Rolex introduces the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer in a yellow Rolesor version. The black dial, now lacquered, bears the index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals that are the cornerstones of the model's personality.
Over the course of history, humans have pursued exploration to discover unknown parts of the world, to defy the limits of human endurance, and to observe the planet in order to better protect it. Braving through extreme conditions, explorers have had to withstand the impossible for the sake of finding answers.
Exploration is inextricably linked to the history of Rolex. Accompanying explorers on their brave conquests, every expedition presents an opportunity to test and improve the reliability and robustness of the brand’s watches, using the world as a living laboratory.
The Explorer was born at the top of the world in 1953, following the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Later, upon its introduction in 1971, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II would carve out a place in the world of exploration thanks to its functions and ability to withstand the most extreme conditions. It has since gone on to become the timepiece of choice for polar explorers, speleologists and volcanologists. Both the Explorer and Explorer II continue to accompany exceptional individuals on their expeditions to the far corners of the Earth on quests to better understand the planet and find solutions for its protection.
This year, Rolex has once again improved the Explorer and Explorer II with the introduction of two new models each.
Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Available in yellow Rolesor (left) or Oystersteel (right), the Oyster Perpetual Explorer is emblematic of the close ties between Rolex and exploration
The new-generation Explorer is presented in a 36 mm case, a nod to the size of the original model when it first launched in 1953. It is available in a yellow Rolesor version that combines Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold, flawlessly blending strength and elegance; a further version sees the Explorer presented in Oystersteel.
The optimised Chromalight display allows the wearer to enjoy greater visibility even in the darkest conditions
Both the yellow Rolesor and Oystersteel Explorer models sport a black dial, now lacquered, that bears the index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals that are the cornerstones of the model’s personality. The new-generation Explorer’s optimised Chromalight display is particularly impressive. In dark conditions, the intensity of the blue glow emitted by the hour markers and hands now lasts longer thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material with which they are filled or coated. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.
Key to the Explorer’s status as a tool watch that is the paragon of robustness and reliability is Rolex’s proprietary blend of stainless steel, Oystersteel. A unique alloy with incomparable strength and clarity, Oystersteel remains a key element of the Explorer models' case and bracelet. Corrosion-resistant and designed for the most challenging conditions, it is part of what makes the Oyster Perpetual Explorer an essential instrument for every explorer.
Calibre 3230 ensures that the Oyster Perpetual Explorer models offer outstanding performance
Following the evolution of its collections, Rolex has equipped the new-generation Explorer with calibre 3230, a movement developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2020. Offering outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability, the calibre 3230 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. A movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, calibre 3230 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, its power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.
See also: Unique dial designs in Rolex's latest Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36
Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II features a redesigned case and bracelet for enhanced visual balance and harmony while remaining true to its aesthetic heritage
The new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II comes in two models, both in 42mm, one with a white dial and another with a black dial. On the white lacquer dial, the hour markers – whose black coating is applied using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) – and the black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands stand out for their matte finish. The 24-hour hand retains its characteristic orange hue, which is the same colour as the Explorer II inscription that has featured on the dial since 2011.
The new-generation Oyster Perpetual Explorer II combines a white lacquer dial with black hour markers and black lacquer hour, minute and seconds hands that stand out for their matte finish
The Explorer II is heir to the privileged relationship that has long united Rolex and exploration. Presented in 1971, this robust and reliable watch quickly became an essential tool for explorers. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours. This is particularly useful in areas where it is difficult or even impossible to distinguish between day and night, such as underground or in polar regions. In certain conditions, this display enables the watch to serve as a compass, while the 24-hour display can also be used to show a second time zone.
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II also benefits from an optimised Chromalight display that allows for added visibility even in the harshest conditions
Also sporting an optimised Chromalight display, the hour markers and hands of the Explorer II emits a blue glow in dark conditions and this glow now lasts longer thanks to the innovative and exclusive luminescent material with which they are filled or coated. In daylight, these display elements also have a brighter white hue.
The 24-hour hand also retains its characteristic orange hue, which is the same colour as the Explorer II inscription that has featured on the dial since 2011.
Thanks to calibre 3285, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II boasts strong reliability and superior efficiency
The new-generation Explorer II is equipped with calibre 3285, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2018 and is fitted on this model from 2021. Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability, ensuring precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
With a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor, calibre 3285 boasts a power reserve that extends to approximately 70 hours, thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency.
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