Explorer II (pre-2011)

EXPLORER II

In 1971, Rolex released the first Explorer II (Ref. 1655). The Explorer II is geared less toward mountaineering and more toward spelunking, featuring a 24-hour hand indicating day or night. This 24-hour hand is accompanied by a fixed 24-hour bezel: a defining characteristic of the Explorer II to this day. It also has a date window – a feature that no Explorer I has ever had. The Explorer II is larger than all Explorer I models to this point, coming in at 39mm. In 1985, Rolex released a transitional reference for the Explorer II line: the 16550. This new reference increased the size to 40mm, upgraded to a sapphire crystal, and came with a new movement: the Rolex caliber 3085. The 16550 is the blueprint for the modern Explorer II.

Black rubber deployant watch band for Explorer II

FAQs

Installing your new Everest Band can be done easily at home using our toolkits and by following the instructions on our Installation Page.  Professional installation is recommended as Everest is not responsible for injury or damage to one’s self or watch.

The tang buckle style strap is a full strap that includes 9 sizing holes, sturdy strap keepers, and a high quality 316L stainless steel buckle closure. These straps often come in standard and short sizes and universally fit most wrists.

A deployant style strap is a strap that integrates into your existing watch deployant clasp. Deployant straps do not come with buckle, but rather are intended to be used with your existing watch deployant clasp. For deployant straps, sizing is specific to your wrist and watch size. Please see the Deployant Sizing Guide to make sure you are choosing the correct size.

Sizing your Everest Deployant Strap is easy! The sizing correlates to the number of links on both sides of your existing watch bracelet. Please watch this short video: Deployant Sizing Guide, which shows you exactly how to find the right size for your deployant strap.

STYLE GUIDES & ARTICLES

THE “STEVE MCQUEEN” EXPLORER II

DEC 08, 2015

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THE ROLEX EXPLORER II: BLACK OR WHITE?

OCT 09, 2023

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REPLACEMENT STRAPS FOR THE ROLEX EXPLORER II

Dec 01, 2013

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