Luxury Steel Sport Watches - Rolex Explorer 2 Review | 4-Star Rating

My initiation into the world of luxury timepieces began in November 2021 with the acquisition of the Rolex Explorer 2, a timepiece that epitomizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship and functionality in steel sport watches. Securing this horological gem brand new came at a premium of SGD 17,000, a price tag that surpassed the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) by about SGD 4,000, leading me to opt for purchase from a reputable grey dealer, given the stringent requirements for direct purchase from an Authorized Dealer (AD).

Quick Take

Predicting Rolex's releases is notoriously difficult, but on special occasions like its 50th anniversary, the brand often surprises us. Recently, Rolex introduced an updated version of the Explorer II ref. 216570, celebrating the model's five decades of existence. This new iteration brings significant technical improvements while preserving the watch's adventurous spirit.

Bezel and Caliber

The bezel maintains its classic brushed stainless steel look with recessed and blackened 24-hour graduations, a design element reminiscent of the original Explorer II 1655 from 1971. The case, which appears to have been slimmed down for 2021, retains its iconic 42mm size. Rolex typically reserves larger case sizes for its more rugged tool watches, such as the 43mm Sea-Dweller and the 44mm Deepsea. Inside the case beats the new in-house caliber 3285, a movement also found in the GMT-Master II. This movement, an upgrade for the Explorer II, boasts impressive features like the Chronergy escapement, a 70-hour power reserve, a blue Parachrom balance spring, and Paraflex shock absorbers. In essence, this movement offers greater efficiency, accuracy, durability, and longer intervals between winding.

One notable aspect is that the bezel remains stainless steel instead of ceramic, a decision that many expected but one that preserves the watch's authentic character. While the overall appearance may seem unchanged at first glance, there are subtle refinements, such as potentially slimmer proportions and thinner lugs, suggesting a more streamlined design similar to last year's Submariner update.

Designs

The watch comes in classic matte black and polar white dials, paired with the familiar brushed oyster bracelet featuring the Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension system. Notably, the new black dial variant features all-white gold hands, a departure from the previous reference, which had blackened hands. Both dials now include a fully orange GMT hand, while the polar dial retains fully blackened hour, minute, and seconds hands.

Unlike the previous generation, where Rolex created a new movement for the 42mm case, the brand has ingeniously fitted the existing caliber 3285 into this watch without the need for a new caliber. This movement, introduced in 2018 in the GMT-Master II, provides an enhanced power reserve of 70 hours. The inclusion of a small Rolex coronet between "Swiss" and "Made" signifies this upgrade, offering enthusiasts a timepiece that combines Rolex's iconic design with modern enhancements.

The latest iteration of the Rolex Explorer II, the ref. 215670, honors the watch's 50-year legacy with a blend of new features and familiar design elements that capture the essence of this iconic timepiece.

Key Specifications:

• Brand: Rolex

• Model: Explorer II

• Reference Number: 226570

• Diameter: 42mm

• Thickness: 12.5mm

• Case Material: Oystersteel

• Dial Color: Available in black or white

• Indexes: Applied markers

• Lume: Chromalight for enhanced visibility in low light

• Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters

• Strap/Bracelet: Brushed Oyster bracelet for durability and comfort

The bezel maintains its signature brushed stainless steel appearance with blackened, recessed 24-hour graduations, a nod to the design of the original Explorer II 1655 from 1971. This classic style has evolved over the years, with the latest update staying true to its roots.

Inside the 42mm case beats the new in-house caliber 3285, a movement previously reserved for the GMT-Master II. This upgrade brings enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and a power reserve of up to 70 hours, thanks to features like the Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom balance spring, and Paraflex shock absorbers.

The new Explorer II maintains its iconic look and feel, with subtle refinements that enhance its functionality and appeal. Whether you're an explorer at heart or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570 is a timepiece that's sure to impress.

Powering the watch is the renowned Caliber 3285, a movement celebrated for its precision and reliability. With a power reserve of 70 hours, this automatic movement boasts a 4 Hz frequency and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, meeting Rolex's stringent standards for accuracy and performance.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the Explorer 2 serves as an ideal entry point into the realm of luxury sports watches. I would confidently award this purchase a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

However, after two years of ownership, the watch's accuracy began to falter, necessitating a visit to the service center. It is worth noting that Rolex offers a 5-year guarantee, providing peace of mind to owners of their exquisite timepieces.