Starting in the 1930s, Rolex began equipping numerous expeditions with Oyster Perpetual watches. The feedback received was used to develop so-called specialty categories: watches as tools, such as the Explorer and Explorer II. Rolex watches have been involved in some of humanity’s greatest adventures. One of them was the 1953 expedition to Mount Everest led by Sir John Hunt, where Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first men to summit the world’s highest peak.
Launched in 1953, the Explorer distinguishes itself with its simple design and highly legible black dial with large hour markers and characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals. It is a tool watch that shows the time accurately regardless of the situation. The Chromalight display makes the dial easy to read even in the dark. Today, the Explorer is the same size as the original model, at 36 mm.
The Explorer II was launched in 1971 in the same spirit as the Explorer, continuing Rolex’s special relationship with the Explorer. Thanks to its 24-hour display that includes an additional orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish between day and night – a practical option in places where it is difficult to tell day from night, such as in the polar regions at certain times of the year, and in caves – or to read the time in a second-time zone.
The Explorer collection of watches has evolved to meet the needs of explorers, becoming more robust and reliable each time. The Explorer is available in Oyster steel or yellow Rolesor versions (combining Oyster steel and gold), while the Explorer II is made entirely in Oyster steel. Developed especially for Rolex, Oyster steel is a unique alloy with outstanding resistance to corrosion.
Both models are equipped with the Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness. It is equipped with the Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm easily.
As with all Rolex watches, the Explorer and Explorer II are Super Chronometer certified. This designation certifies that each watch that leaves the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its standards. The status of the Super Chronometer is symbolized by the green seal on each Rolex watch and is backed by a five-year international guarantee.
The Rolex Explorer will forever be one of the essential sports watches that changed the world. Worn by some of the world’s greatest mountaineers, climbers, scientists and environmentalists, the romantic spirit of this robust watch still captures the imagination.
