The Explorer has been enriched with a touch of gold this year with yellow Rolesor, a true Rolex signature combining 18k yellow gold and Oystersteel. A sparkling rim of gold also surrounds the numerals and hands. The dial has been given a rich, glossy lacquer finish, in keeping with the model’s climb into gold territory. The black color contrasts beautifully with the indexes and signature 3, 6, and 9 numerals, especially since they are now lit up with new and improved Chromalight, Rolex’s proprietary luminescent material. In dark conditions, the hands and hour markers glow a vibrant blue, and in daylight, they remain a bright white. The movement is also new for the Explorer. The caliber 3230 features Rolex’s signature Chronergy escapement with a blue Parachrom anti- magnetic hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and a power reserve of 70 hours.
The Rolex Explorer in 18k yellow gold and Oystersteel.
The new 42 mm Explorer II is all Oystersteel, a unique alloy that is particularly strong and corrosion resistant — perfect for an adventure watch like the Explorer II, which has the added function of a second time zone. It is indicated on a 24-hour display with an orange hour hand on the central dial. It contains the Rolex caliber 3285, which is new to this model. It features Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement with a blue Parachrom anti-magnetic hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and a power reserve of 70 hours. The Explorer was sized down a notch this year to 36 mm from 39 mm, but that takes it back to the beginning — the Explorer was 36 mm when it was first introduced in 1953. The Explorer II remains a robust 42 mm.
The Rolex Explorer II in Oystersteel, with optimized Chromalight display.
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