Rolex Explorer II — Ref. 226570 | Black Dial | Complete Full Set | Swedish Certified

The Rolex Explorer II reference 226570 is one of the most iconic and purposeful sport watches Rolex has ever produced. Introduced in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Explorer II (ref. 1655), this reference represents the pinnacle of the lineage — refined, robust, and thoroughly timeless.

The Watch

The 42mm Oystersteel case carries the Explorer II’s signature proportions: substantial and commanding yet remarkably balanced on the wrist. The black dial variant (226570-0001) delivers exceptional legibility through its applied Mercedes-style hands and Chromalight luminescent hour markers that glow a long-lasting blue in low light. The signature orange GMT arrow hand — a direct nod to the Explorer II’s adventurous heritage — immediately draws the eye and sets this watch apart from virtually everything else in Rolex’s lineup.

The fixed 24-hour graduated bezel in steel allows for instant day/night differentiation across a second time zone — a tool function that remains as relevant today as it was when the Explorer II was designed for cavers and polar explorers working underground without natural light.

At the heart of the watch sits the Calibre 3285 — Rolex’s own manufacture movement, certified as a Superlative Chronometer to a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. It offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve (a significant step up from the 48 hours of the previous generation), a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for resistance to magnetic fields, and Paraflex shock absorbers for enhanced durability. The screw-down Twinlock crown ensures water resistance to 100 metres.

The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal featuring a Cyclops lens over the date at 3 o’clock, providing a clear magnified view of the date display. The caseback is solid and screws down flush — clean and understated, as Rolex intends.

The Bracelet

The watch is fitted on a three-piece solid link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel, secured by a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with the Easylink 5mm comfort extension system — allowing for effortless adjustment to wrist size throughout the day. The bracelet shows light signs of wear consistent with previous ownership: minor surface scratching on the outer links visible under direct light. There is no significant stretching, and the bracelet retains solid, tight articulation between every link. Additional original links are included in a sealed Rolex bag, allowing the bracelet to be sized up if needed.

Condition

This Explorer II presents in what is best described as excellent pre-owned condition. The case retains its original brushed and polished finishing without any signs of having been polished — the lugs remain sharp and the case angles are fully intact, which is increasingly rare and highly valued by collectors. The black dial is original and in perfect condition: no fading, no marks, no moisture. The sapphire crystal is free of scratches. The bezel is in excellent shape with no chips or fading. Light wear is present on the bracelet links as noted above, which is entirely expected and does not detract from the overall presentation.

According to the independent appraisal by *Marcels Watch Group* (Göteborg, Sweden — one of Scandinavia’s most respected pre-owned watch dealers), the watch was inspected and described as being in very good to excellent condition with few signs of use. Authenticity has been fully confirmed. The watch was functioning without fault at the time of appraisal and has not been reported as lost or stolen.

What’s Included — Complete Full Set

•⁠  ⁠Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 (black dial)
•⁠  ⁠Original Rolex green presentation box with outer white sleeve (SAP 39139)
•⁠  ⁠Original Rolex green inner box with pillow and Rolex hang tag (green wax seal intact)
•⁠  ⁠International Guarantee / Warranty card (Garantie Internationale)
•⁠  ⁠Oyster Perpetual Explorer II booklet / manual
•⁠  ⁠Additional Rolex literature
•⁠  ⁠Extra Oystersteel links (sealed in original Rolex bag)
•⁠  ⁠Independent appraisal certificate from Marcels Watch Group AB, Göteborg
•⁠  ⁠Receipt / Kvitto from Marcels Watch Group AB

This is a genuinely complete set. Nothing has been removed or replaced.

Provenance

Sourced through Marcels Watch Group AB, Postgatan 6, 41113 Göteborg — a well-regarded and established watch dealer in Scandinavia with a strong reputation in the pre-owned Rolex market. The appraisal document is signed by appraiser Christoffer Hedenbjörk and carries the Marcels Watch Group stamp.