Rolex - Explorer and Explorer II, new models 2021

0 0 Wednesday, 7 April 2021 Edit this post

Rolex presented today the new 2021 generations of its Explorer and Explorer II models.

At 36 mm, the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer returns to the size of the original model launched in 1953, just after the first ascent to the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May that year wearing their Explorer watches.

The new-generation Explorer is released in Oystersteel as well as in yellow Rolesor (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold).

Protected by a virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal, the black dial is now lacquered but still characterised by the recognizable 3, 6, 9 numerals and hour markers that, just like the hands, emit an intense blue glow produced by the Chromalight luminescent material. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.

The new-generation Explorer is equipped with calibre 3230, a 4 Hz (28,800 vph) self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was introduced in 2020. Calibre 3230 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. Its power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.

The Rolex Explorer 36 mm in Oystersteel (ref. 124270) has a price of Euro 6,100 while the two-tone version in Oystersteel and yellow gold (ref. 124273) retails at Euro 10,350.

Rolex is also introducing the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II. This new model comes in a 42 mm Oystersteel case with the possibility to choose between a white or a black dial. Both are lacquered and characterised by the distinctive orange 24-hour hand allowing the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours, or to show a second time zone, in combination with the engraved fixed bezel.

On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers and the hands are black-coated using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) resulting in a nice matt finish. Like the Explorer, also the Explorer II features a Chromalight display for enhanced readability in poor light conditions. The sapphire crystal is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date.

Although the changes might not be so evident, both the case and the bracelet have been redesigned to enhance the visual balance and coherence with the other models of the brand.

The new-generation Explorer II is equipped with the 4 Hz self-winding calibre 3285, also incorporating the Chronergy escapement and the blue Parachrom hairspring. The autonomy is approximately 70 hours.

The Rolex Explorer II 42 mm in Oystersteel ref. 226570, either with a white or a black dial, has a price of Euro 8,150.

Like all Rolex watches, the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Explorer II carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Thanks to their screwed-down Twinlock winding crown, the watches are waterproof to a depth of 100 metres / 330 feet. rolex.com