The New Rolex Explorer And Explorer II

The watch Rolex wants you to wear while exploring.

This year (2021) Rolex has brought new changes to the Explorer line-up in both the Explorer as well as the Explorer II.

For the Explorer, Rolex has most noticeably added a new color to the case and bracelet, now offering the Explorer in Rolesor gold (18 ct yellow gold) and Oystersteel. Upon the color change, Rolex has also brought down the size to 36mm to mirror that of the original Explorer from 1953.

2021 Rolex Explorer

On the inside, Rolex has replaced the old movement with the new 3230 movement released in 2020. This new and improved self-winding mechanical movement will provide better shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and a power reserve of up to 70hrs.

2021 Rolex Explorer

As for the dial, Rolex has designed a black lacquer dial with better luminescent display on the hour markers and hands. Rolex is using a new Chromalight display to make sure the hour markers and hands shine brighter in dark conditions with a blue glow, and an even stronger white hue when in daylight.

2021 Rolex Explorer

The case is Rolex’s patented Oyster case, with a nearly scratch-proof sapphire crystal. The Twinlock crown helps with the guaranteed 100m (330ft) of water resistance, as does the screw-down fluted case back.

Moving along to the Rolex Explorer II. 

Most, probably won’t even notice any differences at first glance when comparing the older generation Explorer II to the new one. 

From the looks, Rolex has changed the lug width to be a touch slimmer than last generations, and, well, that’s it.

2021 Rolex Explorer II

Aside from the not so obvious changes, Rolex has given the Explorer II a new (to this watch) movement. Rolex has fitted the new Explorer II with the in-house 3285 movement, giving again, better shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and a 70hr power reserve.

2021 Rolex Explorer II

Like other Explorer II’s before this one, the functions remain the same. The Explorer II will continue to boast a 24-hour bezel, GMT hour hand, and a date function. All of these allow for the wearer to be able to tell local time, time of somewhere else, and whether it is day or night depending on where they might be in the world.

As for the case and bracelet, the Explorer II will be offered in Oystersteel with a 42mm case size, with again, a virtually scratch-proof sapphire crystal but with the cyclops at 3 o’clock. A twinlock screw down crown and a fluted screw down case back allow for the Explorer II to offer 100m of water resistance. The bracelet is Rolex’s Oyster bracelet, which features the patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, and also has the Easylink extension link which can be extended in length up to 5mm.

2021 Rolex Explorer II

The dial offers the same luminescent benefits as the Explorer for the hour markers and hands. The difference, Rolex has given the outside of the hour markers and hands the black lacquer treatment, and the inside the Chromalight. Again, providing a longer lasting and brighter blue hue to the markers and hands. 

All in all, I can’t say that Rolex hasn’t done a good job with the release of the new Explorer line-up, but I can say that it seems as though they didn’t try very hard. To me, this is giving me Apple iPhone vibes, in the sense that Rolex has upgraded the inside of the watch to match the standards of today, but while just changing the outside a little to make you think you are buying something completely new. I’m not a huge fan of the two-tone Explorer as it gives me to much Day-Date resemblance, and I kind of wish they would’ve brought more to the table for the Explorer II. 

Rolex Explorer Specs:

Case/Bracelet

• 36 mm
• Rolesor 18 ct gold / Oystersteel
• Full Oystersteel
• Oyster bracelet Rolesor centre

Dial

• Black Lacquer
• Chromalight luminescent hour markers and hands

Movement

• 3230 movement
• Automatic 
• 70hrs power reserve

Rolex Explorer II Specs:

Case/Bracelet

• 42 mm
• Oystersteel
• Oystersteel three-link bracelet

Dial

• Chromalight luminescent hour markers and hands
• Date display
• Black or White lacquer dial option

Movement

• In-house 3285 movement
• Automatic
• GMT function
• Date function
• 70hrs power reserve