Explorer II ist 42 MM! 
Auszug aus dem Press Kit:
Basel, 23 March 2011 Rolex is pleased to unveil, at BASELWORLD 2011, five new models in its famous OYSTER collection. Each, in its own way, embodies the brand’s perpetual quest for excellence.
The common theme of these new pieces is the aspiration of Rolex wearers to constantly push boundaries, to continually challenge themselves. Be it at sea, in motor racing, on expeditions, in the arts or at pivotal moments in life, anywhere where performance, elegance and precision are the order of the day, Rolex watches are the faithful companions of passionate achievers and professionals.
With these new models, Rolex pursues the discreet evolution of its flagship products, enhancing them with its most recent technical and aesthetic innovations while drawing on its vast historical heritage. An endeavour perfectly illustrated by the new OYSTER PERPETUAL EXPLORER II model, which is cele- brating, in 2011, the 40th anniversary of its launch in 1971. This model, emblematic of the link between Rolex and exploration, and an essential instrument on numerous expeditions, showcases, in its 2011 version, a case enlarged to 42 mm and the new latest-generation Rolex movement, calibre 3187. This movement incorporates the PARAFLEX shock absorbers and the non-magnetic PARACHROM hair- spring, two technologies developed and patented by Rolex. On this new EXPLORER II, the characteristic 24-hour hand, with its arrow shape and orange colour, is directly inspired by the 1971 model. As an additional nod to the original EXPLORER II, on the black dial version, the “phantom-effect” hands seem to “float” over the dial thanks to their black base.
Another innovation highly represented in the 2011 models is CERACHROM, a high-tech, virtually scratchproof, non-fading, corrosion-resistant ceramic bezel developed and patented by Rolex. It appears this year on a new version of the OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II, a revolutionary regatta chronograph equipped with an exclusive programmable countdown with a mechanical memory.
It also appears, in a totally new way, in a black monobloc version on the spectacular new edition of the legendary OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA chronograph. On this model, the innova- tive bezel pays subtle homage to the historic 1965 model with the black bezel insert.
The new YACHT-MASTER II and COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA make wide use of EVEROSE, an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy with incomparable deep colour and lustre, patented and manufactured by Rolex in its own foundry. On the DAYTONA model, the entire case is fashioned in this noble material, while on the new YACHT-MASTER II model, EVEROSE is present in the form of another notable Rolex signature hallmark, ROLESOR. This term, trademarked by Rolex in 1933, designates the marriage, on a single watch, of steel and 18 ct gold. The new OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER II marks the first time EVEROSE ROLESOR appears on a model in the OYSTER Professional collection. With its gold and steel case and bracelet, this new interpretation joins the YACHT-MASTER II series, already featuring models in 18 ct yellow and white gold.
PRESS RELEASE
EVEROSE and ROLESOR also appear on the two new feminine pieces launched this year at BASELWORLD. They radiate glamour while retaining the characteristic extreme precision and reli- ability expected of all OYSTER models. Their femininity is accentuated by finest-quality diamonds in sumptuous settings on the bezels, as well as sublime dials produced using exclusive and particularly sophisticated processes.
The OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST SPECIAL EDITION, with its smooth bezel set with 12 brilliants and its GOLDUST DREAM dials with delicate gold motifs on black or white mother-of-pearl, is the first 34 mm model produced in 18 ct EVEROSE gold. This new model is an addition to the DATEJUST SPECIAL EDITION collection, already offered in yellow and white gold.
In yellow or white ROLESOR, the new OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST 26 mm glows with the sparkle of its gem-set bezel and the mysterious radiance of its exclusive GOLD CRYSTALS dials that reveal the gold crystals unique to each watch. This new timepiece concludes a cycle that since 2009 has seen Rolex issue new versions of its 36 mm, 31 mm, and now 26 mm feminine models.
The new Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL watches presented at BASELWORLD 2011 are the exemplary product of a vertically integrated and independent watchmaking company built on uncompromising values and possessing unparalleled means to tirelessly perpetuate its passion for perfection.
About Rolex
Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its OYSTER watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the OYSTER, the first waterproof wristwatch, born in 1926, and the PERPETUAL rotor self- winding mechanism introduced in 1931. It has obtained over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated manufacturing company, Rolex designs and manufactures in-house nearly all the components of its watches, from the fusion of gold alloys to the machining and assembly of the various elements of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, the spirit of enterprise and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities, as well as philanthropic and patronage programmes.
..........und dann 42mm! 
, warum? Gerade Rolex mit ihren Sporties waren doch was für schmallere Handgelenke und jetzt sowas. 
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, Rolex hatte doch immer schöne Uhren in 40mm 
