About the Rolex Explorer II
The Explorer II was introduced in 1971 for people who cannot tell day from night: cave explorers, polar researchers, anyone working underground or through a season without darkness. The extra hand points at a fixed 24-hour bezel, so the wearer can see at a glance whether it is nine in the morning or nine at night.
It has always been the more practical and less celebrated of the two Explorers, and it has a following precisely for that reason.
What to look for in a pre-owned Explorer II
Dial colour
The white dial, which collectors call polar, and the black dial are the two choices, and they give the watch quite different characters.
Bezel
Unlike the GMT-Master II, the Explorer II bezel does not turn. It is engraved and fixed, which suits a watch designed to be read rather than adjusted.
Generations
The case grew to 42 mm in 2011 and the 24-hour hand became larger and brighter. Earlier 40 mm examples wear noticeably smaller.
Explorer II prices in Malta
The Explorer II sits below the Submariner and the GMT-Master II on the pre-owned market despite being a similarly capable watch, which makes it one of the better-value professional Rolex models to buy second hand. Every watch in this selection is priced, so you can compare without having to ask. Prices are shown in euro and include VAT.
Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Explorer II
Every Explorer II here has been authenticated by Rolex, carries the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned seal and comes with a two-year international guarantee. Edwards Lowell is the Official Rolex Retailer in Malta, and we deliver across the European Union, so you do not have to be in Malta to buy one. You can also see the watches at our Rolex Certified Pre-Owned showroom on Zachary Street in Valletta, or read how the programme works first. A straightforward, legible, hard-wearing Rolex. Worth seeing next to a Submariner before deciding.
