Rolex Explorer Vs Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer and the Explorer II are two popular sport models that fall under the professional line of wristwatches. Sharing the same name, both these models are meant for the real adventure lovers.

Explorer and Explorer II: Satisfying Different Needs

Rolex Explorer, successfully tested during the first human conquest of the Mt. Everest in 1953, is a special watch designed for harsh conditions. It can comfortably withstand temperatures from -20 degrees to +40 degrees centigrade. On the other hand, Explorer II was specially designed for the speleologists (cave explorers), who work inside deep caverns for days on end. While working inside the caves with no natural sources of light, it is easy for them to lose track of the time. To solve this problem, Rolex designed the Explorer II. The extra 24 hour hand (initially orange in color but now red) on the Explorer II, when used against the 24-hour graduated bezel, helps to distinguish day from night by clearly differentiating AM from PM. Rolex Explorer does not feature this special 24-hour hand or a fixed bezel engraved with 24 hour track.

Another major difference between the two models is also technical in nature. The Rolex Explorer II is equipped with the “Jump Hour” feature not present in the Explorer models. This feature enables the wearer to set the hour hand forward or backwards in one hour jumps without disturbing the second or minute hands.

Similarity Between the Two

Although, Rolex Explorer II was designed specifically for the speleologists, mountaineers and other adventure lovers like to use this model as well. It functions perfectly in all kinds of extremities. The commonalities between the two models include the following: Both are made of solid stainless steel with no other options.

* Both are self winding and waterproof to 100 meters or 330 feet.
* Both feature a synthetic sapphire crystal like other Rolex models.
* Both come with an Oysterlock bracelet with the safety clasp and Mercedes style hands.
* Mercedes style hands have been introduced into the current versions of both these sport models
* Like in other Rolex watches, both these models feature luminous Tritium fillings in place of Radium.

Although some basic features (as mentioned above) are common between the Explorer and the Explorer II, which are found in other Rolex models as well, these two models are distinguishable from each other in terms of both their looks and certain technical aspects.