Rolex Explorer II - Historical Legacy and Evolution | Bob's Watches

Rolex Explorer II - Historical Legacy and Evolution | Bob's Watches With the option to use it as a day/night indicator or as a dual time zone tool, the Rolex Explorer II is a member of the brand’s greater Oyster Perpetual family, featuring a waterproof Oyster case, a self-winding ‘Perpetual’ movement, and the recognizable Cyclops date magnifier at 3 o’clock. The model first launched in 1971, almost 20 years after the original Rolex Explorer honored the achievement of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzig Norgay successfully reaching the summit of Mount Everest. The Rolex Explorer II was an extension of its ancestor’s rugged exteriors, legible dial, and shock-resistant mechanical movement, albeit in a more complex and bolder design. The models from this collection feature a fixed bezel adorned with a 24-hour scale and an AM/PM indicator displayed by an easily-readable 24-hour hand. This sophisticated blend of functions makes it a useful tool for mountaineering, caving, and outdoor exploration, as well as a daily timekeeper for pairing with smart and casual attire. The first Rolex Explorer II was crafted from a 39mm steel case and housed the Calibre 1575 at its heart. Nicknamed "Freccione" (Italian for “arrow”), it featured a bright orange 24-hour hand, a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, and 24 lume plots on the hour markers for use both as a 12-hour and 24-hour dial. Despite never having worn one, the reference 1655 Rolex Explorer models were also named “Steve McQueen” watches. D