Rolex Explorer II Reference Guide

w220 · 2024-01-17T17:49:32Z

Discover why the Rolex Explorer II Polar ref. 226570 is the ultimate daily 'beater' watch. W220 reviews its accuracy, power reserve, and robust design.

w220

WPS member · Rolex forum

8 replies5602 views10 photos

In this insightful article, w220, a seasoned collector, shares his detailed rationale for choosing the Rolex Explorer II Polar ref. 226570 as his new daily wear. His personal experience highlights the critical features that make a luxury timepiece truly functional and resilient for everyday life, offering valuable considerations for anyone seeking a robust 'beater' watch. w220's deep dive into the Explorer II's performance and design elements provides a compelling case for its enduring appeal as a true tool watch.

My Patek Aquanaut 5167A has been my daily go-to, do anything watch for over 10 years, but recently I somehow managed to beat it up too much, and the hour hand got knocked out of position (I still have no idea exactly how this happened). With the Aquanaut now out of commission until I can get it serviced, I’ve been looking for a new daily beater watch. And I think I found it: Enter the Rolex Explorer II Polar, ref 226570.

The Explorer II may be the last true tool watch from Rolex. All the others are either dress/office type, or has a ceramic bezel. The Explorer II still has the brushed metal bezel, giving it a distinct look and feel in the Rolex lineup.

So what am I looking for in a daily beater watch?

If it’s going to be on my wrist for a long time, average daily accuracy is important. Rolex rates the 3285 movement to +2/-2 seconds per day, but mine seems to be slightly more accurate than that. With the face up at night when not wearing it, it gains around 1 second a day. Resting on the side with the crown down position at night, it loses perhaps around 0.5 seconds per day. Hence I can easily switch between face up and rest at crown down, and make it almost 100% accurate over the course of a week. Outstanding!

A long power reserve is handy, so that I can put the watch away, and it will still be ticking and hold correct time a few days later. Power reserve in this newest iteration of the movement, calibre 3285, is good: 70 hours. The watch will still be running if I take it off Friday night and put it back on again Monday morning. The long power reserve is actually a big deal; well done of Rolex to deliver 70 hours power reserve.

At age 55, presbyopia is a real thing, so high contrast and good legibility is important. The white dial provides good contrast, particularly in this new version of the watch, where the round indexes and hands are more matte black. The cyclops helps when reading the date, and most of the time I’m able to actually see the date without having to wear glasses. Excellent! The lume is very good, but in fairness I have to give the edge to the Aquanaut when it comes to lume.

Good water resistance is a must – and while I don’t go deep sea diving, I do swim in the ocean, jump off the side on the boat and such, so 2-3 meters water resistance isn’t going to cut it. But the 100 meter water resistance on the Explorer II is all I will realistically ever need.

A daily watch must have a solid movement that can take hard use, or a fall or an accidental drop. I have no doubt that the Rolex will be robust enough for me.

At 42mm, the Explorer II 226570 is a large watch. I have a 7.5 inch (19cm) wrist, and I feel it’s borderline of what I can pull of in size. But it works, and it’s very comfortable to wear.

A cool extra benefit of the Explorer II (or any watch with a GMT function), is that they can be used as a compass. Obviously today we have smart watches and handheld GPS units and whatever else, but it still a nice feature to have. With the hour hand and GMT hand synced, point the hour hand towards the sun, and the GMT hand will point in the general direction of north (or south, if you’re in the southern hemisphere). This method is not 100% accurate, because the sun’s position in the sky will vary at different times of year, and daylight savings time will also impact the reading. But it will give you a general idea of direction.

For me, the Explorer II checks pretty much all the boxes. I also like it because it's "different", and not your typical Rolex. I predict it will be getting a lot of wrist time. The Explorer II is my first and only Rolex, and is for sure a welcome addition to my small collection!

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 226570

The Rolex Explorer II reference 226570 represents the latest iteration of the brand's dedicated tool watch designed for explorers and adventurers. This reference continues the tradition of the Explorer II line, offering enhanced legibility and robust construction suitable for demanding environments. It maintains the distinctive fixed 24-hour bezel and a contrasting 24-hour hand, features that differentiate it from other Rolex professional models and provide a practical GMT function. This model is positioned as a reliable and functional instrument for those requiring a second time zone display in a durable package.

This specific reference features a 42mm Oyster case crafted from Oystersteel, a proprietary 904L stainless steel known for its corrosion resistance. It houses the Rolex Caliber 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement equipped with a Chronergy escapement, ensuring high efficiency and precision. The movement provides a substantial power reserve of approximately 70 hours. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, secured by a Twinlock double waterproofness system.

The Explorer II 226570 appeals to collectors seeking a robust and functional Rolex with a clear lineage to purpose-built instruments. Its "Polar" dial variant, characterized by a white lacquer finish, offers a high-contrast aesthetic that has become a signature look for the model. The watch is fitted with an Oyster bracelet, contributing to its overall durability and comfort. This reference continues the legacy of the Explorer II as a practical and understated choice within the Rolex professional collection.

Specifications

Caliber: 3285

Case: Oystersteel

Diameter: 42mm

Dial: White

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Explorer II, particularly the Polar dial, is often perceived as the last true 'adventurous' tool watch in the current Rolex lineup, distinguishing itself from the glitzier aesthetics of other models.
Despite its appeal, the 42mm size of the Explorer II ref. 226570 can be a limiting factor for collectors with smaller wrists, leading some to part with the watch even if they appreciate its qualities.
The Explorer II line, especially the white dial variant, is frequently considered an underappreciated reference within the broader Rolex catalog.
New Explorer II movements may exhibit slight variations in accuracy during their initial 'break-in' period, with some users reporting minor losses over a week.

The Discussion

GWIS

Jan 17, 2024

I am sure you will enjoy the Explorer. I have had mine a couple of years and I am wearing it this week. It’s a great tool watch which I’m sure will serve you well as a beater. All the best, Jon

blau

Jan 17, 2024

I agree with you that the Explorer II stands apart from the rest of the current Rolex lineup. It's the only one that *feels* adventurous to me! (I know the others are just as sturdily built, but they all look glitzier) My wrist is considerably smaller than yours, so as much as I liked this watch, I found it too big and moved on from it after relatively brief ownership. If it were smaller, or my wrist were larger, I'd own it and wear the hell out of it for sure!

ZSHSZ

Jan 17, 2024

So far it lost 2s/week, but it’s not broken in… I’m glad to hear you’re happy with yours, it looks great on you! Nice photos too!

mahesh

Jan 17, 2024

I'm a big fan of the white dial Explorer II...overall the entire Explorer II line is under appreciated one. Best, mahesh.,

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