Explorer II Closeup Comparison Reference 1655: The Original SpelunkerCreated with spelunkers in mind, the original Explorer II aimed at a very specific demographic, and much to its detriment. The 1655 was not a huge seller at the time, as it didn’t resonate with a large part of the market. When it comes to vintage, though, this is exactly the formula that makes for a market of crazed collectors willing to pay high prices – well, that and a trumped up story about it being the watch Steve McQueen wore. And just to quickly address that story, there’s no evidence to support he ever wore an Explorer II; it seems that the story may have been made up in Italy as a marketing effort that transformed from a regional white lie to an almost universal truth. Closeup of reference 1655 Rolex Explorer IIDespite not being a for Rolex, they kept it running for nearly 15 years (1971-1985), before the transitional reference 16550 was released.
Powered by the caliber 1575, the reference 1655 had a date function and fourth hand, acting as a 24-hour hand. The idea was that cave divers would know what half of the 24-hours they were on, even when in a dark cave for days at a time. Though it used the same movement as the, the fixed bezel made it much less useful for the average, non-spelunker. Fun fact about the caliber 1575, they’re pretty much all labeled as 1570s, but that’s not a mistake by Rolex, just the way they did things. The “5” at the end of “1575” signifies a calendar function, which the Explorer II utilizes.On the wrist, the 1655 Explorer II’s case wears quite nicely. The original rivet bracelet fitted to the example I was able to check out isn’t the most comfortable, but it certainly has vintage charm. I’ve seen some 1655s with washed out 24-hour hands, but this one had almost no fading, which really adds a nice pop of color.
The dial is quirky, no doubt, especially compared to other sport models of the era. To further aid in cave legibility, Rolex added an extra luminous marker at the 2.5-minute mark between each hour marker, making 24 lume plots for the 4 th hand to track. I think the overall look is fantastic, and showed Rolex was willing to take chances back in the 70s and 80s. The fact that this didn’t sell well should help answer the question why Rolex’s designs seem to change so slowly.There’s a lot to like about the 1655., Daytonas, and get a lot of the vintage love on the market, so the 1655 is a great way to get a different look at a price similar to other highly coveted models.
If you’re on the hunt for one, know what you’re buying. Things to look out for are the straight seconds hand versus the classic lollipop seconds hand. For the first few years of production, Rolex went with a non-luminous straight seconds hand, followed by the lollipop hand we all know.
A straight hand combined with a “T Swiss T” dial (Mark I), and Mark I bezel will likely command the most money. However, the Mark II and III dials with the “frog foot” Rolex crown dials will also be right up there. The best thing to do is to use as many verified comparison photos as possible to match up the dial, bezel, and seconds hand, looking for a period correct example. Here’s a by Stefano Mazzariol comparing the many variants of the 1655.Reference 216570: The Current SpelunkerBack in 2011, Rolex rolled out the all-new reference 216570 Explorer II, a follow-up to the long-running 16570. While I’m a fan of the 16570, and think it’s one of the best values out there when it comes to Rolex sports watches, the was due for a facelift. Completely new from head to toe, Rolex has carefully kept the Explorer II slightly different than its sporty Rolex brothers, just like it was with the reference 1655.
Closeup of the reference 216570 Rolex Explorer IIFor the GMT Master II and the Submariner, Rolex maintained the standard case dimensions (diameter and thickness), but beefed up the crown guards, lugs, and bezel. The results are watches that appear much larger on the wrist than their predecessors. With the Explorer II, Rolex actually increased the case diameter 2mm to 42mm.
Normally, us vintage nerds get up in arms over increased case sizes, but it absolutely works here. I’m going to be bold enough to say the new Explorer II has better proportions than the Submariner or GMT II, and it’s because of the larger case size.
The wider crown guards and lugs make sense, and flow better with the wider diameter. What’s more, the puffed up hands and hour makers seem to have naturally increased in size with the rest of the watch, rather than just for the sake of being bigger.The reference 216570 feels great on the wrist, despite being on the big end of what I’m usually comfortable with. It’s a sharp look that I hope Rolex keeps going for many years. It would be difficult for Rolex to go back to the slimmer-styled cases, at least anytime soon, but what we have here is a good alternative. With a retail price of $8,100, you’re getting a serious tool watch for about half the price of a decent 1655 example. If you decide to go second hand, you’ll find the price much closer to the mark.Whether you’re into the vintage look, or the reliability of modern technology, each Explorer II will give you something a bit different than the common Submariner. For us, there’s something about vintage watches that draw us in, especially quirky ones that weren’t quite as popular in their day.
On the other hand, we very much appreciate improvements in materials and quality control. As a friend of mine likes to say, “Your watch, your story,” and you can’t really get that out of a 40-year old watch. So, we say, pick your poison, or you can just pick both.Thanks to for the hands-on access to the watches.
When it comes to high-end timepieces, it’s hard to go wrong with a Rolex.However, the great line of Rolex watches is made up of some of the best timepieces in history, so choosing one can be rather overwhelming.With that said, today we’ll have a head-to-head comparison of two of the most popular models that Rolex has to offer, the. Many people are having some trouble choosing between these two excellent Rolex watches, and that’s understandable. In fact, I have to say that it’s a good problem to have.I prefer the Datejust. While the Explorer is known for its gorgeous and classic aesthetics and it’s pretty much a timekeeping icon, the Datejust edges it out with versatility, robustness, and state-of-the-art timekeeping features.However, it’s not as straightforward as it looks because the Explorer can definitely give the Datejust a run for its money.So, let’s compare and contrast these two high-end watches. Contents.Rolex Explorer ReviewOriginally introduced in 1953, the rose to its iconic status and is deemed a cornerstone piece for the company’s catalog.
Although it doesn’t have the bells and whistles or any features that are specifically tailored to one activity or sport, the Explorer remains one the purest sports watch by Rolex.The is designed to handle any conditions the user might face.For this particular head-to-head, we’re going to tackle the Rolex Explorer 214270 which has received a much-needed update back in 2016.Let’s get to it! DesignWhat can I say? The Explorer is a full-blown classic, design wise.The 214270, as mentioned, was a completely new Explorer. One of the most notable updates is the size. The new 39mm size is just the right size which just can’t be said with the previous 36mm model.
The overall case design and proportions have also received a slight update. So the Explorer now has a beefier appearance which I personally prefer and is in line with Rolex’s current model.The 2016 release of also features a revised dial and set of hands.
In my opinion, the dial update is a welcome improvement. Instead of the plain gold markers, the 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals are now filled with luminous paint (Chromalight) for a more balanced appearance during low-light situations.Before the 2016 update, I never like the fact that the dial of the Explorer falls short from touching the numerals and indices. All that negative space is just throwing me off.
With the update, the hands were made slightly larger to match the larger case diameter.For some people, the recognizable black dial of the Explorer can be monochrome and uninteresting. However, I do love the understated style with the depth of quality of this Rolex sports watch.
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The dial is helpfully legible and with the Chromalight, I can easily tell the time during the ungodly hours.The Explorer is all about sporty elegance and top-notch quality. Construction and WearabilityLike with of Rolex models, the Explorer makes use of 904L stainless steel which is why the watch looks different than other steel watches. That goes without saying that the watch is highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand even the harshest conditions – a must for any sports watch.Also, the Explorer’s bracelet is secured with Rolex’s patented Oysterlock safety folding clasp which I always find to be very intuitive in terms of operation.
Rolex Explorer Ii Price
You just need to do two gentle tugs to open the protective bow and unlock the bracelet. Adjustability is another benefit of the Oysterlock system as you can increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm for the best fit.Whether it’s the cold of winter or the humidity of summer, the Explorer is quintessentially comfortable.
For some reason, the watch features a metal that just pain enriches my skin which just can’t be said with most stell watches. No uncomfortable scratches or pokes here. TimekeepingUnder the hood, the Explorer is powered by the self-winding calibre 3132 movement. I’ve always liked this movement not just because of its precision but for its robustness as well. Of course, the watch is COSC certified and that in addition to Rolex’s own Superlative Chronometer certification.Well, there’s not much to say about Rolex watches’ timekeeping features, except for the company’s superior attention to detail and accuracy. The stringent +2/-2 second a day accuracy is truly the draw here.
You can trust that the 3132 movement will keep ticking for years without the need to lift the hood.The 3132 movement is also equipped with Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers for superior durability and high-precision timekeeping. Rolex Datejust ReviewThe is most noticeably classy and popular dress watches that the brand has to offer. If you are in the market for a classy watch that will make you look and feel like a boss, then you can’t go wrong with the Datejust.For the most part, the Datejust is a luxury watch but this doesn’t mean that you can’t wear it to work each day. Many would argue that it’s a perfect watch for everyday use.For this review, we’re going to talk about the Datejust 41 which is basically the replacement for the. DesignFor all its intents and purposes, the is a classic and elegant watch.The Datejust 41 reference 126334 we have is the stainless steel and white gold which is branded as the Rolesor.
This Datejust is actually predominately made of stainless steel and the only 18k white gold component is the fluted bezel.With the 41mm Oyster stainless steel case, the Datejust should sit nice and large on your wrist. It’s easy to think that the larger case diameter will result in a bulkier design but that’s not the case at all. The design still gives off a slim profile, thanks to the slimmer case, thinner bezel, and more tapered lugs.The white Rolesor Datejust 41 is available in several dials including black, rhodium, blue, and mother of pearl. It’s also available in two bracelets which are the Oyster and the Juliet, the latter being the dressier option.
Lastly, you have two options for the bezel, the polished “flat” bezel or a fluted bezel.Hands down, the most photogenic variant of the new Datejust is the one with blue dial, stick indices, and the Oyster bracelet model. It definitely looks gorgeous and contemporary but still manages to give that classical Rolex vibe. As per usual, the 12 o’clock features the Rolex coronet and at 3 o’clock is the date window.The Datejust is all about the right proportions which provided the watch a more restrained but still elegant look. Construction and WearabilityThe Oyster case of the new Datejust 41 is waterproof up to 100 meters. Being an Oyster case, the DJ41 is also fitted with a Twinlock double waterproof system.The iconic middle case is crafted from 904L steel which provides the much-needed elegance and robustness. If you go with the fluted bezel, you will get a watch which is branded the Rolesor. Basically, Rolesor is the combination of gold and steel which is a signature brand since 1933.The crystal case is made of scratch-proof sapphire.
One of the first things you’ll notice is just how svelte the 41mm case which not only makes the watch appear slimmer, it adds a certain degree of comfort as well.As mentioned the Datejust is available in Oyster or, though the latter is by far the dressier option. Both options are 904L steel bracelets that benefit from new hidden attachment system underneath the bezel. Both are equipped with the Oysterclasp which provides maximum comfort and adjustability.The is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable watches I’ve had the please of wearing. TimekeepingPerhaps one of the biggest changes with the Datejust that went virtually unnoticed is that it’s not powered by the calibre 3235. It’s a new generation movement which is now a forefront in the art of watchmaking.At this point, Rolex is just flexing its muscles.The calibre 3235 is a consummate demonstration of Rolex’s state-of-the-art watchmaking technology. The movement features 14 different patents.
This results in fundamental benefits to aspects like precision, resistance to impacts and magnetic sources, power reserve, and reliability.The new patented Chronergy escapement is particularly a standout because it gives the timepiece a high-energy efficiency. It’s also completely resistant to magnetic interference since it’s made from nickel-phosphorus.The blue Parachrom hairspring that’s fitted to the oscillator has now been optimized with 10x more precision than traditional hairspring, despite of shocks. Precision is still -2/+2 sec/day, and performed after casing. There’s also the Rolex overcoil which guarantees regularity regardless of the position. As expected, the chronometer is COSC certified.