Facts on Rolex Explorer II 216570 | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

The Rolex Explorer II is one of the most durable and practical watches – both for expeditions and everyday wear.

It began its journey in 1971 with the famous ‘Orange Hand’ 1655 model, but today we’re taking a closer look at its latest version: the Rolex Explorer II ref 216570.
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A bold and modern tool watch, it’s a popular choice for a first Rolex or as a watch that you’ll have on 24/7. Here are some facts about it:

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1. It pays homage to the original Rolex Explorer II ‘Orange Hand’ 1655, but it’s not a tribute watch.

Reference 216570 was launched in 2011 to commemorate the 40^thanniversary of the Rolex Explorer II. They brought back the orange 24-hour hand as a homage to the original Reference 1655 “Freccione” model from the 1970s (pictured above, at left).But the comparison really ends there. The hands and markers are a departure from the original, and it looks very modern and avante-garde.br

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2. It’s a bigger, bolder update of the previous Explorer II, Reference 16570.

What the Reference 216570 is, is a natural evolution from the previous, modern Explorer II Reference 16570. Apart from the orange hand and the larger markers and hands, Rolex updated the case from 38mm to 42mm.

It still comes in the same color variations – a lacquer finish for the white dial and a satin finish for the black one. Both bring out the Chromalight-coated markers, hands, and 24-hour orange hand.

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3. The most significant change is its movement, the calibre 3187.

The biggest change in the Reference 216570 lay within. The calibre 3187 was the first movement specifically developed for the Explorer range.

With the addition of Paraflex shock absorbers, it offers greater resistance to shocks and extreme conditions, and is an improvement from the previous calibre 3186, which still runs the GMT-Master II range.

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4. Rolex made a special bracelet for it, instead of using the existing one.

Yet another difference with the Reference 216570 is the bracelet. The new model came with solid centre links and clasp, and features the Easylink system exclusive to Rolex. It allows the wearer to extend the last link by 5mm for greater comfort.br

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5. It can be used as a solar compass.

And like a true adventure watch, it doesn’t only tell time. The Rolex Explorer II (and the GMT-Master II) can be used as a solar compass to help orient the wearer. Simply point the hour hand towards the sun while you hold the watch horizontally.

The orange 24-hour hand will indicate the north in the northern hemisphere, and south in the southern hemisphere. Both the regular and 24-hour display must be set to local time.