Explorer II · Generations
From the 1655 Freccione to the current 42 mm 226570 — the day-night Rolex through five generations.
Two changes define the lineage: the 1985 move to an independently adjustable hour hand, and the 2011 growth to 42 mm.
| Generation | Years | References | Key changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freccione | 1971–1985 | 1655 | Fixed 24-hour hand; large orange arrow; black dial only |
| First Polar | 1985–1989 | 16550 | White 'Polar' dial; independent hour hand; cream-dial examples prized |
| Long-run modern | 1989–2011 | 16570 | Polar or black; the versatile, well-priced era |
| 42 mm | 2011–2021 | 216570 | Grew to 42 mm; orange 24-hour hand returns |
| Current | 2021–present | 226570 | Calibre 3285, refined 42 mm |
The original 1655 had a 24-hour hand fixed to the main hands — a pure day-night indicator. From the 16550 (1985) the local hour hand became independently adjustable, effectively giving the Explorer II a GMT function alongside its day-night reading.
The vintage 1655 Freccione and the early 16550 — especially 'cream dial' examples where the white dial aged to ivory — carry the strongest premiums. The 16570 remains the value-minded modern choice.
Generations FAQ
Five broadly: the 1655 Freccione, the first-Polar 16550, the long-running 16570, the 42 mm 216570, and the current 226570.
With the 16550 in 1985. The original 1655's 24-hour hand was fixed to the main hands as a day-night indicator; the 16550 made the local hour hand independently adjustable.
Some early white-dial 16550s aged to a warm cream or ivory tone. These 'cream dial' examples are especially sought by collectors and command a premium.