Rolex Explorer II - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Here’s my Rolex Explorer II Polar, in pristine condition. Yeah, I’m pretty picky when it comes to my watches, but this one gets plenty of wrist time—whatever the occasion. It’s not my only Rolex, but it’s easily my favorite. Its unconventional look—cyclops lens aside—makes it one of those underappreciated Rolex models, almost like a hidden gem for brand insiders and adventure lovers alike. One of my little joys? Hitting the trails at San Jacinto Park, not far from home. Sure, a Garmin or Suunto would get the job done, but let’s be real—it’s just not the same vibe! Next time I’m up there, I promise to snap some killer shots with the desert backdrop from the Spitler Peak Trail. But today? Just grinding at work in my green hoodie. There’s something special about a beautiful watch, and this one? Absolutely stunning.

already the owner of several Rolexes, I started looking for a model (Rolex) that met the following specifications: pro + discreet + original. It was natural that I came across the 226570 black dial. Its brushed steel bezel makes it much more discreet than models with a ceramic bezel. The same goes for the fully brushed bracelet (unlike my GMT whose central link is polished). The originality lies in the orange GMT hand with the orange reminder of the "Explorer II" on the dial. I chose the black dial which I find much more discreet and elegant than the white one. It is one of the first Rolex models with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side of the sapphire and it makes a huge difference! Rolex was smart enough not to put this treatment on the outer side because this type of treatment is fragile and does not resist impacts/scratches over time. Its thin and elegant design despite a diameter of 42mm makes it completely compatible with a small wrist (17cm for me)

I am the happy owner of this Rolex Explorer 2 black dial. I bought it decades ago and it is my only Rolex. Even then I was interested in the brand's products, looking for a watch with punch but not known or identifiable anymore. I chose this little-known Rolex, little used in the brand's communication. Bought new in a Rolex boutique in the Paris region, it has many qualities, robustness, readability of the dial and a non-flashy style than the current Rolexes which shine a little too much for my taste. I would like to treat myself - if I could afford it - to a Rolex Daytona, but the mirror-polished Oyster bracelet very different from that of my Explorer makes it prohibitive. And then, the evolution of the market, the success of Rolex, the impossibility of buying a new one, made me turn away from the brand in favor of more discreet or unknown brands... all in all the continuation of what made me come to this Explorer 2 Thanks for reading me 👍