Rolex Explorer II
The explorers’ watch

Oyster Perpetual watches accompanied numerous Himalayan expeditions – including the group that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa were part of when they became the first climbers to reach the summit of Everest on 29 May 1953 – and have been worn by explorers venturing to the far corners of the globe, through deserts, at the poles or in the depths of the Earth. In these often harsh and unfamiliar environments, distinguishing day from night can become impossible. For speleologists, who spend days at a time in darkness, or polar expeditions travelling under the midnight sun or through endless night, the Explorer II, with its 24-hour display, is an essential part of their equipment.

The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and, in the same spirit as the Explorer, perpetuates the privileged relationship Rolex enjoys with exploration. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours – a practical option in places where distinguishing day from night is difficult, such as at the poles at certain times of the year, and in caves – or to read the time in a second time zone.

The Explorer II is an extremely legible watch in all circumstances. The simple high-contrast dial is easy to read even in the dark thanks to the Chromalight display; the hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow.

The Explorer II is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This exclusive designation is issued to each watch leaving the Rolex workshops, attesting to its excellent performance on the wrist. This in-house certification is strictly controlled by internationally recognized, independent Swiss entities.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.