Rolex Explorer II 226570 "Polar"

Explorer II 226570 specifications

Where the Explorer is minimal, the Explorer II adds a date, a 24-hour hand and a fixed engraved bezel. The table shows how those features fit into a 42 mm steel case with 100 m of water resistance.

Specifications checked against Rolex and independent references, October 2026. MYR figures marked ≈ are converted at 4.08 MYR per USD.

Case thickness is not an official Rolex figure for this model. Both dial colours share the same reference number, so the spec table covers the Polar and the black version equally.

History and reference evolution

The Explorer II began in 1971 with ref. 1655, a tool for cave explorers who lost track of day and night underground. Its oversized orange 24-hour hand made that distinction readable at a glance. Fifty years later, in 2021, Rolex marked the anniversary with the 226570.

What changed from the 216570

At first sight, little changed. The Explorer II 216570 had already moved to 42 mm in 2011 and revived the orange hand. So the 226570 keeps the size, the fixed 24-hour bezel and both dials.

The important changes sit underneath. Calibre 3285 replaces the 3187, so the reserve grows from 48 hours to 70. It also adds the Chronergy escapement, the same architecture used in the current GMT-Master II. In addition, Rolex refined the case and the Oyster bracelet, giving the watch slightly cleaner lines.

Why the changes matter for value

The new movement is the main reason the 226570 trades above the 216570. Buyers pay for a longer reserve, a newer service cycle and a valid warranty. However, the visual similarity also works the other way. Many buyers cannot see the difference across a room, so the older watch acts as a cheaper substitute. That keeps the premium on the 226570 modest. Notably, the US list price shown here reflects the January 2026 increase.

226570 pre-owned prices compared

US retail for the Explorer II 226570 is US$10,600, and Malaysian retail is RM46,050. The bands below blend both dial colours. Polar dials cluster towards the top of each band, while black dials sit lower.

Bands reflect asking and achieved prices from 3 public market sources in October 2026, rounded. Retail for comparison: US$10,600. Prices move; use them as a sense-check, not a quote.

What moves the price of this reference

Dial colour comes first. A white Polar dial typically adds US$500 to US$1,500 over black, even though both cost the same at retail. Consequently, always compare like with like when you check listings.

Condition of the bezel matters next. The fixed steel bezel carries engraved 24-hour numerals. If it has been polished, those engravings soften and the edges round off. Therefore, look for sharp numerals and crisp lug edges. Finally, a full set helps, although strong dealer availability limits how far any example can rise.

Where to check prices

Authorised dealers are the starting point, and many can supply this model without a long wait. Grey dealers then add a modest premium for unworn pieces, mainly on the Polar. On marketplaces, filter by dial colour and by card date, because a 2021 set and a 2026 set are priced differently. The WatchCharts Explorer II tracker separates references, which helps you avoid mixing 216570 and 226570 data.

In Malaysia, local listings are fairly common, but many sellers quote "Explorer II Polar" without the reference. Ask for the six-digit reference engraved between the lugs at 12 o'clock and printed on the card. Otherwise you may be comparing a 2011 watch with a 2025 one.

When a price is too good to be true

Any complete 226570 below about US$7,500, or around RM30,600, deserves suspicion. That is under the polished band for even a black dial. For a Polar with box and card, the alarm point is higher still, roughly US$9,000.

Genuine vs replica: how to check a 226570

The Explorer II has more to check than the Explorer, because the date and GMT function add moving parts. Several of those are hard for replica makers to get right.

Cyclops and date

The Cyclops lens should magnify the date about 2.5 times and sit centred over the window. Replicas often under-magnify, leaving the date small inside the lens. Next, pull the crown to the first setting position and move the local hour hand. It should jump in one-hour steps while the orange hand and minute hand stay put. On a genuine watch, moving the hour hand past midnight in either direction changes the date with it.

Dial, hands and lume

On the Polar dial, the hour markers and hands have black surrounds. These should be thin, even and cleanly edged. The orange 24-hour arrow hand should be a consistent colour with a sharp tip. In the dark, all lume glows blue, since Rolex uses Chromalight.

Case, crown and bezel

Unlike the Explorer, the Explorer II has crown guards, protecting a Twinlock crown. The fixed bezel engraving should be deep and evenly spaced. Also check two engraved details: the micro-coronet in the sapphire near 6 o'clock, and the ROLEX ROLEX inner ring with the serial at 6. The caseback is plain and screw-down.

What only a watchmaker can confirm

With the caseback removed, a watchmaker can confirm calibre 3285 and its engravings. They will check the blue Parachrom hairspring and the Chronergy escapement, and they can time the watch against the −2/+2 seconds Superlative Chronometer standard. They can also spot service replacement parts that affect value. Our real vs fake Rolex guide covers this in detail, and the box and papers guide explains warranty card checks.

Who the 226570 suits, and the alternatives

The Explorer II 226570 suits travellers who want a second time zone without the colourful bezel of a GMT-Master. It also suits anyone who likes a larger, more legible steel watch. The 42 mm case wears best on wrists of roughly 17.5 to 20 cm (6.9 to 7.9 in). It is also easier to find at retail than most GMT-Master II models.

For alternatives, start with our Explorer vs Explorer II comparison if you are unsure you need the 24-hour hand. The simpler Explorer 40 224270 costs less and wears smaller. If a rotating bezel matters, the GMT-Master II is the natural step up; see Submariner vs GMT-Master II for how it compares. Finally, a pre-owned 216570 gives the same look for less. The used Rolex price guide shows where each fits.

• 

  Explorer II 216570

  The 2011–2021 Explorer II: 42 mm, calibre 3187, orange 24-hour hand. The value way into a Polar. Discontinued

  Retail US$8,350 · Pre-owned US$8,400 – US$10,300

• 

  Explorer 40 224270

  The 40 mm steel Explorer from 2023. Same calibre 3230 as the 36, for larger wrists.

  Retail US$8,350 · Pre-owned US$8,200 – US$9,300

226570 FAQ