The Explorer Collection appeared in 1953, celebrating the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, led by Sir John Hunt earlier that year. Inspired with the first men’s steps on the roof of the world, this iconic Rolex timepiece from the professional line had one goal – to meet the requirements of professional explorers and all passionate adventurers.
In order to achieve that goal, the Swiss watchmaker put the functionality on the first place, making the extremely durable and reliable model that has been technologically improved several times during the years, but has never changed its unique concept and appealing design simplicity.
In 1971, Rolex launched the Explorer II line that brought the new quality, required specially by professional cave and polar explorers who needed a time-telling device to distinguish AM from PM. Rolex solved that problem by adding the forth, GMT hand and a fixed graduated bezel.
The latest edition of Explorer and Explorer II watches recalls the great brand’s history. However, Rolex updated the Exporer Collection with its latest-patented technologies, more durable mechanisms, larger cases and increased readability.