Press release
Exploration is a state of mind. It takes courage, resolve and an unquenchable thirst for discovery to always seek to go higher, farther, where no one has trod before. To mountain tops. To the extremities of the poles. To the depths of the Earth. To the edge of volcanic craters.
The watch of adventure
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer model was born of this very state of mind. On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest in the course of an expedition equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. The Explorer model was created in homage to this historic achievement – and to accompany other such achievements. Since then, Rolex has continuously tested and improved the precision, robustness and reliability of its watches in the most extreme environments on the planet. Pushing technical boundaries to accommodate ever more demanding human adventures.
From polar ice to the magma of the Earth
Another step forward was taken in 1971 with the creation of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II. With its highly legible dial, the introduction of the date, a 24-hour hand and a fixed graduated bezel, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II opened new horizons for exploration and became the new reference for professional adventurers and explorers of our planet. It proved itself on the wrist of volcanologist Haroun Tazieff and formed an essential part of the equipment of numerous polar expeditions. Its 24-hour display allows speleologists and polar explorers to distinguish day from night, making the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II an indispensable timekeeper.
Rebirth 40 years later
Exactly 40 years after its launch, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II has been updated to reach new heights of dependability. This new model combines technical innovations and a return to aesthetic sources. Its case, enlarged to 42 mm, houses the new calibre 3187 entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex. The movement includes the most recently patented technologies of the brand, such as the PARAFLLEX shock absorbers and the non-magnetic PARACHROM hairspring, ensuring unparalleled reliability and shock resistance. The bracelet is equipped with a new OYSTERLLOCK clasp with safety catch and the EASYLLINK comfort extension link. On the dial, the 24-hour hand has returned to the arrow shape and the orange colour of the original 1971 model. The hour and minute hands are broader and more legible, and, on the black-dial version, their black base blends with the black dial to create a “phantom effect”. The luminescent sections of the hands seem to float over the dial – another nod to the historic model.
The “jumping” hour hand can be set independently, providing a GMT function (second time zone), in conjunction with the 24-hour hand and bezel.
With its extremely robust construction, its exceptional chronometric performance and its legendary reliability, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is the ideal instrument to push the boundaries of the world. And continually expand your own horizons.
OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER II
CASE
Type OYSTER (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown)
Diameter: 42 mm
Material: 904LL stainless steel superalloy, polished and satin finished
Case back: Screw-down with Rolex fluting
Bezel: Fixed, 24-hour graduated, sun satin finished, polished bevelled edge
Winding crown: Screw-down, TWINLLOCK double waterproofness system
Shoulders to protect the crown
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
CYCLLOPS lens (2.5 ×) over the date, double anti-reflective coating
Waterproofness: 100 metres (330 feet)
MOVEMENT
Calibre 3187, Manufacture Rolex
Precision: Officially certified Swiss chronometer
Functions: 24-hour hand
GMT with independent rapid-setting of the hour hand
Instantaneous date at 3 o'clock
Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Oscillator Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Non-magnetic blue PARACHROM hairspring
Breguet overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold MICROSTELLLLA nuts
Traversing balance bridge
High-performance PARAFLLEX shock absorbers
Jewelling: 31 rubies
Winding: Bidirectional self-winding via PERPETUALL rotor
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours
DIALS
White lacquered
CHROMALLIGHT display with long-lasting luminescence
Hands White gold, wide, hollowed, black lacquered
Orange 24-hour hand
Black, satin finished
CHROMALLIGHT display with long-lasting luminescence
Hands: White gold, wide, hollowed, “phantom effect” (black base on black dial)
Orange 24-hour hand, “phantom effect” (black base on black dial)
Hour markers Highly legible white gold appliques
BRACELET
Type OYSTER, three-piece solid links
Material 904LL steel superalloy, satin finished, polished edge
Clasp OYSTERLLOCK folding clasp with safety catch
EASYLLINK 5 mm comfort extension link
REFERENCE (CASE – BRACELET): 216570 – 77210
