Rolex Explorer II 216570 vs. 226570 – Which One Fits Your Adventure?

While there are many well-known pieces in the Rolex lineup, this watch is more of a ‘if you know, you know’ kind of piece. Today, we’re looking at the 216570 vs. 226570 Rolex Explorer II. These watches are similar but also have some key differences.

The watch comes in two dial colors: white and black. The Rolex Explorer II was first introduced in 1971 and was designed for explorers, cavers, and adventurers who needed a watch that could withstand extreme conditions. 

Its 24-hour bezel was a key feature that allowed wearers to differentiate between day and night, which was especially important for those spending long hours underground or in places with little natural light.

Over the years, the Explorer II has gained a reputation for being rugged, reliable, and easy to read in tough situations, making it a favorite for those who live an active lifestyle or need a tool watch they can count on. The 216570 and 226570 are both modern updates to this classic, continuing the legacy of the Explorer II with improved movements and design while staying true to the spirit of exploration.

The Rolex Explorer II 216570

The Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 has a 42mm case diameter and a case thickness of 12.5mm, making it a solidly built watch that strikes a balance between being large enough to make a statement but not too big to be uncomfortable. It also has a lug-to-lug size of 50mm. 

The watch features the caliber 3187, which is widely regarded as one of the best movements Rolex produces. The caliber 3187 also comes with Paraflex shock absorbers, which help protect the movement from hard impacts and rough conditions, making it a great choice for anyone who’s planning to take their watch on outdoor adventures.

The movement offers a 48-hour power reserve, which is decent for most everyday situations, though slightly lower than the newer 226570 model; however, it’s still more than enough for most wearers, and the watch’s other features make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable timepiece.

The Rolex Explorer II 226570

The Rolex Explorer II reference 226570 has the same 42mm case diameter and 12.5mm case thickness as the previous model. While it’s very similar to the older version, there are small changes that add up to a big difference.

One noticeable upgrade for everyday wear is the anti-reflective coating applied to both the crystal and the Cyclops lens. The crown guards on this model are slightly more angular and thinner compared to the previous generation, which could be good or bad, depending on the extreme sports you do.

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The lugs are a bit thinner as well, which makes the watch feel a little less bulky on the wrist. The biggest change, however, is the movement inside. The new movement is the caliber 3285, which offers a 70-hour power reserve.

This movement was introduced in 2018 and is also used in the Rolex GMT. When it comes to lume, both watches have Chromalight, but this model features an improved version that shines brighter and lasts longer.

Rolex Explorer II 216570 vs. 226570 – How to Choose

There’s no doubt that this watch is quite large compared to other models in the Rolex lineup. Is that a bad thing? No. I bring up the size because I often see people asking on social media: Is this too big? With a lug-to-lug measurement of 50mm on both models, this watch definitely feels bigger than most others.

Let’s break down the main differences one more time. I’ll start with the 226570, which has a new movement with a longer power reserve, thinner lugs, a larger bracelet, an anti-reflective coating on the crystal, and slimmer crown guards.

So, does all of this make a big difference? The short answer is no. These watches are very similar, which can make it harder to choose between them. The good news is that no matter which one you pick, both are solid options that look great on a steel bracelet, rubber strap, or even a NATO strap.

Now that we’ve covered all this, the bigger question is: What color dial should you choose? The white dial is the fan favorite. It looks amazing in person and is easy on the eyes. However, I think the black dial suits my lifestyle and everyday outfits better.

If you’re looking for something that makes a bigger statement, there are plenty of other options. But since you’re reading this, you probably want something tough and reliable for tackling those big deadlines. Do you already have other black dial watches in your collection? Maybe the white dial would be a good change for you.

I’ve had the chance to hold both of these models side by side, and honestly, I had a hard time telling which was which. Some parts of the 216570 are slightly smaller, but other parts are bigger than the 226570.

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If you don’t handle watches every day, you might not notice much of a difference between the two at first glance. After trying both on back-to-back, I felt the 216570 wore smaller because of the 1mm difference in bracelet size. Since I wear an Explorer 1 214270 in 36mm as my daily, I think the 216570 is the winner for me, just because it feels a bit smaller on the wrist.

Conclusion

As I researched for this article, I kept coming across the question: Are there any real differences between the 216570 and 226570? The main differences come down to a newer movement and a slightly larger bracelet.

As I mentioned earlier, I prefer smaller watches, which is why I’d choose the 216570. However, for those who can wear a larger watch or want this watch as part of a collection and need a longer power reserve, the newer model is a good choice.

No matter which one you pick, just enjoy it, go out and explore, and make new memories while wearing your watch.