Pre-owned Rolex Explorer II ref 216570 (2018) marked a major update for the collection and a return to some of its most recognizable design cues. Originally developed for spelunkers and cave explorers, the Explorer II was made to distinguish between day and night hours in environments where natural light disappears. This generation demonstrates that purpose. Rolex increased the case size to 42mm for better legibility and brought back the bold orange “Freccione” arrow hand, a direct homage to the original ref 1655. The white “Polar” dial adds even more contrast, with black hour markers and hands that stand out at a glance. It’s highly functional, but also just looks right. This reference was eventually replaced by the 226570, but many still prefer the 216570 for its proportions and that oversized GMT hand. It’s a modern Explorer II with clear ties to its roots. Shop Rolex Explorer II Collection