Rolex Explorer II 216570 automatic 42 mm Full Set 2012

The Story

The history of the Explorer begins in 1953, when Rolex accompanied several Himalayan expeditions culminating in the historic ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. This adventure permanently shaped the brand’s DNA and led to the creation of the Rolex Explorer, a watch designed to withstand the most extreme conditions faced by explorers.

Nearly twenty years later, in 1971, Rolex introduced a new model: the Explorer II. While the original Explorer was intended for mountaineers and adventurers of the great outdoors, this new watch was designed for another type of exploration: subterranean and polar environments. Cave explorers and polar adventurers can spend several days without seeing sunlight. To address this challenge, Rolex equipped the Explorer II with a 24-hour hand paired with a fixed graduated bezel, making it easy to distinguish between day and night.

The first generation, reference 1655, quickly became recognizable thanks to its large orange hand, nicknamed the “Freccione” by collectors. Over the decades, the Explorer II gradually evolved: in 1985, reference 16550 introduced a true GMT function with an independently adjustable hour hand, allowing the display of a second time zone. The reference 16570, produced from 1989 to 2010, refined the model further and became one of the most emblematic Explorer II references.

In 2011, Rolex celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II with the introduction of reference 216570. This new generation marked a significant evolution: the case increased to 42 mm, offering a stronger presence on the wrist, while the dial adopted larger indexes and hands — the famous “Maxi Dial” — for optimal legibility. Most notably, Rolex paid tribute to the original model by reintroducing the large orange GMT hand, which has become one of the visual signatures of the collection.

With reference 216570, Rolex successfully combines historical heritage, modern functionality and legendary robustness, continuing the spirit of adventure that has defined the Explorer collection for more than seventy years.

The Model

The Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 stands out with a robust and highly legible aesthetic, faithful to its role as a true exploration watch. Introduced in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the model, it features for the first time a 42 mm Oyster “Maxi” case, giving the watch a stronger presence on the wrist while maintaining the balance and durability characteristic of the collection.

Its fixed steel bezel engraved with a 24-hour scale is one of the defining elements of the Explorer II. Paired with the large orange GMT hand, it allows the wearer to read a second time zone or easily distinguish between day and night — a function historically designed for explorers operating in environments deprived of natural light.

This black dial version offers outstanding legibility. The applied hour markers and “Maxi” hands, filled with blue-emission Chromalight luminescent material, ensure optimal readability even in darkness. On this configuration, the hour and minute hands feature black bases that visually blend into the dial, creating a subtle “ghost” effect where only the luminous portions appear to float above the surface.

The watch is protected by a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnifier over the date and fitted with the robust Oyster stainless steel bracelet, equipped with the Oysterlock safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension system for quick adjustment.

At the heart of this Explorer II beats the Rolex manufacture calibre 3187, an automatic movement certified as a chronometer by the COSC. Designed for the most demanding conditions, it features the blue Parachrom hairspring, highly resistant to shocks and temperature variations, as well as Paraflex shock absorbers developed by Rolex to improve resistance to impacts.

Thanks to its independently adjustable hour hand that jumps in one-hour increments, this calibre enables the use of a true GMT function, ideal for tracking a second time zone during travel or expeditions.

Robust, highly legible and functional, the Explorer II 216570 remains one of the most accomplished tool watches in Rolex’s professional collection.

The Package

This Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 is in excellent condition and had previously been offered for sale in our pre-owned selection two years ago.

It is delivered as a Full Set, including its original box, manual and warranty card dated 2012.

The watch has undergone inspection in our workshops, including a full movement check and light refinishing of the case and bracelet carried out by one of our Rolex-trained watchmakers.

It is offered with a one-year Lepage 10h10 warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind for its future owner.