The Rolex That Looks Like No Other Rolex
In a catalog dominated by black and blue dials, the Explorer II 226570 with polar white dial is an anomaly: a white-faced Rolex with a bright orange GMT hand, fixed 24-hour bezel, and a sporty 42mm case. It doesn’t look like a Submariner, doesn’t look like a Datejust, doesn’t look like a GMT-Master. It looks like an Explorer II — and that’s exactly why a growing community of collectors considers it the most distinctive sports Rolex you can buy.
The “Polar” Designation
The white dial Explorer II has been nicknamed “Polar” since the 1990s (Ref. 16570 era), referencing the watch’s Arctic exploration heritage. The original Explorer II (Ref. 1655, 1971) was designed for polar researchers and speleologists (cave explorers) who needed to distinguish AM from PM in environments without natural daylight. The 24-hour bezel + additional GMT hand solve this: the orange hand points to the current hour on the 24-hour bezel, telling you whether it’s 3 AM or 3 PM when you’re three days into a cave system or experiencing polar midnight sun.
The Current 226570 Polar
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 42mm × 12.5mm, 904L Oystersteel |
| Movement | Cal. 3285 (70h, Chronergy, Parachrom) |
| Dial | Lacquered white with luminous applied markers |
| Hands | Mercedes hour + minute, orange 24-hour GMT |
| Bezel | Fixed 24-hour, polished steel |
| Bracelet | Oyster with Easylink 5mm extension |
| WR | 100m |
| Retail | $9,550 |
| Secondary | $12,500-$14,000 |
Why the Polar Is Having a Moment
- Contrast: White dial + orange hand + steel case is the highest-contrast combination in the Rolex catalog. It’s readable from across a room.
- Distinctiveness: In a sea of black-dial Rolexes, the Polar stands out immediately. It’s the Rolex for people who are tired of seeing Submariners everywhere.
- Vintage callback: The 226570’s case design references the original 1655 “Steve McQueen” Explorer II more closely than any previous generation. The fixed bezel, orange hand, and angular case proportions echo the 1971 original.
- Price rationality: At $12,500-$14,000 secondary (31-47% over retail), the Polar commands a premium but not an insane one. Compare: Submariner green (56-76% over retail), Daytona (100%+ over retail). The Explorer II is the “undervalued” Rolex sports watch.
Polar vs Black Dial Explorer II
Both use identical specifications — the only difference is dial color and hand color (the black-dial version uses a white 24-hour hand instead of orange). The Polar trades at a $1,000-$2,000 premium over the black dial because of higher demand. The black is more conservative; the white is more distinctive. Neither is “better” — it’s purely taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the white dial show dirt easily?
The lacquered white dial is sealed under sapphire — external dirt doesn’t reach it. Dust particles can (extremely rarely) enter the case during service if not properly sealed. The white dial itself doesn’t yellow, fade, or discolor — it’s a baked lacquer, not paint.
Is the orange hand too flashy?
In photos, yes. On wrist, the orange hand is surprisingly subtle — it’s thinner than the hour and minute hands and reads as an accent rather than a dominant element. Most Polar owners describe it as “just the right amount of color.”
Explorer II vs GMT-Master II?
Both track two time zones. The GMT-Master has a rotating bezel (can track 3 zones) and comes in color variants (Pepsi, Batman). The Explorer II has a fixed bezel (2 zones only) but offers the unique white Polar dial option. The GMT is more versatile; the Explorer II is more distinctive. See our GMT-Master and Explorer collections at DR.WATCH.