While the Explorer I is the climber’s watch, the Explorer II was conceived for cavers and spelunkers — those who spend extended periods underground where day and night become meaningless. The iconic orange 24-hour hand, fixed in this case (unlike the adjustable GMT hand on GMT-Master watches), allows the wearer to track elapsed time and distinguish day from night using a fixed 24-hour bezel scale. At Grand Watch Club, our super clone Explorer II 226570 faithfully reproduces this functional icon.
Explorer II: The Speleologist’s Tool Watch
The original Explorer II debuted in 1971 (ref. 1655) with the famous “Steve McQueen” reference — a nickname that stuck despite no confirmed connection to the actor. The defining feature was always the bold orange 24-hour hand pointing to a fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, giving the watch its distinctive and immediately recognizable appearance. The orange hand against the white dial created a high-contrast combination perfect for low-light cave environments.
The current 226570 (introduced 2021) updated the case from 40mm to 42mm, increased the power reserve to 70 hours via the Calibre 3285, and added an updated bracelet and clasp. The white dial version (there’s also a black dial version) is the one most associated with the Explorer II’s heritage. Our super clone Explorer II reproduces the white dial 226570 with the correct orange hand and matching orange seconds hand tip.
The 24-Hour Bezel and Fixed Hand
Unlike the GMT-Master’s adjustable GMT hand, the Explorer II’s 24-hour hand is fixed to the movement and completes one revolution every 24 hours — not adjustable independently. The 24-hour scale on the fixed stainless steel bezel (with black-filled numerals) allows the wearer to tell AM from PM at a glance: numbers 1-12 (the upper half) represent day, while 13-24 (the lower half) represent night. In a cave or polar environment where natural light cues are absent, this is genuinely practical. For travelers wanting to track a second timezone, a GMT watch is actually more versatile — see our GMT buyer’s guide for comparison.
42mm: Bold and Purposeful
At 42mm, the Explorer II makes a more assertive wrist presence than its 36mm sibling. The larger case accommodates the date complication at 3 o’clock with the distinctive Cyclops lens, and provides a broader canvas for the arrow-tipped orange 24-hour hand to sweep across. On wrists of 17-20cm, the 42mm Explorer II is ideally proportioned. The Oyster bracelet on our super clone features the Glidelock extension system for easy size adjustment.
White vs Black Dial Explorer II
The Explorer II offers both white and black dial versions. The white dial with orange accents is the classic, heritage-true option. The black dial creates a darker, more stealthy appearance where the orange hand reads against black rather than white. Both are excellent choices; the white dial has historical resonance while the black dial is more versatile with contemporary fashion. Our super clone collection includes both options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Steve McQueen” Explorer II?
A: The vintage reference 1655 (1971-1985) is nicknamed the “Steve McQueen” Explorer II after claims it was worn by the actor, though this was later disputed. The watch is notable for its fixed bezel, bold orange hand, and large crown guards.
Q: Can the Explorer II 226570 track two time zones?
A: Not independently like a GMT watch. The 24-hour hand moves fixed with the movement. However, you can read AM/PM for a second timezone if you know the offset — it’s more of a day/night indicator than a true dual-timezone tool.
Q: Is the Explorer II a good watch for travel?
A: It works for travel as a tough, legible tool watch, but the GMT-Master II is genuinely superior for timezone tracking. The Explorer II shines for adventure activities where its 100m water resistance and robust construction matter most.
Adventure awaits — embrace it with the Explorer II super clone. Visit our super clone Explorer collection and choose your preferred dial color. Free worldwide shipping and 1-year warranty included.