About the Explorer II
Introduced: 1971
The Rolex Explorer II was developed for speleologists and polar explorers who needed to distinguish between day and night in environments where natural light was absent. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II features a distinctive orange 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour bezel.
Larger than its Explorer sibling, the Explorer II offers enhanced legibility and the practical 24-hour function while maintaining the tool watch philosophy that defines the Explorer collection.
Notable features
Unique Features:
- Orange 24-hour hand for day/night indication
- Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel
- Date display at 3 o'clock
- Larger case size for enhanced presence
- Mercedes-style hour and minute hands
Technical Specifications:
- 42mm case diameter
- Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock clasp
- Water resistance to 100 meters
- Self-winding movement with date
Common questions
When was the Explorer II produced?
Production years for the Explorer II span multiple generations; individual references on this page list their specific production windows.
What makes the Explorer II special?
The Rolex Explorer II was developed for speleologists and polar explorers who needed to distinguish between day and night in environments where natural light was absent. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II features a distinctive orange 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour bezel....
What parts and common issues should I know about?
Most Explorer II service work concerns bracelet links and clasps (regular wear). Our shop carries genuine Rolex bracelet links and components compatible with this collection.
Explorer II parts
The full catalog is filtered by reference. Email if a part is missing.