Rolex's commitment to creating robust and reliable timepieces for extreme environments is legendary. While the iconic Explorer model, born from the conquest of Everest in 1953, cemented the brand's reputation for mountaineering excellence, its evolution led to the creation of a more specialized tool watch: the Explorer II. This article delves into the rich history of the Rolex Explorer II, examining its key design features, significant iterations, and the enduring appeal that has made it a coveted piece among adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike.
The Explorer, with its simple, functional design, proved its mettle on the world's highest peaks. However, as exploration expanded into new realms, particularly spelunking and extended cave expeditions, the need for a watch capable of handling even more demanding conditions became apparent. The original Explorer, while incredibly durable, lacked a feature crucial for navigating in low-light conditions: a 24-hour hand. This is where the Explorer II steps onto the stage.
In 1971, Rolex introduced the reference 1655, the first Explorer II. This watch marked a significant departure from its predecessor, incorporating the game-changing 24-hour hand, a feature designed to differentiate day from night, particularly important in environments where the sun's position isn't always visible. This additional hand, coupled with a fixed 24-hour bezel, allowed explorers to track a second time zone or easily distinguish AM from PM, even in complete darkness. The 1655 featured a 36mm Oyster case, a size considered relatively large for the time, reflecting the need for enhanced readability and robustness. The dial design was noticeably different from the original Explorer, showcasing bolder hour markers and hands for improved legibility in challenging conditions. The initial 1655 models sported a matte black dial, but later iterations saw the introduction of a striking orange 24-hour hand, a feature that has since become synonymous with the Explorer II. The movement powering the 1655 was the calibre 1575, a robust and reliable automatic movement capable of withstanding the rigors of extreme environments.
The 1655 quickly gained a reputation as a true adventurer's tool watch, and its popularity among explorers and professionals further cemented Rolex's position as a leading manufacturer of reliable and durable timepieces. The 1655, however, marked only the beginning of the Explorer II's evolution.
Rolex Explorer II: A Timeline of Evolution
* Reference 1655 (1971-1984): The inaugural Explorer II, characterized by its 36mm case, fixed 24-hour bezel, and the iconic orange 24-hour hand (in later productions). This model featured the calibre 1575 movement. Variations within this reference include different dial variations and hand configurations. The 1655 represents the classic, vintage Explorer II and is highly sought after by collectors today.
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