Get the most out of
your Rolex Explorer
Figuring out exactly what your used Rolex Explorer will sell for depends heavily on the specific reference number, the era it was produced, and the materials used. Because this collection includes the classic 36mm models, the modern 40mm versions, and the recent two-tone releases, the exact configuration of your watch directly drives your offer.
Naturally, the condition and factory originality of your watch dictate the final number. A sharp, unpolished pre-owned piece that retains its original components will always command a higher offer than a watch with heavy wear or aftermarket modifications. Providing the original box, warranty papers, and accessories also increases your payout, as does the incredibly strong demand for both vintage and modern Explorer models on the secondary market.
Because values shift, locking in a real cash offer requires looking at your specific watch. To see exactly what your Explorer will fetch today, just submit your reference and condition details through the quote form above, and our experts will provide a data-backed appraisal.
| Reference | Name | Production Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6150 | Explorer | 1953 - 1959 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 50m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, one of the earliest models to officially bear the "Explorer" name on the dial |
| 6350 | Explorer | 1953 - 1954 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 50m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, highly collectible as the very first Explorer to be officially certified as a chronometer |
| 6610 | Explorer | 1955 - 1963 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 50m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, introduced a noticeably flatter caseback to accommodate the new Caliber 1030 movement |
| 1016 | Explorer | 1963 - 1989 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, the quintessential vintage Explorer with a legendary 26-year production run |
| 14270 | Explorer | 1989 - 2001 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, modernized the line with a sapphire crystal and white gold surrounds on the dial indices |
| 114270 | Explorer | 2001 - 2010 | Stainless steel, 36mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, updated with a solid end-link bracelet and the more advanced Caliber 3130 movement |
| 214270 | Explorer | 2010 - 2021 | Stainless steel, 39mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, upsized the case to 39mm and famously featured "Mark I" and "Mark II" dial variations |
| 124270 | Explorer | 2021 - Present | Stainless steel, 36mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, returned the collection to its classic historical 36mm proportions |
| 124273 | Explorer | 2021 - Present | Two-tone (Rolesor), 36mm, 100m water resistance, 18k yellow gold smooth bezel, black dial, the very first two-tone model introduced in the history of the Explorer line |
| 224270 | Explorer 40 | 2023 - Present | Stainless steel, 40mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel smooth bezel, black dial, expanded the modern collection with a larger 40mm case option |
| 1655 | Explorer II | 1971 - 1984 | Stainless steel, 39mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel 24-hour bezel, black dial, the inaugural Explorer II featuring a fixed bezel and a prominent orange 24-hour "Freccione" hand |
| 16550 | Explorer II | 1985 - 1989 | Stainless steel, 40mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel 24-hour bezel, black or white dial, transitional model introducing a sapphire crystal and an independently adjustable hour hand |
| 16570 | Explorer II | 1989 - 2011 | Stainless steel, 40mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel 24-hour bezel, black or white dial, the classic and long-running modern reference available in Polar white or black |
| 216570 | Explorer II | 2011 - 2021 | Stainless steel, 42mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel 24-hour bezel, black or white dial, upsized to 42mm and brought back the large orange hand for the model's 40th anniversary |
| 226570 | Explorer II | 2021 - Present | Stainless steel, 42mm, 100m water resistance, stainless steel 24-hour bezel, black or white dial, updated the 42mm case proportions and introduced the modern Caliber 3285 movement |
Getting the best price for an iconic mountaineering watch like the Explorer means working with true horology experts. Appraising a luxury watch requires a very specific level of market knowledge, which is why working with a dedicated specialist is so important. Because we deal exclusively in high-end watches, we understand what your specific reference is worth and price it using real market data. We've also designed the actual selling process to be completely secure and free of headaches.
You receive fully insured shipping, a strict inspection by our in-house master watchmakers, and fast, direct payment once everything is approved. If you are near the Atlanta area, you can even finalize the transaction inside our physical showroom. Your timepiece is in the hands of genuine experts backed by 15 years of industry experience, thousands of five-star reviews from actual clients, and regular features in major publications as a trusted secondary market authority.
We are actively buying Explorer models from every era. Whether you want to cash out a recent 40mm release or pass on a classic 36mm vintage piece, our team is ready to evaluate it.
Our buyers routinely purchase all modern and recently discontinued pieces across the catalog. We look for the standard stainless steel variations and the newer two-tone steel and yellow gold models you are ready to sell.
If you have a vintage Explorer, we handle those appraisals with extra care. Older references are carefully evaluated based on rarity, factory originality, condition, and provenance. Because untouched dials and period-correct parts make a massive difference to collectors, our watchmakers inspect these historical details so you receive an accurate, fair offer.
Your best move is to work with a dedicated luxury watch retailer. Because our in-house watchmakers actually inspect the mechanics and authenticity of your watch, we can offer a much stronger price than a general jeweler. Our secure setup also entirely removes the scam risks of selling it online.
The final payout for your Rolex Explorer depends heavily on the specific reference number, the case size, and the materials used. The physical condition of the watch matters just as much. The best way to lock in a real number is to submit your watch for a professional appraisal.
Your payout is tied directly to your specific model and how it is performing on the secondary market today. For example, recent 40mm releases hold tight to their retail value, while rare vintage references often pull in a major premium. We price every watch using live data so your offer is completely accurate.
While a physical inspection of the watch and its inclusions can help spot obvious fakes, modern replicas are incredibly convincing. Your absolute best defense is to "buy the seller". Buying exclusively from reputable, established dealers guarantees your timepiece is strictly authenticated by certified master watchmakers.
We happily buy watches that just need standard maintenance or a mechanical tune-up, since our in-house horologists handle all repairs. We have to pass on pieces with fake parts or heavy aftermarket mods, though. Customizing the watch with non-genuine pieces immediately drops its market price and makes it impossible for us to stand behind as a fully authentic Rolex.
It does, but older doesn't automatically mean cheaper. The newest releases pull in a serious premium right now, but vintage pieces have their own dedicated collectors. An early vintage Explorer with all its original parts can often secure a very strong payout compared to a standard modern release.
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