A Rolex may be the most instantly recognizable watch in the world, and it’s for good reason: the brand is, in many ways, the industry’s standard-bearer. In 1910, five years after its founding, Rolex produced the first watch to receive the Swiss Certificate for Chronometric Precision, and the brand has been synonymous with exacting watchmaking ever since. While it may not be the oldest watchmaker, Rolex set the template for watches as we know them today, introducing the first waterproof timepiece in 1926, inventing self-winding technology in 1931 and date displays in 1945. For almost as long as the company has existed, Rolex has been synonymous with sporting and adventure. A Rolex watch was there for the first summit of Mount Everest as well as the first dive into Mariana Trench, the deepest known point on Earth. But, of course, Rolexes are beloved for more than their utility; everyone from Winston Churchill to Steve McQueen to Roger Federer has sported them. Paul Newman, another devoted Rolex fan, wore his Daytona so often that the style — with its graphic black-and-white dial – is known among collectors as a Newman Daytona. That holy grail piece (only 2,000-3,000 models were produced with that particular design) is one of the most coveted watches in the world. But any Rolex, from the classic Datejust to the rugged Submariner, is an investment for the ages.

Rolex

Important Watches

Dial: black Caliber: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D'426'674 Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 7'431'531 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp Size: 38 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no

View 1 of Lot 92: Reference 1655 Explorer II | A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with 24 hour indication, date, and bracelet, Circa 1983

reference 1655 explorer ii | a stainless steel automatic wristwatch with 24 hour indication, date, and bracelet, circa 1983

Dial: black Caliber: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D'908'336 Case: stainless steel, screw down case back Case number: 6'347'873 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference is approximately 195 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: Rolex pouch

View 1 of Lot 178: Reference 1655 Explorer II | A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date, 24-hour indication and bracelet, Circa 1980

reference 1655 explorer ii | a stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date, 24-hour indication and bracelet, circa 1980

Rolex Explorer II Reference 226570 <ul><li>Please note the image is a representative image of this item and not a photograph of the exact item available for purchase. For exact specifications, please use the Enquire function for further assistance from our team.</li><li>Please note that availability of this item is subject to change based on market conditions. For details please use the Enquire function.</li></ul>

Rolex Explorer II Reference 226570

Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570 <ul><li>Please note the image is a representative image of this item and not a photograph of the exact item available for purchase. For exact specifications, please use the Enquire function for further assistance from our team.</li><li>Please note that availability of this item is subject to change based on market conditions. For details please use the Enquire function.</li></ul>

Rolex Explorer II Reference 216570

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> card, hang tag, and presentation non-Rolex box.

Explorer II 'Polar' (Reference 226570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2024

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box and card.

Explorer II 'Polar' (Reference 216570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2017

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> card and presentation non-Rolex box.

Explorer II 'Polar' (Reference 226570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2022

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box, card, and seal hang tag.

Explorer II 'Polar' (Reference 216570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2013

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box, card, and hang tag.

Explorer II (Reference 226570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2021

Explorer II (Reference 216570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2016

Explorer II (Reference 216570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2020

Includes <a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/luxury/watches/watch/rolex?waysToBuy=buyNow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rolex</a> box, card, hang tag, and seal hang tag.

Explorer II 'Polar' (Reference 226570). A 42mm stainless steel automatic wristwatch with date and dual time. 2025

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