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A group expedition snowshoeing on ice and snow while pulling their equipment.

Oyster Perpetual Explorer

Venturing to the outer limits

The Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Explorer II evolved from Rolex’s deep involvement with exploration. They go where few people venture. The brand was able to test these watches in real life by equipping polar, mountaineering and caving expeditions over many years. Some of the world’s most intrepid explorers, mountaineers and scientists took these watches to places that tested their reliability in the toughest conditions.

The new Rolex Explorer in 18K yellow gold an Oystersteel resting on ice with an icy back wall. Model #124273.

From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster Perpetual watches. The feedback received was used to develop what became known as the Professional category: watches that serve as tools, such as the Explorer and Explorer II. Rolex watches have taken part in some of humanity’s greatest adventures. One such occasion was the 1953 expedition to Everest, led by Sir John Hunt, on which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first to summit the world’s highest mountain.

A vintage Rolex Explorer on a leather strap with ice in the background.

Designed for Exploration

The Explorer, launched in 1953, sets itself apart with a simple design and a highly legible black dial with large hour markers and characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals. It is a tool watch, created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Even in the dark, the dial is easy to read, thanks to the Chromalight display. Today, the Explorer is available in the same 36 mm size as the original model.

A close up of the dial of the Rolex Explorer in 18K yellow gold and Oystersteel. The dial is glowing in the dark, displaying the new Chromalight display exclusive to Rolex. The hands, indices, and 3, 6, 9 Arabic numerals are glowing.

The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and, in the same spirit as the Explorer, perpetuates the privileged relationship Rolex enjoys with exploration. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours – a practical option in places where distinguishing day from night is difficult, such as at the poles at certain times of the year, and in caves – or to read the time in a second time zone.

Resisting the extremes

Watches in the Explorer range have constantly evolved to meet explorers’ needs, each time becoming more robust and reliable. The Explorer is available in Oystersteel or in a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), and the Explorer II is made exclusively in Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel is a unique alloy with excellent anti-corrosion properties.

The Rolex Explorer II head only. The watch is undergoing extreme tests to ensure accuracy and robustness. Model #226570.

Both models are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness. Featuring the Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, it is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link; developed by the brand, this allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.


The Explorer is equipped with calibre 3230 while the Explorer II features calibre 3285. Both are self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer a power reserve of about 70 hours.

A close up of the Oysterlock folding safety clasp exclusive to Rolex timepieces. This clasp is open and made from Oystersteel, an exclusive metal to Rolex.

Superlative chronometer certification

Like all Rolex watches, the Explorer and Explorer II are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own crite¬ria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.

The Rolex Explorer II in Oystersteel with a white dial. The watch is lying on a piece of ice, crown up, with mist surrounding it. Model #226570.

Visit us to discover first-hand the Explorer

As an Official Retailer, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice of a lifetime.

The Rolex logo in gold on a wall.