Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II Watches for Sale

The Rolex Explorer II is a professional adventure watch designed for explorers who may spend long periods in environments where distinguishing day from night is difficult. Its fixed 24-hour bezel, additional orange hand, independent local-hour adjustment, date display, and highly legible dial make it both a practical travel watch and a distinctive Rolex sports model.

Unlike the standard Rolex Explorer, the Explorer II includes a 24-hour display and date function. Unlike the GMT-Master II, it uses a fixed brushed-steel bezel instead of a rotating ceramic bezel. This gives the Explorer II a more rugged, understated tool-watch appearance.

Why the Rolex Explorer II Is So Popular

The Rolex Explorer II is popular because it combines practical travel functionality with a more understated design than many other Rolex Professional watches.

Buyers and collectors appreciate the Explorer II for its:

• White Polar or black dial options

• Distinctive orange 24-hour hand

• Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel

• Independent local-hour adjustment

• Second time-zone capability

• Date display with Cyclops lens

• 42 mm Oystersteel case

• Rolex calibre 3285

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• 100 meters of water resistance

• Highly legible Chromalight display

• Durable Oyster bracelet

• Understated brushed-steel construction

• Strong exploration and cave-exploration identity

• Lower-profile appearance than the GMT-Master II

The Explorer II is a strong choice for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and buyers who want a Rolex sports watch that feels less common than the Submariner or GMT-Master II.

Rolex Explorer II History

Rolex introduced the Explorer II in 1971. It was designed for speleologists, volcanologists, polar explorers, and other professionals who might work in environments where normal daylight cues are unavailable.

The original Explorer II used a fixed 24-hour bezel and a prominent additional hand to help the wearer distinguish daytime hours from nighttime hours.

Over time, the collection evolved from the original vintage reference 1655 into later references with independent local-hour adjustment. This allowed newer Explorer II models to function as practical dual-time watches in addition to distinguishing day from night.

The Explorer II has retained several defining characteristics throughout its history:

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Highly legible dial

• Date display

• Additional 24-hour hand

• Oystersteel construction

• Strong professional-tool-watch identity

Current Explorer II models continue this design with updated movement technology, modern luminescence, a 42 mm case, and the Rolex calibre 3285. 

Current Rolex Explorer II Reference

Rolex Explorer II 226570

The Rolex Explorer II 226570 is the current-generation model. It is available with either a white Polar dial or a black dial.

Key features include:

• 42 mm Oystersteel case

• Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel

• White or black dial

• Orange 24-hour hand

• Date window with Cyclops lens

• Rolex calibre 3285

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Independent rapid-setting hour hand

• Oyster bracelet

• Oysterlock safety clasp

• Easylink comfort extension

• 100 meters of water resistance

• Rolex Superlative Chronometer certification

The 226570 was introduced in 2021 and updated the previous 216570 with calibre 3285, refined case proportions, and redesigned dial and hand details. 

Rolex Explorer II Polar 226570

The white-dial Explorer II is commonly called the Polar.

Its defining features include:

• White dial

• Black-outlined hour markers

• Black-outlined hands

• Orange 24-hour hand

• Strong contrast and visibility

• Fixed brushed-steel bezel

• Date display with Cyclops lens

The black surrounds around the hands and markers create a floating visual effect and improve contrast against the white dial.

The Polar is often the more recognizable Explorer II configuration because few current Rolex Professional watches use a white dial.

Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 226570

The black-dial Explorer II offers a more traditional Rolex sport-watch appearance.

Its defining features include:

• Black dial

• White Chromalight hour markers

• Orange 24-hour hand

• Fixed brushed-steel bezel

• Date display

• Oyster bracelet

The black dial feels more understated and visually similar to other Rolex Professional watches, while the orange hand and steel 24-hour bezel still give it a distinct identity.

Popular Rolex Explorer II Reference Numbers

Popular Rolex Explorer II references include:

• 226570: Current Explorer II with 42 mm case

• 216570: Previous-generation 42 mm Explorer II

• 16570: Long-running 40 mm Explorer II

• 16550: Transitional Explorer II with collectible dial variations

• 1655: Original vintage Explorer II, often called the Freccione or Steve McQueen Explorer

Each reference offers different case proportions, movements, dial details, hands, bracelet construction, and collector appeal.

Discontinued Rolex Explorer II References

Rolex Explorer II 216570

The Rolex Explorer II 216570 was introduced in 2011 and marked the collection’s move from 40 mm to 42 mm.

It features:

• 42 mm Oystersteel case

• White Polar or black dial

• Large orange 24-hour hand

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Calibre 3187

• Approximately 48-hour power reserve

• Date display

• Oyster bracelet

• 100 meters of water resistance

The 216570 remains popular with collectors who want a modern 42 mm Explorer II at a lower price than many current examples.

Rolex Explorer II 16570

The Rolex Explorer II 16570 is one of the most popular discontinued references. It was produced for many years and is available with either a white Polar dial or black dial.

It features:

• 40 mm Oystersteel case

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Red 24-hour hand

• White or black dial

• Date display

• Sapphire crystal

• Calibre 3185 or 3186 depending on production period

• 100 meters of water resistance

The 16570 is valued for its slimmer proportions, lighter wrist feel, and neo-vintage Rolex design. Different production periods include variations in lume, dial printing, rehaut engraving, bracelet, and movement. (Fratello Watches)

Rolex Explorer II 16550

The reference 16550 was a transitional model produced between the original 1655 and the later 16570.

Important characteristics may include:

• 40 mm case

• White or black dial

• Independent local-hour adjustment

• Red 24-hour hand

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Calibre 3085

• Sapphire crystal

Some white-dial 16550 examples developed a cream or ivory color over time. These cream-dial watches can be especially collectible when the dial is original.

Rolex Explorer II 1655

The Rolex Explorer II 1655 was the first model in the collection.

It is recognized by its:

• 40 mm case

• Fixed engraved 24-hour bezel

• Large orange or red 24-hour hand

• Dense black dial

• Distinctive minute and hour markings

• Acrylic crystal

• Vintage Oyster bracelet

Collectors sometimes call the watch the Freccione, meaning “big arrow” in Italian, because of its large 24-hour hand.

The model is also widely associated with the Steve McQueen nickname, although the actor is not reliably documented as having worn the reference. Original 1655 examples can be highly collectible.

Rolex Explorer II Specifications

Current Explorer II specifications include:

Model: Rolex Explorer II
Current Reference: 226570
Case Size: 42 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Date Display: Instantaneous date with Cyclops magnification
Bezel: Fixed 24-hour graduated Oystersteel bezel
Dial Options: White Polar or black
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Crown: Twinlock screw-down crown
Movement: Rolex calibre 3285
Movement Type: Automatic mechanical with GMT function
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Precision: Approximately -2/+2 seconds per day after casing
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 24-hour display, second time zone, independent local-hour adjustment, stop-seconds
Bracelet: Oyster bracelet
Clasp: Oysterlock safety clasp
Adjustment: Easylink 5 mm comfort extension

These specifications are confirmed by Rolex for the current reference 226570. (Rolex)

Rolex Calibre 3285

The current Explorer II uses calibre 3285, the same movement family used in the GMT-Master II.

Features include:

• Automatic self-winding operation

• Independent rapid-setting hour hand

• Second time-zone display

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Chronergy escapement

• Blue Parachrom hairspring

• Paraflex shock absorbers

• Instantaneous date

• Stop-seconds for precise setting

• Rolex Superlative Chronometer certification

The independent hour hand allows travelers to adjust local time without stopping the watch or changing the reference-time display. (Hodinkee)

How the Explorer II 24-Hour Function Works

The Explorer II uses an additional arrow-shaped hand that completes one rotation every 24 hours.

The hand points to the fixed 24-hour bezel and can be used in two ways.

Distinguishing Day From Night

When the 24-hour hand is synchronized with the main hour hand, it identifies whether the current time is in the daytime or nighttime portion of the 24-hour cycle.

This function was designed for explorers working in caves, polar regions, or other environments where natural daylight may not provide a reliable time reference.

Tracking a Second Time Zone

The local 12-hour hand can be adjusted independently. This allows the 24-hour hand to remain set to home time while the regular hour hand displays local time.

This makes the Explorer II useful for travel even though its bezel does not rotate.

Fixed 24-Hour Bezel

The Explorer II uses a fixed Oystersteel bezel engraved with 24-hour graduations.

This differs from the GMT-Master II, which uses a rotating Cerachrom bezel.

Benefits of the fixed bezel include:

• Simple tool-watch appearance

• Brushed, low-reflection finish

• Strong resistance to daily wear

• Easy reading of the 24-hour hand

• Reduced visual flash compared with ceramic bezels

Because the bezel does not rotate, the Explorer II generally displays two time zones rather than the potential third time zone available through a rotating GMT bezel.

Chromalight Display

Current Explorer II models use Rolex Chromalight luminescence.

The hands and hour markers emit a long-lasting blue glow for improved visibility in darkness.

This is especially useful for the Explorer II’s original purpose, since the watch was designed for use in caves, polar environments, and low-light conditions.

Oyster Bracelet and Easylink Extension

The Explorer II uses Rolex’s three-piece Oyster bracelet.

Current features include:

• Solid Oystersteel links

• Brushed surfaces

• Oysterlock safety clasp

• Easylink comfort extension

• Secure professional construction

The Easylink system allows the bracelet to be extended by approximately 5 mm without tools, helping accommodate changes in wrist size throughout the day.

Rolex Explorer II Polar vs. Black Dial

The white and black Explorer II use the same case, movement, bezel, bracelet, and functions.

Explorer II Polar

The Polar offers:

• White dial

• Black-outlined markers and hands

• Greater visual contrast

• More distinctive Rolex appearance

• Strong collector recognition

Explorer II Black Dial

The black version offers:

• More traditional Rolex sport-watch styling

• Lower visual contrast between dial and bezel

• A more understated overall appearance

• Stronger similarity to classic tool watches

Choose the Polar if you want the most distinctive Explorer II. Choose black if you prefer a quieter and more conventional sport-watch dial.

Rolex Explorer II 226570 vs. 216570

The current 226570 and discontinued 216570 both use 42 mm cases and are offered with white or black dials.

Explorer II 226570

• Current production

• Calibre 3285

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Refined case and lug proportions

• Updated dial and hands

• Current-generation bracelet details

Explorer II 216570

• Discontinued

• Calibre 3187

• Approximately 48-hour power reserve

• Slightly different case proportions

• Earlier bracelet and clasp generation

• Often available at a lower pre-owned price

Choose the 226570 for the current movement and latest design. Choose the 216570 for value, discontinued status, and a similar 42 mm appearance.

Rolex Explorer II 226570 vs. 16570

Explorer II 226570

• 42 mm case

• Calibre 3285

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Orange 24-hour hand

• Larger dial and markers

• Modern bracelet and clasp

Explorer II 16570

• 40 mm case

• Calibre 3185 or 3186

• Approximately 48-hour power reserve

• Red 24-hour hand

• Slimmer case

• Neo-vintage proportions

The 226570 is better for buyers who want a larger modern watch. The 16570 appeals to collectors who prefer classic 40 mm dimensions and a lighter wrist feel.

Rolex Explorer II vs. Explorer

The Explorer and Explorer II are separate collections.

Rolex Explorer

• Time-only display

• 36 or 40 mm current case

• Smooth bezel

• Black 3, 6, and 9 dial

• No date

• No second time zone

Rolex Explorer II

• 42 mm case

• White or black dial

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Orange 24-hour hand

• Date display

• Second time-zone function

Choose the Explorer for simplicity and compact sizing. Choose the Explorer II for a larger case, date, and dual-time functionality.

Rolex Explorer II vs. GMT-Master II

Both watches use calibre 3285 and can display a second time zone, but their designs and intended uses differ.

Rolex Explorer II

• 42 mm case

• Fixed brushed-steel bezel

• White or black dial

• Oyster bracelet only

• More understated tool-watch appearance

• 100 meters of water resistance

Rolex GMT-Master II

• 40 mm case

• Rotating two-color ceramic bezel

• Oyster or Jubilee bracelet depending on reference

• Steel, Rolesor, and gold options

• More recognizable travel-watch styling

• Ability to calculate an additional time zone using the rotating bezel

Choose the Explorer II for a rugged, discreet travel watch. Choose the GMT-Master II for more color, material choices, bracelet options, and iconic collector appeal.

Rolex Explorer II vs. Submariner

Rolex Explorer II

• 42 mm case

• Fixed 24-hour bezel

• Second time zone

• Date display

• 100 meters of water resistance

• White or black dial

Rolex Submariner Date

• 41 mm case

• Rotating dive bezel

• No second time zone

• 300 meters of water resistance

• Black, green, blue, and precious-metal configurations

Choose the Explorer II for travel and dual-time functionality. Choose the Submariner for professional dive features and greater water resistance.

Rolex Explorer II Size and Fit

The current Explorer II has a 42 mm case.

It offers:

• Strong wrist presence

• Large and highly legible dial

• Broad fixed bezel

• Sporty proportions

• A substantial but relatively low-profile tool-watch design

The 42 mm size works best for medium and larger wrists or buyers who prefer modern sports watches.

Buyers with smaller wrists may prefer the discontinued 40 mm 16570.

Rolex Explorer II Price

Rolex Explorer II pricing varies based on:

• Reference number

• White or black dial

• Production year

• Condition

• Bracelet condition

• Box and papers

• Service history

• Dial variation

• Movement generation

• Vintage originality

• Market demand

Current 226570 Polar models may sometimes trade differently from black-dial examples because of stronger demand for the white dial. Discontinued 216570 and 16570 references may offer lower entry prices, while rare cream-dial 16550 and vintage 1655 watches can command significantly higher values.

Secondary-market prices vary over time. Browse current ECI Jewelers inventory or contact our team for current availability and market-based pricing.

Does the Rolex Explorer II Hold Its Value?

The Explorer II has maintained steady collector demand because of its distinctive design, professional history, white-dial option, GMT functionality, and relatively limited number of references.

Factors affecting value include:

• Reference number

• White or black dial

• Condition

• Production year

• Box and papers

• Movement generation

• Bracelet condition

• Discontinued status

• Vintage originality

• Rare dial variations

• Market demand

Rare cream-dial 16550 examples, original 1655 watches, and well-preserved complete sets may attract especially strong collector interest.

No watch is guaranteed to increase in value. The Explorer II is best purchased as a watch to own and wear, with potential resale performance treated as a secondary benefit.

Is the Rolex Explorer II a Good First Rolex?

Yes. The Explorer II can be a strong first Rolex for buyers who want a durable sports watch with practical travel functionality.

It is especially suitable for buyers who want:

• A larger 42 mm case

• A white Polar dial option

• A second time zone

• A date display

• Understated brushed-steel styling

• A less common alternative to the Submariner

• Strong everyday durability

• Approximately 70 hours of power reserve

Buyers who prefer a smaller watch may find the Explorer, Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, or discontinued 40 mm Explorer II 16570 easier to wear.

Is the Rolex Explorer II Good for Daily Wear?

Yes. The Explorer II is well suited for daily wear.

It offers:

• Durable Oystersteel case

• Sapphire crystal

• Automatic movement

• 100 meters of water resistance

• Date display

• Second time zone

• Legible Chromalight dial

• Secure Oyster bracelet

• Easylink comfort adjustment

Its brushed surfaces and fixed steel bezel give it a more understated appearance than many polished or ceramic Rolex sport watches.

Why Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer II?

Buying pre-owned provides access to:

• Current 226570 models without retail waiting periods

• Discontinued 216570 references

• Smaller 40 mm 16570 models

• White Polar and black dials

• Specific production years

• Complete sets

• Transitional 16550 watches

• Vintage 1655 references

• Different price points

• Rare dial variations

At ECI Jewelers, every Rolex Explorer II is inspected for authenticity, condition, and quality before being offered for sale.

What to Check Before Buying a Rolex Explorer II

Before buying a pre-owned Explorer II, review:

• Reference and serial details

• White or black dial originality

• Case condition

• Fixed bezel condition

• Signs of excessive polishing

• Bracelet condition

• Clasp operation

• Movement performance

• GMT-hand operation

• Independent hour-hand adjustment

• Date change

• Service history

• Water resistance

• Box and papers

• Factory versus aftermarket parts

• Seller reputation

For vintage and neo-vintage references, original dial, hands, bezel, case, bracelet, and movement details can significantly affect collector value.

Expert Opinion

The Rolex Explorer II is one of the most practical and underrated watches in the Rolex Professional collection.

The current 226570 offers a 42 mm case, calibre 3285, approximately 70 hours of power reserve, independent hour-hand adjustment, a useful second time zone, and a distinctive white Polar or black dial.

The Polar is the most recognizable configuration, while the black dial provides a more understated look. The discontinued 216570 offers similar proportions at a potentially lower price, while the 16570 remains one of the strongest neo-vintage Rolex travel-watch choices.

For buyers who want GMT functionality without the colorful bezel or higher market premiums often associated with the GMT-Master II, the Explorer II is an excellent alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rolex Explorer II?

The Rolex Explorer II is a professional Rolex watch with a fixed 24-hour bezel, additional 24-hour hand, date display, and independent local-hour adjustment. It can distinguish day from night or display a second time zone.

When was the Rolex Explorer II introduced?

Rolex introduced the Explorer II in 1971.

What is the current Rolex Explorer II reference?

The current Rolex Explorer II reference is 226570.

What size is the Rolex Explorer II?

The current Explorer II has a 42 mm Oystersteel case.

Is the Rolex Explorer II too big?

The Explorer II is one of Rolex’s larger current watches. Whether it feels too big depends on wrist size and personal preference.

Buyers who prefer a smaller watch may consider the discontinued 40 mm reference 16570.

What dial colors does the Rolex Explorer II come in?

The current Explorer II is available with a white Polar dial or a black dial.

Why is the white Explorer II called Polar?

Collectors call the white-dial Explorer II the Polar because of its bright white dial and association with exploration in icy and remote environments.

Which is more popular, the Polar or black Explorer II?

The Polar is generally more recognizable and often receives greater collector attention because few Rolex Professional watches use a white dial.

The black dial is more understated and traditional.

What movement is inside the Rolex Explorer II?

The current Explorer II uses Rolex calibre 3285.

What is the Explorer II power reserve?

The current Explorer II provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

Is the Rolex Explorer II automatic?

Yes. The Explorer II uses a self-winding automatic mechanical movement.

Does the Rolex Explorer II have a GMT function?

Yes. The additional 24-hour hand can display a second time zone, while the local hour hand can be adjusted independently.

How many time zones can the Explorer II track?

The Explorer II displays two time zones. Unlike the GMT-Master II, its fixed bezel cannot be rotated to calculate a third.

What is the orange hand on the Explorer II?

The orange arrow-shaped hand completes one rotation every 24 hours. It can distinguish day from night or display a second time zone.

Does the Explorer II have a date?

Yes. It has a date window at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens.

Is the Rolex Explorer II waterproof?

The current Explorer II is water resistant to 100 meters, or 330 feet.

Can you swim with a Rolex Explorer II?

A properly maintained modern Explorer II can generally be worn while swimming. The crown should be fully screwed down, and a pre-owned watch should be pressure tested if its water resistance is uncertain.

Can you dive with a Rolex Explorer II?

The Explorer II is water resistant to 100 meters but is not designed as a professional dive watch. Buyers seeking a rotating dive bezel and greater water resistance should consider the Submariner or Sea-Dweller.

Does the Explorer II bezel rotate?

No. The Explorer II uses a fixed 24-hour bezel.

Why is the Explorer II bezel fixed?

The fixed bezel was designed to work with the 24-hour hand to distinguish daytime from nighttime in environments where natural daylight may be unavailable.

What is the difference between Explorer II and GMT-Master II?

The Explorer II has a 42 mm case and fixed brushed-steel bezel. The GMT-Master II has a 40 mm case and rotating ceramic bezel.

Both can track a second time zone, but the GMT-Master II can potentially calculate an additional time zone using its rotating bezel.

What is the difference between Explorer and Explorer II?

The Explorer is a time-only watch with a smooth bezel and no date. The Explorer II has a date, fixed 24-hour bezel, orange hand, and second time-zone capability.

What is the difference between Explorer II and Submariner?

The Explorer II has a second time zone, fixed bezel, and 100 meters of water resistance.

The Submariner has a rotating dive bezel and 300 meters of water resistance but no second time-zone hand.

What is the difference between Explorer II 226570 and 216570?

The 226570 uses calibre 3285 and offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

The discontinued 216570 uses calibre 3187 and offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Both have 42 mm cases.

What is the difference between Explorer II 226570 and 16570?

The current 226570 has a 42 mm case, orange 24-hour hand, calibre 3285, and modern bracelet.

The 16570 has a 40 mm case, red 24-hour hand, older movement, and slimmer neo-vintage proportions.

Is the Explorer II 16570 collectible?

Yes. The 16570 is popular because of its 40 mm case, long production history, white and black dial options, and numerous production variations.

What is the cream-dial Explorer II?

Some white-dial reference 16550 watches changed to a cream or ivory color over time. Original cream-dial examples can be highly collectible.

What is the Rolex Explorer II Freccione?

Freccione is a nickname for the vintage reference 1655. It means “big arrow” and refers to the watch’s large 24-hour hand.

Is the Explorer II a Steve McQueen watch?

The vintage 1655 is often nicknamed the Steve McQueen Explorer II, but there is no reliable evidence that he regularly wore the model.

Is the Rolex Explorer II a good first Rolex?

Yes. It is a strong first Rolex for buyers who want a durable travel watch, date display, large case, and understated Professional-model design.

Is the Rolex Explorer II good for daily wear?

Yes. It has a durable Oystersteel case, sapphire crystal, automatic movement, practical date and GMT functions, and an adjustable Oyster bracelet.

Can you wear an Explorer II with a suit?

Yes. Its brushed steel and simple dial can work with business attire, although its 42 mm case gives it a sportier appearance than a Datejust or 1908.

Is the Explorer II hard to buy at retail?

Availability varies by dial, authorized dealer, location, and demand. The Explorer II may be easier to obtain than some GMT-Master II, Daytona, or Submariner references, but immediate availability is not guaranteed.

How much does a Rolex Explorer II cost?

Pricing depends on reference, dial color, production year, condition, bracelet, box, papers, and market demand.

Current 226570 models, discontinued 216570 and 16570 references, and vintage watches can have significantly different prices.

Does the Rolex Explorer II hold its value?

Many Explorer II references maintain steady collector demand, especially Polar dials, discontinued models, cream-dial 16550 watches, original vintage 1655 examples, and complete sets.

Value is not guaranteed and can change with market conditions.

Is the Rolex Explorer II a good investment?

The Explorer II has strong collector history, but no watch is guaranteed to increase in value. It is best purchased as a watch you want to wear and own.

Which Explorer II is most collectible?

Collectible examples include:

• Original reference 1655 watches

• Cream-dial 16550 models

• Well-preserved 16570 examples

• Early or complete-set Polar watches

• Unpolished vintage references

• Watches with original box and papers

Should I buy a new or pre-owned Explorer II?

A new 226570 provides the latest movement and bracelet technology.

A pre-owned Explorer II can provide access to 40 mm models, discontinued references, vintage watches, specific production years, and potentially lower pricing.

What should I check before buying a pre-owned Explorer II?

Check the reference number, dial originality, case, fixed bezel, bracelet, movement, 24-hour hand, independent hour adjustment, date function, service history, water resistance, box, papers, and seller reputation.

How can I tell if a Rolex Explorer II is authentic?

Authentication should examine the case, dial, movement, bezel, hands, reference and serial details, bracelet, clasp, engravings, weight, and finishing.

The safest option is purchasing from an experienced luxury watch dealer that professionally inspects each watch.

Does polishing reduce an Explorer II’s value?

Heavy polishing can soften the original case and bezel edges and reduce collector value, particularly on vintage or rare references.

Does a Rolex Explorer II come with box and papers?

It depends on the individual watch. At ECI Jewelers, every Rolex watch includes the original Rolex box. Original Rolex papers are included when the watch is listed as a complete set.

What does complete set mean for a Rolex Explorer II?

A complete set means the watch includes the original Rolex box and original Rolex warranty card or papers. Additional accessories may vary.

Is it safe to buy an Explorer II without papers?

An Explorer II without papers can still be authentic. Professional authentication, condition, service history, and seller reputation become especially important when the original documentation is missing.

How often should a Rolex Explorer II be serviced?

Rolex generally recommends servicing approximately every 10 years, depending on the model and real-life usage. A watch may need attention sooner if it develops accuracy, winding, moisture, or water-resistance issues. 

How accurate is the Rolex Explorer II?

The current Explorer II is certified as a Rolex Superlative Chronometer and rated to approximately minus two to plus two seconds per day after casing.

Can I finance a Rolex Explorer II?

Yes. Financing options are available for qualified customers at ECI Jewelers.

Do you offer free insured shipping?

Yes. ECI Jewelers offers free insured shipping on eligible online purchases.

Can I sell or trade my Rolex Explorer II?

Yes. ECI Jewelers buys and accepts trades on select Rolex Explorer II watches. Evaluations are based on the reference, dial, year, condition, bezel, bracelet, box, papers, service history, originality, and current market demand.