History of the Rolex Explorer II
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Check out the Rolex Explorer II over at Chronext:
www.chronext.com/rolex/explor...
History of the Rolex Explorer II - The Best Luxury Sports Watch
The first Rolex Explorer II was launched in 1971 with the Reference 1655 and there have been 5 versions of the Explorer II:
Ref. 1655
Launched in 1971
Diameter: 39mm
Movement: Cal. 1575 automatic
Function: 24hr hand
Accuracy: COSC
Lume: Tritium
WR: 100m
Dial: Black
Ref. 16550
Launched in 1985
Diameter: 40mm
Movement: Cal. 3085 automatic
Function: GMT/ Second Time Zone
Accuracy: COSC
Lume: Tritium
WR: 100m
Dial: Black or White
Ref. 16570
Launched in 1989
Diameter: 40mm
Movement: Cal. 3185 / 3186 automatic
Function: GMT/ Second Time Zone
Accuracy: COSC
Lume: Tritium / Luminova / Super Luminova
WR: 100m
Dial: Black or White
Ref. 216570
Launched in 2011
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Cal. 3187 automatic
Function: GMT/ Second Time Zone
Accuracy: COSC
Lume: Chromalight
WR: 100m
Dial: Black or White
Ref. 226570
Launched in 2021
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Cal. 3285 automatic
Function: GMT/ Second Time Zone
Accuracy: COSC
Lume: Chromalight
WR: 100m
Dial: Black or White
#Rolex #Explorer #BarkAndJack
Пікірлер: 267
Check out the Rolex Explorer II over at Chronext: www.chronext.com/rolex/explorer-ii?
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
@@db9071 I've never spoken about the history of the explorer II before.
@jamesh1124
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack good video. I enjoyed it
@johna797
2 жыл бұрын
Love your stuff mate, but I’m not down with promoting propping up the grey market dealers pushing these things for north of 14k. They’re great watches, I’m waiting for one from my AD but I’ll continue to wait for as long as this nonsense continues.
@alichehab5804
2 жыл бұрын
Great vid
@alichehab5804
2 жыл бұрын
Another great video Adrian!
So happy that you told us how the features of the original served a purpose for spelunkers, like the 24 hour hand, busy dial, tritium and odd hour plots. Very informative. I used to not care about the original Explorer II, now i am obsessed.
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
I was the same. And now I really want one.
I genuinely love your videos. I’ve started getting into the watch game a few months ago and this has been my go to channel to just see new things and have fun. I love how passionate you are about this. Sending love from Egypt🇪🇬
Some amazing b-roll here on account of an incredible on-location shoot. Nicely done, Adrian!
Very well done video Adrian. Many thanks. Great that you had the opportunity to do the cave tour in Switzerland. Cheers from Montana. 👍⌚️🏔🌲
Always top notch from you, Adrian. So stoked to see the product being enjoyed! 🙏🏼👊🏼
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Rocking the tshirt today too! Great stuff.
@standardh_
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack Awesome! Cheers, buddy!
What an incredible way to showcase this watch and its history. Absolutely great video.
The Explorer II 16570 was my grail for a long time, and it still tugs at me from time to time. However, once I tried the Grand Seiko GMTs…
@user-xh5pi2nf9q
2 жыл бұрын
You made the better purchase
This is such an amazing video - Thank you Adrian 👍
Adrian, your videos are such a breath of fresh air among all the nastiness and backbiting we currently see on some of the other watch channels. Keep up the good work!
@fredlarke3806
2 жыл бұрын
@Bark and jack Hey, thanks for selecting me as a winner, but I have no idea how to inbox a telegram name (?!). Please clarify Thanks Fred Larke
Great content. Love your videos. Your knowledge is outstanding. Keep them coming!
Great call out. Picked up the 226570 black dial from my AD a couple weeks ago and I love the fact that it’s more of the outsiders Rolex. Keep the Explorer II content coming!
With a great sponsor, what can be produced is amazing. Best to you Adrian!
Nice one Adrian mate - great watch and great video as ever!!!
I love the Explorer II Polar dial! Great video, thanks for the awesome content as always!
I took my Explorer 2 up Scafell Pike and into the cathedral cave in the lakes last year! - I love that white dial the most it jumps right off the wrist at you!
Amazing production value.. I hope you keep getting sponsors to make videos like this..
Amazing video and just enhances my love for this watch. Hopefully get the call soon 🙌🏻
great content as always adrian! beautiful timepiece! greetings from australia!
Hi Adrian, congratulations for your videos! Is this latest, you have talked about watches for every professional excepts for the Sea Captains! Don’t you forget where are the chronometers coming from/why were they designed for? How the seafarers we have been calculating, roughly, the longitude at sea just with an almanac and a watch! Today, still, every Ship’s Bridge is equipped with a chronometer as part of the equipment. I am a fan of Ulysse-Nardin and Arnold & Son. Just a suggestion, no pressure. Love your videos and share your passion for these instruments! Keep up the good job! Cheers!
oh YES! I said i wanted more of this last time, so thank you!
What an incredible video! Rolex and Tudor are gonna have a field day over this
Adrian, top notch content here. The cave filming was simply awesome! 👏 I will not be able to afford a 1655. I would be quite happy though with a 1999 16570 polar dial with’Swiss’ at the 6 o’clock. Looking forward to seeing your exposé on the three most recent versions.
Incredible work mate. When's this collab happening... 👀
Great video again, absolutely love mine and love the ethos behind the watch. Refreshing it’s not all about the “popular” sports Rolex models.
I love my 216570. It is the adventurer's choice. Reinhold Messner is one of the greatest mountaineers ever, and one of hie nicknames is "Mr. Orange Hand" due to his continued use of an Explorer II. Ed Viesturs is one of the greatest American mountaineers ever and he has worn an Explorer II on most of his summits. The Explorer II is a brilliant watch that embodies the spirit of adventure.
Excellent video and review. Great to get outside and review the watch in the wild. Much better than the traditional you tube stuff. Well done on your behalf for trying something a bit different - keep up the great work.
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. 🙌🏻
Thx Andrew. Great vid + content. Get going on
Brilliant watch, and on my grail list. Thanks for sharing mate.
Well done. I own the new Polar Explorer and love it.
Adrian: I always struggle to use the full capacity of my GMT function - for example I never knew the 24 hour hand up/down: night/day tip - thanks for that !! I also heard that you can tell the compass points with a GMT? Can you do a video to detail all the various options and use methods for the GMTs?
Another great video Adrian!
Stunning video and very informative 👍🏻
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim 👍🏻
Favorite Rolex (polar Exp II). Great watch for quick glance- extremely readable for my old eyes. 39 would fit my wrist better but I’ve gotten used to the larger case.
Such an under rated piece… it’s my first and only Rolex. Love the content by the way!
@andyplace1785
2 жыл бұрын
@Lee exactly what I was thinking…lol
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
@Lee It certainly doesn't get the same level of love as the Sub, GMT or Daytona.
@andyplace1785
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack If the explorer 2 are sold out everywhere and waitlisted for years, and every Explorer 2 watch produced is essentially sold immediately, then it would just come down to how many of the watches are produced by Rolex each year. If they are produced in the same number as the submariner, Daytona, etc. and the number of pieces sold each year are the same, I would say they are not underrated at all. Maybe they just aren’t covered by as many KZreadrs or marketed as much, but certainly the demand is there and the people don’t think it’s under rated. This would be really cool to see this kind of data, how many of each model is sold each year. If you know where this can be found I would love to take a look! Nice video by the way Adrian love you videos!
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
@@andyplace1785 I agree, it would be fascinating to see a breakdown of units made, units sold vs popularity. I've started a podcast which will be launching next weekend. One of the episodes we go into data on Rolex vs the swiss watch industry and it's scary to size and power of Rolex. One stat that stood out was, that Rolex is responsible for over 28% of the entire Swiss watch industry turnover, omega is 2nd at something like 12-14%. Rolex plays this "rare" card while dominating the industry by an insane amount.
@andyplace1785
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack over 28%?! Wow, now that is crazy. I’ll definitely check out that podcast
Thanks for the educational video about the explorer ii. The white explorer is a grail of mine.
Another incredible video😀
Great video man ! Trying to get on a waiting list for the new explorer II polar dial for my dad at the moment! Looking fwd to your new vid comparing the last 3 models !
@JoeComfort585
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve been in a wait list for this watch for 2.5 years. I won’t hold my breath. I’m willing to bet the guy at the store just put the paper in the garbage when I walked out.
@chops6890
2 жыл бұрын
@@JoeComfort585 I managed to get one last month after a year wait which was a year after an AirKing purchase
@troogroove9318
2 жыл бұрын
You can get one tomorrow in Dubai and pay in Us Dollars so you do pay less. Just remember that when it is sent to you, you will have to pay the Vat
@jamesh1124
2 жыл бұрын
@@JoeComfort585 what did you buy from them to get on the list? I bought a ladies date just and got the polar 4 months later so fingers crossed you get yours soon
@JoeComfort585
2 жыл бұрын
@@jamesh1124 I was not asked to buy anything. They don’t have a single Rolex to buy. I don’t mind buying a different Rolex but they don’t ever have any.
My absolute favorite daily watch
Great video as always, superb filming. I love the Explorer 2 but let's face it if you were going caving (and it's not for a video) youd wear something a)cheap that you wouldn't devalue by thousands of pounds when you knocked it into a rock and b)battery powered with an illuminating screen. Anyway I've got a idea that I'm working with Rolex on, it's the Septictank master. Sh!t resistant to 100ft with a Wipe clean strap! With a bit of clever marketing and it will not be available in ADs soon! Really enjoyed the vid by the way.
Great video as always! Totally agree with the tool watch point.
More of these kinds of videos please
I took my 2003 Explorer ll 16570, black dial, up Snowdon last summer. It kept perfect time and got me back down just as the pubs were opening. I purchased it new 21 years ago and I’ve never been late for anything since. 🥂
Just a spectacular video.
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. 🙌🏻
Beautiful photography mate! Feeling jealous :D
Epic work on this edit my man, colour grading, cuts, compositions, insane. We need to get another trip like this organised ASAP 💥🌏
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Harrison, and thanks for helping with the shooting. We 100% need to do it again.
Am a subscriber. Love the channel. Great video. And agree with all the points. About 2m ago went to get one of the explorer 2's ......the dealer experience was awful. "We aren't taking names." "Have you bought from us before." "We might get one in a year." 3 different dealers..one of which is very popular for these. Just not an experience I plan to repeat in the rest of my life (Rolex lost me and my family based on this.....and our friends via word of mouth...so perhaps 100 sales or more..they just don't get it). Went to a local GS dealer. He had an SBGJ255. It is the GS version of the explorer 2. Lighter and more scratch resistant (special TI). Limitted edition of 1200 globally. Was able to buy it at a very nice price. It has lost 12 seconds in 16 weeks total...it is a high beat (36,000) auto movement with true GMT functionality...which is frankly remarkable accuracy. 100m. Ti. And superior polishing/finish IMHO to any of the Rolex's I saw in the dealer's case (that were not for sale of course...). Amazing lume and a 44gs case so very interesting to look at from any angle...haut design. In the end, I might get an explorer 2 someday...but between this GS and a Steinhardt 1655 I have had for years at 39mm, there is no need now and that dealer interaction was just awful. Rolex watches are not cheap. Rolex in my opinion needs to show buyers a lot more respect.....some of us only can afford one watch or perhaps 2....and they need to understand that the charity they represent and its mission is not something that would smile at how they market things which is elitist to the nth degree. They should tell dealers no mark-ups or no watches. Period. And if they find a grey market watch they trace the SN back and shut that dealer down for 5 years. Done. Great video and glad you are happy...but to me, the best watch is first off one that you can buy. Rolex watches are not magical things...they are mass produced to a very remarkable level of precision but they are not handmade pieces like the GS...and to that end I have no regrets. I suspect if you had purchased the SNBJ255 and not the 9f you'd have stayed with the GS....it is a much more special watch. Someone put it together and polished it to a level not seen in Swiss watches until you cross over the 50k or 100k pricepoint if then....it is silly good. That in the end has me sold on the GS and why I wear it and stare at it and know it is keeping statistically better time than a Rolex too. Three times the watch as half price street....go figure.
enjoyed the episode again .. didn't know about Harry wearing them. i feel as much as part of the family as he does now :)
Awesome video, Adrian, and props to Harrison too for sticking out the cold with you guys. Unrelated ask: please start delivering to the rest of the EU, I keep drooling 🤤 over your straps and can't yet get them.
Awesome video!
I remember around 2008, back in Cyprus, my mother's cousin was wearing a 1655 and I commented on it. He told me how the Rolex service guy told him "it's old, I can replace it with a new model if you want!" I showed him the (then) prices of the used 1655 and retail of the 16570. He wasn't happy haha
Great vid!
It’s interesting that the 1655 has a bogus association with Steve McQueen when it was actually worn by one of the greatest mountaineers in history, Reinhold Messner. A truly remarkable human being who was the first person to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen. It was also worn by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmond, and an epic mountaineer in his own right. The 1655 doesn’t look like any other Rolex ever produced it’s my absolute favourite.
@thefollandgnat
2 жыл бұрын
No, but it now looks just like the Tudor Black Bay Pro :(
Great video!
No shit man… had no idea. Killer content!!!!
WOW, phenomenal video!! The only 2 Rolex I still own 216570 polar & 214270 mII, what a pair¡!!!
crazy video. need you to do this with EVERY HISTORICAL TIMEPIECE ever lol. next? gmt master 2 root beer?
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
I’d love to do that 👍🏻
Never heard of Chronext, but I’m going to check them out after the video :)
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Good plan. 👍🏻
I’ve had my B&J nato strap on today, definitely the comfiest strap I’ve ever had.
I've always loved the previous generation Explorer II. I truly regret not buying one when they were the most affordable of the Rolex sports watch line. They, like all of Rolex, have now gone out of reach.
@atl3630
2 жыл бұрын
The prices are falling quickly
@lettuce1305
Жыл бұрын
@@atl3630 even if grey market prices are falling, they still hold up quite well. The previous gen 16570 could be quite collectible given the classic size and even the newer 216570 or 226570 are trading not too much higher than retail price, which isn't the case like some models that trade 2-3x retail. The retail price would provide some floor to the pricing. Unless the whole watch market tanks, I don't ever see the Explorer 2 trading 20% below their retail price.
Great video
Thanks Adrian 👍
The only thing going spelunking is my portfolio. Great video!!
Great vid
Love this watch! I have a white dial Hamilton khaki field which will have to suffice though (and it does so with aplomb) 🙂
Amazing video, congratulations Adrian. I hate the fake origin story of the Explorer but I really like your Explorer love :D
What music do you use on your videos?
Spelunkingly good…👌
So you had the bracket and the nato with you, and swapped them on site to shoot both options? Legend!!
So awesome! This is the Rolex to have imo. Some are just too pretentious. The older of the 2 looks perfectly understated and just the right size. Much prefer the size of the hands too and the more subtle red over the orange.
Iconic model no doubt
This is my favourite Rolex!
Wish the newer ones were just a tad smaller
@LiveCustoms
2 жыл бұрын
Same
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
I agree, both the case and bracelet would be perfect if they were slightly smaller, and thinner.
@damachine3
2 жыл бұрын
I like the heftier wrist presence. Feels more tooly and purpose built to me. 42mm is also a sweet spot for me. I love my Sky-Dwellers. I realize I may be in the minority, but I love it the way it is.
@christiangregory9315
2 жыл бұрын
I wish they were available at retail.
@damachine3
2 жыл бұрын
@@christiangregory9315 I got one earlier this year. Show your passion and stay in touch with your local AD...and be patient. It will happen in time.
As a proud owner of an Explorer II (black face) I can certainly agree with most of your statement. Thanks for the great video!
I like the nato strap, (8:15)where did you get it?
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, it’s our Tubular Nylon Nato strap barkandjack.com/products/grey-nato-strap
I love the Explorer 1 & 2. Hope to own one eventually ( been looking for an Explorer 1 for years now). While I think they are affectionately called "tool watches" I think we have to be real. Very rarely will anyone, who actually performs the jobs these were designed, actually wears this watch for that purpose. The job can be better done with a specially designed "smart-ish" watch, or actual wrist computer. If someone is a purest and just wants a watch... it'd be done by a gshock.
Thanks!
I want one too now 😍😍
I myself purchased a Rolex Explorer II 226570 (Polar Dial) new from my local AD in June 2021. I previously owned a Rolex Explorer II 16570 (Also Polar Dial) and had to have the 50th anniversary model when it was released. I have also thought the Rolex Explorer II is the best Rolex in the range. I bought a Rolex submariner 124060 (Time Only) in May this year just to own one. However if I am honest I am a Explorer II fan. In my opinion I’m is the under dog, it has the same movement now as the hard to get Pepsi GMT, Stainless Steel Case, easy to ready dial, Date and GMT time zone. Is the best all round watch and I am glad it wasn’t hyped and people haven’t Cauchy on yet. Helped me get the new model. Love it to this day and I will always say is the “Best” Rolex in the range in my honest opinion.
Adrian where you get that gear ratio baseball cap? It’s cool!
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
It’s from www.standard-h.com
@johncottrell2479
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack thank you
Just wanted to say that I received my green NATO strap this morning for my Seiko 009…..very happy with the strap…..very comfortable…….so thanks very much
Anyone know the gray strap he's wearing with his personal explorer 2? I want that exact one lol
@BarkandJack
11 ай бұрын
Hi Gavin, it's this strap here, the Tubular Nylon in grey: barkandjack.com/collections/tubular-nylon-1/products/grey-nato-strap?variant=38060826624175 For the latest version of the Explorer 2, you need the 22mm size. Cheers, Adrian
@gavin1469
11 ай бұрын
@@BarkandJack Thank you very much!
I agree with explorer I and II being the only tool watches, I would argue to add seadweller under that
Bought my 16570 polar dial back in 2005 and not until 10 years later I purchased the 214270 Explorer I. I like them both but have a soft spot for my Explorer II. By the way, I've never gone spelunking nor climbed the K2 but that's okay.
Does anyone have any info on where the nylon strap is from ?
@BarkandJack
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Ned, it’s one of my own straps, our Tubular Nylon strap in grey barkandjack.com/products/grey-nato-strap
@nedweston8861
2 жыл бұрын
@@BarkandJack Thanks, looks great. Do you need anything else to attach it?
Spectacular views inside that cave, there!!
My favorite Rolex. Black dial. The last true sports tool watch they make and hopefully never change it.
Beautiful watch, but I prefer the Explorer I. By the way, my explorer would like to get a B&J 18mm shell cordovan strap but I can’t find one .. 😭 thanks for the video.
So wish Rolex had brought out a 50th anniversary 1655 but as well as a black dial also with a crème dial like on the 16550.
Where's the follow up video comparing the 3 watches?
Love how Adrian Barker pronounces the Rolexixplrorlrr 2
Hard to disagree with you Adrian when your arguments for the Explorer II were exactly my reasons to get it myself…. That, and Steve McQueen coolness😎
Do you think Rolex will ever release a new model (like an Explorer 3)?
If I were to pick any member of the Royal Family, I would definitely not pick Harry. 😂 great video!
@jonbottomley1412
2 жыл бұрын
out of all the entitled inbreds, he’s the best!
@nsteranka
2 жыл бұрын
why would you be tasked to pick a member of the Royal Family? what would you be doing with them? do tell.
The best and most rugged workhorse in Rolex's stable. I have used E2s since 1976.
The only Rolex I’ve ever wanted. I’ll keep waiting for that call.
Visually, Rolex perfected the Polar Explorer II with the 16570 (dial/lume plots that didn’t turn to lemon cream like the previousl 16550) but screwed up the Explorer I with the squared off applied arabics. Wish Tudor would release a Black Bay 53* as a nod to the 6150/6350 Explorer with the printed dial and rounded arabics. *the Ranger is in the same category but has its own distinctive dial. Basically, just give the BB36 an Explorer dial and a slightly different bezel.
It looks so cool on a nato strap
I would say the Air King is the black sheep of the Rolex line up. It seems like every year people question why it is still part or the line up still but it still rolls on.
Great video! I never liked the 16550 nor the 16570 because I always felt they were cheaper knockoffs of the gmt master line mainly because of the arrow but also because of the case and dial. About the only difference was the bezel and some writing on the dial, otherwise just a copy/paste! I ended up getting the 216570 in 2013 and i have worn it ever since. Arguably the most tool watch of all in the RLX line.