The Rolex Explorer II has always held a unique place in the Rolex lineup. Unlike the Submariner or Daytona, which dominate conversations among enthusiasts, the Explorer II remains a more understated choice for those who appreciate function-driven design. With the release of Clean Factory Rolex Explorer II 226570 replica in both black and white dials, the market finally has a near-perfect alternative that captures the essence of the original.

This model isn’t just about looks. Its biggest breakthrough lies inside: the newly developed Dandong 3285 movement, a caliber specifically tailored to replicate the true functionality of the Explorer II.

Background: Why the 226570 Matters

The Explorer II 226570 represents the latest evolution of Rolex’s adventure-focused timepiece. Key characteristics include:

• 42mm case size for a bold yet wearable presence
• Fixed 24-hour bezel paired with an orange GMT hand
• Date window at 3 o’clock
• Rugged Oyster bracelet with a practical clasp

While the original watch is highly functional, creating a faithful replica has long been a challenge for factories. The reason? The date window position and movement size are unique to the Explorer II, making it unsuitable to simply reuse movements from the GMT-Master II.

Until now, most replicas of the 226570 suffered from:

• Incorrect date position due to mismatched movement sizes
• Improper hand stack or GMT hand behavior
• Dial printing and bezel font inconsistencies

Clean Factory has finally addressed these issues with a custom-engineered solution.

The Star of the Show: Dandong 3285 Movement

Clean Factory’s new 226570 features the large-size Dandong 3285, matching the proportions of the genuine Rolex Cal.3285.

Highlights include:

• Correct date wheel alignment, fixing the long-standing issue of off-center windows
• Independent GMT hand function, allowing a true dual-time experience
• Smooth 28,800 bph sweep for realistic movement feel
• Solid power reserve of approximately 50 hours

What makes this release even more impressive is that Clean Factory reportedly spent over a year convincing Dandong to develop this larger version of the 3285 just for the Explorer II. This level of commitment shows in the final result.

Case and Dial Variations: Black vs. White

The 226570 comes in two dial variants, each with unique personality:

1. Black Dial

• Subtle and understated, with polished white hour markers
• The sample observed retains thin bezel font, reflecting earlier production years of the genuine model
• Works best for those who prefer a low-key tool watch look

2. White Dial (“Polar”)

• Striking and sporty, offering higher contrast for better legibility
• The 2023 reference features the updated bold bezel font
• The orange GMT hand pops beautifully against the clean white background

Both versions feature precise dial printing, properly sized hands, and the correct “Rolex coronet” details. The finishing on the hands and indices is sharp, with consistent lume application.

Case, Bezel, and Bracelet Details

Clean Factory continues to impress with its 904L stainless steel case and 42mm proportions, perfectly mirroring the genuine Explorer II.

Notable updates compared to the older 216570 include:

• Refined case geometry with smoother lugs
• Updated font thickness on the 24-hour fixed bezel
• Sharper engravings with matte finish similar to OEM

The Oyster bracelet feels solid, with well-executed brushed surfaces and a secure clasp. The fit and finish are on par with Clean’s best releases.

Real-World Wearing Experience

On the wrist, the 226570 replica delivers a satisfying balance of presence and comfort:

• Diameter: 42mm
• Thickness: Approx. 12.5mm
• Weight: Slightly lighter than solid-steel OEM due to movement construction

It’s a robust, travel-friendly watch that fits a wide range of casual and outdoor settings. While water resistance is functional for daily wear, pressing the crown or adjusting the GMT hand underwater is not advised.

Why This Clean Factory Release Stands Out

Before this release, collectors often struggled to find an Explorer II replica that met high standards. Either the date window was wrong, the movement unreliable, or the overall finishing fell short.

Clean Factory’s version changes that by:

• Correcting date window alignment
• Offering dial-specific bezel fonts for both black and white versions
• Providing a stable, high-quality Dandong 3285 movement
• Delivering consistent case and bracelet finishing

For enthusiasts who have been waiting for a near-perfect Explorer II, this is finally the model that checks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Explorer II 226570 remains a niche yet highly respected piece within the Rolex family. Clean Factory’s new release fills a long-standing gap in the replica market by delivering a product that captures the essence of the original both visually and mechanically.

If you’re looking for a faithful super clone of the modern Explorer II—whether the understated black dial or the eye-catching white “Polar”—this Clean Factory version is the benchmark to beat.