Rolex Explorer II

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REF 226570
Automatic
42 MM
– Show less
SKU AS08551
Article Number 40922885
ref 226570
case size 42 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 2020s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Sport
category Pre-Owned Contemporary
bracelet Metal
lug width 21 MM
Includes Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed fliplock clasp with Easylink (77210). Also includes inner and outer boxes, books, and COSC hangtag.
overall condition The case is in outstanding, virtually unworn condition showing only faint signs of wear from careful handling with partial factory stickers. Luminous gloss black dial with applied indices is in as-new condition with matching handset. Signed crown.
REF 226570
Automatic
42 MM
– Show less
SKU AS08551
Article Number 40922885
ref 226570
case size 42 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 2020s
dial color Black
material Stainless Steel
style Sport
category Pre-Owned Contemporary
bracelet Metal
lug width 21 MM
Includes Stainless steel Oyster bracelet with signed fliplock clasp with Easylink (77210). Also includes inner and outer boxes, books, and COSC hangtag.
overall condition The case is in outstanding, virtually unworn condition showing only faint signs of wear from careful handling with partial factory stickers. Luminous gloss black dial with applied indices is in as-new condition with matching handset. Signed crown.

Why We Love it

With its unusual origin as a spelunker's tool, the Explorer II is a bit of an outlier among Rolex’s other sports watches in terms of its original intended use, but it has become one of the most revered and appreciated models in the catalog amongst collectors today.

Introduced in 2011 for the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, the Reference 216570 firmly sets in Rolex's sports lineup as a thoroughbred tool watch. Offered exclusively in 904L stainless steel, these watches share all the key design cues with previous iterations of the Explorer II, yet are unapologetically modern.

Featuring a more contemporary 42mm size with a matching 'maxi' dial and handset, an updated movement, and an updated Oyster bracelet with a locking clasp and Rolexes fantastic Easylink system, the Reference 216570 is more robust and legible than ever.

This particular piece, a Reference 226570, maintains all of the design features of its predecessor, and adds a few additional subtle updates.

If you're hesitant to start down the vintage road - or simply need of a robust modern classic that can take a beating, this Explorer II will do the trick.

Brand Story

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Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Explorer II

Rolex Explorer II

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Rolex Explorer II