Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Venturing to the outer limits
The spirit of adventure is imbued in every watch Rolex makes. The Rolex Perpetual Explorer and the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, however, are the very epitome of strength, durability, and robustness. Made to perform flawlessly in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer watches also have powerful anti-magnetic properties. The timepiece’s accuracy would be unaffected during an expedition to the South Pole, for example, where the Earth’s magnetic pull is twice as strong than it is at the equator.
CD Peacock is committed to excellence both in our Rolex watch offerings and customer service. While our Rolex customers may not have the chance to explore the South Pole, their watches will serve them well on their personal adventures from safaris to the slopes, and everywhere in between. Read on to discover the fascinating history of the Rolex Explorer.
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Explorer II evolved from Rolex’s deep involvement with exploration. They go where few people venture. The brand was able to test these watches in real life by equipping polar, mountaineering and caving expeditions over many years. Some of the world’s most intrepid explorers, mountaineers and scientists took these watches to places that tested their reliability in the toughest conditions.
From the 1930s, Rolex began to equip numerous expeditions with Oyster Perpetual watches. The feedback received was used to develop what became known as the Professional category: watches that serve as tools, such as the Explorer and Explorer II. Rolex watches have taken part in some of humanity’s greatest adventures. One such occasion was the 1953 expedition to Everest, led by Sir John Hunt, on which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first to summit the world’s highest mountain.
Designed for exploration
The Explorer, launched in 1953, sets itself apart with a simple design and a highly legible black dial with large hour markers and characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals. It is a tool watch, created to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances. Even in the dark, the dial is easy to read, thanks to the Chromalight display. Today, the Explorer is available in the same 36 mm size as the original model.
The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 and, in the same spirit as the Explorer, perpetuates the privileged relationship Rolex enjoys with exploration. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours – a practical option in places where distinguishing day from night is difficult, such as at the poles at certain times of the year, and in caves – or to read the time in a second time zone.
Resisting the extremes
Watches in the Explorer range have constantly evolved to meet explorers’ needs, each time becoming more robust and reliable. The Explorer is available in Oystersteel or in a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), and the Explorer II is made exclusively in Oystersteel. Specially developed for Rolex, Oystersteel is a unique alloy with excellent anti-corrosion properties.
Both models are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet known for its robustness. Featuring the Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening, it is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link; developed by the brand, this allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm.
The Explorer is equipped with calibre 3230 while the Explorer II features calibre 3285. Both are self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. They offer a power reserve of about 70 hours.
Superlative chronometer certifications
Like all Rolex timepieces, watches in the Submariner range are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by a green seal and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Visit CD Peacock to Discover the Rolex Explorer Collection
Wherever your life’s adventures take you, CD Peacock can help you choose a Rolex watch that is perfect for you. Our specially trained Rolex sales associates at our Oakbrook and Woodfield Mall stores are dedicated to serving our customers. We’d be delighted to welcome you to the World of Rolex.
Only Official Rolex Jewelers are authorized to sell Rolex timepieces. At CD Peacock, we’re proud to have been an Official Rolex Jeweler for over two decades. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice of a lifetime. You can count on us to offer excellent and personalized customer service. We invite you to visit us to discover the Explorer and the Explorer II, as well as the full range of Rolex timepieces.
