Rolex Explorer II White Dial 226570 2026 [Preowned]

Overview 

The Rolex Explorer II 226570 replaced the 216570 in 2021, at the Explorer II's 50th anniversary, carrying forward the 42mm case but with lugs slimmed and reworked to sit flatter and hug the wrist more closely than the outgoing reference. The more consequential change sits underneath the dial: the Calibre 3187 is out, replaced by the Calibre 3285, taking power reserve from 48 hours to 70. This is the watch quietly correcting where the previous generation was starting to show its age, not a redesign.

The case is 42mm Oystersteel, with the fixed 24-hour bezel and engraved numerals that have defined the Explorer II since 1971. This example carries the white "Polar" dial, the orange 24-hour hand read against a white background rather than the black dial's more subdued register; the contrast makes the second time zone easier to read at a glance than on the black dial version. Date at 3 with Cyclops lens, no further complications. Lug width increased to 22mm from the previous generation's 21mm, part of the same case rework that slimmed the lugs and tightened the bracelet's taper into the case.

The movement is the Calibre 3285, the same GMT-family movement used in the current GMT-Master II, bringing a 70-hour power reserve and Chronergy escapement to the Explorer II for the first time in this reference. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day. For a buyer coming from the outgoing 216570, this is the upgrade that matters most; everything else is refinement around it.

Within the Explorer II's own history, the 226570 is the version to own unless a buyer has a specific reason to want the earlier 3187-equipped case. Against the Explorer 36mm and 40mm, the Explorer II carries its value on a genuinely different proposition: the 24-hour bezel and dual-time function, not case size or dial minimalism. We see steady demand for the 226570 across both dial colours, the kind of consistency that comes from a reference bought to be worn rather than flipped. This piece is preowned, excellent condition, complete original set with box and papers dated March 2026, at RM45,000.

Specifications

Brand :	Rolex
Model Name :	Explorer II
Reference :	226570
Material	Steel
Movement :	Rolex Calibre 3285, 70 hours Power Reserve, Automatic
Case Diameter :	42mm
Bracelet / Strap :	Steel
Features :	100m depth rating, Blue luminescence on dial, GMT feature - second time zone with independent hour hand

 

Condition

Preowned, Excellent Condition, Complete Original Set with Box and Papers dated March 2026.

Warranty

5 year original manufacturer warranty.

Further Insight from Our Specialist Team

Read our Full Review here :The Case for the Explorer II: Is This Rolex's Best Sports Watch? 

Watch our Video Review Here :