The Rolex Explorer II, a watch synonymous with exploration and adventure, holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Its robust build, exceptional reliability, and iconic design have cemented its status as a legend within the horological world. This article delves deep into the specifics of the 42mm Rolex Explorer II with its characteristic black dial and striking orange GMT hand, exploring its features, history, variations, and current market value. We'll also touch upon related models like the Polar Explorer II and other variations to provide a comprehensive understanding of this exceptional timepiece.
A Legacy of Exploration:
The Explorer II's story began in the 1970s, designed specifically for explorers venturing into caves and other environments with limited or no natural light. The crucial addition of a second time zone hand, the vibrant orange 24-hour hand, allows for easy tracking of a reference time, crucial for navigating in challenging conditions where daylight hours might be unpredictable or nonexistent. This feature, combined with its exceptional durability and legibility, instantly distinguished the Explorer II from other Rolex models. Its rugged Oyster case, protected by a Triplock winding crown, ensures water resistance to 100 meters, further enhancing its suitability for adventurous pursuits.
The original Explorer II models boasted a 39mm case, a size that, while perfectly functional for its time, has been superseded by the current generation's more substantial 42mm case. This increase in size not only enhances the watch's presence on the wrist but also improves the overall legibility of the dial, especially for those working in challenging environments.
The 42mm Rolex Explorer II Black Dial with Orange Hand: A Detailed Look:
The current iteration of the Rolex Explorer II, in its 42mm Oyster case, presents a compelling blend of classic design and modern functionality. The black dial, matte and subtly textured, provides an excellent contrast against the luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring optimal readability in low-light conditions. The signature orange 24-hour hand, a defining characteristic of the model, stands out prominently against the black backdrop, making it instantly identifiable and easily distinguishable from the hour and minute hands.
The watch's case is crafted from Oystersteel, a proprietary alloy developed by Rolex, renowned for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and remarkable scratch resistance. This ensures the watch can withstand the rigors of extreme environments while maintaining its pristine appearance over time. The unidirectional rotating bezel, made of highly polished Cerachrom ceramic, is incredibly durable and resistant to fading or scratching. Its graduated markings further enhance the watch's functionality, allowing for accurate timing of durations.
The movement within the 42mm Explorer II is a marvel of horological engineering. Powered by the Calibre 3285, an in-house movement, it boasts impressive accuracy, a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and features Rolex's Chronergy escapement, known for its robustness and resistance to shocks. The movement is also equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, made of a paramagnetic alloy, which provides exceptional resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations.
Rolex Explorer II Specifications:
* Case: 42mm Oyster, Oystersteel
* Dial: Black
* Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
* Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel in Cerachrom ceramic
* Movement: Calibre 3285, self-winding, mechanical
* Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
* Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
* Features: 24-hour hand (GMT), luminous hands and hour markers
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