Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The Explorer and Explorer II watches that evolved from Rolex’s involvement in some of the greatest adventures in exploration of the past century were recently featured for the first time in Malaysia at a unique exhibition at the Pavilion Mall. For generations, pioneering explorers have attested to the watches’ reliability in the toughest conditions.
Through illustrated panels and films, visitors discovered the extraordinary story behind the development of the Explorer, which was launched in 1953 after the first ascent to the summit of Mount Everest by an expedition equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. Later, the Explorer II, created in 1971, became the watch of choice of speleologists, volcanologists and explorers in every corner of the globe.
Deepsea Under the Pole by Rolex, 2010
The story of the Explorer is deeply bound with the history of Rolex. From the 1930s, the Swiss watchmaker began to test its watches in real-life conditions – using the world as a “living laboratory”. More than a dozen high-altitude expeditions and some of the world’s greatest explorers were equipped with Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches as they ventured to the most hostile terrain on Earth. In return, the brand received valuable feedback on the performance of its timepieces in extreme conditions. This was used to develop precise, reliable tool watches.
Special features have made the Oyster Perpetual Explorer particularly attuned to the needs of explorers. It was created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Not only is the watch robust, it has simple, contrasting aesthetics that aid legibility. And as it has evolved over the years, the Explorer has remained faithful to its heritage and unique identity while encompassing Rolex’s technological innovations, such as Paraflex shock absorbers.
The Explorer features a 36 mm Oyster case – in 2021 it returned to the size of the original model after having been increased to 39 mm in 2010. The Chromalight hour markers are filled with a luminescent material emitting a long-lasting blue glow that offers excellent legibility in any situation, while the emblematic 3, 6 and 9 numerals stand out in contrast on the sleek dial.
Sylvia Earle, Photographed by fellow testimonee David Doubilet
Thanks to its 24-hour display by means of an additional hand and an engraved fixed bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours. On expeditions, the 42-mm Explorer II, which is equipped with calibre 3285, can also be used to display the time in two time zones.
The self-winding mechanical movement exemplifies the qualities inherent in all Rolex timepieces: reliability, precision and ease of use. This watch, designed for extremes, is heir to the privileged relationship that has always united Rolex and exploration.
As the 21st century unfolds, the company has moved from championing exploration for the sake of discovery to preserving the planet, and reinforced its commitment by launching the Perpetual Planet initiative in 2019. It supports individuals and organisations using science to understand the world’s environmental challenges and devise solutions that will restore balance to our ecosystems.
Oyster Perpetual Explorer
The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931.
In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
