Introduced in 1953, the Rolex Explorer I is the brands oldest sport watch that is still in production. 214270 costs $12,999 USD. Its stainless steel Oyster case is 36 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft). Please note that availability, prices, and delivery times can vary between sites and your shopping bag will be cleared. Rolex Explorer II Black Dial Steel Mens Watch 16570. Get the best deals on Rolex Explorer Wristwatches for Men when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. The reference 6298 featured a durable stainless steel exterior, a legible dial with luminous markers and hands, and a shock-resistant self-winding mechanical movement. Our trusted team of experts is available to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect Explorer watch. Bob's Watches is an independent watch dealer and is not sponsored by, associated with Interested in seeing what came after this iconic collection? 1016 one of the longest-lived timepieces in Rolex's history. Additionally, Bob's Watches has a straight-forward and safe buying process, with detailed product listings, high-quality product photos, and a thorough authentication process, giving every customer peace of mind when buying a secondhand watch. Rolex introduced a fix to this in 2016 with the Mark II, which had better proportioned center hands and made the 3, 6 and 9 numerals luminescent again. COVID-19 Update: We are open for business. Its other unique feature was the bright 24-hour orange hand. The brand It also comes with the new generation Caliber 3285, which features the Chronergy escapement and boasts of 70 hours of power reserve. Prices may be higher if other payment Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold. 124273 2021 model features a case and bracelet both made with Oystersteel and 18K gold. As is the case with practically all Rolex sports watches, the Explorer recorded positive price trends in recent years. The Twinlock winding crown guarantees a waterproof timepiece to 100 metres thanks to two sealed zones. After a decade, the 39mm Rolex Explorer was discontinued in favor of the historical 36mm case size. Rolex Explorer models are also well-documented. Please enter. The history of Rolex Explorer II watches began in the early 1970s when Rolex officially released this legendary collection. 14270 has appreciated by about 47%. Its value has dropped slightly since spring 2022, but overall, this model retains its value very well. Learn more about the collection by reading our Rolex Explorer ultimate buying guide. After searching for what seemed like forever, I found Bob's Watches and their inventory impressed me. The large arrow was meant to hold more tritium lume and be easily readable when crawling through pitch dark caves. Lastly, the Rolex Explorer II is sometimes called the "Freccione," taken from the Italian word for "big arrow," referring to the unique orange 24-hour hand. GMT-Master II. These monikers not only add character but also represent the timeless popularity and cultural impact of the Rolex Explorer II. Powered by the A296 perpetual movement, which happened to be thick, these watches also featured a domed bubble back. The launch of the Explorer 14270 in 1989 ushered in the modern era of the collection. These timepieces were Oyster Perpetuals that were modified to keep perfect time while enduring environments at -50 degrees Fahrenheit and with 70% less oxygen than at sea level. They were the first to feature the Explorer name on the dial as well as the 3-6-9 layout. Oyster, 36 mm, Oystersteel and yellow gold You have been subscribed! This model remained largely unchanged throughout the entirety of its 26-year production run, making the ref. The Rolex Explorer evolved out of Rolexs deep involvement with exploration. The Rolex Explorer II 216570 reference and Rolex Explorer II 16570 reference, both hail from the iconic Explorer II collection. Purchased a beautiful Rolex explorer from Bobs Watches for a great price! The Rolex Explorer has grown in size over the years from 36mm to 39mm. Discover the essence of exploration and enduring style with the Rolex Explorer II collection at Bob's Watches. of its There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand. All Rights Reserved. Simplicity and consistency have been key to the success of the enduring Rolex Explorer watch. The Explorer 1 is one of Rolexs most recognizable designs because it has remained remarkably consistent over almost seven decades. All trademarked names, brands and models, mentioned on this site are the sole property of their respective trademark owners. Additionally, Rolex has been attempting to create watches that can withstand extremely low temperatures and low oxygen levels. The manufacturer's warranty will not apply to watches sold by SwissWatchExpo and SwissWatchExpo is not an authorized dealer of any of these brands. The first Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 with the ref 1655. The Explorer holds its value well and is thus also a worthwhile investment. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. $10,450.00. On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made history when they reached the summit. The Rolex Explorer II is the ultimate tool watch for adventurers looking for a watch with extraordinary precision and consistency. Aside from being a multi-awarded actor, hes also known as an active environmentalist. Pair this update with the models 100m water resistance, and youll have a watch perfect for night swimming or diving. With its rich heritage, elegant design, and resiliency, the collection has earned its way to be one of the finest watches in the world. It is advised to speak with trusted watch dealers, certified appraisers, or reputable online platforms that provide valuation assistance for high-end watches. Its story famously took shape when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay took their pioneering ascent to the Everest in 1953. All warranties are provided solely by SwissWatchExpo. The design, craftsmanship, and value as an investment make the Explorer an incredible purchase. Instead, it was a simple time-only watch with a highly-legible display, that was built to the highest possible standards and intended for the active individual. June 08, 2023. The markers and hands filled with lume offer outstanding legibility, even in dark conditions, further increasing its practicality. Even the prototype watches were tough enough to withstand the harsh conditions when they were worn during the first successful hike to the top of Mt. These model numbers help watch collectors and enthusiasts make sense of the options available and ensure correct identification and authentication of certain Explorer II references. Then, in the 1960s, Rolex switched to using matte black dials and white text. The black dial was furnished with large Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9, accompanied by an inverted triangle at 12 and batons for the rest of the hours. 1016 in good condition changed hands for around 7,000 USD in 2013, while today the price has catapulted to 22,000 USD. The Explorer II's design, functionality, and connection with discovery and adventure appeal to a small niche market who value its unique features. It is a watch that is seen in collections of new buyers and seasoned collectors. Interestingly, the dial is the main hallmark of the Explorer collection. 6610 cost around 9,500 USD in 2013, but it had risen to between 13,000 and 16,000 USD in mid-2018. Each design created in this style which was crafted with great care and often made from steel, stainless steel and 18k gold can elevate any look. And to test this, theyve been sending Rolex Oyster Perpetual prototype timepieces to Himalayan expeditions since the 1930s. their respective owners. But if you want a bigger and bolder wristwatch, you can explore the collections bigger successor: Rolex Explorer II. Approximately ten years after this case was developed, Rolex began sending watches on mountain expeditions with the goal of developing the perfect explorers watch. Other upgrades included changes to the bracelet which made it more durable. All rights reserved. All trademarked names, brands and models, mentioned on this site are the sole property of their respective trademark owners. The of the newer model Explorer II 226570 measures 42mm, making it a robust and sizable timepiece on the wrist. Everest. Its always nice to have that trust when making a purchase like that and felt like the process could not have been smoother. The stainless steel ref. It guarantees that these watches benefit from the quality criteria inherent to all Rolex products and from the full know-how and professionalism of the brands worldwide network of experts. The Explorer is considered entry level by some collectors. The Explorer was designed to withstand any situation and environment. But this does not mean that the original lineup is outdated since both the Explorer and Explorer II are still famous and celebrated today. The ultimate test run was in 1953 when these early prototypes adorned the wrist of Sir Edmund Hillary atop Mount Everest. They come with Rolexs signature screw-down crowns and case backs, which protect the movement from moisture and dust that can be encountered with daily or sporting use. View at Rolex. However, if we look at the model's trajectory from 2013, it increased in value by a staggering 150%. Are you sure you want to remove this product from your shopping bag? Flaunting the longest production run of any Explorer, this reference was produced between 1963 and 1983. Learn more about the changes made to the Explorers materials, calibers, and bracelets over time. Building upon the success of the Rolex Explorer I, the company introduced a second family of watches under the Explorer line. In April 2013, for example, this reference cost around 5,500 USD. Aesthetically, there is very little that differentiates this timepiece from its predecessor. We can thus only speculate on future price trends. However, there are differences worth noting. 214270. Datejust, Day-Date President, Presidential, Pearlmaster, Masterpiece, Submariner, Cosmograph Daytona, Explorer, Sea Dweller, GMT Master, Yacht-Master, Air King, Milgauss, Prince, and Cellini are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation (Rolex USA, Rolex S.A.). And based on the materials used, the cost varies for each watch model. After searching for what seemed like forever, I found Bobs Watches and their inventory impressed me. This model depreciated by around 1,200 USD since April 2022. Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Bedat, Breitling, Chopard, Ebel, Franck Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Graham, IWC, Jaeger Lecoultre, Longines, Maurice Lacroix, Omega, Piaget, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Roger Dubuis, Tag Heuer, Vacheron Constantin, Tudor, Zenith, Ulysse Nardin are all registered trademarks of their respective corporations. If you're interested in adding a Rolex Explorer to your collection, learn more about a . The Rolex 216570 and Rolex Explorer II reference 226570 both belong to the Rolex Explorer II collection and have comparable features. The Rolex Explorer II is produced with superior materials that guarantee both durability and refined style. FREE SAME DAY SHIPPING | 18 - MONTH WARRANTY | 10-DAY LEADING RETURN POLICY, More than 100 New Arrivals available in Store and OnlineSHOP NOW. A black dial, large Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, along with the inverted triangle at 12 o'clock have been defining features of this timepiece since its debut. To thank you for signing up with us, we invite you to take $100 off your next purchase. Ever since inventing the waterproof case back in the 1920s, Rolex has been creating watches equipped to push ever-deeper into the abyss. Like all Rolex watches, the Explorers winding crown must be screwed into the case before taking it underwater. Secondly, Bob's Watches has a large on-site inventory of certified used Rolex watches, including both vintage and newer models, ensuring that collectors can find the exact style and model they desire. The new generation movement was a lot slimmer than its predecessors, therefore requiring a new case design. 216570 Black costs $15,899 USD. Another change then occurred with the type of luminous material they were using. The Rolex Explorer was introduced in 1953, but its history actually goes a few decades back before this launch. The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme vouches for the authenticity of second-hand Rolex watches at their time of resale by an Official Jeweler displaying the special Rolex Certified Pre-Owned plaque. The process was smooth and the staff was extremely friendly. Below is a summary of different models of the Rolex Explorer through the years. With the ref 1655, the 24-hour hand was not yet independent from the minute and hour hand, so it cannot be classified yet as a GMT. With that said, you can get a variety of Explorer models within that price range. Rolex offers the opportunity to purchase previously worn timepieces that are certified as authentic and guaranteed by the brand. The hash-lined markers were replaced by applied round, baton, and triangular markers with white gold surrounds; and the stick hands were upgraded to the Mercedes-style hands that we see today on Rolex sport watches. 6350 becomes the first Rolex watch with the Explorer name on the dial, 2016 Explorer ref. Overall, the Explorer II is a bigger and more functional series when compared to the original Explorer. Unlike all the other 36mm Explorer models that came before it, Rolex equipped the Explorer 214270 with a larger 39mm case. Review originally published on Trustpilot. As with many Rolex watches, it's all a matter of buying at the right time. 1016. Privacy Policy. Additional nicknames include the "Rolex Steve McQueen" and "Rolex Polar Explorer.". The first version of the dial or the Mark I had hands that, to many Rolex fans, seemed too short for the 39mm case. As expected, vintage Rolex Explorer models are popular with collectors. Today, the Rolex Explorer collection is the choice of those who need robust and reliable timepieces that are stylish enough for any occasion. These include the chronometer-rated movement, 100m water resistance, black dials with the iconic 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, inverted triangle, and Mercedes-style hands. It uses the same caliber as its counterparts, namely the 3230, and has an official list price of 7,700 USD. Furthermore, Rolex extended the length of the hands, which is most obvious on the minute hand.