Strap Guide: Rolex Explorer II

Strap Guide written by @enthuseddad. Thank you Corey Moran!

Introduction

One of my favourite Rolex models has always been the Explorer II ‘Polar’ with its bright white dial and high-contrast markers. I have several watches in my collection, but the only Rolex watches I have are to commemorate milestone events in my life. One of those events occurred earlier this year and I bought the current reference to celebrate.

The 216570 increased the case size to 42mm and switched the GMT hand back to orange and while the biggest news on the 226570 update was the new movement, it also increased the lug width from 21mm to 22mm.

Light Grey Epsom Slim

My favourite watch/strap combinations tend to pick up an accent colour from the hands or dial and while the obvious choice is the orange GMT hand, the light grey markers are a subtle way to bring in a complimentary colour. The cool grey goes with everything, but I especially like to wear it with blues.

Desert Dunes

Part of the L’Atelier collection, this strap brings in two-tone accents with the stitching, edge paint, keepers and lining leather—the combination of gold and cream Barenia make for a neutral compliment to the Polar’s white and orange that I like to wear with Earthy tones.

Concrete Jungle

Another strap from the L’Atelier collection, this strap combines dark grey and light grey Chevre in a way that works with both the light markers and black surrounds and I can wear this combination with any outfit.

Yellow Waxy Slim

This strap comes with character and a rustic look that will patina over time and develop even more character. It lends itself to the “explorer” nature of the watch and I prefer to wear it with casual clothes, especially denim.

Orange & White Rubber CTS

There is something oddly satisfying about snapping the CTS deployant clasp into place when you put it on and the CTS straps are the ones I wear the most often. The rubber allows for the possibility of going for a swim or hike and the clasp makes it easy to take it on or off. Both the white and orange are also the most obvious colour combinations for the Polar, but I think they work well as fun combinations that keep it casual and sporty.

(I also appreciate that the clasp is engravable and I had my initials added by my local laser engraver.)