Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II for Sale: The 42mm Explorer 2 in Black & Polar White

The Rolex Explorer II is the professional tool watch built for people who lose track of day and night. Introduced in 1971 for cave explorers and polar expeditions, it pairs a fixed 24-hour bezel with a bright orange 24-hour hand so the wearer can always tell morning from evening, and it has only ever been made in stainless steel. Today the Explorer 2 is one of the most distinctive steel sports models in the Rolex catalog, offered with a black dial or the white "Polar" dial. We buy, sell, and trade the Rolex Explorer II in every condition, from new unworn 2026 examples to used pre-owned watches.

New Unworn & Used Pre-Owned Rolex Explorer II

Three modern generations make up most of the market. The 16570 is the classic 40mm Explorer II produced from 1989 through 2011. The 216570 arrived in 2011 for the model's 40th anniversary with a larger 42mm case, maxi dial, and bold orange hand. The current 226570, released in 2021, keeps the 42mm size with a slimmer case profile and the caliber 3285 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Each reference comes in black or Polar white, and every Explorer II we sell is inspected, authenticated, and photographed in house.

Looking for the time only original? Browse the full Rolex Explorer collection. Want a rotating bezel and a third time zone? See the GMT-Master II. You can also shop all Men's Rolex Watches or Used Rolex Watches.

Every Rolex Explorer II ships fully insured nationwide from our Oak Park, Michigan showroom via FedEx Hold for Pickup at your nearest FedEx location. Call or text 248-422-0909 to check availability or request a specific reference.

Rolex Explorer II FAQ

How much does a Rolex Explorer II cost?

Pricing depends on reference, year, dial, condition, and whether the watch comes with box and papers. Used pre-owned 16570 models typically trade in the $6,000s–$9,000s, 216570 examples generally run $8,000–$11,000, and current production 226570 watches, especially new unworn 2026 pieces, usually land between $9,500 and $14,000.

What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer and the Explorer II?

The Explorer is a time only watch in 36mm or 40mm with the famous 3-6-9 dial. The Explorer II is larger at 42mm and adds a date window, a fixed 24-hour bezel, and an orange 24-hour hand that can be set to a second time zone.

What is the difference between the 16570, 216570, and 226570?

The 16570 (1989–2011) is the classic 40mm Explorer II with slimmer lugs. The 216570 (2011–2021) moved to a 42mm maxi case with a bold orange 24-hour hand and larger hands and markers. The 226570 (2021–present) keeps the 42mm size, slims the case and lugs slightly, and upgrades to the caliber 3285 with a 70-hour power reserve.

Black dial or Polar white dial: which Explorer II should I buy?

The white "Polar" dial is the one most collectors associate with the model and usually commands a premium on the secondary market. The black dial is the more understated choice and often the better value. Mechanically the two are identical within each reference.

Explorer II or GMT-Master II?

Both track a second time zone with a 24-hour hand. The Explorer II uses a fixed steel bezel, which makes it tougher and more understated, while the GMT-Master II has a rotating two color ceramic bezel that can track a third time zone. The Explorer II is typically the more affordable of the two.

Is the Rolex Explorer II a good investment?

The Explorer 2 has historically been one of the most affordable ways into a steel professional Rolex, which has left room for appreciation as collectors rediscover the model. Discontinued 16570 and 216570 examples have held value well, and the modern 226570 benefits from constrained supply at retail. As with any watch, condition, originality, and box and papers drive long term value.

Is it safe to buy a used Rolex Explorer II online from My Watch LLC?

Yes. Every watch we sell goes through a rigorous multi-point inspection before it ever leaves our showroom: authentication by our in-house experts, timekeeping accuracy testing, and pressure testing to verify water resistance. My Watch LLC is a Chrono24 Certified dealer, an eBay Top Rated Seller, and a trusted seller on Reddit's Rolex community, with over 800 five-star Google reviews and nearly 300 Trustpilot reviews. We're not just an online storefront. We operate a physical showroom in Oak Park, Michigan, and we're happy to hop on FaceTime or a video call to show you any timepiece in hand before you buy. Every order ships fully insured via FedEx Hold for Pickup at your nearest FedEx location, so your watch is never left on a doorstep. Questions? Call or text 248-422-0909.

Do you buy and trade Rolex Explorer II watches?

Yes. We buy, sell, and trade every generation of the Explorer II daily, with or without box and papers. If you have one to sell or want to trade toward another piece, start on our Sell My Rolex page for a fast, competitive offer or call/text 248-422-0909.

Can you source a specific year, dial, or full set?

Absolutely. If you are hunting a particular production year, an unpolished 16570, or a complete set with box and papers, reach out through our contact page or call or text 248-422-0909 and we'll track it down.

Complete Reference Index: Rolex Explorer II

1655 (1971–1985): 39mm; the original Explorer II with the large orange 24-hour hand.
16550 (1985–1989): 40mm transitional reference; first with a sapphire crystal and the first offered in both black and white dials.
16570 (1989–2011): 40mm, calibers 3185/3186; the longest running Explorer II reference, in black and Polar white.
216570 (2011–2021): 42mm maxi case, caliber 3187, orange 24-hour hand, in black and Polar white.
226570 (2021–present): 42mm, caliber 3285, 70-hour power reserve; the current production Explorer II, in black and Polar white.