The Rolex Explorer II, a watch synonymous with exploration and adventure, boasts a unique design language that sets it apart from other Rolex models. A key element of this distinct character lies in its hands, particularly the iconic jumping hour hand found on many iterations. This article will delve into the fascinating history of the Explorer II's hands, exploring their evolution, functionality, and significance within the context of the watch's overall design and legacy. We'll also cover key aspects of the Explorer II's history, models, and current market value.
Rolex Explorer II Release Date and Early Models:
The first Explorer II, reference 1655, was introduced in 1971. This model, designed with explorers in mind, featured a distinctive orange 24-hour hand, a crucial element for navigating in low-light conditions or differentiating between AM and PM in challenging environments. This hand, paired with the standard hour, minute, and seconds hands, formed the unique visual signature of the early Explorer II. The hands themselves were generally baton-style, with the orange hand often exhibiting a slightly broader design for better legibility. The lume used on these early models was tritium, which has since aged and often exhibits a creamy, warm glow, a coveted characteristic among collectors today.
Rolex Explorer II Models: A Timeline of Evolution:
The Explorer II has seen several iterations throughout its history, each with subtle yet significant changes in design, including the hands.
* Reference 1655 (1971-1984): This inaugural model, as mentioned earlier, featured a distinctive orange 24-hour hand alongside standard baton-style hands. The lume is tritium, contributing to its unique vintage appeal.
* Reference 16550 (1984-1989): The 16550 marked a transition, adopting a more modern aesthetic. While retaining the core design elements of its predecessor, including the orange 24-hour hand, there were subtle changes in the hand shape and lume material, often transitioning to LumiNova. The overall design aimed for enhanced legibility.
* Reference 16570 (1989-2011): This is arguably the most popular and widely collected Explorer II reference. The 16570 retained many details from the 16550 such as the 40mm oyster case, 100m of water resistance, white or black dial options, and of course, the jumping local-hour hand. The hand shapes refined further, and the lume again evolved, with LumiNova providing brighter illumination. The 16570 witnessed a shift towards a more streamlined and refined aesthetic, whilst maintaining the rugged functionality expected from an Explorer II. The hands on the 16570 are often cited as the epitome of balance and legibility in the Explorer II lineage.
* Reference 216570 (2011-2021): This model introduced a larger 42mm case, a significant departure from its predecessors. While the functionality remained largely consistent, the larger size allowed for bolder hands, enhancing legibility even further. The lume technology was also upgraded, offering improved brightness and longevity.
* Reference 226570 (2021-Present): The current generation Explorer II maintains the 42mm case size and upgraded lume, but features subtly redesigned hands with a more contemporary feel. While retaining the iconic orange 24-hour hand, the overall aesthetic is slightly more refined and modern.
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