The Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 is the one that brought the model back to its big, bold roots. 42mm case, proper stance on the wrist, and that orange hand that basically winks at you every time the light hits it. It’s also the Explorer II that people actually beat up in real life, which is exactly the point. This watch likes being worn.
And because the case has so much presence, the strap you choose changes the entire mood. Not in a subtle “only collectors notice” way. In a real, instantly obvious way.
Sizing first: what fits the Explorer II 216570
Before talking colors, get the fit right. The Explorer II 216570 is 42mm, and it takes a 21mm lug width.
That 21mm detail is where people slip up, because most watches live in neat little 20/22mm land. The Explorer II doesn’t. It sits right in the middle and it absolutely matters.
So if you’re ordering from Helvetus, don’t wing it: on the product page you must select the 21mm option. That’s the setting that matches the Explorer II 216570 properly. Pick 20mm and you’ll get little gaps at the lugs that make the whole setup look unfinished. Pick 22mm and you’re not having a fun afternoon.
Quick sanity check:
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Model: Rolex Explorer II 216570
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Case size: 42mm
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Lug width: 21mm
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Helvetus product page option: choose 21mm
That’s the “avoid regret” section.
Strap choices that genuinely suit the 216570
The 216570 comes in black dial and Polar dial, and both versions play nicely with straps. The black dial is more serious, more modern. The white dial is louder, sportier, and honestly more “Explorer II” to a lot of people. Either way, the case is substantial, so the strap needs to look confident too.
If you want the Explorer II to feel like itself, but sharper, Black/Orange LuxLine® is a no-brainer. It doesn’t scream. It just quietly ties the strap back to that orange GMT hand, which is the signature detail of this reference. On the Polar dial it looks especially crisp because you get that white-black-orange triangle that always works. On the black dial it’s more stealth, more “I noticed this detail, but I’m not making it everyone’s problem.”
Black/Orange LuxLine®: Black/Orange Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
Then there’s the white strap, which is way more wearable than people assume. A white strap on a steel Rolex sounds risky until you actually try it, especially with the Polar Explorer II. The watch suddenly feels cleaner, lighter, almost summer-ready. It’s the kind of setup that looks perfect with casual clothes and sunlight, but it also works when you want the Explorer II to look intentional rather than purely rugged.
White strap: White Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
And yes, black still deserves its place here because it changes the proportions of the watch in a flattering way. The 216570 is a big watch, and a black strap visually tightens everything up. It makes the bezel and dial pop, keeps the whole look focused, and it’s the easiest choice if you want one strap that doesn’t ask questions. This is the one you throw on when you want the Explorer II to feel like the ultimate daily, not an accessory decision.
Black strap: Black Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
Finding the right one on Helvetus without getting lost
If you’re shopping straps for this watch, it helps to stick to the Explorer II-specific pieces rather than guessing across random Rolex options. The clean way to browse is the Explorer II collection page: All Rolex Explorer II Rubber Straps
You’ll see a variety of colors, and the straps are available in both deployant and pin buckle versions, so you can choose the feel you prefer. Some people love the secure, “finished” look of a deployant. Others prefer the simplicity of a pin buckle, especially for daily wear and quick adjustments.
Either way, the key is still the same: when you land on a product page for the Explorer II 216570, select 21mm. That’s the fit that matches this reference.
Closing thoughts, from one Explorer II fan to another
The Rolex Explorer II 216570 is one of those watches that rewards you for actually using it. It’s big, legible, and built for movement, not for sitting pretty. The right strap just makes it feel even more personal, whether you lean into the orange accents with LuxLine®, go full clean with white, or keep it classic with black.
And the nice part about ordering from Helvetus is that it stays simple: you’re getting straps designed for a precise fit for the Rolex Explorer II 216570, backed by a lifetime warranty, with free worldwide shipping and no import costs. Add the fact that Helvetus is trusted by 30,000+ customers worldwide, and it feels like a confident purchase rather than a gamble. Just don’t sabotage yourself at the last second, pick the right width, and enjoy the watch the way it’s meant to be worn.
