Rolex Explorer II
Rolex Explorer II is a self-winding Swiss made wristwatch introduced by Rolex in 1971.[1] The watch was originally intended to be a tool watch for speleologists.[1] The fixed 24-hr bezel and bright red arrow hand were designed to keep track of day and night while caving.[2]
The Explorer line originated in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
Known wearers
Actor Steve McQueen was shown in advertisements for the watch but never actually wore it in daily life, preferring the Rolex Submariner, Heuer, and Hanhart watches.[1]
Ed Viesturs, the only American to climb all 14 of the globe's eight-thousander peaks (and the fifth person to ever do so without supplemental oxygen); Jean Troillet, the Swiss/Canadian who set the speed record for climbing the Matterhorn (at 21-years-old nonetheless) and was the first person to snowboard down Everest; and Alain Hubert, world-renowned Polar explorer who achieved a world-record cross of the Antarctic continent, all proudly wore the Rolex Explorer II on their expeditions.
References
- ^ a b c Inside the Rolex Explorer II 1655 Bob's Watches
- ^ Pre-Owned Men's Rolex Explorer II Ref 16570 Black Dial
- ^ Rolex Explorer II 'Steve McQueen' Analog Shift