Why Does The Rolex Explorer II Have A Fixed Bezel?
The Rolex Explorer II is known as the watch for adventurers. First released in 1971, which featured a black dial, contrasting GMT-hand, and a fixed 24 – hour bezel in stainless steel. Perhaps have you ever wondered why the bezel is fixed and not rotatable on the Explorer II, unlike the GMT Master?
Why A Fixed Bezel?
The Rolex Explorer II is a follow-up model on the Explorer which first was presented in 1953. The Explorer and Explorer II are two different watches, which are made for the same technical field but used in different locations. The Explorer is made for explorers who need a durable watch, which easily displays the time. The Explorer II is also made for the exact same purpose, but more specifically made for explorers who adventure at places where the sun doesn’t reach.
In these adventurous elements, such as caves, it would be hard for an explorer to distinguish whether it is day or night, hence the fourth GMT-hand, which indicates on the fixed bezel whether the time is shown as AM or PM.
How To Read The GMT Hand
The GMT-hand is the most important function of the Explorer II when it is used in its true element. The idea behind the GMT hand is to set it at the exact same time as the hour hand, so that you whilst being deep down in a cave, more easily can tell whether the hour hand displays AM or PM hours. As seen on the picture above, the hour and minutes hand indicates that the time is 9 past 9, and the GMT hand confirms it’s 9 AM, and not 9 PM, as it then would be pointing at 21.
Can You Set The GMT Hand Independently?
The short answer is yes, you can set the GMT-hand independently. The GMT hand is set in the second position when pulling out the crown, along with the minute’s hand.
Which Color Is The GMT Hand?
The color of the GMT hand has been different, during the production and evolvement of the Explorer II.
Rolex Explorer II reference 1655 (Manufactured 1971 – 1985)
It was first launched with an orange GMT hand. There have been different changes to the Explorer II reference 1655, commonly known as MK by collectors, and some of these changes caused the GMT hand to become almost white after aging.
Rolex Explorer II 16550 (Manufactured 1985 – 1989)
The reference 16550 is often seen as a transitional model for the Explorer, which gave the Explorer II new dimensions, and also a new look. It was available with both a black and white dial, both configurations had a red GMT hand equipped.
Rolex Explorer II 16570 (Manufactured 1989 – 2011)
The third-generation Explorer II followed the same trail as the previous generation. Updates were made to the watch, such as a new movement and improved white color on the dial, but the GMT hand remained the same, in red, for both the black and white dial configuration.
Rolex Explorer II 216570 (Manufactured 2011 – 2021)
In 2011, Rolex introduced the Maxi-case Explorer II, which was enlarged from 40mm to 42mm and with a wider bracelet. Despite the big visual changes, it was actually seen as a more true-to-the-original Explorer II reference 1655, which again featured an orange GMT hand.
Rolex Explorer II 226570 (Manufactured 2021 – Current)
The newest edition of Rolex Explorer II was added with slimmer proportions, updated movement, and small visual changes. The GMT hand on the most recent Explorer II, despite a white or black dial, remains orange.
