
| 226570 white | 226570 black | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 2021 | 2021 |
| Case | 42mm Oystersteel | 42mm Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Fixed, steel, engraved 24-hour | Fixed, steel, engraved 24-hour |
| Calibre | 3285 | 3285 |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m |
| Dial | White, black-rimmed markers | Black, white-gold markers |
A short history
The first Explorer II, reference 1655, arrived in 1971 with a bright orange 24-hour hand, so you could tell 10am from 10pm in total darkness. In 2011 Rolex grew it to 42mm and brought back an orange hand. The 226570, introduced in 2021, refined the case, moved to the calibre 3285 and updated the dial details.
White vs black
The white "Polar" dial is the more distinctive: crisp, technical and bright, with black-rimmed markers and the orange 24-hour hand popping against it. The black dial is more classic and versatile, closer to what most people picture as a sports Rolex. Both have Chromalight lume for night-time legibility.
The 24-hour hand
The orange hand makes one rotation every 24 hours and points to the fixed 24-hour scale on the bezel. You can use it as an AM/PM indicator or set it to a second time zone; the local hour hand jumps independently, just like on the GMT-Master II.
How it wears
At 42mm with a fixed steel bezel, the Explorer II has real presence, but it’s balanced by fairly short lugs and a slim profile for its size. It suits wrists from about 6.75 inches up and wears comfortably on the Oyster bracelet.
Buying checklist
- Full set. Box and warranty card add confidence and value.
- Bezel engraving. The fixed steel bezel can show scratches; check the numerals are crisp.
- 24-hour hand. Set it to confirm it moves independently of the hour hand.
- Bracelet. Check the Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension.
Which one to choose
Choose the white "Polar" if…
You want something distinctive and technical that stands out from the usual black sports watch.
Choose the black dial if…
You want a versatile everyday watch that pairs with anything.
FAQ
Is the Explorer II a GMT watch?
Yes, it can track a second time zone with the 24-hour hand.
Is it different from the Explorer?
Yes. The Explorer is a simpler three-hand watch; the Explorer II adds the 24-hour hand and date.
Which dial is rarer?
Both are regular production; the white is generally the more requested.
Shopping for one of these? Every watch we sell is authenticated in Los Angeles, with insured delivery and video on request. Text us at (310) 363-0481.
