About 42mm Watches
The 42mm case size emerged as the modern standard for serious sport watches, offering a dial diameter large enough to read comfortably in demanding conditions while remaining proportionate on a wide range of wrists. The Rolex Explorer II is among the most storied watches in this size class, originally conceived for cavers and polar explorers who needed to distinguish day from night underground or in perpetual daylight, and it has worn a 42mm case since its significant update in 2011. The reference 216570 defined the modern Explorer II for over a decade before the 226570 succeeded it, refining proportions and updating details while retaining the model's signature 24-hour hand, Mercedes hands, and bold hour markers. Together these references represent the full contemporary arc of the Explorer II and are among the most sought-after 42mm watches on the pre-owned market.
What to Look For
When shopping 42mm Explorer II references, the key distinctions to evaluate are the reference number, dial color, and case finishing, since the 216570 and 226570 differ in subtle but collectible ways including updated case architecture and bracelet design on the newer generation. Surface treatment is another meaningful variable, as standard steel references carry a different character and resale profile than PVD or DLC-coated examples like the 226570PVD, which offer a stealthier all-black presentation. Dial color, either white or black, is ultimately a personal choice, though both remain in consistent demand and hold strong value across both reference generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 and 226570?
The 216570 was the Explorer II produced from 2011 through approximately 2021, while the 226570 is the current generation introduced to replace it with updated case shaping and bracelet refinements. Both share the 42mm case size, the GMT-style 24-hour hand, and availability in white or black dial, but collectors and buyers generally track the references separately because condition, generation, and provenance affect pricing differently for each.
Is a PVD or DLC coated Explorer II as durable as a standard steel model?
PVD and DLC coatings are applied over stainless steel, so the underlying case structure is identical to the standard references, but the surface treatment adds a hardened, scratch-resistant black finish that many buyers prefer for its low-profile stealth look. It is worth noting that heavy wear can eventually affect coated surfaces differently than brushed or polished steel, which is a factor some collectors weigh when considering long-term value.
Why buy a 42mm Rolex Explorer II from Bizak and Co.?
Bizak and Co. specializes in authenticated pre-owned luxury watches and carries multiple Explorer II references across both dial colors and surface treatments, giving buyers a direct comparison across the 216570 and 226570 generations in one place. Every watch in the 42mm collection is verified for authenticity and ships promptly, so you can buy with confidence whether you are a first-time luxury watch buyer or an experienced collector adding a specific reference to your rotation.
Browse also: Rolex collection.
Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
