Watch Almanac
Rolex

Explorer II

Ref. 216570 · “Polar (white dial)”

Case diameter
42 mm
Measured in a published review
Lug-to-lug
50 mm
Unverified
Thickness
12.5 mm
Unverified
Lug width
21 mm
Measured in a published review
Ideal fit
Wrist flat: 55.1 mmLug-to-lug: 50 mm

How the Explorer II wears

Its lugs add 8 mm to the 42 mm case, close to the 7.1 mm typical across the almanac, so its diameter is a fair guide to how it wears.

On our fit model it sits best on wrists from 7" to 8.25" (17.8–21.0 cm); below 7" the lugs start to reach the edge of the wrist.

At 12.5 mm thick it is thicker than 54% of the 24 other gmt watches we've measured, so expect it to sit tall on the wrist.

Its 21 mm lug width is one of the most common strap sizes; 28 other watches here share it, so aftermarket straps are easy to find.

Will the Explorer II fit your wrist?

With a 50 mm lug-to-lug, here is how it wears across common wrist sizes. We estimate the flat top of each wrist from its circumference; measure yours for a closer answer in the fit finder.

WristFlat width (est.)Fit
6"47.2 mmLugs overhang
6.5"51.2 mmSnug, lugs near the edge
7"55.1 mmIdeal fit
7.5"59.1 mmIdeal fit
8"63 mmIdeal fit

Specifications

Reference
216570
Collection
Explorer
Status
Discontinued (2021)
Introduced
2011
Case material
Oystersteel
Crystal
sapphire
Water resistance
100 m
Bezel
fixed, 24-hour graduated
Dial
white or black
Strap / bracelet
Oyster bracelet, three-piece solid links
Style
GMT, Field

Movement

Caliber
Rolex 3187
Type
automatic
Accuracy
COSC chronometer

Takes 21 mm straps. See other 21 mm watches and straps.

More Explorer references

Watches that wear the same size

Other watches within 1.5 mm of its lug-to-lug.

Same 21 mm lug width

All 21 mm watches

These take the same straps as the Explorer II.

Sources