The Rolex Explorer II, affectionately known as the "探二" (tàn èr) in Mandarin, stands as a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to exploration and robust timekeeping. Since the 1930s, Rolex has been intimately involved in expeditions, providing timepieces for polar and mountaineering adventures, rigorously testing their capabilities in the harshest environments imaginable. The Oyster Perpetual Explorer and its sibling, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, are enduring symbols of this rich history, embodying the spirit of adventure and precision engineering that defines the Rolex brand. This article will delve into the fascinating world of the Explorer II, examining its various models, comparing it to its predecessor the Explorer I, and exploring its current market value and desirability.
Explorer and Explorer II: A Tale of Two Explorers
Before understanding the nuances of the Explorer II, it's crucial to appreciate its lineage and its relationship to the original Explorer. The Explorer, first introduced in 1953, was conceived as a tool watch for explorers participating in the British Mount Everest expeditions. Its clean, functional design, featuring a 36mm case and simple three-hand movement, was perfectly suited for the demands of high-altitude mountaineering. Its legibility, robust construction, and reliable performance quickly established it as a legendary timepiece.
The Explorer II, however, took a different path, expanding on the Explorer's functionality to address the specific challenges faced by cave explorers and spelunkers. Introduced in 1971, the Explorer II featured a key differentiating feature: a 24-hour hand. This additional hand, independent of the hour and minute hands, allowed explorers to easily distinguish between day and night in the perpetually dark environments of caves. This seemingly small addition dramatically increased the watch's practical utility for those venturing into subterranean worlds.
The larger 40mm case of the Explorer II, compared to the Explorer's 36mm, provided enhanced wearability and protection for the movement. While the Explorer maintained its clean, minimalist aesthetic, the Explorer II embraced a more utilitarian design, reflecting its purpose in more extreme environments. The contrasting black dial with orange 24-hour hand became a signature design element, readily identifying the watch and enhancing its legibility in low-light conditions.
Rolex Explorer II: Model Variations and Price Points
Over the years, the Explorer II has undergone several iterations, each reflecting advancements in Rolex's horological expertise and evolving design sensibilities. Understanding these variations is crucial for appreciating the history and value of the watch. While pinpointing exact original factory prices across decades requires extensive research in historical catalogs, we can discuss general trends and current market values.
* Reference 1655 (1971-1985): This is the original Explorer II, featuring the distinctive orange 24-hour hand on a matte black dial. The luminous material used on the hands and markers varied over its production run. These early models are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and relatively limited production numbers. Their current market value varies significantly depending on condition, originality, and box/papers.
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