Rolex is introducing its new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II. 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.

The New Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570

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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570 Review
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570

The new-generation Explorer II also benefits from an optimized Chromalight display. 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 II is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology.  

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Review Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570

The Watch For The Far Corners Of The Globe

The Explorer II is heir to the privileged relationship that has long united Rolex and exploration. Presented in 1971, this robust and reliable watch quickly became an essential tool for explorers travelling to the far corners of the globe, often in extreme conditions. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Bezel
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

This is particularly useful in areas where it is difficult or even impossible to distinguish between day and night, such as underground or in polar regions, which experience six months of daylight and six months of darkness a year. In certain conditions, this display enables the watch to serve as compass. The 24-hour display can also be used to show a second time zone.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570



The Oyster Case, Symbol Of Waterproofness

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 metres (330 feet). 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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Glass
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

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.

Rolex Caliber 3285
Rolex Caliber 3285

Perpetual Calibre 3285

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.

Review Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

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.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Bracelet
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

Oyster Bracelet And Oysterlock Safety Clasp

The new-generation Explorer II is fitted with an Oyster bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, this three-piece link bracelet is known for its robustness.    

The Oyster bracelet on this new watch features the Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

Superlative Chronometer Certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2 /+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) for official certification of the movement alone.    

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570 Watch Review
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

Technical specifications:

Reference: 226570

Case:

·      Model Case: Oyster, 42 mm, Oystersteel

·      Oyster Architecture: Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

·      Diameter: 42 mm

·      Material: Oystersteel

·      Bezel: Fixed, 24-hour graduated

·      Winding Crown: Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system

·      Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date

·      Water Resistance: Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

Dial:

·      White

·      Details: Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence

Movement:

·      Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, GMT function

·      Calibre: 3285, Manufacture Rolex

·      Precision: -2/+2 sec/day, after casing

·      Functions: Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. 24-hour display. Second time zone with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Stop-seconds for precise time setting

·      Oscillator: Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

·      Winding: Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

·      Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours

Bracelet:

·      Oyster, flat three-piece links

·      Bracelet Material: Oystersteel

·      Clasp: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link

The price for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II Ref. 226570 is EUR 8,050.

For more information please visit Rolex Watches Online.