The Rolex Explorer II 226570 Polar is the white dial version. The Polar has been the Explorer II's signature look since the 16570 generation in the 1990s. The white dial with the black surround indices and the matte black hands creates reverse contrast against the brushed steel case. The orange GMT hand is the same across both Explorer II variants. It is the only color on the watch. The Polar reads brighter and wears visually larger than the black dial version even though the case is identical. VSF Watch Factory got the dial white, the black surrounds, and the movement right.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Factory | VSF Watch Factory |
| Reference | 226570 (Explorer II 42mm, Polar white dial) |
| Movement | Dandong 3285 automatic GMT, 1:1 clone, independent jumping hour hand, 72-hour power reserve |
| Case dimensions | 42mm diameter |
| Material | 904L stainless steel |
| Bezel | Fixed 24-hour graduated, brushed steel with black enamel engravings |
| Dial | Polar white with matte black surround indices, orange GMT hand |
| Bracelet | 904L steel Oyster, fully brushed, Oysterlock clasp with Easylink extension |
The dial. Polar white. Matte finish, not glossy. The white is a clean, flat white that eliminates reflections under direct light. The applied indices have black surrounds instead of the white gold surrounds on the black dial. The Mercedes hands are black with Chromalight fill. The contrast is inverted from the black dial model. Dark indices on a light background instead of light indices on a dark background. The orange GMT hand is the same across both variants and it is the only shot of color. In the dark the lume glows blue. The Polar dial is larger visually than the black dial because white surfaces read bigger. The 42mm Polar wears like a 43mm or 44mm watch. VSF matched the white correctly and the black surrounds are cleanly applied with even width.
The movement. Dandong 3285 automatic GMT with a 72-hour power reserve. Independent jumping local hour hand for time zone adjustment. The GMT hand tracks a second time zone against the fixed 24-hour bezel. The local hour jumps in one-hour clicks without stopping the running seconds. The date is driven through the hour hand. Same movement as the black dial Explorer II and the GMT-Master II models. Winding is smooth and reliable.
The bezel. Fixed steel with radial brushing and 24-hour engravings filled in black enamel. The enamel stays dark permanently. The bezel does not rotate. The 24-hour scale is used with the orange GMT hand to read a second time zone in military format. The bezel is the same across both Explorer II variants.
The case. 42mm in 904L steel. Brushed lugs with polished case flanks. The crown is a Twinlock screw-down with crown guards. The case wears larger than a 40mm GMT-Master II. The Polar dial pushes the visual presence even further. VSF's case proportions and finishing are correct.
The bracelet. Fully brushed Oyster with an Oysterlock clasp and a 5mm Easylink extension. All brushed, no polished center links. Hides daily wear better than the Jubilee or the polished Oyster. The Easylink folds out for half a link of extension. No Glidelock on the Explorer II. The bracelet is comfortable and the articulation is smooth.