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Out With the Old

What’s the Difference Between the Rolex Explorer and Rolex Explorer II?

There are a small handful of models in the Rolex catalog which have been given ‘sequels’ over the years. Three, in fact – the Rolex Explorer, GMT-Master, and Yacht-Master. Of those three, only two still have both versions running side-by-side. As for the Rolex Explorer and Explorer II, these watches also bear little resemblance to each other and both have long been viewed as underdogs in the Rolex lineup, the perpetually overlooked cult heroes. But what are the differences  between the Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Explorer II? Below we lay out everything that you need to know.

One From the Archives

Rolex Explorer: Top Things to Know Before Buying

A mainstay of the Rolex catalog since the early 1950s, the Explorer is both the brand’s oldest sports watch still in production and its most understated. As is the norm for longtime Rolex models, the Explorer has undergone some notable modifications over its almost seven-decade history while still retaining its fundamental design characteristics. And it is these modifications and updates that will ultimately dictate which Explorer reference is right for you. So with that in mind, here are the top three things to know before buying a Rolex Explorer. 

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