Rolex Explorer II Oystersteel — White Dial | Ref. 226570

Introduced in 1971 to serve speleologists navigating the perpetual darkness of cave systems, the Explorer II has evolved into one of Rolex's most technically sophisticated adventure watches. Reference 226570, launched in 2021, represents the most refined iteration of the model to date: a bold 42 mm Oystersteel case housing a crisp white dial with bold orange 24-hour hand — a functional tool for distinguishing day from night in lightless environments, and a design signature that has become instantly recognisable.

The movement is the Calibre 3285, a self-winding manufacture calibre shared with the GMT-Master II, which provides a local time complication via the independently adjustable 24-hour hand. Offering a 70-hour power reserve and incorporating the Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring, and a new-generation barrel and winding mechanism, Cal. 3285 sets a new benchmark for reliability and autonomy in a dual-timezone sport watch. The fixed 24-hour bezel — graduated in black with white-fill numerals — enables simultaneous reading of a second time zone at a glance.

The 2021 update to the Explorer II brought a number of refinements: an updated Oyster bracelet with glidelock extension, a reworked dial layout with improved legibility, and bracelet-integrated end links for a more seamless fit. The case is water-resistant to 100 metres and secured by a screw-down Twinlock crown. Whether bound for polar expeditions, underground passages, or the demands of modern dual-timezone travel, the Explorer II 226570 is an instrument of exceptional capability dressed in timeless Rolex steel.