exploere 2 rolex brutto anatroccolo cigno | Rolex oyster explorer ii

The Rolex Explorer II, often perceived as the less glamorous sibling to the Submariner or GMT-Master II, has carved its own unique and compelling niche within the Rolex pantheon. Initially met with lukewarm reception, even considered by some as a “brutto anatroccolo” (ugly duckling in Italian), the Explorer II has steadily matured, evolving into a highly sought-after and respected timepiece. This journey, mirroring the classic fairytale of the ugly duckling transforming into a magnificent swan (“cigno” in Italian), is a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to functionality, durability, and subtle, yet impactful, design enhancements. This article delves deep into the world of the Explorer II, specifically focusing on the current Oyster Perpetual Explorer II in Oystersteel with its distinctive white dial, arrow-shaped 24-hour hand, and Chromalight display, exploring its history, features, and enduring appeal. We'll examine why it's more than just a watch; it's a statement of adventure, precision, and understated elegance.

A History Forged in Exploration: The Genesis of the Explorer II

To truly appreciate the Explorer II, one must understand its lineage and purpose. The original Explorer, launched in 1953, was born from Rolex's extensive involvement in expeditions to Mount Everest. It was a watch designed for legibility, robustness, and reliability in extreme conditions. The Explorer II, introduced in 1971 with the reference 1655, took this concept a step further.

The 1655, often nicknamed the "Steve McQueen" (despite him never actually wearing one, the association stuck due to its rugged appeal) or the "Freccione" (Italian for "big arrow" referring to its prominent 24-hour hand), was designed specifically for speleologists – cave explorers. The crucial feature was its fixed 24-hour bezel and dedicated 24-hour hand, allowing explorers to differentiate between AM and PM in the perpetually dark environment of caves. Without this feature, disorientation could easily occur, leading to dangerous situations.

However, the 1655 wasn't an immediate hit. Its unique design, with its bold orange 24-hour hand and busy dial, was considered unconventional compared to the more traditional Rolex sports models. It was deemed by some as aesthetically challenged, hence the "brutto anatroccolo" comparison.

Subsequent iterations, including the references 16550, 16570, and the current 216570 (introduced in 2011 and updated in 2021), refined the Explorer II's design and enhanced its functionality. These models addressed some of the criticisms leveled at the 1655, while retaining its core purpose as a reliable tool watch for exploration.

The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II: A Modern Masterpiece

The current Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, available with either a black or white dial, represents the culmination of decades of refinement and innovation. Let's break down its key features:exploere 2 rolex brutto anatroccolo cigno

* Oystersteel Case and Bracelet: Crafted from Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel, a 904L stainless steel alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, the Explorer II's case is built to withstand the rigors of demanding environments. The Oyster bracelet, with its solid links and Oysterlock safety clasp, provides a secure and comfortable fit. The Easylink comfort extension link allows for easy adjustment of the bracelet length by approximately 5mm, catering to changes in wrist size due to temperature or activity.

* White Dial and Chromalight Display: The white dial, often referred to as the "polar" dial, is a defining characteristic of the Explorer II. It provides excellent contrast and legibility in all lighting conditions. The hour markers and hands are coated with Chromalight, Rolex's proprietary luminescent material, which emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark, ensuring optimal readability in low-light environments.

* Arrow-Shaped 24-Hour Hand: The iconic arrow-shaped 24-hour hand remains a central feature of the Explorer II. It points to the fixed 24-hour bezel, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone or, more importantly, to differentiate between AM and PM when in environments devoid of natural light. This function is particularly useful for travelers, researchers in remote locations, and, of course, speleologists.

* Caliber 3285 Movement: Powering the Explorer II is the Rolex Caliber 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This movement boasts exceptional precision, reliability, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It features a Chronergy escapement, which optimizes energy efficiency, and a Parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations. The Caliber 3285 is a testament to Rolex's commitment to horological excellence.