Introducing: The New Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570

Quick Take It's always hard – if not downright impossible – to know what Rolex is going to release, but when the brand has an anniversary to celebrate – especially a 50th – the guessing becomes a little easier. Right on cue, Rolex has unveiled a new update to the Explorer II ref. 216570 (celebrating five decades on this planet), giving the watch some serious technical upgrades while maintaining its spelunking spirit. The bezel maintains its brushed stainless steel appearance with recessed, and blackened, 24-hour graduations. This is a style that dates back to the original Explorer II 1655 from 1971, later evolving with the 16570. The case retains its signature (though potentially slimmed down for 2021) 42mm sizing as Rolex continues to reserve larger-sized cases for its rugged tool watches like the 43mm Sea-Dweller and 44mm Deepsea. Inside this case is a new (well, new for this watch) movement. That would be the in-house caliber 3285, the same movement currently found in the GMT-Master II. The Explorer II and GMT-Master II used to share a movement (3186) before the brand increased the former's size to 42mm in the last generation (resulting in the creation of the 3187 to compensate for the larger case). This movement features the best that Rolex currently offers: Chronergy escapement, 70 hours of power reserve, blue Parachrom balance spring and Paraflex shock absorbers. In short, this movement is more efficient, more accurate, more robust, and lasts longer without the need for winding. Initial Thoughts Let's start off with the fact that the bezel is not  ceramic, as many observers thought it would be. No, it remains the same brushed steel that it's always been, which – let's be honest – is a good thing. The steel bezel is a hallmark of the Explorer II, so as much as people would have loved to see a ceramic bezel, it just wouldn't have felt right (and might've been potentially problematic from a spelunking perspective). Looking at this watch, you may very well think nothing has changed. In many ways, it hasn't. While Rolex hasn't directly specified this, the case proportions look to be slimmed down considerably, with thinner lugs. This wouldn't be a surprising change, as we just saw the brand do something similar with last year's Submariner . In the interest of consistency – back are the classic matte black and polar white dials. You'll also find the same brushed oyster bracelet with the Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension system allowing for quick 5mm adjustments. In the last generation, Rolex created an entirely different movement to fit inside the 42mm case. Here, it has managed to fit the existing caliber 3285 without having to create a separate caliber. The 3285, first released in 2018 inside the GMT-Master II, gives this watch an enhanced power reserve of 70 hours. Of course, you'll find a small Rolex coronet between Swiss and Made signifying this upgrade. The new Rolex Explorer II ref. 215670 is a fitting celebration of the watch's 50-year history, with enough newness to catch our attention, and enough sameness to make it feel just right. The Basics Brand: Rolex Model: Explorer II Reference Number: 226570 Diameter: 42mm Thickness: 12.5mm Case Material: Oystersteel Dial Color: Black or white Indexes: Applied markers Lume: Yes, Chromalight Water Resistance: 100m Strap/Bracelet: Brushed Oyster bracelet The Movement Caliber: 3285 Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour display Diameter: 28.5mm Power Reserve: 70 hours Winding: Automatic Frequency: 4 Hz Jewels: 31 Chronometer Certified: Superlative Chronometer Pricing & Availability Price: $8,550 Availability: Coming Soon To Rolex Retailers Worldwide For more, click here .Now updated with the in-house 3285 caliber.