Explanation of the history and chronology of EXPLORER products

Cal.A296
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 50m Case size 36mm

The memorable first model that was first featured as an Explorer in a Rolex advertisement. It is said to be the origin of the Explorer's design, with early models featuring a guilloché dial, leaf hand, big dot second hand, and long vent hand. The automatic movement is equipped with Cal.A296. This is from the so-called "semi-bubble back" era, when the case back bulged out. Reference 6150 was also released around the same time, and this one is a non-chronometer model equipped with the same movement, Cal.A296.

Cal.1030
Power reserve unknown Water resistance 50m Case size 36mm

Only one year after the release of the first model, the second model, Ref. 6610, equipped with the bidirectional winding caliber 1030, was born. It has a chronometer specification and is equipped with the world's first bidirectional winding movement Cal.1030. In terms of design, the hour hand has become a Benz hand.

Cal.1530
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 50m Case size 35mm

It is said to be one of the boy's models of Explorer I available in various countries. In the 1960s, Ref.5500 and Ref.5504, which were made for overseas markets, were released. Ref.5500 is a British specification model, and is characterized by the adoption of a 34mm case. Commonly known as Boys Explorer. Ref.5504 gained popularity as many dress lines were sold in North America. Also, since the same reference originally exists as the reference number for Air King, it is sometimes called Big Air King.

Cal.1560, Cal.1570
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 36mm

Ref.1016 is the Explorer I 3rd model, which is said to be the prototype of the current Explorer. A long-selling model of the Explorer that has been manufactured for approximately 30 years, ensuring the solid popularity of the Explorer I and its stoic and tough image. It is also famous for consolidating and establishing the basic design of the Explorer, which until then had many features with different details. 1016 is divided into early and late models depending on the production period and the movement installed, and they differ in the presence or absence of a hack function to stop the second hand.

Cal.1570
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

Developed as a higher-end model of Explorer I, the first model of Explorer II, Ref. 1655, was born in 1971. The case is sturdy and has a 24-hour scale on the bezel. Equipped with a crown guard as standard, a large 24-hour hand with a triangle, and a date mechanism, it boasts a high level of functionality suitable for use under conditions where it is difficult to distinguish between day and night. The luminous paint color of the 24-hour hand is part of the design, but it also takes into account visibility in dim light or under a flashlight. The pamphlet says it's red, but it's unclear whether it's due to fading due to aging or repainting, but there are actually red, orange, and yellow colors.

Cal.3085
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

A highly rare model that was produced for only 4 to 5 years. Reference 16550 is also a model in which the design of the Explorer II has changed significantly. Examples include the deep dot index, the Mercedes hour hand, and the triangular mark at the 12 o'clock position on the dial.

Cal.3000
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 36mm

Ref.14270 is a complete model change from the previous model, Ref.1016. Equipped with Cal.3000, a high-vibration automatic movement created using the most advanced technology at the time. The windshield is made from plastic material and is made of sapphire crystal, which boasts overwhelming strength. The dial, indexes, and base color are now glossy and deep black, giving the watch a new design with a fearless impression.

Cal.3185, Cal.3186
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 40mm

Ref.16570 is the 3rd model of Explorer II. There are not many changes in design from the previous model, Ref. 16550, but the biggest change is the movement transition to Cal. 3185. It is also fully functional, including a date display and GMT function. A long-selling model for about 20 years, and the last 40mm case of the Explorer II.

Cal.3130
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 36mm

Reference 114270, which was born in 2001, is the model one generation before the current Explorer I as of 2022, and is also the last model with a case diameter of 36 mm. Among the many Rolex models, the high design inherited from the early models is also known for the fact that there have been few changes due to the completed design.

Cal.3132
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 39mm

The case diameter has been increased from 36mm to 39mm. By shifting the movement to Cal.3132, it has extremely high magnetic and shock resistance. Minor changes were made in 2016 as well.

Cal.3187
Power reserve approximately 48 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 42mm

The Ref.216570 was released to celebrate the model's 40th anniversary. Major changes from the previous model, Ref. 16570, include the sense of luxury, visibility, and ease of use. The bright orange 24-hour hand is reminiscent of the first model, the reference 1655. Along with the larger case size, the indexes, hour and minute hands, and 24-hour hand have also been made larger, improving visibility. Furthermore, the material of the luminous paint has been changed, and the paint on the indexes and hands has been changed from Super Luminova to Chromalite. The color of the light emitted has also changed from green to blue, and the light emission time has been significantly increased to approximately 8 hours. As a result, visibility even in the dark has improved.

Cal.3230
Power reserve approximately 70 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 36mm

In April 2021, the Ref.214270, which has been loved for over 10 years, underwent a model change. The first yellow Rolesor model in the Explorer I series, 18K yellow gold is used for the bezel, crown, and center link of the bracelet, giving it a completely different design from previous models and adding to its glamor. The bracelet consists of satin-finished stainless steel side links and polished center links. Ref.124270 is a stainless steel model. Both watches have the lacquered dial printed with the SWISS notation with a crown mark design, and are equipped with Cal.3230, a new generation movement developed by Rolex.

Cal.3285
Power reserve approximately 70 hours Water resistance 100m Case size 42mm

Ref.226570, the 5th generation Explorer II. Since it was announced in 2021, the 50th anniversary of Explorer II's birth, it was thought that there would be major changes, but in reality it was the opposite. You can see the simple and sturdy side of Rolex, which maintains the completed design while making sure to update it. Although there are no notable changes, a newly designed case and bracelet have been adopted, creating a more harmonious watch that inherits the original design. In terms of functionality, it is equipped with the new-generation Cal. 3285 movement, which has excellent impact resistance and anti-magnetic properties, and has a long power reserve of approximately 70 hours.