The modern Rolex Explorer II, reference 226570, is one of those watches that looks even better the more you actually wear it. It’s not trying to be delicate. The 42mm case has proper presence, the fixed bezel gives it that tool-watch edge, and the bright orange 24-hour hand is basically the whole personality of the watch in one detail.
It’s also a model that responds instantly to a strap change. The Explorer II can feel rugged, sporty, slightly retro, or surprisingly clean depending on what you put it on. And yes, it still looks like an Explorer II the whole time. That’s the fun part.
Strap sizing for the Explorer II 226570 (don’t mess this up)
Rolex made the 226570 in a 42mm case, and it uses a 22mm lug width. That 22mm measurement is the one that matters when you’re picking a strap.
If you’re buying from Helvetus, here’s the simple rule that saves headaches: on the product page, you must select the 22mm option. Not “close enough”, not “I’ll guess”. The Explorer II needs 22mm, full stop. If you accidentally pick a smaller width, you’ll end up with gaps at the lugs and a strap that looks like it borrowed someone else’s jeans.
So, quick practical recap:
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Watch: Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570
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Case size: 42mm
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Correct strap width: 22mm
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On Helvetus product pages: select 22mm as the option
That’s the whole fit puzzle.
My favorite strap looks for the Explorer II 226570
The Explorer II comes in both dial variants, and these strap choices still work across the board. The black dial version leans more stealth and “modern tool watch”. The white dial (Polar) is louder, sportier, and honestly looks unreal with the right color.
Orange is the obvious power move, and with the Explorer II it doesn’t feel gimmicky, it feels intentional. The watch already has that orange 24-hour hand, so an orange strap doesn’t introduce a new color, it simply turns the existing accent into a theme. On the Polar dial it’s especially addictive: white, black, steel, orange, done. It’s the kind of combo that looks like you planned it, even if you threw it on in five minutes.
Orange strap here: Orange Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
If you want something that feels sporty but still controlled, Black/Orange LuxLine® is the sweet spot. It keeps the strap mostly black so the watch stays grown-up, but the LuxLine® detail ties back to the Explorer II’s orange hand in a way that’s cleaner than going full orange. This is the strap I’d pick for everyday wear when you want the watch to look sharp with a hoodie, a jacket, or even a simple black tee without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Black/Orange LuxLine® strap here: Black/Orange LuxLine Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
Then there’s the black strap, which is never the “boring” option on an Explorer II. It actually makes the 42mm case look a touch slimmer and more purposeful. On the black dial it turns the whole watch into a stealthy, almost tactical setup. On the Polar dial it creates maximum contrast and gives the watch that crisp, high-legibility look that made people love the Explorer II in the first place. If you’re someone who wears the Explorer II as a daily and wants one strap that always works, black is the easy answer.
Black strap here: Black Rubber Strap for Rolex Explorer II
Picking the right Helvetus strap without overthinking it
If you’re browsing Helvetus straps for the Explorer II, stick to the pieces made specifically for this model and you’re in a good place. The main thing is fit, especially with a Rolex case that has such a strong profile at the lugs. When the strap is shaped properly for the Explorer II, it looks “factory right” and the watch sits exactly how you want it to sit.
Also worth knowing: Helvetus offers the Explorer II straps in a variety of colors, and they’re available in both deployant and pin buckle versions. If you want to see everything in one place instead of jumping between products, the Explorer II collection page makes it simple: All Rolex Explorer II Rubber Straps
Just remember the one detail that matters most when ordering: select 22mm on the product page.
The way I’d wrap this up
The Explorer II 226570 is a proper wear-it-anywhere Rolex, and it deserves a strap setup that matches that vibe. Whether you lean into the orange accents, keep it tight and stealthy with black, or split the difference with a LuxLine® look, the watch handles it without losing its identity.
And if you’re buying from Helvetus, the practical perks are the kind you appreciate after the honeymoon phase: the straps are designed for a precise fit for the Rolex Explorer II 226570, you get free worldwide shipping with no import costs, and there’s a lifetime warranty backing it up. Add the fact that Helvetus is trusted by 30,000+ customers worldwide, and it’s the sort of purchase that feels straightforward, not risky. The only real “mistake” is choosing the wrong size option, so one last time for the people in the back: 22mm.
