Pre-Loved Rolex Explorer II

Why the Explorer II is iconic

Launched in 1971, the Explorer II was designed so speleologists could distinguish day from night underground using its 24-hour hand and fixed bezel. The 2011 reference 216570 revived the orange hand of the original 1655 'Steve McQueen', cementing its cult following.

What to pay pre-owned

Pre-owned Explorer IIs in the UK typically sit around £6,950, with the earlier 40mm 16570 often below that and the current 42mm 226570 above it. Full box and papers, a documented service history, unpolished cases and the sought-after white 'Polar' dial all push prices toward and beyond the upper end.

Sizes & variants

Buyers seek the 40mm references 1655, 16550 and 16570, and the modern 42mm 216570 and 226570, choosing between black and white 'Polar' dials with black or orange 24-hour hands.