Rolex Explorer II 42 mm 216570BLK1 Steel Black

The Rolex Explorer II 216570BLK1 is one of the most immediately recognizable references in Rolex's sports watch catalogue — a 42mm Oystersteel tool watch designed to meet the demands of explorers, scientists, and adventurers venturing into environments where standard timekeeping falls short. The black dial version, in particular, has developed a devoted following for its high-contrast legibility and assertive visual presence on the wrist.

The Explorer II lineage traces its roots to 1971, when Rolex introduced the original ref. 1655 to serve cavers and speleologists who needed to distinguish between day and night during long underground expeditions. The 24-hour display — here rendered as a distinctive orange 24-hour hand sweeping across a fixed bezel engraved with a 24-hour scale — remains the defining complication of every Explorer II produced since, and on the 216570 it is executed with the refined precision Rolex collectors expect.

At 42mm across the Oystersteel case, the Explorer II 216570BLK1 strikes a confident silhouette without veering into oversized territory. The black dial is clean and purposeful: applied hour markers and hands finished in white Chromalight luminescent material ensure instant readability in low light, while the date window at 3 o'clock adds everyday practicality. The fixed bezel, marked with a 24-hour graduation, ties function directly to form in a way that feels entirely coherent rather than gratuitous.

The case and the three-link Oyster bracelet are crafted from Oystersteel, Rolex's proprietary 904L stainless steel alloy that offers exceptional corrosion resistance and retains its polish longer than the 316L steel used by most competitors. Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet) is provided by the screw-down Triplock winding crown, ensuring the watch can handle everyday exposure to water without concern. The Oysterlock safety clasp on the bracelet prevents accidental opening during active use.

Powering the Explorer II 216570BLK1 is an automatic movement — Rolex's self-winding architecture that has been continuously refined across decades to deliver robust, accurate timekeeping. The movement winds itself through the motion of the wearer's wrist, making it a truly set-and-forget companion for daily wear or extended travel.

At Bizak & Co., every Rolex Explorer II we offer has been certified authentic before listing. Bizak & Co. is not an authorized Rolex dealer, and all transactions are for pre-owned or grey-market pieces — which means you can often access this coveted reference without the lengthy waitlists common at authorized dealers. If you are looking to buy the Rolex Explorer II 216570BLK1 online in the United States, we invite you to contact our team directly for current pricing, condition details, and any available documentation.