From mountain tops to the depths of caves, in the biting cold of the Arctic or the searing heat of volcanoes, Oyster Perpetual Explorer watches have endured extreme environments, where time management is often key to survival.
Rolex has constantly evolved the Explorer and Explorer II, launched in 1953 and 1971 respectively, for all types of adventures. In the past century, exploration pursued three successive goals -- to discover unknown parts of the world, to defy the limits of human endurance, and to observe the planet in order to better protect it.
In these three challenges, Rolex has accompanied explorers on their intrepid journeys. The world was a living laboratory, and the expeditions were an opportunity to test and improve the reliability and robustness of Rolex watches.
This year the Swiss brand has introduced new-generation Explorer that honours the legacy of 20th century explorers and an updated Explorer II ready for new adventures.
In yellow Rolesor (the signature combination of 18 carat yellow gold and Oystersteel), the new Oyster Perpetual Explorer features a lacquered black dial, bearing index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals.
With a diameter of 36mm, it returns to the size of the original Explorer, launched following the first ascent to the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953. Rolex played its part by equipping the historic expedition with Oyster Perpetual watches.
In light of its increased involvement with exploration, in 1971, the company launched the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, which became the watch of choice for polar explorers, speleologists and volcanologists.
Its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and fixed graduated bezel enabled the wearer to distinguish hours of the day from those of the night. This is particularly useful in areas where it is difficult or even impossible to distinguish between day and night, such as underground or in polar regions, which experience six months of daylight and six months of darkness a year.
The 24-hour hand retains its characteristic orange hue on the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, boasting a redesigned Oystersteel 42mm case and bracelet. This update brings enhanced visual balance and harmony to the timepiece while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage.
On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers -- whose black coating is applied using PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) -- and the black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands stand out for their matte finish.
The two new models both feature an impressive Chromalight display. In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands lasts longer thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.
The latest Oyster Perpetual Explorer is powered by calibre 3230 released last year while the Explorer II is equipped with calibre 3285 introduced in 2018.
Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the self-winding mechanical movements led to the filing of several patents, and offer outstanding performance in terms of power reserve, precision and reliability as well as resistance to shocks and magnetic fields.
Like all Rolex watches, the new-generation Explorer and Explorer II carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures high performance on the wrist.
