Revolution
Tooled Up: The Rolex Explorer II Reference 1655
A slow burner in terms of its popularity and, therefore, less ubiquitous than some other models, Revolution takes a look at the five iterations of the Rolex Explorer 2.
Results for Rolex Explorer 2
2,506 articles · 66 videos found · page 1 of 86
Revolution
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 Rolex Explorer Alternatives In 2026
Another Friday, another list. This week, we picked a Rolex that many of us praise as one of the brand’s best - the Explorer. Introduced in 1953 with its signature 3-6-9 dial, this watch has become a favorite within the enthusiast community. Some of the Fratello team members own one, and I am sure plenty […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Rolex Explorer Alternatives In 2026 to read the full article.
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 Rolex Explorer II Alternatives In 2026
Another Friday, another list. This week, we follow up on last week’s list of the top five Rolex GMT-Master II alternatives with the best alternatives to the Rolex Explorer II. It’s a logical step since the two models offer much of the same functionality. But they are inherently different watches in terms of presence and […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Rolex Explorer II Alternatives In 2026 to read the full article.
Fratello
Why I Could Fall In Love With The Quirky Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570
There’s an odd sort of feeling to taking a Rolex Explorer II into the ocean. Even here, off the rolling waves of Sydney’s eastern beaches, you notice something about this watch that most sports watches I’ve spent time with simply don’t share: it feels in its element. You don’t take a 16570 into the surf […] Visit Why I Could Fall In Love With The Quirky Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 to read the full article.
Fratello
Five Recent Affordable Alternatives To The Rolex Explorer For 2025
The Rolex Explorer is one of those classics that will never go out of style. Unfortunately, it is also a rather costly watch that certainly does not fit every enthusiast’s budget. Today, I want to take a look at some recent affordable alternatives to the Rolex Explorer. How do you scratch that itch without scratching […] Visit Five Recent Affordable Alternatives To The Rolex Explorer For 2025 to read the full article.
Video
I Went to Buy a Rolex Explorer... I Bought My FIRST Cartier Instead!
I went to London on my birthday to buy a Rolex Explorer 36 — and came home with a discontinued Cartier Santos 100 instead. This is the full story of a day spent watch shopping across London, including hands-on with...
Monochrome
The Evergreens – The History of the Rolex Explorer II, The Ultimate Adventure Watch by The Crown
Born in 1953 as a tool watch for mountaineering, the original Explorer (a.k.a Explorer I) is a rugged, time-only piece for just about any occasion. Although relatively unchanged at its core, the Explorer has seen many updates with a dozen or so reference numbers in its 70+ years of existence. The Rolex Explorer II launched […]
Fratello
“A Great Deal Of Rough Treatment” - When The Rolex Explorer 1016 Went Caving
This is a story of pioneering adventurers. It is a tale about a group of expert cave divers that may never have surfaced if not for the tireless efforts of volunteers at the Oxford University Cave Club. It was also an opportunity for the watch brand Rolex to test out its Explorer 1016 on the […] Visit “A Great Deal Of Rough Treatment” - When The Rolex Explorer 1016 Went Caving to read the full article.
Fratello
Exploring Evergreens: The Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270
In this series called Exploring Evergreens, we review watches that have been around for over a decade - or long enough to feel ubiquitous - and ask ourselves whether they have managed to stand the test of time. We’ll address whether they’re still relevant, how they feel today, and, ultimately, if they’re worth their current […] Visit Exploring Evergreens: The Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270 to read the full article.
Fratello
This Monday Morning, I Realized I Should Have Bought The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570 Instead Of The White One
The original Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 1655 that debuted in 1971 is probably my favorite Rolex watch of all time. I wish I’d felt the same in the mid-1980s when you could pick up an unloved “Freccione” at a huge discount. Unfortunately, I only started warming up to the Explorer II with its steel […] Visit This Monday Morning, I Realized I Should Have Bought The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570 Instead Of The White One to read the full article.
Fratello
Exploring Evergreens: The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570
In our series Exploring Evergreens, we have a look at watches that have been around for some time. These are watches that have stood the test of time to become archetypes, sometimes even icons. Today, I am covering the Rolex Explorer ref. 16570 in the black-dial execution. This is the most worn watch in my […] Visit Exploring Evergreens: The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570 to read the full article.
Video
Stretchrepair 1966s Rolex Jubilee Steel Bracelet - Period Correct Refinish #rolex #restoration
1966s Rolex GMT-MASTER Folded Jubilee Steel Bracelet Restoration done 🤩🍾🎉
Worn & Wound
The Rolex Explorer Welcomes New 40mm Case
Just a few short years ago, Rolex surprised all of us by returning the Explorer to its 36mm roots, after a relatively short stint at 39mm. I discuss that move and the watch itself at length in this review of the ever charming 124270. While many lamented the change, there is certainly no shortage of larger sport watches across the Rolex catalog to choose from. This year, Rolex again returns to the Explorer, adding an entirely new size option to live alongside the 36mm case, offering something for everyone with a new Explorer 40 reference 224270. They’ve managed to fix some of the odd proportion issues that plagued the old 39mm 214270 in the process. The new Rolex Explorer 40 at left, existing 36 at right. The Explorer 40 was was one of many new releases from Rolex this year, and largely fell into quiet territory alongside blockbusters like a new Daytona, a titanium Yacht-Master, an entirely new formal range called Perpetual 1908, and a pair of unusually colorful watches in the OP and Day-Date range. But, for fans of the Explorer missing a larger option, this was a momentous release worth celebrating. This simple, perhaps iconic even, Rolex dial is now more accessible to more wrists than ever, and more options are always a good thing in my book. The Explorer 40 is exactly what it sounds like, a slightly scaled up Explorer with the same dial and case design as the 36. Most importantly, the scale and proportions of the 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals, as well as the block hour...
Time+Tide
The Rolex Explorer 40 showcases a new 40mm case
The discontinuation of the 39mm Rolex Explorer was a surprise, and its 36mm replacement, though a return to original sizing, left many wondering what Rolex had up its sleeves. Naturally, the crown had a plan, and it has now come to light in form of the new Rolex Explorer 40. Its simplicity remains untarnished, offering … ContinuedThe post The Rolex Explorer 40 showcases a new 40mm case appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
What happened when a rodeo cowboy’s Rolex Explorer met a 2000lb bull…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Eric Wind is one of the world’s foremost vintage watch experts and the owner of Wind Vintage. In this interview, he tells the amazing tale of how he acquired and restored the Rolex Explorer of rodeo cowboy and bull-riding champion, Gary Leffew – a watch that had an unfortunate run-in with a 2000lb … ContinuedThe post What happened when a rodeo cowboy’s Rolex Explorer met a 2000lb bull… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Rolex Explorer could be your one watch collection for life
Welcome to The Icons, a series where we take a horological deep dive into the most legendary watches of all time. We’ll delve into the story behind the watch, its evolution over the years, famous (and infamous) wearers, the classic references, and the contemporary versions you should be checking out. This week, it’s the Rolex … ContinuedThe post The Rolex Explorer could be your one watch collection for life appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
How I changed my mind about the Rolex Explorer II (and why it now rarely leaves my wrist…)
A long time ago in a land far away (2012 / Canada), I embarked on the journey of watch collecting. I had saved enough to confidently go into the local Rolex authorised dealer and strike up a deal. Ten years ago, you could actually negotiate a discount on some of these watches, which was the … ContinuedThe post How I changed my mind about the Rolex Explorer II (and why it now rarely leaves my wrist…) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Video
Rolex, Patek, & The End of Hype Watches!
The watch industry is finally healing. For years since the pandemic, watch collecting devolved into a toxic, clout-chasing game of who could get an allocation for a Rolex Daytona, Patek Philippe Nautilus, or Audemars...
Time+Tide
DON’T FEED THE HYPE: 3 alternatives to the Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570
It is time for another round of “Don’t Feed the Hype“. As a refresher for those who may not have seen previous entries in the series, my goal is to showcase readily available alternatives that provide a similar essence or merit to watches that have become increasingly unobtainable. It is my hope that these lesser … ContinuedThe post DON’T FEED THE HYPE: 3 alternatives to the Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Cool Tool: The Story of Rolex Explorer II
Cool Tool: The Story of Rolex Explorer II
Time+Tide
TRADING FACES: Why I swapped a birth year Rolex Explorer and Ming 27.01 for my grail watch…
Early on when I joined the Time+Tide team, I wrote a story that detailed how I got my Rolex Submariner. As both a watch collector and journalist, I felt the subject would resonate and, as that became my most read story ever, it would seem I was right. Just to recap: as a 27-year-old, I … ContinuedThe post TRADING FACES: Why I swapped a birth year Rolex Explorer and Ming 27.01 for my grail watch… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The small change that makes a BIG difference to the new Rolex Explorer II 226570
It’s fair to say the Rolex releases last week were simply whelming – neither under or over. The highlight of the 2021 collection was the return of the 36mm Explorer and the first ever Explorer in a two-tone configuration. Many expected big changes for the Explorer II, after all, it is the 50th anniversary of … ContinuedThe post The small change that makes a BIG difference to the new Rolex Explorer II 226570 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Introducing the New Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Following hot on the heels of last year’s super-hot ‘stella’ dial Oyster Perpetual 36, Rolex has relaunched its Explorer in its familiar 36mm guise and has expanded the line with a Rolesor yellow gold and Oystersteel version.
Video
Rare 1966s Rolex GMT-MASTER Restoration - Complete Overhaul #rolex #restoration #watches
Professional Restoration of a 1966s Rolex GMT Master Pepsi - Rolex Reference 1675 with Rolex Caliber 1570.
Revolution
A Half-Century as an Icon: The Rolex Explorer II 50th Anniversary
Rolex celebrates one of its most historically significant lines, the mighty Explorer, as its flagship launch of 2021. Both the Explorer and Explorer 2 have been revisited this year and fans of the venerable tool watches won’t be disappointed.
Time+Tide
VIDEO: The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570 is the unsung hero in the Professional series
Each of the models in the Rolex Professional series is a tool watch made for a man on a mission. While the Submariner and Sea-Dweller are diving watches, the Rolex Explorer II was originally built in 1971 for speleologists or cave explorers who required a sturdy, functional and highly legible watch while working in almost … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570 is the unsung hero in the Professional series appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
This tale of an octopus wrestler’s Rolex Explorer worth $126,000 will change the way you view your watch
Question: How do you catch and wrestle a giant Pacific octopus? The answer, of course, is very, very carefully. That’s according to the Canadian Television Network who reported the extraordinary tale of a veteran octopus wrestler whose 1953 Rolex Explorer sold at a New York auction house last month for $126,000 USD. Bill Hook is … ContinuedThe post This tale of an octopus wrestler’s Rolex Explorer worth $126,000 will change the way you view your watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
HANDS ON: Is the Rolex Explorer II enough of a value proposition to be the Crown’s ultimate tool watch?
Will you fall for the understated charm of the Rolex Explorer II?The post HANDS ON: Is the Rolex Explorer II enough of a value proposition to be the Crown’s ultimate tool watch? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
The Rolex Explorer 39mm Review
Rolex is a brand filled with iconic model lines, from the famed Submariner to the beguiling Daytona. The brand has managed to churn out generations of their core models with only the slightest misstep here and there. One of the most recent miscalculations came out of the Explorer range. A line famous for scaling Mount Everest strapped to the wrist of the courageous Sir Edmond Hillary, braving some of the harshest conditions found on Planet Earth, the Explorer proving to be a reliable companion for such a daring endeavour. So, when it came time for Rolex to modernise the piece, and growing to its current 39mm design, it was somewhat bewildering that the Swiss giant forgot to also scale up the hands of the watch. Fear not however, never one to sit on a mistake for long, Rolex released the mark 2 spec of the newer, larger Explorer, this is the watch featured in this hands-on review. Few dials are as iconic and recognisable as the legendary Explorer 3, 6, 9 configuration. The watch being balanced, and imperfectly asymmetrical all at once, never have I looked down at the dial of the Explorer reference 214270 and thought it looked anything but ideal. At 39mm the increase in case diameter has given the dial room to breathe, the prominent Arabic numerals so synonymous with the Explorer are allowed to stand proud, not interfered with or cramped as they may feel on a lesser case size. There is a brilliance to how the dial is proportioned here, the blackness of the dial creates a...
Video
This Rolex Submariner Shouldn't Exist. (And Why I Love It)
The Rolex Submariner is supposed to be the ultimate, rugged tool watch, a piece of engineering meant to dive to the bottom of the ocean and take a beating. So why does the two-tone Rolex Submariner Serti with sapphire...