WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
July 3, 2015
ROLEX | Celebrating 40 Years: The Explorer II Evolves with Latest Specifications
ROLEX
The enduring classic adventure watch, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The Explorer II Evolves with the Latest Specifications
With a motto of steady improvement and evolution, Rolex updates one or two models each year. This year, the absolute standard for adventure and exploration field watches, the "Explorer II," has finally been renewed. Additionally, stainless steel models of the "Yacht-Master II" and new types of the ladies' Datejust have also been introduced.
Reporting and text by Yasuhito Shibuya
Case Diameter Increased to 42mm. The 24-Hour Hand Design Returns to Its Roots!
Arguably the most recognized and popular watch brand globally, Rolex is renowned for its functional designs, meticulously considered both inside and out. They eschew superficial model changes solely for sales. Instead, they pursue precision, reliability, and functionality through continuous, incremental improvements. This steadfast commitment to quality craftsmanship is highly regarded by watch enthusiasts and technicians alike, earning Rolex immense support as the "King of Practical Watches" for daily wear.
The biggest highlight from Rolex this year is the complete model change of the "Oyster Perpetual Explorer II," a field watch with GMT functionality that has been favored by active men worldwide since its debut in 1971.
The case size has increased from the previous 40mm diameter to 42mm. The "engine" powering it, the movement, has also been upgraded to the latest "Caliber 3187," which incorporates Rolex's patented "Paraflex shock absorber" for the balance wheel and the highly anti-magnetic "Parachrom hairspring." A notable design change is the return of the 24-hour hand to its original type, mirroring the first model.
New Models Also Introduced for Yacht-Master II and Lady-Datejust
The "Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II," equipped with a countdown timer mechanism for yacht racing, now features its first Everose Rolesor model – a combination of Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel and Everose gold. For women seeking a practical yet luxurious timepiece, we highly recommend the new models added to the "Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona": an Everose gold case with a chocolate brown dial and a black Cerachrom bezel, and the "Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust," now available with its first full diamond-paved dial. Both showcase the clear, beautiful luster unique to Rolex's proprietary Everose gold.
Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
Exceptional Legibility Meets a New Generation Movement
The 42mm case diameter is perfectly suited for daily wear. The bracelet, featuring a safety catch on the Oysterlock clasp for secure fastening and the Easylink extension system for simple length adjustment, enhances usability. This adventure watch, the "eternal classic," has been fundamentally reborn through a pursuit of functionality, boasting a renewed automatic movement with improved reliability and durability, and bolder, more legible hour and minute hands. The luminous display has also been updated to blue-glowing Chromalight, and the 24-hour hand now sports the arrow-shaped orange design of the original 1971 model, a detail generating much discussion. The dial is available in a satin-finished black or white lacquer. With Chromalight applied to the hands as well, the black dial offers a striking "phantom effect" where the hands appear to float.
Automatic, 42mm stainless steel (Rolex proprietary 904L material) case and bracelet, 24-hour hand, officially certified chronometer, ¥693,000 (estimated retail price). Scheduled for release this autumn.
Rolex Japan Public Relations
03-3216-5671