Watch Straps for the Rolex Explorer II
The Rolex Explorer II is one of Rolex's most purposeful sport watches — designed for cave explorers and polar researchers who needed to distinguish AM from PM in perpetual darkness. The Explorer II (ref. 216570, discontinued 2021; ref. 226570, current) uses a 21mm lug width — one of the more unusual lug sizes in Rolex's lineup. Most Rolex sport watches use 20mm, but the Explorer II's 42mm case demands the slightly wider 21mm to maintain visual proportions. It comes on Rolex's Oyster bracelet in steel; the GMT hand and fixed 24-hour bezel are its defining features. Premium aftermarket straps for the Explorer II are thinner on the ground than for 20mm Rolex models, but AliExpress has Oyster-style bracelets, FKM rubber, and leather in 21mm starting at $6.
Buying tips
- 01The Explorer II uses 21mm — less common than 20mm, so shop specifically for 21mm straps rather than assuming 20mm will stretch to fit.
- 02An Oyster-style aftermarket bracelet in 21mm is the best AliExpress find for the Explorer II — search 'oyster bracelet 21mm stainless steel'.
- 03The white-dial Explorer II (the 'Steve McQueen' or 'Freccione') looks excellent on a clean black leather strap for off-bracelet wear.
- 04The black-dial Explorer II pairs naturally with dark navy or black rubber — search 'FKM rubber strap 21mm' for $8–$18 options.
- 05NATO straps in 21mm exist but are less common than 20mm — search '21mm NATO strap' and verify listing dimensions carefully.
Popular strap styles for the Rolex Explorer II
28 cheap straps for the Rolex Explorer II
20mm 904L Watchbands For SUB DAYTONA NH35 NH36 Rolex Men Glide Lock Clasp Watch Strap Solid Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet
18mm 20mm 22mm Curved Flat End Stainless Steel Watch Band for Seiko Solid Metal Strap for Rolex Polished Matte Business Bracelet
For Seiko Watch Band 22mm 20mm 18mm Strap for Jubilee Replacement Bracelet Curved End Stainless Steel Watchband Accessories
316L Solid Stainless Steel Strap for Seiko SKX009 Jubilee Bracelet Curved End Men Watch Accessory 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 24mm
Straight End Stainless Steel Strap for Jubilee SKX007/009 Metal Watch band 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm 24mm Bracelet
Curved End Watch Band for Jubilee Strap for Rolex DATEJUST Luxury Stainless Steel Bracelet Accessories 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm
Straight End Stainless Steel Bracelet Belt for Jubilee for Seiko SKX007/009 Metal Watch Band 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 24mm Strap
Stainless Steel Strap for Seiko Watch Band 18mm 19mm 20mm 22mm 24mm for Oyster for Jubilee Curved Metal Bracelet Men Women Band
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Try the tool →Frequently asked questions
What lug width is the Rolex Explorer II?
The Rolex Explorer II uses a 21mm lug width — one of the few Rolex sport watches that deviates from the standard 20mm. This applies to both the current reference 226570 (launched 2021, 42mm case) and the predecessor reference 216570 (produced 2011–2021). The original Explorer II 1655 (introduced 1971) also used 19mm, but the modern references since the 16570 have moved to 21mm. The 21mm lug width is shared with the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A, among others. While 21mm has fewer AliExpress options than 20mm, it is increasingly well-stocked in rubber, leather, and Oyster-style bracelets. The correct spring bar size is 21mm — do not use 20mm spring bars, which will be too narrow and may not hold securely.
What's the best cheap Oyster-style bracelet for the Rolex Explorer II?
The best cheap aftermarket bracelet for the Rolex Explorer II is a 21mm stainless steel Oyster-style bracelet from AliExpress. Search 'stainless steel watch bracelet 21mm oyster' or 'stainless oyster bracelet 21mm' and filter for 4.5+ stars and 100+ orders. Budget $18–$35 for a bracelet with proper clasp, solid links, and 316L stainless steel construction. The Explorer II's brushed and polished steel case looks best with a bracelet that replicates the mixed finishing — brushed center links with polished outer links. Look for listings explicitly showing 21mm end links and a fold-over clasp. Quality varies significantly between AliExpress bracelet sellers — prioritize sellers with high review counts and photos showing the end-link fitting on an Explorer II or similarly sized 42mm watch.
Does the Rolex Explorer II look good on a rubber strap?
Yes — the Rolex Explorer II looks excellent on a black or dark grey FKM rubber strap, particularly for travel, outdoor, and active use when you want to give the Oyster bracelet a rest. The Explorer II's 42mm brushed steel case and functional GMT bezel suit the sporty character of rubber. Search 'FKM rubber watch strap 21mm' on AliExpress for $8–$18 options. The 21mm rubber market is thinner than 20mm but well-stocked enough for quality options. The black-dial Explorer II (the standard configuration) looks natural on black or anthracite rubber. The white-dial Explorer II is a distinctive pairing — either all-black rubber for contrast or a lighter grey rubber that echoes the white dial. Look for a quick-release FKM strap that tapers from 21mm at the lug to 17–19mm at the buckle.
What's the difference between the white-dial and black-dial Rolex Explorer II?
The Rolex Explorer II 226570 is offered in both white dial and black dial variants — both use the same 42mm case, 21mm lug width, and Oyster bracelet. The white-dial reference (226570WH) is nicknamed the 'Polar' and draws on the heritage of the original 1655 Explorer II, which was favored by spelunkers and polar researchers. The black-dial reference (226570BK) is the more contemporary-looking variant. Both use the same strap and bracelet specifications, so any 21mm strap that fits one fits the other. For strap pairings: black rubber and leather are the natural choices for the black-dial Explorer II; black, grey, or cream/beige leather give the white-dial a vintage or expedition character. Both variants are identifiable by the fixed 24-hour graduated bezel and the additional GMT hand (in orange on the 226570).